Find Bankruptcy Lawyers Near You in Concord, NH

The cost of hiring a bankruptcy lawyer in Concord, New Hampshire varies based on the chapter filed and the complexity of your case. For a standard Chapter 7 case, attorney fees generally fall between $1,500 and $3,500, with the $338 court filing fee added separately. Many lawyers offer payment plans that allow you to pay the attorney fee in installments spread over several months before the case is filed. Chapter 13 cases are more expensive, with attorney fees ranging from $3,500 to $6,000, because they require preparing a repayment plan, attending multiple hearings, and managing payments over three to five years. Some lawyers may include the filing fee in their flat fee, while others charge it separately. For low-income individuals, the New Hampshire Pro Bono Referral Program or the Legal Advice and Referral Center may provide free or reduced-cost services, though eligibility is limited. These figures are general estimates for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. You should discuss all costs and payment options directly with a qualified bankruptcy attorney in Concord.

Filing for bankruptcy in Concord, New Hampshire involves navigating a complex federal framework with important state-specific variations. The most common forms of bankruptcy for individuals are Chapter 7 and Chapter 13, while Chapter 11 is typically reserved for businesses or individuals with debts exceeding Chapter 13 limits. Chapter 7, known as liquidation bankruptcy, requires debtors to surrender non-exempt assets to a trustee who sells them to pay creditors; in exchange, most unsecured debts are discharged within three to five months. This option is best suited for individuals with limited income who cannot afford a repayment plan. Chapter 13, or reorganization bankruptcy, allows debtors with regular income to propose a three-to-five-year repayment plan to catch up on arrears and pay creditors a portion of what is owed, often resulting in discharge of remaining unsecured debt. Chapter 11, while available to individuals, is more commonly used by businesses in Concord seeking to restructure debts while continuing operations, though it is more expensive and complex than consumer chapters.

New Hampshire law gives debtors a choice between using federal bankruptcy exemptions or state-specific exemptions. This decision is critical because it determines which property you can keep. The New Hampshire homestead exemption protects up to $120,000 of equity in your primary residence, or up to $240,000 for joint filers who are both named on the deed, provided the property is occupied as a home. For vehicles, New Hampshire allows an exemption of up to $4,000 in equity in one motor vehicle. The state also provides a wildcard exemption of up to $1,000 in any personal property, plus up to $500 in cash or bank deposits. Additional exemptions cover household furnishings up to $8,000, tools of the trade up to $5,000, and health aids without limit. Federal exemptions, by contrast, offer a homestead exemption of only $27,900 but include a more generous wildcard of $1,475 plus up to $13,950 of unused homestead exemption. A bankruptcy lawyer in Concord will analyze your assets, equity, and debts to determine which exemption system maximizes protection for your property.

The means test is a mandatory calculation that determines eligibility for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. If your household income is below the median income for New Hampshire, you automatically pass the means test and can file Chapter 7. As of 2025, the median income for a single-person household in New Hampshire is approximately $74,000, for a two-person household about $92,000, for a three-person household about $107,000, and for a four-person household about $125,000. These figures are adjusted periodically by the U.S. Trustee. If your income exceeds the median, you must complete a detailed calculation of your disposable income over the past six months, subtracting allowed living expenses based on IRS standards and actual expenses. If your disposable income is less than $8,175 over five years, you still qualify for Chapter 7. If it exceeds $13,650, you generally cannot file Chapter 7 and must use Chapter 13. For those in between, the amount must be sufficient to pay at least 25 percent of unsecured debts. A Concord bankruptcy lawyer will gather your pay stubs, tax returns, and expense records to perform this calculation accurately.

One of the most immediate benefits of filing any chapter of bankruptcy is the automatic stay, which goes into effect the moment your petition is filed with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Hampshire, located in Concord. The automatic stay stops all collection activities, including phone calls from creditors, wage garnishments, foreclosure proceedings, utility shut-offs, and lawsuits. This protection gives you breathing room to work with your attorney on the case. The timeline from filing to discharge varies by chapter. For Chapter 7, the process typically takes 90 to 120 days, including the meeting of creditors (also called the 341 meeting) held about 30 days after filing. For Chapter 13, the plan must be confirmed by the court, and you make payments for three to five years before receiving a discharge. Before you can receive a discharge, you must complete two mandatory courses: a pre-filing credit counseling session from an approved agency within 180 days before filing, and a post-filing debtor education course before discharge. Certificates of completion must be filed with the court.

The costs of bankruptcy in Concord include court filing fees and attorney fees. As of 2025, the filing fee for Chapter 7 is $338, and for Chapter 13 it is $313. These fees are set by federal statute and are non-refundable. Attorney fees in New Hampshire for a straightforward Chapter 7 case typically range from $1,500 to $3,500, depending on the complexity of your assets and debts. Chapter 13 cases are more expensive, with attorney fees ranging from $3,500 to $6,000, because they involve preparing a repayment plan and ongoing court oversight. Many bankruptcy lawyers in Concord offer payment plans that allow you to pay the attorney fee in installments before filing, though the filing fee must be paid in full at the time of filing unless you request court permission to pay in installments. For those with very low income, the New Hampshire Pro Bono Referral Program and Legal Advice and Referral Center may offer free or reduced-cost assistance, though eligibility is limited to those below 200 percent of the federal poverty level. You should discuss fee structures and payment options during your initial consultation.

Life after bankruptcy requires patience and strategic planning. A Chapter 7 discharge remains on your credit report for 10 years from the filing date, while a Chapter 13 discharge stays for 7 years. During this time, rebuilding credit is possible through secured credit cards, becoming an authorized user on a family members account, and taking out small credit-builder loans from credit unions. Paying all new bills on time is essential. It is also important to understand that not all debts are discharged in bankruptcy. Student loans are presumptively non-dischargeable unless you can prove undue hardship in an adversary proceeding, which is difficult to win. Most tax debts from the last three years, child support, alimony, and debts from fraud or intentional harm also survive bankruptcy. However, credit card debt, medical bills, personal loans, and most civil judgments are dischargeable. A Concord bankruptcy lawyer can review your specific debts to confirm which can be eliminated. With careful planning and disciplined financial habits, many individuals in New Hampshire find that bankruptcy provides a fresh start and the opportunity to rebuild their financial lives.