- Consumer's Choice Award 2019
- Consumer's Choice Award 2020
- Consumer's Choice Award 2021
- Consumer's Choice Award 2022
- Consumer's Choice Award 2023
- Consumer's Choice Award 2024
Facing debt can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to face it alone. As a consumer bankruptcy lawyer serving Shorewood and the surrounding Will County communities, our firm helps you understand your options, from Chapter 7 to Chapter 13, and supports you through every step of your case. We focus on clear explanations, respectful communication, and practical strategies designed to protect your family’s financial future. Our goal is relief, not judgment, and to help you regain peace of mind.
Every bankruptcy case is unique, and outcomes depend on your personal finances, household size, and income. We begin with a comprehensive review of debts, assets, and exemptions, then outline realistic timelines and expectations. In Shorewood, IL, our lawyers coordinate with courts, creditors, and trustees to streamline the process, minimize disruption, and protect essential assets. By staying accessible and providing plain language explanations, we help you make informed decisions about your financial future.
Choosing this service can pause wage garnishments, stop harassing phone calls, and provide a fresh start. A discharge from bankruptcy can relieve qualifying debts, while cautious repayment plans under Chapter 13 can safeguard assets and avoid foreclosure. Our approach emphasizes transparency, reasonable timelines, and practical steps to rebuild credit. You’ll gain clarity on how bankruptcy affects taxes and overall financial health, enabling a more secure path forward for you and your family.
With a firm rooted in the Illinois community, Frankfort Law Group combines compassionate guidance with practical bankruptcy counsel. Our team brings years of experience handling Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases, counseling clients across Shorewood and Will County. We emphasize accessible communication, careful case preparation, and a steady, respectful approach to negotiations with creditors. Clients repeatedly note our clear explanations, thoughtful strategy, and commitment to protecting family stability during difficult financial times.
Consumer bankruptcy is a legal option that helps people regain control of their finances when debt becomes unmanageable. It involves evaluating income, assets, and debts to determine eligibility and the best path forward. Depending on your circumstances, Chapter 7 can provide a swift discharge of unsecured debts, while Chapter 13 offers a structured repayment plan that protects assets and stabilizes monthly payments. Our firm guides you through eligibility, documentation, and courtroom steps with practical, understandable explanations.
Throughout the process, you will benefit from professional guidance that helps you avoid common pitfalls and stay organized. We coordinate with creditors and the court, prepare necessary forms, and keep you informed about timelines, obligations, and potential outcomes. The result is a clearer path through a challenging period and a plan tailored to your family’s needs.
Consumer bankruptcy is a court-supervised process designed to relieve overwhelming debt while preserving essential assets. It offers a legally protected pause in creditor actions and can result in discharge of dischargeable debts or a repayment plan. In practice, the process involves filing petitions, listing assets and debts, and attending hearings. While not every debt is eligible for discharge, most unsecured obligations, credit cards, medical bills, and collection actions can be addressed through a carefully planned strategy.
Key elements include accurate financial reporting, eligibility assessments, the choice between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13, the filing of schedules, and ongoing communication with the court and creditors. The process typically begins with gathering documents, followed by filing, meeting with a trustee, and, in many cases, a discharge order. Our team helps you prepare thoroughly, explains exemptions, and coordinates with you through every stage to minimize stress and maximize your chances of a favorable outcome.
This glossary defines common concepts and terms you may encounter during bankruptcy proceedings. By understanding these terms, you can participate more effectively in your case, discuss options confidently with your attorney, and follow the steps through filing, hearings, and discharge. The definitions also help you compare alternatives, assess risk, and communicate clearly with creditors and court personnel.
Chapter 7 bankruptcy is a liquidation process that can discharge many unsecured debts. Eligibility is generally determined by a means test, which assesses income and expenses. A successful Chapter 7 case typically results in the debtor’s non-exempt assets being sold to repay creditors, while exempt assets remain protected. The process involves filing, a court-appointed trustee, a meeting with creditors, and a discharge order upon completion.
Chapter 13 bankruptcy creates a court-supervised repayment plan that extends over three to five years. It allows individuals with regular income to reorganize their debts and, in many cases, to keep essential assets such as a home or a vehicle. The plan proposes monthly payments to a trustee, which are distributed to creditors, with discharge issued after successful completion of the plan.
The automatic stay is a protective pause that stops most collection actions once a bankruptcy petition is filed. It can halt wage garnishments, foreclosures, and creditor calls, giving you breathing room to organize your finances. While there are exceptions, the stay provides an important opportunity to evaluate options, gather information, and work with your attorney on the next steps.
