The top-rated bankruptcy lawyer in Burlington, Vermont is Handy Law, rated 4.9 stars across 145 reviews. Other highly rated options include Gravel & Shea PC, Kaplan and Kaplan, Page Law PLLC. This directory lists 21 bankruptcy lawyers serving Burlington.
Comparison
| # | Name | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Handy Law | 148 College St Ste 201 | (802) 373-9201 |
| 2 | Gravel & Shea PC | 76 St Paul St 7th floor | (802) 658-0220 |
| 3 | Kaplan and Kaplan | 95 St Paul St #405 | (802) 651-0013 |
| 4 | Page Law PLLC | 430 Shelburne Rd | (802) 497-2010 |
| 5 | MSK Attorneys | 275 College St | (802) 861-7000 |
| 6 | Montroll, Oettinger & Barquist P.C. | 126 College St #400 | (802) 540-0250 |
| 7 | Brian J. Stark, Attorney at Law | 430 Shelburne Rd | (802) 200-4202 |
| 8 | Wiener & Slater, PLLC | 110 Main St #4F | (802) 863-1836 |
| 9 | Horn Wright, LLP | 106 Main St 2nd Floor, Suite 3E | (802) 328-9098 |
| 10 | Lisman Leckerling PC | 84 Pine St | (802) 864-5756 |
Handy Law provides legal services for individuals and businesses navigating bankruptcy proceedings in Burlington, Vermont. The firm assists clients with filing, documentation, and court representation to address financial challenges. It offers guidance on debt management options and Chapter filings. Regular consultations help clients understand their rights and available remedies under federal bankruptcy law. The firm serves residential clients with single-family homes, as well as commercial properties including apartments, retail spaces, and restaurants.
Serving Burlington, Vermont, and the surrounding communities of Chittenden County, Gravel & Shea PC handles consumer and business bankruptcy cases. The firm assists clients with Chapter 7 liquidation and Chapter 13 repayment plans, addressing unmanageable debts like medical bills and credit card balances. Direct communication is a priority, and each case is managed with close attention to the specific financial circumstances. Gravel & Shea PC generally begins with a private consultation to explore available relief options before proceeding with a formal filing.
At Kaplan and Kaplan in Burlington, VT, clients may choose between one-time consultations for guidance on filing or ongoing representation throughout a full bankruptcy case. The firm covers Chapter 7 liquidation and Chapter 13 repayment plan filings for individuals in the surrounding area. Each engagement, whether for initial advice or complete case management, is conducted strictly on an as-needed basis according to the specific proceeding requirements.
Winter storms and holiday expenses can leave Burlington residents struggling with mounting debt. Page Law PLLC serves individuals facing financial hardship in Chatham County, helping them navigate Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy options. The firm focuses on explaining legal protections and the process of discharging unsecured obligations or reorganizing repayment plans. Severe collection actions, such as wage garnishment or foreclosure threats, are also addressed directly. Their service typically begins with a private consultation to review your total debt, assets, and monthly income.
MSK Attorneys handles the legal complexities of consumer and business debt relief in Burlington, Vermont. As a bankruptcy law firm, it guides clients through Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filings, focusing on discharge eligibility and debt restructuring agreements. The firm can represent individuals seeking to eliminate unsecured debts and also assists commercial entities such as offices, warehouses, and food service operations in reorganizing their financial obligations.
Unlike some legal services that handle ongoing matters, bankruptcy generally offers a one-time debt resolution path, while related financial counseling might be revisited. Montroll, Oettinger & Barquist P.C. serves clients throughout Burlington, Vermont, providing guidance through federal bankruptcy procedures. Their work helps individuals and businesses address overwhelming debt, navigate court filings, and seek financial discharge or reorganization. Services in this specialized field typically operate on a one-time basis for filing a case, rather than as an ongoing scheduled arrangement, although consultations remain available as needed.
Brian J. Stark, Attorney at Law specializes in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy filings, offering individuals and families in Burlington, Vermont a legal path to manage overwhelming debt. The firm provides general representation for creditors and debtors, guiding clients through court proceedings, asset exemptions, and repayment plan negotiations. As winter heating costs and post-holiday expenses arrive, the practice helps locals address mounting utility bills and seasonal financial strain.
