by Jacob Maegli | Oct 29, 2026 | Bankruptcy
The bankruptcy means test is the analysis that determines what type of bankruptcy a person qualifies for. It takes income from the last six months, prorates it to an annual figure, and compares that number with the median annual income for a household of the same size...
by Jacob Maegli | Oct 28, 2026 | Bankruptcy
Facing foreclosure raises urgent questions about whether bankruptcy can help you keep your home. The timing of a bankruptcy filing in relation to the foreclosure process is a key factor. Chapter 13 can address past due mortgage payments in a repayment plan. Frequently...
by Jacob Maegli | Oct 27, 2026 | Bankruptcy
A lawsuit that has already been filed does not always have to keep moving forward once a bankruptcy case begins. This post covers what happens when a lawsuit has been filed but no judgment has been entered. It also covers what happens when a judgment has been entered...
by Jacob Maegli | Oct 26, 2026 | Bankruptcy
Filing bankruptcy without a spouse raises a common question: what happens to the spouse who does not file? The answer depends on whether the couple has joint debts. This post covers how a joint credit card, a shared mortgage or car loan, and creditor reporting may...
by Jacob Maegli | Oct 23, 2026 | Bankruptcy
Certain debts cannot be wiped out by a bankruptcy. Past due child support is one example in a Chapter 7, and attorney’s fees tied to child support or child custody matters are another. Frequently Asked Questions What debts can’t be wiped out by bankruptcy?...
by Jacob Maegli | Oct 22, 2026 | Bankruptcy
Filing bankruptcy more than once is possible, but different timelines and restrictions apply. This post covers how soon a Chapter 13 can be filed after a Chapter 7, and how long to wait before filing a Chapter 7 after a Chapter 13. Frequently Asked Questions Can I...
by Jacob Maegli | Oct 21, 2026 | Bankruptcy
Income eligibility for Chapter 7 in Illinois is determined through the means test analysis, which is updated once every six months. As of September 2026, median gross annual income figures apply to households of one through eight. These figures are gross, before any...
by Jacob Maegli | Oct 20, 2026 | Bankruptcy
Retirement accounts such as a 401k or an IRA are a common concern for people considering bankruptcy. This post covers the qualified retirement exemption in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy, and why the timing of transfers into a retirement account matters....
by Jacob Maegli | Oct 19, 2026 | Bankruptcy
This video answers whether bankruptcy can eliminate credit card and medical debt. It explains that both types of debt can be discharged in either a Chapter 7 or a Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Frequently Asked Questions Can Bankruptcy Get Rid of Medical & Credit Card...
by Jacob Maegli | Oct 15, 2026 | Bankruptcy
Illinois sets a limit on how much of a vehicle’s value is protected in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. That limit comes from the Illinois state vehicle exemption, which changed on January 1st, 2026. This post covers what the exemption was before that date and what it is...