The Means Test is a calculation used to determine eligibility for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. It compares household income to state and local standards and considers debts and allowable expenses. If the means test is not passed, Chapter 13 may be a more suitable option. The test helps ensure that the right path is chosen based on an individual’s financial situation.
Bankruptcy is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Chapter 7 offers a quicker path to debt discharge for many unsecured debts, while Chapter 13 provides a structured plan when there are valuable assets to protect or steady income to manage. Alternatives such as debt negotiation, consolidation, or repayment plans may suit some scenarios but do not provide the same legal protections. A careful assessment with a skilled attorney helps determine the best course.
For some families, a streamlined approach can address urgent needs quickly. A limited plan may cover straightforward debt situations, minimize disruption, and reduce court and administrative costs. This path can provide timely relief without extensive asset liquidation or lengthy proceedings. Our team analyzes your specific debts and household needs to determine if a more focused strategy is appropriate and beneficial for your circumstances.
If assets are limited or adequately protected by exemptions, a limited approach can protect essential items while providing relief from aggressive creditor actions. This option often results in a faster resolution and simpler administrative processes. We carefully review asset value and exemptions to ensure that essential resources remain secure while achieving meaningful debt relief.
A comprehensive service provides a complete evaluation of income, expenses, assets, and debts. It ensures you understand all available options, their implications, and the long-term effects on credit and daily life. This careful review helps prevent missed steps, reduces the risk of dismissal, and positions you for a smoother path through filing, hearings, and potential discharge.
A coordinated plan aligns with creditor negotiations, court deadlines, and trustee requirements. It minimizes confusion, avoids unnecessary delays, and ensures timely submissions. By maintaining open lines of communication, you stay informed about each stage, understand potential compromises, and receive steady support as you navigate the complexities of bankruptcy with your Shorewood team.
A thorough approach delivers clarity across all elements of your case. You receive detailed explanations of eligibility, timelines, and potential outcomes, along with personalized strategies designed to protect essential assets. A comprehensive plan also facilitates organized document preparation, precise filings, and proactive creditor communication, helping you maintain control and reduce stress throughout the process.
Clients experience improved confidence when decisions are well informed and aligned with long-term goals. By addressing income, expenses, exemptions, and debt types together, we can tailor solutions that minimize disruption and maximize progress toward financial stability. Our team remains available for questions, updates, and adjustments as your situation evolves.
A comprehensive approach provides a clearer path to debt relief and stable finances. Clients learn how different chapters affect their income, assets, and monthly obligations, which helps them plan a practical budget and rebuild credit responsibly. The process encourages proactive financial habits, improved record-keeping, and ongoing planning for future needs such as housing, transportation, and family expenses.
Every family’s finances are unique, and a tailored plan addresses those differences with precision. We assess your income stability, debt mix, and exemptions to craft strategies that protect essential property while achieving relief. A bespoke plan also integrates future financial goals, encourages responsible borrowing, and provides ongoing guidance to help you recover and thrive after the bankruptcy process.
Begin by gathering recent pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, debt lists, asset information, loan documents, and any notices from creditors. Organize these items by category and include dates, amounts, and creditor names. Having a clear file makes the filing process smoother and helps you and your attorney identify the most suitable path. Keep digital copies and ensure accessibility for meetings and hearings in Shorewood, Illinois.
Remain engaged throughout the case by tracking deadlines, communications, and required documents. Set reminders for appointments, court dates, and responses to creditor inquiries. Consistent organization helps prevent delays and shows the court that you are committed to a responsible, cooperative process. Our team supports you with clear timelines and practical steps at every stage.
If debt feels unmanageable, bankruptcy can provide relief and a fresh start. This service helps you understand eligibility, compare Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 options, and navigate the filing process with guidance from a Shorewood-based team. You may benefit from a structured plan, reduced creditor pressure, and a clearer path toward financial stability and everyday peace of mind.
Our approach emphasizes transparency and practical planning. We help you anticipate potential outcomes, manage expectations, and maintain control over essential assets. By focusing on your goals and family’s needs, we tailor a strategy that supports long-term financial health while addressing urgent debt concerns in a compassionate, no-pressure environment.
