Nashville · Tennessee
Understand your options under Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. Our attorneys will help you determine which path gives you the fresh start you deserve.
Bankruptcy exists to give honest people a second chance
The moment you file, an automatic stay goes into effect. Creditors must stop all collection calls, letters, lawsuits, and wage garnishments.
Tennessee exemptions can protect your home, car, retirement accounts, and personal property. Most filers keep everything they own.
Discharge credit card balances, medical bills, personal loans, and other unsecured debts. Start fresh without the burden of unmanageable payments.
While bankruptcy appears on your credit report, many filers see their scores begin improving within 12–18 months as debt-to-income ratios reset.
401(k), IRA, and pension accounts are fully protected in bankruptcy. Your retirement savings remain yours.
Replace sleepless nights and constant anxiety with a clear, court-approved plan for resolving your debt once and for all.
Side-by-side look at how each path handles debt, assets, and timeline — so you can see where you fit.
| Chapter 7 Liquidation | Chapter 13 Reorganization | |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Lower-income filers with primarily unsecured debt | Filers with steady income who want to keep assets |
| Timeline | 3–6 months to discharge | 3–5 year repayment plan |
| Debt Discharged | Most unsecured debts eliminated | Remaining balance discharged after plan |
| Means Test Required | ✓ | — |
| Keep Your Home | If current on mortgage | Yes, catch up on missed payments through plan |
| Keep Your Car | If current on payments | Yes, catch up on missed payments through plan |
| Stop Foreclosure | — | ✓ |
| Stop Wage Garnishment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stop Creditor Calls | ✓ | ✓ |
Call (615) 447-8554 to speak with a bankruptcy attorney who will review your debts, income, and assets to determine your best option.
Your attorney gathers the necessary financial documents, completes required credit counseling, and prepares your bankruptcy petition.
Once filed, the automatic stay takes effect immediately. Creditors are legally required to stop all collection activity.
For Chapter 7, debts are typically discharged within 3–6 months. For Chapter 13, you complete your repayment plan and remaining debts are discharged.
Eligibility depends on the means test, which compares your income to the Tennessee median. If your income falls below the median for your household size, you likely qualify. An attorney can evaluate your situation during a no-obligation consultation.
Not necessarily. In Tennessee, you can file individually even if you're married. However, joint filing may be beneficial in some cases. An attorney will advise you based on your specific circumstances.
Most student loans, child support, alimony, recent tax debts, and court-ordered restitution generally cannot be discharged. However, there are exceptions and special circumstances — an attorney can explain what applies to your case.
Court filing fees are approximately $338 for Chapter 7 and $313 for Chapter 13. Attorney fees vary but many offer payment plans. Your no-obligation consultation will include a clear discussion of all costs.
Credit cards with outstanding balances must be included in your bankruptcy filing. However, you may be able to open new accounts after your case is complete, and many filers receive new credit card offers shortly after discharge.
Speak with an experienced bankruptcy attorney today. Your consultation is confidential and carries no obligation.