by Jacob Maegli | Oct 14, 2026 | Bankruptcy
Homeowners considering bankruptcy often want to know how much of their home equity can be protected. In Illinois, that protection is based on the homestead exemption, which changed on January 1st, 2026. The amounts before and after that date are explained below....
by Jacob Maegli | Oct 13, 2026 | Bankruptcy
The 341 meeting takes place after a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy is filed. It is a meeting between the person filing, their attorney, and the trustee appointed to oversee the case. This post covers when the meeting typically takes place and what the trustee...
by Jacob Maegli | Oct 12, 2026 | Bankruptcy
A free help desk is available at the Rockford bankruptcy court for people who have filed pro se or have general bankruptcy questions. It is meant to assist people through the process, but it is not a replacement for an attorney. Frequently Asked Questions Is there a...
by Jacob Maegli | Oct 10, 2026 | Bankruptcy
Bankruptcy exemptions can come from federal law or from state law. Illinois has opted out of the federal exemptions, so Illinois exemptions are the ones that apply, as long as a person has lived in the state for a designated period of time. A recent move to Illinois...
by Jacob Maegli | Oct 9, 2026 | Bankruptcy
Filing bankruptcy in Rockford, Illinois means filing in the Northern District of Illinois, Western Division. Which trustee handles the case depends on whether the filing is a Chapter 7 or a Chapter 13. Below are the trustees named for each chapter. Frequently Asked...
by Jacob Maegli | Oct 7, 2026 | Bankruptcy
This post covers where the bankruptcy court in Rockford, Illinois is located and whether filing for bankruptcy means showing up at the courthouse. It also covers the option of Zoom or virtual proceedings. Frequently Asked Questions What is the address of the...
by Jacob Maegli | Oct 6, 2026 | Bankruptcy
Bankruptcy is a federal process, so it is filed at the federal courthouse in Rockford, Illinois. Filing is not limited to people who live in the city of Rockford. The court covers the entire Western Division of the Northern District of Illinois. Frequently Asked...
by Jacob Maegli | Oct 5, 2026 | Bankruptcy
Many people wonder whether bankruptcy only makes sense when several kinds of debt are involved. This post addresses whether bankruptcy is the right choice when credit cards are the only debt. It also covers how the mix of debts, such as credit cards, medical debts,...
by Jacob Maegli | Oct 2, 2026 | Bankruptcy
Credit score on bankruptcy: filing does not reset a credit score to zero, and a drop is not automatic. What happens depends on the case and on the credit score at the time of filing. Jacob addresses two common misconceptions and the factors that can affect the result....
by Jacob Maegli | Oct 1, 2026 | Bankruptcy
Deciding between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy depends on several factors. This post covers the household income comparison, the role of assets, and the types of debt that can be discharged. Frequently Asked Questions How do I know if I should file Chapter 7 or...
