Find Bankruptcy Lawyers Near You in Quincy, MA

The cost of hiring a bankruptcy lawyer in Massachusetts varies by chapter and case complexity. For a Chapter 7 filing, attorney fees generally fall between $1,200 and $2,500, with the court filing fee set at $338. For Chapter 13, attorney fees range from $3,000 to $5,000, plus a $313 filing fee. Many attorneys in Quincy offer payment plans, allowing you to pay the fee over several months before the case is filed. Some may also accept credit cards or offer a flat fee that includes all court costs. For individuals with very low income, pro bono resources are available through the Volunteer Lawyers Project of the Boston Bar Association and South Shore Legal Services, which provide free or reduced-fee representation for eligible residents.

This information is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. Bankruptcy laws and fees are subject to change, and individual circumstances vary. You should consult with a qualified bankruptcy attorney in Massachusetts to discuss your specific situation and receive accurate cost estimates.

Bankruptcy law in Quincy, Massachusetts, provides a legal pathway for individuals and businesses overwhelmed by debt to obtain a fresh financial start. The practice primarily revolves around three chapters of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code: Chapter 7, Chapter 13, and Chapter 11. Chapter 7, known as liquidation bankruptcy, is designed for individuals or businesses with limited income who cannot repay their debts. In a Chapter 7 case, a trustee sells non-exempt assets and distributes the proceeds to creditors, and most unsecured debts are discharged within three to six months. Chapter 13, or reorganization bankruptcy, is for individuals with a regular income who can commit to a three-to-five-year repayment plan to catch up on mortgages, car loans, and other debts. Chapter 11 is typically used by businesses, but high-income individuals may also file under this chapter to restructure debts while continuing operations. The right chapter depends on your income, asset value, debt type, and financial goals. For example, a Quincy resident with a steady job and significant home equity may benefit from Chapter 13 to protect assets, while someone with low income and few assets may choose Chapter 7 for a quicker discharge.

Massachusetts bankruptcy law incorporates specific state exemptions that debtors may use instead of federal exemptions. The state offers a homestead exemption of up to $500,000 for homeowners who have filed a declaration of homestead with the registry of deeds, protecting equity in a primary residence from creditors. For those who have not filed a homestead declaration, the exemption is $125,000. The vehicle exemption in Massachusetts allows you to protect up to $7,500 of equity in one motor vehicle. A wildcard exemption of up to $1,000 can be applied to any property, and if unused, the homestead exemption may also serve as a catch-all. Specific state statutes governing these exemptions include Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 188 (homestead), Chapter 235, Section 34 (personal property), and Chapter 246, Section 28A (wages). Debtors in Quincy must choose between state and federal exemptions; they cannot mix them. Federal exemptions include a homestead exemption of $27,900, a vehicle exemption of $4,450, and a wildcard exemption of $1,475 plus up to $13,950 of unused homestead. For most Massachusetts residents, state exemptions are more generous, especially for homeowners.

The means test is a critical calculation that determines eligibility for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. It compares your current monthly income to the median income for a household of your size in Massachusetts. As of 2025, the median annual income for a single-person household in Massachusetts is approximately $78,000; for a two-person household, about $95,000; for a three-person household, around $112,000; and for a four-person household, roughly $130,000. If your income is below the median, you automatically qualify for Chapter 7. If it is above, you must complete a detailed expense calculation. The test deducts allowed living expenses (based on IRS standards) from your income. If the resulting disposable income over five years is less than $8,575, you may still qualify. If it is between $8,575 and $14,325, the amount is compared to 25 percent of your unsecured debt. If it exceeds $14,325, you generally cannot file Chapter 7 and must consider Chapter 13. The means test is filed with the bankruptcy court and is reviewed by the trustee. Quincy residents should gather six months of pay stubs, tax returns, and expense records before consulting a lawyer to complete this calculation accurately.

Filing for bankruptcy triggers an automatic stay, which immediately stops most creditor collection actions, including phone calls, wage garnishments, lawsuits, and foreclosure proceedings. This protection begins the moment your case is filed with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Massachusetts, which serves Quincy. The timeline from filing to discharge varies by chapter. For Chapter 7, the process typically takes three to six months. You must attend a meeting of creditors (the 341 meeting) about 30 days after filing, where the trustee reviews your paperwork and creditors may ask questions. The discharge order usually arrives 60 to 90 days after that meeting. For Chapter 13, the process lasts three to five years, during which you make monthly payments to a trustee who distributes them to creditors. Discharge occurs after you complete the repayment plan. Before filing, you must complete a mandatory credit counseling course from an approved agency, which costs $10 to $50. After filing but before discharge, you must complete a debtor education course, also costing $10 to $50. Both courses can be taken online or by phone. Failure to complete either course can result in case dismissal.

The costs of bankruptcy in Quincy include court filing fees and attorney fees. The federal filing fee for Chapter 7 is $338, and for Chapter 13 it is $313. These fees are set by statute and are non-refundable. Attorney fees vary widely. For a straightforward Chapter 7 case, attorney fees typically range from $1,200 to $2,500. For Chapter 13, fees are higher, often between $3,000 and $5,000, because of the longer duration and more complex paperwork. Many attorneys offer payment plans, allowing you to pay in installments before filing. Some may accept credit cards. For those with very low income, pro bono resources are available through organizations such as the Volunteer Lawyers Project of the Boston Bar Association and the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute. The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Massachusetts also provides a list of approved credit counseling agencies and low-cost legal clinics. Quincy residents can also check with the South Shore Legal Services program, which offers free or reduced-fee assistance for eligible individuals. It is important to note that filing fees can be waived only in limited circumstances, such as if your income is below 150 percent of the federal poverty level.

Life after bankruptcy involves understanding how long the filing remains on your credit report and how to rebuild credit. A Chapter 7 discharge stays on your credit report for 10 years from the filing date. A Chapter 13 discharge stays for 7 years. During this time, you can begin rebuilding credit by obtaining a secured credit card, making small purchases, and paying the balance in full each month. You should also create a budget, save an emergency fund, and monitor your credit report for errors. Certain debts survive bankruptcy and are not dischargeable. These include most student loans (unless you prove undue hardship in a separate adversary proceeding), recent income taxes (less than three years old), child support, alimony, debts from fraud or willful injury, and fines or penalties owed to government agencies. In Massachusetts, debts from drunk driving accidents and restitution in criminal cases also survive. A bankruptcy discharge does not eliminate liens on property, so if you want to keep a car or home, you must continue making payments or reaffirm the debt. With careful planning and disciplined financial habits, most people see their credit scores improve within two to three years after discharge.