As winter subsides in Burlington, Vermont, residents often face the lingering financial constraints of the season alongside a rise in post-holiday debt. Wiener & Slater, PLLC provides bankruptcy lawyer services to help local individuals and families navigate these burdens. Their practice focuses on guiding clients through the legal processes of debt relief, whether through reorganization or discharge. A comprehensive initial consultation is offered for those seeking to review their financial options and take the first step toward a more stable future.
Horn Wright, LLP provides legal representation for individuals facing personal bankruptcy in Burlington, Vermont, offering guidance through Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filings. The firm also handles commercial bankruptcy matters for local businesses. Their services extend to clients throughout the greater Burlington metro area and surrounding Chittenden County communities. Attorneys work diligently to structure manageable repayment plans when possible. Returning clients often schedule brief follow-up consultations between their regular office visits to address emerging financial concerns or questions about their ongoing recovery.
What Does a a Bankruptcy Lawyer in Burlington Cost?
The typical cost for a bankruptcy lawyer in Burlington, Vermont, includes attorney fees and court filing fees. For a Chapter 7 case, attorney fees generally range from $1,500 to $3,500, while Chapter 13 cases range from $3,000 to $6,000. Court filing fees are set by federal statute at $338 for Chapter 7 and $313 for Chapter 13. Many lawyers offer payment plans that allow you to pay attorney fees in installments before filing, though full payment is typically required before the case is submitted to the court. Some lawyers also offer flat-fee structures for straightforward cases.
For individuals with limited income, pro bono resources are available through Vermont Legal Aid and the Vermont Bar Association’s Modest Means Program, which may provide free or reduced-cost legal representation. Additionally, you may request to pay court filing fees in installments. It is important to discuss all costs, payment options, and fee structures during your initial consultation. This information is general and does not constitute legal advice; you should consult with a qualified bankruptcy lawyer for advice specific to your situation.
About bankruptcy lawyers in Burlington
Bankruptcy law in Burlington, Vermont, provides individuals and businesses a legal pathway to address overwhelming debt through federal court proceedings. The three primary chapters available are Chapter 7, Chapter 13, and Chapter 11. Chapter 7, often called liquidation, is designed for individuals or businesses with limited income who cannot repay their debts. Under Chapter 7, a trustee sells non-exempt assets to pay creditors, and most unsecured debts are discharged within three to four months. Chapter 13, or reorganization, is for individuals with regular income who can commit to a three-to-five-year repayment plan, allowing them to keep assets like a home or car while catching up on missed payments. Chapter 11 is typically used by businesses or high-income individuals seeking to restructure substantial debts, though it is less common in Burlington due to its complexity and higher costs. A Burlington bankruptcy lawyer can help determine which chapter aligns with your financial situation, income level, and long-term goals.
Vermont has specific state exemption laws that significantly impact what property you can keep in bankruptcy. Unlike many states, Vermont requires residents to use state exemptions rather than federal exemptions. The Vermont homestead exemption protects up to $125,000 of equity in your primary residence, which is higher than the federal exemption of $27,900. For vehicles, Vermont allows an exemption of up to $5,000 in equity for one motor vehicle. The state also offers a wildcard exemption of up to $7,000 in any property, which can be applied to cash, household goods, or other assets not covered by specific exemptions. Additional exemptions include up to $5,000 in household furnishings, $1,000 in clothing, and $2,500 in tools of the trade. These amounts are codified under Vermont Statutes Title 12, Chapter 119, Sections 2740 through 2749. A local bankruptcy lawyer can help you maximize these exemptions to retain as much property as possible during your case.
The means test is a critical calculation that determines eligibility for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Vermont. This test compares your average monthly income over the six months before filing to Vermont’s median income for a household of your size. As of 2024, the median annual income for a single-person household in Vermont is approximately $62,000; for a two-person household, it is about $78,000; for a three-person household, it is around $95,000; and for a four-person household, it is roughly $110,000. If your income falls below these thresholds, you automatically qualify for Chapter 7. If your income exceeds the median, you must complete a detailed calculation of allowable expenses, including housing, transportation, food, and healthcare, to determine whether you have enough disposable income to repay creditors. If your disposable income is less than $100 per month, you generally qualify for Chapter 7. If it exceeds $200 per month, you may be required to file Chapter 13 instead. A Burlington bankruptcy lawyer can help you gather pay stubs, tax returns, and expense records to accurately complete this test.
