Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Attorney in Washington, D.C.

25 Years of D.C. Bankruptcy Experience. Direct Attorney Representation Every Step.

When creditors won’t stop calling, wages are being garnished, or foreclosure is looming, Chapter 7 bankruptcy can stop that pressure through an automatic stay, a court order that takes effect the moment you file. At Law Firm of Kevin D. Judd, we represent individuals and small businesses in Washington, D.C. and Maryland who are ready to pursue a legal path forward.

Kevin D. Judd, Esq. brings over 25 years of legal experience to every Chapter 7 case. He served on the Local Rules Advisory Committee for the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Columbia, giving him a working knowledge of how D.C. bankruptcy procedure is written, not just how it is applied. Clients work directly with Kevin D. Judd from the free initial consultation through discharge. Cases are not handed off to paralegals or support staff.

We offer a free initial consultation and installment payment options for clients who need flexible arrangements during a financially difficult time. If you’re facing creditor actions and want to understand whether Chapter 7 is the right option, we can walk through your situation in plain terms.

Contact us for a free Chapter 7 consultation in Washington, D.C. or Maryland.

What Happens When You File Chapter 7

Filing bankruptcy triggers an automatic stay, a court order that immediately halts creditor collection activity, including wage garnishment, foreclosure proceedings, repossessions, and collection lawsuits. From that point, you work with your attorney to distinguish between your dischargeable and non-dischargeable debts.

Eliminating dischargeable debt reduces your overall financial burden and frees income to address obligations that can’t be wiped out. A court-appointed liquidation trustee reviews the case, liquidates any non-exempt assets, and distributes proceeds to creditors before the discharge is granted. Many filers, particularly in D.C., lose little to no property because of available exemptions.

Dischargeable debts: Includes credit card balances, medical bills, personal loans, and certain civil judgments
Non-dischargeable debts: Includes student loans, taxes owed within the previous three years, alimony, child support, and criminal restitution

Need help filing bankruptcy in Maryland or Washington, D.C.? Call (202) 888-8454 or reach out online to schedule a free consultation.

The Chapter 7 Means Test

The Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act established the means test as the income eligibility requirement for Chapter 7 filers. It works in two steps, and where you live matters: D.C. and Maryland maintain separate median income figures, so your jurisdiction determines the threshold that applies to your case.

Step 1 compares your household income to the median income for your state. Filers whose income falls below the median pass automatically and don’t need to complete Step 2. Household size factors into this calculation.

Step 2 applies to filers above the median. Allowable expenses over the past six months, including rent, groceries, and medical bills, are identified and subtracted from income. The remaining disposable income determines whether you qualify. Read more about the means test requirement and how it applies to your situation.

Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Chapter 7 eliminates qualifying unsecured debts without a repayment plan. Chapter 13 bankruptcy restructures debts into a three-to-five-year repayment plan, after which certain remaining debts may be discharged. Filers who don’t meet the income threshold for Chapter 7 may qualify for Chapter 13 instead.

Sole proprietorships and partnerships are eligible to file Chapter 7, but the business must dissolve following liquidation. Businesses seeking to continue operating typically pursue other paths, since Chapter 7 requires dissolution after the trustee completes the liquidation process.

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Chapter 7 Exemptions in Washington, D.C. & Maryland

In a Chapter 7 case, exempt assets are excluded from the liquidation process. Non-exempt assets may be sold by the trustee to satisfy debts. What you can protect depends on which jurisdiction you file in, and the rules differ between D.C. and Maryland.

Washington, D.C. Exemptions

In Washington, D.C., filers may choose between federal exemptions and D.C. exemptions, selecting whichever set produces the better outcome for their specific assets. D.C.’s homestead exemption protects 100% of the equity in a filer’s current primary residence, provided the filer has owned the home for at least 1,215 days before filing. D.C. exemptions also cover household furnishings and appliances, clothing, motor vehicle equity up to a set value, retirement accounts, workers’ compensation, unemployment benefits, and a wildcard amount that increases when the homestead exemption isn’t used. Filers without significant home equity may find the federal exemptions more advantageous.

Maryland Exemptions

Maryland has opted out of the federal exemption system, meaning Maryland filers use state exemptions rather than choosing between state and federal options.

Exempt property in Maryland may include:

Tools of the trade for a job
Household goods
Certain retirement accounts

Kevin D. Judd can evaluate the exemption options that may produce a favorable outcome for your specific assets and situation, whether you’re filing in D.C. or Maryland.

Have questions about D.C. or Maryland Chapter 7 exemptions? Call (202) 888-8454 or contact our firm online to get started with a free consultation.

Is Chapter 7 Right for Your Situation?

Chapter 7 is the most common form of consumer bankruptcy, and the circumstances that lead people to it tend to follow recognizable patterns. Job loss, divorce, large medical expenses, and over-extended credit are among the most frequent triggers.

Filing does carry trade-offs worth understanding. A Chapter 7 bankruptcy remains on a credit report for up to 10 years and can affect the ability to obtain loans in the short term. For many filers, though, the credit impact is less damaging than it appears: scores are often already reduced by missed payments, high debt-to-income ratios, and collection activity before the filing date. Discharge can provide a foundation to start rebuilding.

A Chapter 7 filing is often appropriate when the debtor:

Earns less than the median income for their geographical region
Does not have a steady flow of income
Has few non-exempt assets
Carries a debt load that cannot feasibly be repaid within a reasonable period

Ready to find out where you stand? Call (202) 888-8454 or contact us online to speak directly with Kevin D. Judd. The initial consultation is free, and installment payment options are available.

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