West Haven Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Attorney

Chapter 7 bankruptcy provides people with financial problems the opportunity to clear up the majority of unsecured debts and start fresh. If you are having trouble with credit card balances, overdue bills, or paycheck deductions, a West Haven Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer will assist you with determining if this option is appropriate for you.
Tim Pletter and Ambrogio, Pletter & Associates, LLC, are highly experienced in bankruptcy law and have assisted hundreds of clients with Chapter 7 bankruptcy proceedings with confidence.
Attorney Tim Pletter is considered one of the Super Lawyers in Connecticut and has been helping residents in our community get out of debt since 1995. Our team will walk you through the Chapter 7 bankruptcy laws and offer the personalized strategy you require should you decide to file.
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Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Attorneys Today
To learn more about the benefits of bankruptcy and loan modifications
Why Choose Our Firm?
Here are some of the reasons why you should consider hiring a West Haven Chapter 7 bankruptcy attorney at our firm:
- In-depth knowledge of bankruptcy law: Our lawyers have managed to represent thousands of clients in Chapter 7 bankruptcy cases throughout the state of Connecticut. We have established a reputable history of guiding people and families through bankruptcy and preserving their rights in the federal and Connecticut bankruptcy system.
- Decades of practice: Having more than 30 years of professional experience, our team has gained a comprehensive understanding of the Bankruptcy Code, as well as local practice in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in the District of Connecticut (New Haven Division), 157 Church Street, New Haven, CT 06510.
- Proven case results: Tim Pletter and our firm have assisted clients around the greater New Haven County over the years to save or eliminate millions in unsecured debts, save vital property, and recover financial stability. Although each case is different, our findings reflect our interest in attaining meaningful debt relief solutions.
- Client-centered approach: We are proud of our firm and its responsiveness and compassionate representation. We know the strain that bankruptcy puts on a person, and we work hard to streamline the process, clarify your options in simple terms, and keep fighting on your behalf.
How Chapter 7 Works
There were over 300,000 Chapter 7 filings in 2024, a significant increase from the previous year. The process begins with the debtor filing a petition in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court of the District of Connecticut, which is followed by an automatic stay that terminates almost all actions taken by creditors to collect debt.
A trustee is designated to appraise property and administer the sale of property that is not entitled to protection under state or federal exemptions. Creditors are then informed, and the debtor makes an appearance at the necessary 341 meeting of creditors.
Upon the assumption that the necessary credit counseling and liquidation processes have been followed, the court then rules out a discharge of qualifying debts.
Because this statutory procedure is governed by Title 11 of the United States Code and is overseen by federal bankruptcy courts, debtors have an opportunity to have a clean start, as creditors are distributed fairly in the judicial system.
FAQs About West Haven, CT Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Laws
The average cost of filing under Chapter 7 bankruptcy in West Haven will consist of a court filing fee, attorney fees, and a mandatory credit-counseling/debtor-education fee. The U.S. Bankruptcy Court of the District of Connecticut now imposes a filing fee of $338 for Chapter 7. In Connecticut, attorney costs often vary from case to case, depending on the complexity.
The difficulty in getting approved for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in West Haven is mostly based on the satisfaction of federal requirements. The most important thing is passing the means test, where your income is compared to Connecticut’s established median income, which is approximately $82,341 when earning alone, per U.S. Census Bureau data.
When your income is less than the median, it is generally easier to get approval; however, higher earners must demonstrate low disposable income. There are other conditions that are required, such as the completion of credit counseling and filing with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in New Haven.
The question of whether or not lawyer fees can be included in Chapter 7 bankruptcy is a common one among West Haven residents. Attorney fees for Chapter 7 are due prior to filing your case under federal law, as any outstanding balance would be discharged in the same manner as any other debt.
After your petition has been submitted in the New Haven Division of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, your attorney cannot lawfully charge any remaining fees. You will also need to plan for the filing cost of $338 and the necessary counseling expenses.
Whether you will lose anything by filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy is a question likely to occur to West Haven residents. Under Chapter 7, exempt assets are protected and safe. Connecticut law allows you to keep necessities such as clothing, household goods, most retirement accounts, and up to $250,000 in home equity. As long as you are up-to-date with your car loan and do not have more than $7000 in equity, your car is also protected. In Connecticut, you can use Federal or State exemptions. Connecticut is not an opt out of state.
There is a possibility of losing some assets such as second homes, or high-value classic cars. Skilled lawyers at Ambrogio, Pletter & Associates, LLC assist clients with exemptions and the local court process.
Hire a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Lawyer
Chapter 7 and foreclosure are difficult to handle independently. When you are already under stress, gathering the appropriate documents, scouting your opportunities, and beating deadlines can be daunting.
The legal team at Ambrogio, Pletter & Associates, LLC, is available to help the residents of West Haven navigate these complicated procedures. Our goal is to keep your assets safe and assist you through bankruptcy in a responsible manner.
You can visit us at our West Haven office on Main Street, just near the City Hall, or make an appointment so that we can hear your story and determine the right way to proceed with your bankruptcy case.