Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Houston: Is It the Right Choice for You?
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Houston: Is It the Right Choice for You?
Mounting debt can make every day feel overwhelming. From collection calls and wage garnishments to frozen bank accounts, financial stress takes a heavy toll. The good news is that there are legal solutions designed to give you a fresh start. For many Houston residents, Chapter 7 bankruptcy is the most effective way to eliminate debt and regain control of their financial future.
At The Pope Law Firm, our Chapter 7 bankruptcy attorneys help Texans stop creditor harassment and move forward with confidence.
What Is Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?
Chapter 7 bankruptcy, sometimes called “liquidation bankruptcy,” allows individuals to wipe out many types of unsecured debt. These often include:
- Credit card balances
- Payday loans
- Medical bills
- Personal loans
- Repossessions and deficiency balances
The moment you file for Chapter 7, the automatic stay goes into effect, which means:
- Creditors must stop collection calls
- Wage garnishments are halted
- Lawsuits and judgments are paused
- Bank accounts are unfrozen
Contrary to common fears, most people are able to keep their home, car, and essential personal belongings — as long as they remain current on their payments.
Debts Chapter 7 May Not Eliminate
While Chapter 7 bankruptcy can erase most unsecured debts, certain obligations remain, such as:
- Child support and spousal support
- Recent federal or state income taxes
- Student loans (except in rare cases of hardship)
- Court fines or restitution
Even so, eliminating other debts through Chapter 7 can free up much-needed funds, making it easier to handle obligations that can’t be discharged.
Who Qualifies for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?
Not everyone qualifies for Chapter 7, which is why the process begins with a means test. This test measures your household income against Texas’s median income level. If your income is too high, you may need to consider alternatives such as Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
Additional requirements include:
- Completing a credit counseling course within six months prior to filing
- Providing complete documentation of your debts, assets, and income
- Filing all paperwork correctly and on time
A bankruptcy attorney will guide you through these steps to ensure your case moves forward smoothly.
Benefits of Filing Chapter 7 in Houston
Filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy offers powerful relief for Houston families, including:
- Immediate protection from creditor harassment
- Elimination of most unsecured debts within a few months
- A chance to keep your home and car (if current on payments)
- A fresh start financially and a path to rebuilding credit
With the right legal support, you can move past overwhelming debt and start building a more secure future.
How The Pope Law Firm Helps Houston Families
At The Pope Law Firm, we understand how stressful debt can be — and how much courage it takes to consider bankruptcy. Our attorneys will:
- Evaluate whether Chapter 7 is the right option for you
- Guide you through the means test and paperwork
- Protect you from creditors starting the day you file
- Help you create a plan for long-term financial recovery
We’ve helped many Houston residents achieve a fresh start, and we’re ready to do the same for you.
Start Your Path to Financial Freedom
If you’re struggling with overwhelming debt, Chapter 7 bankruptcy may provide the relief you need. Don’t wait until creditors take further action against you.
