Find Bankruptcy Lawyers Near You in Greenville, TX

The cost of hiring a bankruptcy lawyer in Texas varies by location and case complexity, but typical fees for Chapter 7 range from $1,200 to $2,500, while Chapter 13 fees range from $3,000 to $5,000. These fees cover services such as preparing and filing the petition, representing you at the 341 meeting, and advising on exemptions. Many attorneys in Greenville offer payment plans, allowing you to pay Chapter 7 fees in installments over several months before filing, while Chapter 13 fees can be paid through the court-approved repayment plan. Court filing fees are set by the federal judiciary at $338 for Chapter 7 and $313 for Chapter 13, and credit counseling and debtor education courses cost an additional $15 to $50 each.

Some law firms may offer flat-fee arrangements for straightforward cases, while others charge hourly rates that can range from $200 to $400 per hour. Pro bono assistance is available through Legal Aid of Northwest Texas for low-income residents of Hunt County, though eligibility is based on income and asset limits. It is important to discuss fee structures and payment options during your initial consultation, as costs can vary significantly. This information is general and does not constitute legal advice; you should consult with a qualified bankruptcy attorney to understand the specific costs for your case.

Bankruptcy law provides individuals and businesses in Greenville, Texas a legal pathway to address overwhelming debt and regain financial stability. The most common chapters for consumers are Chapter 7, which involves liquidation of non-exempt assets to discharge most unsecured debts, and Chapter 13, which requires a court-approved repayment plan over three to five years. Chapter 7 is typically suited for those with limited income and few assets, as it offers a relatively quick discharge of debts like credit cards, medical bills, and personal loans. Chapter 13 is designed for individuals with regular income who want to keep their property, such as a home or car, while catching up on missed payments through a structured plan. For businesses, Chapter 11 allows reorganization of debts and operations, though it is less common for small sole proprietorships in Greenville. Choosing the right chapter depends on your income, asset value, debt type, and long-term financial goals, and a local attorney can help evaluate which option aligns with your circumstances.

Texas law offers distinct advantages for bankruptcy filers, as the state has opted out of the federal exemption system, meaning residents must use Texas-specific exemptions when filing for bankruptcy. Under the Texas Property Code, the homestead exemption is unlimited in value for property up to 10 acres in an urban area like Greenville (within city limits) or 100 acres in a rural setting, provided the property is used as a primary residence. This means many homeowners can protect their home entirely, even if it has significant equity. For vehicles, Texas allows an exemption of up to one motor vehicle per licensed household member, with no specific dollar cap on value, as long as the vehicle is used for personal or family transportation. The Texas wildcard exemption is limited to $5,000 for personal property not covered by other exemptions, but you cannot use it to protect cash or bank accounts beyond that amount. Specific statutes governing these exemptions include Texas Property Code Sections 41.001 (homestead) and 42.001 (personal property), which also cover items like household furnishings, clothing, and tools of the trade up to $25,000 in value. These generous exemptions make Texas a favorable jurisdiction for bankruptcy filers, but proper application requires careful documentation of assets and their values.

The means test is a critical step in determining eligibility for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, and it compares your household income to the median income for a similar-sized household in Texas. As of 2025, the median annual income for a single-person household in Texas is approximately $60,000, for a two-person household about $75,000, for a three-person household around $85,000, and for a four-person household roughly $100,000. If your current monthly income over the past six months, annualized, falls below these medians, you automatically qualify for Chapter 7. If your income exceeds the median, you must complete a more detailed calculation that subtracts allowed expenses, such as housing, transportation, and food, based on IRS standards. If the resulting disposable income is less than $100 per month, you still qualify for Chapter 7. If it is between $100 and $166 per month, additional analysis is required. If it exceeds $166 per month, you are presumed to have sufficient income to repay creditors and must file under Chapter 13 instead. This test ensures that Chapter 7 is reserved for those who genuinely cannot afford to pay their debts, while Chapter 13 provides a structured alternative for those with higher income.

When you file for bankruptcy, an automatic stay goes into effect immediately, which stops most collection actions, including phone calls from creditors, wage garnishments, foreclosure proceedings, and lawsuits. This protection gives you breathing room to work with your attorney and the court. For Chapter 7, the timeline from filing to discharge is typically three to six months. After filing, you must attend a meeting of creditors, also called a 341 hearing, about 30 to 45 days after filing, where the trustee reviews your paperwork and asks questions about your assets and debts. You must also 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 your debts are discharged. The discharge order, which eliminates most unsecured debts, usually arrives 60 to 90 days after the 341 hearing. In Chapter 13, the process takes longer, with the repayment plan lasting three to five years, and the discharge occurs only after you complete all plan payments. During this time, you must make monthly payments to the trustee, who distributes funds to creditors. Failure to complete the plan can result in dismissal of your case, leaving you responsible for the original debts.

The costs of filing bankruptcy in Greenville include court filing fees, attorney fees, and course fees. The current filing fee for Chapter 7 is $338, and for Chapter 13 it is $313, though these amounts are subject to change by the federal judiciary. Attorney fees for Chapter 7 in the Greenville area typically range from $1,200 to $2,500, depending on the complexity of your case, such as whether you own a home or have significant assets. For Chapter 13, attorney fees are higher, often between $3,000 and $5,000, because the case involves a multi-year repayment plan and more court oversight. Many attorneys offer payment plans, allowing you to pay fees in installments before filing, though the full fee must generally be paid before the case is filed for Chapter 7. For Chapter 13, attorney fees can be paid through the plan itself over time. If you cannot afford an attorney, pro bono resources are available through organizations like Legal Aid of Northwest Texas, which serves Hunt County and may provide free legal assistance for low-income individuals. Additionally, the credit counseling and debtor education courses each cost about $15 to $50, and some providers offer fee waivers for those with very low income. These costs, while significant, are often far less than the total debt being discharged.

Life after bankruptcy involves both challenges and opportunities for rebuilding your financial life. 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. This can make obtaining new credit, renting an apartment, or securing a job more difficult in the short term. However, many individuals begin rebuilding credit immediately by obtaining a secured credit card, where you deposit a small amount, such as $200 to $500, as collateral. Making on-time payments on this card for six to twelve months can improve your credit score significantly. You can also take out a credit-builder loan from a local credit union or bank, which holds the loan amount in a savings account while you make payments. Additionally, certain debts survive bankruptcy and remain your responsibility, including most student loans (unless you prove undue hardship in a separate adversary proceeding), recent income taxes (less than three years old), child support, alimony, and debts from fraud or intentional harm. Property taxes and homeowners association fees may also survive if not properly addressed. Understanding these exceptions is crucial, as filing bankruptcy does not erase all obligations. With careful planning and disciplined financial habits, many people in Greenville successfully rebuild their credit and achieve a fresh start within a few years.