Chapter 7

Indianapolis Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Lawyer

Let Us Help You Achieve Financial Relief in an Affordable Way

For people who struggle with serious debt, Chapter 7 bankruptcy may be a promising option to consider. Chapter 7 Bankruptcy is the process of a bankruptcy trustee who manages the sales of the debtor's nonexempt assets and uses the proceeds to pay back creditors. Jackson & Oglesby Law LLC can guide you to a fresh start by taking you through the process of filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

With an affordable Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer from Jackson & Oglesby Law LLC by your side, you will have the knowledgeable counsel and representation you need to navigate this process as quickly and easily as possible.

Why Choose Our Chapter 7 Lawyer from Jackson & Oglesby Law LLC?

100% focused on bankruptcy law
Guided hundreds of clients through bankruptcy
Bringing 30+ years' collective experience to your case
FREE case review, affordable payment plans & flexible hours

Contact Jackson & Oglesby Law LLC by calling (888) 713-5148 for your free consultation at our Indianapolis law office. Don't hesitate to discuss your bankruptcy options with an lawyer today!

Benefits of Filing Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

If you qualify and have completed required counseling, Chapter 7 bankruptcy can provide significant relief from unsecured debts and offer a fresh financial start.

Some examples of unsecured debts include:

Credit card expenses
Medical bills
Personal loans
Utility bills (past due amounts)

Filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Indiana stops wage garnishments and collection calls immediately with an automatic stay issued by the bankruptcy court. This protection allows you time to review your finances away from creditor pressure. Many people across Indianapolis choose Chapter 7 bankruptcy because it provides a prompt reset and typically concludes faster than other forms of debt relief in Indiana.

However, some debts cannot be discharged. Unpaid child support, most student loans, and taxes owed within the past three years are typically not eliminated through bankruptcy. Our Chapter 7 attorney reviews your debts and assets to determine whether this process can deliver the relief you need.

How do I File for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?

Below are the steps involved in filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy:

Determine and claim your property exemptions
Redeem or reaffirm your secured debts
Complete and file all bankruptcy forms
Attend a trustee/creditor meeting
File objections if necessary
Finish handling your secured debts
Get your debts discharged!

When preparing a Chapter 7 filing, you’ll need to gather recent pay stubs, tax returns, and a comprehensive list of your assets and liabilities. Indiana law protects some assets through exemptions, allowing you to keep items like your primary vehicle, home, or qualified retirement accounts if they fall within the state’s stated limits. Our team reviews these with you so you understand which items are protected. After you file at the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Indiana, the court schedules a Meeting of Creditors (also called the 341 meeting), where you answer questions under oath. Most Indiana cases do not require additional court appearances unless unusual complications arise.

Common Mistakes That Can Delay or Complicate Your Filing

People filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Indianapolis sometimes encounter avoidable setbacks due to missed requirements or paperwork errors. Skipping required credit counseling from an approved agency or submitting incomplete financial information can result in case dismissal or delays. Some filers overlook Indiana’s exemption limits or transfer property to family before filing—actions that local trustees in Indianapolis closely review and may challenge in court. Failing to accurately report income or forgetting to list all debts can also create problems, slowing down your case’s progress through the system.

Careful preparation and open communication with your attorney are essential for preventing delays. At Jackson & Oglesby Law LLC, we help verify every detail, ensure you complete all required pre-filing steps, and prepare your petition for the Southern District of Indiana. Meeting all court and trustee deadlines helps keep your case on track. Working with a knowledgeable Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer in Indianapolis can lower the risk of avoidable complications so you can move steadily toward relief within Indiana’s bankruptcy system.

Work with Our Chapter 7 Attorney in Indianapolis

When you need a compassionate Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer, reach out to Jackson & Oglesby Law LLC. Our attorneys have years of experience to help you work toward financial freedom and reduce your debt. Contact us today for guidance on Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Indiana.

See if filing for Chapter 7 is right for you. Contact us or call (888) 713-5148 to request a free consultation. Our professional bankruptcy attorneys are ready to help.

Qualifications for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

Before you file, you must meet eligibility requirements—including not having filed for bankruptcy in the previous 180 days—and you need to take the means test. This test compares your household income to the state’s median household income. If you earn more than the median, you may still have options like filing Chapter 13 bankruptcy. If Chapter 7 fits your circumstances and you are eligible, our firm can help you prepare your petition.

Timeline for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Indianapolis

If you struggle with debt and face relentless collection efforts, you may want fast relief. Chapter 7 bankruptcy often provides a relatively quick process.

On average, a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case takes four to six months from filing to discharge in Indiana. In some cases, circumstances can lengthen the process.

Common situations that could extend your Chapter 7 bankruptcy include:

The trustee must sell your property: Your bankruptcy may stay open longer if your trustee must sell property, such as real estate.
Your trustee requires more information: If your trustee requests additional documents you did not provide initially, your case may be delayed. The trustee can keep your 341 meeting open until you supply what’s needed.
A creditor has more questions: Trustees usually allot about 10 minutes per filer at a creditor meeting, which sometimes leaves creditors with unanswered questions. If this happens, extra hearings can be scheduled—a situation more common in complicated cases or those with fraud allegations.
A motion or complaint needs to be resolved: If litigation arises, your case may remain open until a judge rules. Disputes such as objections to discharge or contested debts can add months to your timeline.
You wish to discharge student debt: To discharge student loans, you must file a complaint with the court and either settle or go to trial. Student loan challenges often extend beyond a year.

The Indianapolis division of the Southern District of Indiana Bankruptcy Court uses a schedule based on federal law and local procedures. Most cases move efficiently, as the local court streamlines meetings and reviews. If you live in Marion County or nearby, your trustee handles your case using Indiana’s exemption rules, which may impact how long your case lasts. Our experience with the local bankruptcy system means we understand typical timelines and can offer guidance tailored to your circumstances.

Can IRS Debt Be Discharged in Chapter 7?

Many people wonder if Chapter 7 bankruptcy will discharge IRS debt. Some tax debts may qualify, but strict rules apply and not all types of tax debt can be relieved.

To discharge IRS debt, the debt must be for income taxes. Payroll taxes and debts from fraud penalties can’t be wiped out. The taxes must be due for at least three years before the date you file, and the IRS must have assessed the debt at least 240 days before the case starts. If your IRS debt doesn’t meet each requirement, you’ll still owe the tax after your bankruptcy discharge.

Including IRS debt in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy requires a careful review of your tax situation. Discussing your IRS debts with a Chapter 7 bankruptcy attorney in Indianapolis can clarify if you meet the law’s requirements to discharge tax obligations. With support from legal counsel, you can move forward and make informed choices about debt relief.

Consult with Our Indianapolis Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Attorneys

To better estimate how long your bankruptcy case may take, consult a Chapter 7 lawyer at Jackson & Oglesby Law LLC. Our attorneys focus solely on bankruptcy law and bring more than three decades of combined legal experience to your matter. We guide you through the process and help you pursue the smoothest possible resolution.

After a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, creditors cannot take legal action against you for discharged debts. You will have an opportunity to rebuild your credit and work toward a stronger financial future.

Our legal team remains ready to help you pursue financial freedom before, during, and after your bankruptcy process.

You can call (888) 713-5148 for a free case review. Contact us today! We serve Indianapolis, Greenwood, Muncie, and surrounding areas

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Why Choose Jackson & Oglesby Law LLC?

Guided by a team of attorneys with over 30 years of bankruptcy experience.
Trusted by hundred of clients who have achieved a debt-free life.
Accredited by the Better Business Bureau & a member of the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys (NACBA).
Affordable payment plans and $0 down options are available.

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