Bankruptcy Attorney Washington, D.C. Services

Is Filing for Bankruptcy the Right Choice in Washington, D.C.?

If you face substantial debt, our bankruptcy services in Washington, D.C., may help you overcome it. However, bankruptcy should only be a last resort. Try all other options for managing and paying debts before you consider bankruptcy. You may contact creditors to propose a loan settlement or set up a repayment plan. If you already have a repayment plan, you might be able to lower payments. In some cases, selling specific assets can help you cover debts.

In Washington, D.C., some people seek help from nonprofit credit counseling services or look into debt management before considering bankruptcy. Understanding these alternatives—and how D.C.'s consumer protection laws apply—helps you decide which route fits your needs.

Evaluate the costs and benefits before choosing bankruptcy. Think about long-term effects, such as the potential to discharge debt versus the impact on your credit report. Get all the information you need and, if you want, talk with our team about the process before making a decision. Filing for bankruptcy affects your credit. A Chapter 7 bankruptcy stays on your credit report for up to ten years, while a Chapter 13 bankruptcy remains for seven years. Our attorneys analyze your unique situation and help you determine if bankruptcy makes sense.

The Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Process Explained

Chapter 7 bankruptcy may offer substantial relief if you have limited income and need to quickly eliminate dischargeable debt. Our bankruptcy lawyer at the Law Firm of Kevin D. Judd will represent you at every step and help protect as much of your property as possible. 

Chapter 7 is called liquidation bankruptcy and involves selling non-exempt assets to pay creditors. It usually fits those with limited income and few assets. You can keep certain essential property and erase unsecured debts, giving you a chance to start over without burdens from the past.

At your first appointment with our bankruptcy lawyer, you will need to bring: 

• Proof of income (either six months of pay stubs or documents related to retirement or disability income)
• All documents showing and related to your debt obligations
• A copy of your credit report
• Copies of deeds to properties owned in the last three years
• Copy of your last filed tax return

We review each document to ensure it meets U.S. Bankruptcy Court requirements for the District of Columbia. Our attorneys explain which assets are covered by federal or D.C. exemptions, helping protect what matters most to you. If you hold property in more than one jurisdiction or recently moved, we explain how residency rules could affect your filing and exemption choices.

During your consultation, we review a bankruptcy questionnaire you complete so we can determine if Chapter 7 fits your needs. We prepare you for your required credit counseling session, available by phone or online.

What to Expect with Our Bankruptcy Process

Within one to two weeks of your initial appointment (and after you finish your credit counseling session), return to our office to sign the bankruptcy petition we have prepared. We file your petition in court shortly after obtaining your signature.

Once your petition is filed in Washington, D.C., the court assigns a trustee and schedules a meeting of creditors, usually held at the E. Barrett Prettyman U.S. Courthouse. Our deep familiarity with local procedures helps you prepare for questions and timelines unique to D.C. We help you avoid common pitfalls that could delay discharge or impact your exemptions in the District.

We keep you informed at every step of the bankruptcy process. You receive regular updates on your case, and we answer your questions so you understand each phase. Our focus on customer service helps reduce stress and empowers you to make informed choices for your financial future.

Approximately one month after submitting your petition, attend a brief meeting of creditors. This meeting rarely lasts long since we ensure paperwork is complete and accurate. Creditors seldom appear in person at these meetings.

Roughly three months after the meeting of creditors, you receive your Chapter 7 discharge papers from the court. During these three months, you complete a qualifying financial management course. The bankruptcy trustee liquidates any non-exempt assets as needed and manages partial payments to creditors.

The Comprehensive Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Process

Chapter 13 bankruptcy may be a good option if you have reliable income but cannot keep up with financial obligations. This type of bankruptcy often stops pending foreclosures and repossessions, and a Chapter 13 repayment plan gives you a chance to catch up on overdue payments.

If you file for Chapter 13 in Washington, D.C., your repayment plan is reviewed and approved by the bankruptcy court, and the trustee confirms you meet all D.C.-specific requirements. We explain how local cost of living, family size, and regional expenses affect your plan's length and payment level. Through the D.C. means test, we show you how to maximize protections within a payment plan that fits your life.

Chapter 13 works well for those who want to keep major assets. When you reorganize your debt, you can address mortgage arrears, car loans, and other secured debts while reducing balances on unsecured debts. This approach lets you manage payments sustainably and build stronger financial habits over time.

Just like with Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you need to bring certain documents to your first appointment. This includes proof of income, debt information, your most recent tax return, and deeds for any property you've owned in the last three years. 

During your first appointment, we confirm that you have enough disposable income to afford a Chapter 13 repayment plan. We also help you schedule the required credit counseling session.

Within one to two weeks of your original appointment, return to our office and sign the prepared documents. In emergency situations, we can speed up the process and get you back within a day or two to sign short forms that stop an imminent foreclosure or repossession.

After we file your case, you must pay all secured creditors on time. Secured creditors have liens on property you own, such as homes, vehicles, furniture, or jewelry. You also start plan payments to the Chapter 13 trustee one month after submitting your plan.

We help you track payments and communicate with your assigned bankruptcy trustee. This is especially important in Washington, D.C., where court deadlines and trustee directions may differ from other areas. Keeping everything accurate and on time helps keep your case on track for final discharge.

Clear communication with creditors is vital during this period. Our firm encourages open dialogue to show your intent to fulfill obligations. We can offer guidance if you have disputes or questions, which helps maintain your repayment plan.

About one month after we file your petition, you attend the meeting of creditors. These meetings typically last just a few minutes. The bankruptcy trustee checks your documents and verifies whether you can manage your living expenses along with proposed payments.

About three months after the meeting, the court holds a confirmation hearing. Once you are current on payments, the judge confirms your Chapter 13 plan.

After you finish all plan payments (lasting three to five years), you receive a Chapter 13 discharge and the court closes your case. Any remaining unsecured debts are erased. To get this discharge, you also must complete a qualifying personal financial management course.