Best Bankruptcy Firms & Services in 2024

Adam West

By: Adam West

Adam West
Adam West

Adam was written, edited, and managed content for news outlets and digital publications for nearly 20 years. Since specializing in finance in late 2016, his editorial focus has been on consumer financial literacy. Adam is most knowledgeable in the areas of credit scores, financial products and services, and the banking industry.

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Editor: Lillian Guevara-Castro

Lillian Guevara-Castro
Lillian Guevara-Castro

Lillian brings more than 30 years of editing and journalism experience, having written and edited for major news organizations, including The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and the New York Times. A former business writer and business desk editor, Lillian ensures all BadCredit.org content equips readers with financial literacy.

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If an individual's debt becomes too large to overcome, filing bankruptcy is often their last viable option for debt relief. Our reviews follow strict editorial guidelines. Our experts have reviewed and rated the top bankruptcy filing services below. Rankings are based on each service's reputation, BBB ratings, and overall results for its clients:

Disclosure: When you apply through links on our site, we often earn referral fees from partners. For more info, see our ad disclosure and review policy.

  • Free consultations with a local bankruptcy attorney
  • Work with a nationwide network of sponsoring bankruptcy lawyers
  • Attorneys inform you of the bankruptcy laws that may help you eliminate debt
  • Gives people the breathing room they deserve
  • Quick and easy online forms to determine your bankruptcy case
  • Free, online live chat to get answers quickly
  • Outlines how your filing will affect your debt and your future
★★★★★

4.8

Overall Rating

Better Business Bureau In Business Since Free Consultation? Reputation Score
A+ 2005 Yes 9.0/10
  • Eliminate credit card and medical bills
  • Keep your home, car, wages and furniture
  • Automatic stay freezes collections immediately
  • A Chapter 7 case may be completed in as little as 4-5 months
  • Information provided so you can make powerful, educated decisions about your future
  • Request a free case evaluation
★★★★★

4.5

Overall Rating

Better Business Bureau In Business Since Free Consultation? Reputation Score
n/a 1939 Yes 8.5/10

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Review Breakdown: Banktruptcy Services

Best Bankruptcy Services

If you're overwhelmed by debt, filing for bankruptcy may be the right option for you. Below is a summary of the services that give free consultations to those considering bankruptcy as an option -- and help those who've decided to file through the entire process. Simply click on the name of the provider you wish to learn more about.

Here are 2024's best bankruptcy services:

Rank Bankrupcty Service BBB Rating Business Since Expert Rating
1 Total Bankruptcy A+ 2005 ★★★★★4.8
2 BankruptcyRelief.org n/a 1939 ★★★★★4.5

What is Bankruptcy and What Happens When You File?

Adam West

Adam West, Contributing Editor

Updated:

Bankruptcy usually signals financial difficulty, but there are many different situations that can cause it, and your personal experience with it will be unique. Before you worry about the long-term effects, consider this simple guide to bankruptcy and use it to help make the best decision for you and your family going forward.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Definition

Chapter 7 bankruptcy is a legal procedure that can occur when a person can’t pay their debts with the assets or money they have on hand. It’s designed to liquidate (or sell) off property or assets so that the resulting proceeds can be used to pay off as many of the debts and loans as possible in a fair manner.

While this type of bankruptcy rarely covers all that is owed, it rids the debtor of any further payment obligation. It also gives an opportunity for a fresh start for the person filing.

Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Definition

Chapter 11 bankruptcy is most popular among businesses and corporations, but it can be used by individuals, too. It is a formal restructuring of assets and debts, which allows the debtor to keep paying the debt over time without having to close his or her business.

This complicated proceeding is not handled by many law offices.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Definition

Similar to Chapter 7, Chapter 13 bankruptcy, also called a wage earner’s plan, is used by individuals. It enables people with regular income to develop a plan to repay all or part of their debt.

Most plans require debtors to make installment payments to creditors for an additional three to five years after the proceeding, with any debt left after the plan period to be forgiven.

How to File Bankruptcy & When to Hire a Lawyer

The process may be very different depending on the type of bankruptcy you seek. While it is possible to file for bankruptcy yourself, most consumers aren’t well-versed in the constantly changing bankruptcy laws.

It is usually recommended to get legal assistance in these important financial matters.

The first step is to find legal help that is experienced in the type of bankruptcy you are seeking and is actively taking new clients. Most legitimate bankruptcy attorneys can give you a free consultation to help you decide if bankruptcy is right for you.

Cost to File Bankruptcy

The total number of hours your legal representation spends on your case and the type of bankruptcy you choose will determine how much you’ll pay.

The filing fees for each type are as follows:

$335 for Chapter 7
$1,717 for Chapter 11
$310 for Chapter 13

Those who cannot afford the fees upfront can sometimes arrange waivers or payment arrangements. You can find applications to have bankruptcy filing fees waived on the uscourt.gov website.

In addition to these fees and any legal counseling you receive, you will be required to take financial counseling and debt education courses prior to filing. The total for both may be between $70 and $100, although the fees may be waived due to your inability to pay.

Bankruptcy and Student Loans

Most bankruptcy settlements will not discharge your student loan debt, and you will be responsible for paying it even after your proceedings. In very rare instances, however, student loan debt may be dischargeable if the court finds that paying off the loan will impose an “undue hardship” on the debtor and his or her dependents.

Including student loans in your bankruptcy petition may at least get some of the debt discharged, if not all.

Bankruptcy and Medical Bills

Medical debt is the number one cause of bankruptcy filings, even outpacing credit cards. Medical debt, along with unsecured personal loans and credit cards, is nonpriority unsecured debt, which means it can be discharged without any repayment in bankruptcy.

Depending on the type of procedure you file, some or all of your medical bills can be forgiven.

Rebuilding Credit after Bankruptcy

While your credit history will show your bankruptcy for 10 years after you file, you can start rebuilding your credit right away. One good method to do so is by paying all of your utility and insurance bills on time, as well as opening a bankruptcy-OK credit card.

By continually checking your annual free credit report, as well as monitoring your credit score, you can be sure you are starting your new financial life on the right foot.

Life after Bankruptcy

Many people have said that life post-bankruptcy is less stressful. Having the constant worry of unpaid bills and the calls from debt collectors is a part of being in debt they don’t miss.

While the decision to file for bankruptcy isn’t for everyone, it’s possible to move on and make better choices with fewer day-to-day burdens. Regardless of which bankruptcy option you choose, getting sound financial advice from a professional is recommended to ensure the most successful path after bankruptcy.

About The Author

Adam West
Adam West Contributing Editor

Adam West is a finance editor for BadCredit.org, where he regularly coordinates with financial experts and industry movers and shakers to report the latest information, news, and advice on topics related to helping subprime borrowers achieve greater financial literacy and improved credit scores. Adam has more than a dozen years of editing, writing, and graphic design experience for award-winning print and online publications, and specializes in the areas of credit scores, subprime financial products and services, and financial education.

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