Las Vegas Personal Bankruptcy Lawyers

Debt is unforgiving and affects all aspects of life. Whether it’s brutal late fees and ridiculous interest rates charged by credit cards, a sudden job loss or unexpected medical bills, or trying to deal with personal loans, money judgments, or other liabilities, debts tend to pile up faster than they can be repaid and it can feel like there’s no way out. Ignoring the problem won’t make it go away, but you do have options. Bankruptcy law exists to stop debt collection and creditor harassment, giving people a chance to breathe again with the opportunity to rebuild with hope and stability.

At Larson & Zirzow, our Las Vegas personal bankruptcy lawyers help individuals and families find real solutions when debt becomes unmanageable. We are not a volume-driven bankruptcy mill that churns out paperwork and moves on to the next case as quickly as possible. We are a boutique firm that takes the time to understand your unique financial circumstances, explain all available options in plain language, and craft a strategy that protects what matters most to you.

If you’re struggling under the weight of credit cards, personal loans, or medical bills, been threatened with lawsuits or have judgments entered against you, or are facing the threat of wages garnishments, or even losing your home or car, personal bankruptcy might provide the fresh start you need. Let us help you find relief, keep your property, and build a brighter future, starting now.

What Personal Bankruptcy Can Do For You

Bankruptcy is more than paperwork and court hearings. It’s a powerful legal tool designed to help people take back control of their lives. Depending on your situation, personal bankruptcy can accomplish things you may not have even considered:

• Wipe Out Unsecured Debt: Credit cards, personal loans, payday loans, medical debts, and even certain tax debts — nearly all unsecured debts can be eliminated by a bankruptcy discharge.
• Stop Creditor Harassment: The moment you file for bankruptcy, the Automatic Stay goes into effect, immediately stopping collection calls, lawsuits, wage garnishments, and repossessions.
• Save Your Home or Car: Bankruptcy can stop foreclosures and repossessions, giving people time to catch up on missed payments while keeping their property.
• Protect Your Income: Bankruptcy can end wage garnishments and free up more of your paycheck for you and your family.
• Provide Peace of Mind: Knowing that you have a clear, manageable path forward — and that your creditors must follow the law or face the consequences — can lift a huge weight off your shoulders.

When handled by an experienced lawyer, a bankruptcy case can preserve your dignity, protect your assets, and help put you back in control of your life.

Your Options: Chapter 7 and Chapter 13

Most individuals and families file under either Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 of the Bankruptcy Code. Each type of bankruptcy has its own rules, benefits, and eligibility requirements. At Larson & Zirzow, we’ll help you understand which option fits your unique financial circumstances and goals. Our strengths are our expertise and commitment to you; we take advantage of every tool available and tailor solutions to meet your unique needs. We think of it all, and we do it all.

Chapter 7 — Quick and Clean Debt Relief for Qualifying Debtors

Chapter 7 is often called a “liquidation bankruptcy,” but that term can be misleading. In reality, most people who qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy keep all of their property thanks to Nevada’s generous exemption laws and a skilled attorney who knows how to properly apply them.

Chapter 7 is designed for people with limited income who cannot realistically repay their debts. Once filed, most unsecured debts like credit cards, personal loans, medical bills, payday loans, and even certain tax debts can be wiped out in a matter of a few months. Chapter 7 does not require a repayment plan; instead, it provides fast, straightforward elimination of dischargeable debts for individuals who qualify.

Qualifying for Chapter 7 depends in part on passing the Means Test, which looks at your income, expenses, and household size. If your income is below Nevada’s median for your household size, or if your disposable income after allowed expenses is limited, you may be eligible for a Chapter 7 discharge.

Chapter 13 — A Repayment Plan to Protect What Matters

Chapter 13 is usually referred to as a “reorganization bankruptcy,” or a “wage earner’s bankruptcy,” because it’s designed for people who have regular monthly income who need the benefit of time to repay certain debts with manageable monthly payments. Unlike Chapter 7, which wipes out debts quickly, Chapter 13 involves a three-year or five-year repayment plan, but it comes with some very powerful tools.

Chapter 13 is best for people who have fallen behind on mortgage payments or car loans but want to keep their home or vehicle. Using Chapter 13, you can catch up on past-due payments while also addressing other debts, like certain tax liabilities, often paying only a fraction of what you owe to unsecured creditors like credit cards and medical bills. Once the plan is complete, any remaining eligible debts can be discharged.

Chapter 13 is also useful for people who earn too much to qualify for Chapter 7 or who have non-exempt property they wish to keep. The structure gives you time and breathing room to get current and regain financial stability under the protection of the court.

How Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Compare

At first glance, the two chapters have similar goals — helping you regain control of your finances and discharging debt you can’t afford. But they work in different ways:

• Discharge Timing: Chapter 7 usually provides a faster discharge (typically within four to six months). Chapter 13 involves completion of a three-year to five-year plan before the discharge.
• Property Protection: Chapter 7 relies on exemptions to protect your property. If you have significant non-exempt assets, you could risk losing them in a Chapter 7. Chapter 13 can help you keep your valuable assets by paying creditors over time.
• Eligibility: Chapter 7 requires passing the Means Test or qualifying under the median income threshold. Chapter 13 requires sufficient regular monthly income to maintain living expenses and make payments under a Chapter 13 plan.
• Goal: Chapter 7 wipes out dischargeable debts outright. Chapter 13 may require repayment of a portion of your debts over time, while accomplishing other goals such as catching up on past-due mortgage or vehicle payments, and then wipes out any remaining dischargeable debts when the plan is completed.

Choosing the right path depends on your income, the type of debts and property you have, and consideration of both your short-term goals and your long-term future plans. We can walk you through every detail so you can make an informed choice that aligns with your best interests.

A Fresh Start Begins With the Right Guidance

Filing for bankruptcy is not something anyone should handle alone. Mistakes, missed deadlines, or misunderstandings can lead to dismissed cases or loss of valuable property that could have otherwise been protected. At Larson & Zirzow, we do more than prepare your bankruptcy paperwork. We help you plan strategically, navigate the process from start to finish, and rebuild your financial life after your case completes.

We’ll help you understand Nevada’s bankruptcy exemptions, explain how the Automatic Stay protects you, and make sure your filing is complete and accurate. And we’ll be by your side at your meeting of creditors and represent you in court hearings, giving you peace of mind that you’re not facing this challenge alone.

Helping You See the Bigger Picture

For us, bankruptcy isn’t just a legal process. It’s a chance to help you build a better financial future. We make sure our clients understand how to protect themselves going forward, how to rebuild credit responsibly, and how to put the pieces back together with confidence.

We don’t believe in taking the easiest route for us. We believe in finding the best path for you, even if that means exploring non-bankruptcy options when they make more sense. Our mission is to deliver solutions that work, not just solutions that are convenient.

Take the First Step Toward Relief – Call Larson & Zirzow Personal Bankruptcy Lawyers Today

If you’re overwhelmed by debt and need a path forward, Larson & Zirzow is here to help. You don’t have to lose your home, your car, or your sanity dealing with endless threatening calls from creditors and debt collectors.

Contact us today for a free 30-minute phone consultation. We’ll take the time to learn your story, answer your questions, and help you decide if Chapter 7, Chapter 13, or another approach is right for you. Together, we can take the first step toward the fresh start you deserve.