The top-rated bankruptcy lawyer in Wheeling, West Virginia is Thomas E McIntire & Associates, LC, rated 4.9 stars across 81 reviews. Other highly rated options include Mallett Law Offices, Johnson Legal Services, PLLC, Zavolta Law Office. This directory lists 18 bankruptcy lawyers serving Wheeling.
Comparison
| # | Name | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Thomas E McIntire & Associates, LC | 82 1/2 14th St | (304) 907-2540 |
| 2 | Mallett Law Offices | 1 Chapel Rd | (304) 233-0003 |
| 3 | Johnson Legal Services, PLLC | 1049 Market St | (304) 212-4950 |
| 4 | Zavolta Law Office | 1287 Fairmont Pike Rd | (304) 905-8073 |
| 5 | Orrick | 2121 Main St | (304) 231-2500 |
| 6 | Gompers John E | 60 14th St | (304) 233-2450 |
| 7 | Schrader Duff Law & Lowe, PLLC | 401 Main St | (304) 553-0194 |
| 8 | Petroplus & Gaudino | 69 15th St | (304) 232-6155 |
| 9 | Sklavounakis Law Office | 80 12th St Ste 300 | (304) 230-3920 |
| 10 | Harris Law Offices | 32 15th St | (304) 232-5300 |
Thomas E McIntire & Associates, LC serves clients throughout the Wheeling area of West Virginia as a Bankruptcy Lawyer. The practice assists individuals and businesses in seeking legal relief through bankruptcy proceedings. The firm provides guidance on filing for Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy under federal law. Its services include helping clients navigate automatic stay protections and debt discharge requirements. The law firm also handles means testing evaluations and creditor meeting preparations.
Mallett Law Offices in Wheeling, WV, provides a range of bankruptcy legal services to individuals and businesses facing financial distress. The firm assists with navigating Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filings, helping clients addresses debt relief and asset protection through structured legal proceedings. Ongoing case management and court representation are offered throughout the bankruptcy process. The firm services a variety of properties, including single-family homes, apartments, retail properties, and restaurants.
Johnson Legal Services, PLLC assists homeowners, small business owners, and individuals in the Wheeling area with navigating financial challenges through bankruptcy representation. The firm focuses on helping clients understand their options for debt relief under federal bankruptcy law. Services include Chapter 7 liquidation and Chapter 13 repayment plan filings aimed at protecting assets and stopping creditor collection actions. The practice also extends its services to clients in the neighboring Ohio County communities and the greater Wheeling metro area.
Zavolta Law Office serves Wheeling, West Virginia, and the surrounding Ohio Valley communities. The firm handles consumer and small business bankruptcy filings, including Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases. It assists clients with significant debt, potential foreclosure, or wage garnishment. Each case begins with a thorough review of the client’s financial situation, followed by the preparation of required court documents. For a typical bankruptcy filing, the firm thoroughly compiles income, asset, and liability information to submit with the petition under the applicable federal bankruptcy code.
Individuals facing financial hardship in Wheeling, WV may choose between a one-time consultation for basic advice or ongoing representation for a full bankruptcy case. Orrick handles Chapter 7 liquidation and Chapter 13 repayment plan filings, covering both personal and small business debt relief needs across the local area. The firm provides careful document preparation, court filing assistance, and creditor meeting guidance. Its services are available on a case-by-case basis, scheduled as each client’s legal matter progresses from initial meeting through final discharge.
As a bankruptcy lawyer, Gompers John E provides clients in Wheeling, WV, with legal guidance through Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filings. This practice assists individuals and families burdened by overwhelming debt, helping them understand their legal options for discharge or repayment plans. A full evaluation of financial circumstances is conducted to navigate the complex bankruptcy process effectively. As the holiday season approaches, this attorney helps clients address the additional financial strain of seasonal expenses through protective legal remedies.
Schrader Duff Law & Lowe, PLLC provides legal guidance in complex financial matters, with a primary focus on bankruptcy law. The firm assists individuals and businesses in Wheeling with debt relief options and navigating federal bankruptcy proceedings to address financial distress. Its legal services cover both consumer bankruptcy filings and corporate restructuring. Commercial sectors served by the firm include local offices, warehouses, and food service businesses requiring financial reorganization.