Filing for bankruptcy in Burlington triggers an automatic stay, which immediately stops most creditor actions, including phone calls, wage garnishments, foreclosure proceedings, and lawsuits. This protection begins the moment your case is filed with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Vermont, located in Burlington. The timeline from filing to discharge varies by chapter. For Chapter 7, the process typically takes three to four months, including a meeting of creditors (also called a 341 hearing) held about 30 days after filing. For Chapter 13, the repayment plan lasts three to five years, and discharge occurs after you complete all plan payments. Before filing, you must complete a mandatory credit counseling course from an approved provider, which takes about one to two hours and costs around $10 to $50. After filing, you must complete a debtor education course before receiving your discharge, which also costs approximately $10 to $50. A bankruptcy lawyer can guide you through these requirements and ensure all paperwork is filed correctly and on time.
The costs of bankruptcy in Burlington include court filing fees and attorney fees. The federal filing fee for Chapter 7 is $338, and for Chapter 13 it is $313, as of 2024. These fees are set by statute and cannot be waived, though you may request to pay them in installments. Attorney fees in Burlington typically range from $1,500 to $3,500 for a straightforward Chapter 7 case and $3,000 to $6,000 for a Chapter 13 case, depending on the complexity of your assets, debts, and income. Many bankruptcy lawyers offer payment plans that allow you to pay attorney fees in installments before filing, though full payment is usually required before the case is submitted. For individuals with very low income, pro bono resources are available through Vermont Legal Aid and the Vermont Bar Association’s Modest Means Program, which may provide free or reduced-cost legal assistance. You should discuss all costs and payment arrangements with your lawyer during your initial consultation.
Life after bankruptcy in Burlington involves rebuilding your credit and understanding what debts remain. A Chapter 7 discharge stays on your credit report for 10 years from the filing date, while a Chapter 13 discharge remains for 7 years. However, you can begin rebuilding credit immediately after discharge by obtaining a secured credit card, making small purchases, and paying the balance in full each month. Many people see their credit scores improve within 12 to 24 months after discharge as old debts are removed and new positive payment history is reported. It is important to note that not all debts are dischargeable. Student loans are generally not dischargeable unless you can prove undue hardship through a separate adversary proceeding, which is difficult to win. Most tax debts are not dischargeable, particularly income taxes less than three years old or those filed late. Child support, alimony, and debts from fraud or intentional harm also survive bankruptcy. A Burlington bankruptcy lawyer can explain which of your specific debts may be eliminated and which will remain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the specific Vermont bankruptcy exemptions for a home and car in Burlington?
Vermont law requires residents to use state exemptions, not federal ones. The homestead exemption protects up to $125,000 of equity in your primary residence, which is significantly higher than the federal exemption. For vehicles, Vermont allows an exemption of up to $5,000 in equity for one motor vehicle. These amounts are found in Vermont Statutes Title 12, Sections 2740 through 2749, and a local bankruptcy lawyer can help you apply them to your specific assets.
How much does a bankruptcy lawyer cost in Burlington, Vermont?
Attorney fees in Burlington typically range from $1,500 to $3,500 for a Chapter 7 case and $3,000 to $6,000 for a Chapter 13 case, depending on complexity. Court filing fees are separate: $338 for Chapter 7 and $313 for Chapter 13. Many lawyers offer payment plans for their fees, though full payment is usually required before filing. For low-income individuals, Vermont Legal Aid and the Vermont Bar Association may provide pro bono or reduced-cost assistance.
What is the timeline for a bankruptcy case in Vermont from filing to discharge?
For a Chapter 7 case in Burlington, the process typically takes three to four months. You must file a petition with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Vermont, attend a meeting of creditors (341 hearing) about 30 days after filing, and complete a debtor education course. For Chapter 13, the repayment plan lasts three to five years, and discharge occurs after you complete all plan payments. The automatic stay takes effect immediately upon filing.