Business closures, unexpected medical expenses, job loss, or mounting credit card debt are common triggers for seeking bankruptcy relief. When wage garnishments or collection calls threaten stability, obtaining informed guidance becomes essential. This service helps you assess options, understand timelines, and pursue a plan that minimizes disruption while protecting your family’s basic needs in Shorewood and Will County.
A drop in earnings affects monthly obligations and debt repayment. Bankruptcy planning can offer relief while allowing you to reorganize expenses, safeguard essential living costs, and establish a realistic budget. By evaluating income sources and potential protections, we help you move toward a sustainable financial future with confidence and clear direction.
Medical debt can quickly accumulate and overwhelm savings. Bankruptcy planning provides a practical framework to address these bills while preserving access to important health resources. Our team helps you understand eligibility, negotiate with providers, and develop a plan that aligns with your health needs and long-term financial goals.
When a home or vehicle is at risk, timely action is essential. A bankruptcy strategy can pause enforcement actions and provide time to restructure debt or pursue alternatives. We work to protect essential property while aiming for a favorable outcome, keeping you informed and supported at every step in Shorewood.
Our team is dedicated to providing clear, compassionate guidance through every stage of the bankruptcy process. We listen to your concerns, explain options in plain language, and coordinate with creditors, trustees, and the court to keep your goals in focus. In Shorewood, Illinois, you can count on steady support and practical solutions that prioritize your family’s stability and future financial health.
Choosing our firm means working with attorneys who understand Illinois bankruptcy law and local court procedures. We emphasize transparent communication, steady guidance, and practical planning that respects your budget and timeline. Our aim is to deliver clear explanations, coordinated filings, and supportive advocacy tailored to Shorewood families seeking relief and renewed financial confidence.
We focus on approachable, results-oriented service that respects your values and circumstances. Through careful case preparation, proactive creditor communications, and thoughtful strategy, we strive to reduce stress and improve outcomes. You can rely on consistent updates, responsive communication, and a plan that aligns with your long-term financial goals in Illinois.
From the initial consultation to discharge, our team remains engaged, ensuring you understand each step and feel supported. We tailor strategies to your situation, maintain confidentiality, and work with integrity to help you rebuild and move forward with confidence in Shorewood, Will County, and beyond.
Our approach starts with listening to your story, explaining options clearly, and outlining a plan tailored to your family’s needs. We guide you through eligibility, filing, and court proceedings with careful attention to deadlines and creditor communications. By maintaining open dialogue and organized documentation, we help you feel informed and prepared as you navigate the bankruptcy journey in Shorewood and surrounding communities.
The process begins with an in-depth consultation to assess your financial situation, discuss goals, and determine the most suitable path. We review income, debts, assets, and exemptions, then provide a clear explanation of potential outcomes. You will gain practical guidance on immediate steps, timelines, and the obligations involved, enabling you to decide how to proceed with confidence.
Prepare recent pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, mortgage or lease agreements, vehicle information, debt notices, and creditor correspondence. Having up-to-date documents ready helps us analyze eligibility, identify exemptions, and build a solid filing strategy. We offer checklists and organization tips to make this stage efficient and straightforward for Shorewood clients.
We discuss the recommended strategy based on your finances and goals. This includes selecting Chapter 7 or Chapter 13, outlining expected timelines, and identifying potential challenges. Our team answers questions, clarifies the plan, and ensures you understand each decision before moving forward with filing and hearings in Illinois.
After gathering documents, we prepare and file required petitions and schedules with the court. You attend the meeting of creditors, and we monitor responses from trustees and creditors. Throughout, we provide updates, explain filings, and help you respond to requests. This stage culminates in a discharge or continuation of the repayment plan, depending on the chosen path.
Credit counseling requirements must be completed before filing in many cases. We guide you through the necessary courses, ensure documentation is accurate, and help you assemble a comprehensive petition package. Proper preparation reduces delays, clarifies exemptions, and supports a smoother process through the court system in Shorewood.
At the meeting of creditors, you may answer questions about assets and debts under oath. We prepare you for potential creditor inquiries, coordinate with the trustee, and attend hearings with you to advocate for your interests. Our goal is to address concerns efficiently while protecting your rights and pursuing the most favorable outcome.
If you qualify for discharge, qualifying debts are forgiven and your case closes, subject to any required post-discharge obligations. After discharge, we provide guidance on rebuilding credit, managing financial habits, and planning for future purchases. We stay available to answer questions and support your continued financial health in Shorewood and throughout the region.
