Bankruptcy Relief
Chapter 7
Bankruptcy
Eliminate overwhelming debt and get a genuine fresh start — often in as little as 4 to 6 months. Foster Law Offices guides families in Allegheny, Butler, Washington, Lawrence, Mercer, and New Castle counties through every step.
A Legal Path to Eliminate Your Debt
Chapter 7 is the most common form of personal bankruptcy in the United States. It allows individuals and families to legally discharge — permanently eliminate — most unsecured debts, including credit cards, medical bills, personal loans, and utility arrears.
When you file, an automatic stay immediately goes into effect. This legally stops all collection calls, wage garnishments, lawsuits, and creditor harassment — often within 24 hours of filing.
Most Chapter 7 cases are resolved in 4 to 6 months, giving you a clean slate to rebuild your financial life without the crushing weight of unmanageable debt.
Creditor Calls & Harassment
Wage garnishments, lawsuits,
collection letters & repossessions
Automatic Stay
Takes effect the moment
you file — within 24 hours
Debt Relief
What Chapter 7 Can — and Cannot — Eliminate
Debts That Can Be Discharged
- Credit card balances
- Medical bills
- Personal and payday loans
- Utility arrears
- Certain older income tax debts
- Deficiency balances after repossession
- Hospital bills
Debts That Cannot Be Discharged
- Child support and alimony
- Most student loans
- Recent income tax debts
- Criminal fines and restitution
- Debts from fraud or misrepresentation
- DUI-related injury debts
- Recent luxury purchases (90 days)
- Debts not listed in your filing
Do You Qualify?
Chapter 7 Eligibility
To file Chapter 7, you must pass the "means test" — a calculation that compares your income to Pennsylvania's median income. Most of our clients qualify. Here's how it works:
Income Below Median
If your average monthly income over the past 6 months is below Pennsylvania's median income for your household size, you automatically qualify — no further testing needed.
Income Above Median
If your income exceeds the median, we calculate your disposable income after allowed expenses. If the result is low enough, you still qualify for Chapter 7.
Credit Counseling
You must complete an approved credit counseling course within 180 days before filing. We will guide you to an approved provider — it typically takes about an hour online.
Step by Step
How the Chapter 7 Process Works
Free Consultation
We review your debts, income, and assets to confirm Chapter 7 is the right path. No pressure, no obligation.
Gather Documents
We provide a simple checklist — pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, and a list of debts. We handle the rest.
Complete Credit Counseling
A quick online course (about 1 hour) required by law before filing. We point you to an approved provider.
We File Your Petition
We prepare and file all paperwork with the bankruptcy court. The automatic stay takes effect immediately — stopping all creditor contact.
Meeting of Creditors
About 30 days after filing, you attend a brief meeting (typically 5–10 minutes) with the bankruptcy trustee. We prepare you fully and attend with you.
Discharge & Fresh Start
Approximately 60 days after the creditors' meeting, your eligible debts are permanently discharged. You're free to start rebuilding.
Common Questions
Chapter 7 FAQ
Ready to Eliminate Your Debt?
Your free consultation is confidential and comes with no obligation. Let's talk about whether Chapter 7 is right for you.