Petroplus & Gaudino assists residential clients in Wheeling, West Virginia, who are experiencing financial difficulty and seeking debt relief through bankruptcy. The firm additionally provides legal guidance for commercial bankruptcy matters within the local area. Work involves helping individuals and business owners navigate court proceedings to address outstanding obligations. The team also provides counsel for regular follow-up needs and ongoing case management between initial filings and subsequent visits.
After a difficult winter, Wheeling residents often face mounting debts from heating bills and holiday expenses. Sklavounakis Law Office helps local individuals and families evaluate their options under federal bankruptcy law, including Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filings. They guide clients through the necessary paperwork and court procedures while working to stop creditor harassment and wage garnishment. The initial step is a confidential consultation where the attorney reviews each person’s financial situation and explains the potential outcomes.
Harris Law Offices in Wheeling, West Virginia, handles personal and business bankruptcy cases. The firm serves clients confronting financial hardship and guides them through Chapter 7, Chapter 11, and Chapter 13 filings. Its legal team navigates the local bankruptcy court procedures while helping debtors understand available exemptions and repayment options. In addition to core bankruptcy representation, Harris Law Offices also offers assistance with foreclosure defense to help clients halt property seizures.
What Does a a Bankruptcy Lawyer in Wheeling Cost?
The cost of hiring a bankruptcy lawyer in Wheeling, West Virginia varies based on the chapter filed and the complexity of your financial situation. For a straightforward Chapter 7 case, attorney fees typically range from $1,200 to $2,500, with many lawyers offering a flat fee that includes preparation of all documents, representation at the 341 meeting, and filing of the petition. Chapter 13 cases involve higher fees, usually between $3,000 and $5,000, because the attorney must draft a repayment plan, attend multiple hearings, and monitor the case over three to five years. Some Wheeling lawyers allow you to pay the attorney fee in installments before filing, while Chapter 13 fees are often paid through the plan itself.
In addition to attorney fees, you must pay the court filing fee: $338 for Chapter 7 and $313 for Chapter 13, which can sometimes be paid in installments with court approval. If your income is below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines, you may request a fee waiver from the court. Pro bono assistance is available through Legal Aid of West Virginia for qualifying low-income residents. This information is general and not legal advice; you should consult a qualified bankruptcy attorney in Wheeling to discuss your specific costs and options.
About bankruptcy lawyers in Wheeling
Bankruptcy law provides a legal pathway for individuals and businesses in Wheeling, West Virginia to address overwhelming debt and obtain a fresh financial start. The two most common forms of consumer bankruptcy are Chapter 7 and Chapter 13, while Chapter 11 is typically reserved for businesses or individuals with debt exceeding statutory limits. Chapter 7, often called liquidation bankruptcy, requires the debtor to surrender non-exempt assets to a trustee, who sells them to pay creditors; in exchange, most unsecured debts are discharged within three to six months. This option is best suited for those with limited income and few assets, such as renters or homeowners with minimal equity. Chapter 13, by contrast, is a reorganization plan for individuals with regular income, allowing them to keep their property while repaying a portion of debts over three to five years. Chapter 11, while available to individuals, is more complex and costly, typically used by businesses in Wheeling seeking to restructure their operations and debts while continuing to operate.
West Virginia law allows debtors to choose between state and federal exemption systems when filing for bankruptcy, a critical decision that can significantly impact what property you retain. The state exemptions under West Virginia Code Section 38-10-4 are often more generous for homeowners, as the homestead exemption allows up to $25,000 of equity in a primary residence, or $50,000 for joint filers. If you do not own a home, you may use the federal exemption system, which offers a $27,900 homestead exemption (adjusted periodically) but also includes a wildcard exemption of $1,475 plus up to $13,950 of unused homestead exemption. West Virginia also provides a vehicle exemption of up to $7,500 in equity, which is higher than the federal vehicle exemption of $4,450. Other notable state exemptions include $8,000 in household goods, $5,000 in tools of the trade, and a $1,000 wildcard exemption for any property. Choosing the correct exemption system requires careful analysis of your assets, as improper selection can result in losing property to the trustee.
