Las Vegas Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Lawyers for Individuals
When debt becomes too much to handle, Chapter 7 bankruptcy offers a legal path to eliminate overwhelming financial burdens and start fresh. If you’re dealing with constant collection calls, mounting credit card bills, medical debt, or the threat of lawsuits or wage garnishment, Chapter 7 could provide the relief you need.
At Larson & Zirzow, we guide individuals and families across Las Vegas through the Chapter 7 process with skill, compassion, and attention to detail. As a boutique law firm, we don’t rush clients through a system or offer one-size-fits-all advice. We take the time to understand your financial picture and tailor solutions that meets your needs, rather than what’s most convenient for us.
If you qualify for Chapter 7, you may be able to discharge most of your unsecured debts and start building a more secure future within a matter of months. Contact our Las Vegas Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyers today. We know how to take advantage of every tool available to discharge your debt while keeping your assets intact and getting creditors off your back.
What Is Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?
Chapter 7 is a form of bankruptcy designed to give individuals a fresh start by wiping out certain types of debt, often referred to as “consumer” debts. Chapter 7 is sometimes called a “liquidation” bankruptcy because a Chapter 7 bankruptcy trustee has the power to sell certain assets and pay creditors as part of the process. In most cases, we can help people who file under Chapter 7 keep all of their property by making full use of the exemptions provided under Nevada law so there aren’t any assets that a Chapter 7 trustee to sell to pay creditors.
The moment you file Chapter 7, your creditors must stop all collection activity, including phone calls, wage garnishments, lawsuits, and repossession efforts, due to what is known as the Automatic Stay. After a brief process that typically lasts about four to six months, your qualifying debts are discharged, and you can move forward with your life without feeling the constant pressure of juggling unmanageable bills.
What Debts Can Chapter 7 Eliminate?
Chapter 7 can wipe out many types of unsecured debt, including:
- Credit card balances
- Medical bills
- Personal loans and payday loans
- Utility bills
- Old lease obligations
- Deficiency balances on repossessed vehicles
- Certain forms of tax debt
Some categories of debt cannot typically be discharged, such as child support, alimony, and debts incurred through fraud or malicious conduct. We’ll help you understand which of your debts can be discharged and whether Chapter 7 will provide the relief you need.
Will I Lose My Property in Chapter 7?
This is one of the most common concerns people have, and in most cases the answer is no. Nevada law provides some of the most generous bankruptcy exemptions in the United States that can protect nearly all the assets most people own. For example, you may be able to keep:
- Your home, up to Nevada’s homestead exemption limits
- Your car, depending on its equity
- Wages deposited in bank accounts
- Most clothing, household goods, furniture, and appliances
- Qualified retirement accounts and pensions
- Tools of your trade
Part of our job at Larson & Zirzow is to carefully evaluate your assets, strategically apply all available exemptions, and protect your property to the fullest extent of the law. We don’t believe in taking unnecessary risks or shortcuts. We do the hard work to make sure you get the best protection available.
Who Qualifies for Chapter 7?
Not everyone is eligible to file for Chapter 7. To qualify, you’ll need to pass the Means Test, which compares your income to the median income in Nevada for your household size. If your income is below the median, you generally qualify. If it’s above, we analyze your expenses and obligations to see whether your disposable income leaves you eligible.
Even if you qualify under the Means Test, we’ll look at your full financial picture, including any recent asset transfers, luxury purchases, or potential legal issues, to make sure there are no red flags that could complicate your case. Our goal is to file a strong, clean petition that moves your Chapter 7 case forward smoothly and delivers the results you need.
The Chapter 7 Process
Here’s what to expect when filing Chapter 7 with Larson & Zirzow in Las Vegas:
- Initial Consultation: We take the time to understand your situation and goals. If bankruptcy isn’t the right solution, we’ll help you explore alternatives.
- Pre-Filing Preparation: We help you gather financial documents, complete the required credit counseling, and carefully prepare your bankruptcy petition.
- Filing the Petition: Once your petition is filed with the court, the Automatic Stay goes into effect, stopping most collection actions immediately.
- 341 Meeting of Creditors: You’ll attend a brief hearing with the bankruptcy trustee (not a judge). An attorney will be right by your side for this hearing.
- Discharge: After about 60–90 days, you’ll receive a discharge of qualifying debts, giving you a true financial fresh start.
From start to finish, we handle everything with diligence and care so you can focus on rebuilding your life.
Larson & Zirzow Does Chapter 7 Differently
There are plenty of firms that promise fast, cheap bankruptcy filings, but speed sacrifices quality. A rushed or poorly prepared Chapter 7 case can lead to delays, unanticipated loss of assets, or even dismissal of the case.
At Larson & Zirzow, we approach every case with the care it deserves. We are not a volume practice. We take the time to understand your full financial landscape so we can strategize around exemptions to protect your property and anticipate and address any legal risks. We handle all paperwork and court requirements with precision and stay in close communication so you’re never left wondering what’s happening.
We also don’t shy away from complex cases. If your situation involves disputes, nontraditional income, or potential litigation, we’re fully equipped to manage it. Our experienced team possesses a level of expertise and commitment to client service that few bankruptcy law firms in Nevada can match.
Life After Chapter 7
Filing for Chapter 7 is just the beginning. Once your debts are discharged, we’ll help you understand how to move forward. Many clients are surprised at how quickly they begin to rebuild their credit. With a clean slate and the right plan of action, you can often qualify for financing, buy a car, or even qualify for a mortgage sooner than you might expect.
We’ll also talk with you about budgeting, credit rebuilding, and making smart financial decisions to keep you moving forward.
Take the First Step Toward Your Fresh Start – Contact the Las Vegas Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Lawyers at Larson & Zirzow Today
If you’re overwhelmed by debt, struggling to pay your bills, or facing legal action from creditors, don’t wait. The sooner you speak with a knowledgeable bankruptcy attorney, the more options you may have to protect yourself.
Contact Larson & Zirzow today for a free, 30-minute telephone consultation. We’ll give you honest answers, explain your options, and help you decide whether Chapter 7 is the right choice for you. If it is, we’ll handle every step of the process with care and skill, because you deserve more than just a quick fix. You deserve a real solution.