Discharge confirms that certain debts are legally canceled, relieving you from personal liability. The timing of discharge varies by case and chapter, but you will receive formal notice once the court approves it. We help you understand what discharge means for your finances and how to protect improvements you have achieved during the process.
Post-discharge planning focuses on restoring credit, responsible budgeting, and ongoing financial stability. We offer resources and strategies for rebuilding credit history, managing debt responsibly, and maintaining long-term financial health. Our team remains available to answer questions and provide guidance as you transition beyond bankruptcy.
At the Frankfort Law Group, we take great pride in our commitment to personal service. Clients come to us because they have problems, and they depend upon us to help them find solutions. We take these obligations seriously. When you meet with us, we know that you are only doing so because you need help. Since we started our firm in northeast Illinois, we have focused on providing each of our clients with personal attention. You do not have to be afraid to tell us your story. We are not here to judge you or make you feel ashamed for seeking help. Our only goal is to help you get results and move past your current legal problems.
At the Frankfort Law Group, we take great pride in our commitment to personal service. Clients come to us because they have problems, and they depend upon us to help them find solutions. We take these obligations seriously. When you meet with us, we know that you are only doing so because you need help. Since we started our firm in northeast Illinois, we have focused on providing each of our clients with personal attention. You do not have to be afraid to tell us your story. We are not here to judge you or make you feel ashamed for seeking help. Our only goal is to help you get results and move past your current legal problems.
Dischargeable debts typically include many unsecured obligations such as credit card debt and medical bills. Some debts, including student loans and certain taxes, may not be discharged. Eligibility depends on factors like income, assets, and prior filings. It is important to consult with an attorney who can assess your specific situation and guide you through the process to determine which debts may be eliminated or reorganized. This assessment helps set realistic expectations for your case in Shorewood.
Bankruptcy can have a noticeable impact on credit scores, especially in the short term. However, many clients begin rebuilding credit within months after discharge. A thoughtful plan, timely payments, and disciplined budgeting can help restore credit health over time. We provide strategies and resources to support responsible use of credit and the rebuilding process, focusing on practical steps you can take to regain financial stability following your filing in Illinois.
In many cases, you may be able to keep your home or vehicle while pursuing bankruptcy. Chapter 13 plans often allow continued ownership if you stay current on mortgage or car payments and meet plan obligations. Exemptions, equity, and local court rules influence these outcomes. An attorney can evaluate your asset values and devise a plan that protects essential property while addressing your debts.
The timeline varies by chapter and case complexity. A Chapter 7 filing can conclude within a few months, while Chapter 13 typically extends over three to five years as payments are made. Factors such as plan confirmation, creditor negotiations, and court scheduling influence duration. We provide a clear timeline for your circumstances and keep you informed about anticipated milestones throughout the process.
Bankruptcy exemptions determine which assets you may keep. Exemption rules vary by state and can affect home equity, vehicle value, and personal property. We explain available exemptions, help you document assets accurately, and apply exemptions strategically to protect what matters most. Understanding exemptions helps you make informed decisions about your filing and potential outcomes in Shorewood.
In some cases, assets may be at risk if they exceed exemption limits or if a case requires liquidation. However, many important items can be protected through careful planning and legal protections. We assess asset values, discuss options, and work to minimize loss while achieving debt relief. Our goal is to balance protection with relief and to support your family’s needs throughout the process.
Having a qualified attorney can streamline the filing, ensure accurate submissions, and advocate on your behalf during hearings. While it may be possible to file without a lawyer, many clients benefit from experienced guidance to navigate complex forms, deadlines, and creditor interactions. We provide clear explanations, compassionate support, and strategic counsel to improve your experience and outcomes in Shorewood and Illinois.
Costs vary based on case complexity and the chapter chosen. Most clients pay attorney fees that reflect the value of careful preparation, accurate filings, and dedicated support. We discuss costs upfront, offer transparent estimates, and provide options to fit different budgets. You will receive thorough guidance on what to expect financially, helping you plan for the filing and ongoing obligations.
After discharge, you can begin rebuilding credit and managing finances with renewed stability. The impact on credit scores will gradually lessen over time as you establish consistent payment history. We offer ongoing guidance on budgeting, credit education, and responsible financial planning to help you recover and progress toward stronger financial health in your community.
Preparing for hearings and creditor meetings involves organizing documents, understanding potential questions, and staying informed about timelines. We provide clear checklists, practice questions, and explanations of what to expect during each session. With our support, you’ll feel prepared, confident, and ready to participate in a constructive, orderly process in Shorewood.