The means test determines eligibility for Chapter 7 bankruptcy and is based on your household income relative to West Virginia median income levels. For cases filed in 2025, the median income for a single-person household in West Virginia is approximately $52,000, while a family of four has a median around $75,000. If your household income falls below the median, you automatically qualify for Chapter 7. If it exceeds the median, you must complete a detailed calculation of your disposable income over the past six months, subtracting allowed living expenses as defined by IRS standards. If your disposable income is less than $100 per month, you still qualify for Chapter 7; if it is between $100 and $200, you may face a presumption of abuse. For Chapter 13, you must have regular income and unsecured debts under $2,750,000 (as of 2025) and secured debts under $1,350,000. The means test is a complex formula, and a Wheeling bankruptcy lawyer can help you accurately calculate your eligibility and avoid dismissal.
Filing for bankruptcy immediately triggers an automatic stay, which halts all collection activities, including phone calls from creditors, wage garnishments, foreclosure proceedings, and lawsuits. This protection begins the moment your petition is filed with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of West Virginia, which serves Wheeling. The timeline from filing to discharge varies: Chapter 7 cases typically conclude in three to six months, with a meeting of creditors (341 meeting) scheduled about 30 days after filing. Chapter 13 cases last three to five years, during which you make monthly payments to a trustee who distributes funds to creditors. Before filing, you must complete an approved credit counseling course from a provider listed on the U.S. Trustee Program website. After filing, you must complete a debtor education course before your discharge is granted. Failure to complete either course can result in dismissal of your case.
The costs of filing bankruptcy in Wheeling 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, payable to the court. Attorney fees for Chapter 7 in West Virginia typically range from $1,200 to $2,500, depending on the complexity of your case, with many lawyers offering flat-fee arrangements. Chapter 13 attorney fees are higher, often between $3,000 and $5,000, because of the extended duration and ongoing court oversight. Many Wheeling bankruptcy lawyers offer payment plans, allowing you to pay attorney fees in installments before filing. For those with limited income, pro bono resources are available through Legal Aid of West Virginia, which provides free legal assistance in certain bankruptcy cases. Additionally, the court may waive the filing fee if your income is below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines.
Life after bankruptcy requires patience and deliberate effort to rebuild your financial standing. A Chapter 7 discharge remains on your credit report for ten years from the filing date, while a Chapter 13 discharge stays for seven years. Despite this, many individuals see their credit scores improve within one to two years after discharge, as old debts are eliminated and new positive payment history accumulates. To rebuild credit, consider obtaining a secured credit card, becoming an authorized user on a family members account, or taking out a small credit-builder loan from a local credit union. It is important to note that not all debts are dischargeable: student loans generally survive bankruptcy unless you can prove undue hardship through a separate adversary proceeding, most tax debts from recent years are non-dischargeable, and child support and alimony obligations cannot be eliminated. Additionally, debts incurred through fraud or willful injury may be excepted from discharge. A Wheeling bankruptcy lawyer can advise you on which debts in your specific situation may survive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What West Virginia-specific exemptions should I consider when filing for bankruptcy in Wheeling?
West Virginia law offers a homestead exemption of up to $25,000 for single filers and $50,000 for joint filers, which is often more favorable than the federal exemption for homeowners. The state also provides a vehicle exemption of up to $7,500 in equity, a household goods exemption of $8,000, and a wildcard exemption of $1,000 for any property. You may choose between state and federal exemptions, but you cannot mix them, so careful analysis of your assets is essential to maximize what you keep.
How much does it typically cost to hire a bankruptcy lawyer in Wheeling, West Virginia?
Attorney fees for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Wheeling generally range from $1,200 to $2,500, while Chapter 13 fees are typically $3,000 to $5,000 due to the longer case duration. The court filing fee is $338 for Chapter 7 and $313 for Chapter 13, and many lawyers offer payment plans to spread out the attorney fee cost before filing. Legal Aid of West Virginia may provide free assistance for low-income individuals meeting specific guidelines.
What is the timeline for a typical Chapter 7 bankruptcy case in West Virginia?
After filing your petition with the Northern District of West Virginia, a meeting of creditors (341 meeting) is scheduled approximately 30 days later, where the trustee reviews your case. You must complete a debtor education course after filing, and your discharge is typically granted within 60 to 90 days after the 341 meeting, meaning the entire process takes about three to six months. The automatic stay takes effect immediately upon filing, stopping all creditor collection actions.