Bankruptcy Attorney in Alpharetta

Clear Guidance When Debt Feels Unmanageable

When bills keep piling up, and the phone will not stop ringing, it can feel like you are running out of options. If you are struggling with debt in Alpharetta, a bankruptcy attorney can help you understand whether Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 is a realistic path to relief. At Law Office of Danielle J. Eliot, P.C., our firm focuses only on consumer bankruptcy for individuals and families.

We know that most people who contact us never expected to be in this position. Job loss, medical issues, divorce, or simply rising costs can push even careful planners into serious financial trouble. Our role is to give you calm, clear information about your options, not to judge how you got here.

As a boutique office, we take time to listen and to explain each step in plain language. We help clients in Alpharetta and nearby communities explore both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13, then decide what fits their situation.

If debt is making it hard to see a way forward, you do not have to figure it out alone. Call (770) 343-7570 or contact us online to speak with a bankruptcy attorney in Alpharetta.

What To Do When Debt Feels Overwhelming

By the time many people reach out to us, they have been dealing with late notices, lawsuits, or threats of garnishment for months. If you live or work in Alpharetta and feel like you are out of options, there are steps you can take now to protect yourself and prepare for a conversation with a bankruptcy lawyer.

Instead of waiting for the next collection action, it can help to pause and get organized. This does not have to be perfect. Gathering even a basic picture of your income, monthly expenses, and debts makes your first consultation more productive. We then fill in the gaps with you.

Here are practical steps you can take before and during a consultation:

• Make a simple list of all debts, including credit cards, medical bills, personal loans, tax debts, and any lawsuits against you.
• Collect recent pay stubs, benefit statements, or other proof of income, plus your most recent tax return if you have it.
• Set aside mortgage or lease information and car loan details so we can discuss how bankruptcy may affect your home and vehicles.
• Avoid using new credit cards or taking out new loans just to stay current, since that can complicate your options.
• Schedule a consultation with our office so we can review your situation and explain potential next steps.

During an initial consultation, which we can conduct by phone for your convenience, we walk through these details together. We explain what bankruptcy can and cannot do, and we discuss whether waiting, negotiating, or filing might make more sense based on your circumstances. Talking with our bankruptcy lawyer in Alpharetta does not lock you into filing; it gives you information so you can decide.

Understanding Chapter 7 & Chapter 13

Most individuals who file consumer bankruptcy use either Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. Each chapter serves a different purpose, and part of our work is to help you understand which, if any, fits your goals. During a consultation, we look carefully at your income, property, and type of debt before suggesting a path.

Chapter 7 is often described as a liquidation case. In many situations, people who qualify for Chapter 7 keep all or most of their everyday property, such as basic household goods, clothing, and in some cases, equity in a vehicle or home, because certain property is protected by law. Unsecured debts like credit cards and many medical bills are typically eligible for discharge. Qualification generally depends on your income level, household size, and recent financial history.

Chapter 13 works differently. Instead of a quick discharge, you enter a court-approved repayment plan that usually lasts three to five years. This chapter can be especially helpful if you are behind on a mortgage or car loan but want to try to keep the property. The plan groups your debts into a single monthly payment, which you make to a trustee. As long as you follow the plan, it can stop foreclosure or repossession efforts in many cases.

Our role is to explain how each chapter would look in your real life. We discuss questions such as whether you are likely to pass the means test for Chapter 7, how a repayment plan might fit your budget, and how each chapter may affect co-signers. We also talk candidly about how filing often appears on your credit report and how many people are still able to rebuild credit over time.

Because bankruptcy is handled in federal court, residents of Alpharetta generally have their cases filed in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Georgia. We explain what that means in practical terms, including what kinds of hearings you may attend and what you can expect if you need to appear.

What To Expect When You Work With Us

Uncertainty about the process keeps many people from reaching out for help. We believe that knowing what to expect makes the decision less intimidating. From the first phone call, we focus on explaining the path ahead in clear, manageable steps.

The process often begins with a consultation by phone or in person. During that conversation, we review your income, assets, debts, and goals. If bankruptcy appears to be a good option, we outline whether Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 might fit and what information we still need from you. You have time to ask questions and think through your choices.

Once you decide to move forward, we work with you to gather the required documents and complete the necessary forms. We explain each major document before it is filed so you understand what it says about you. Because our office allows you to file bankruptcy over the phone without upfront costs, much of this preparation can be completed from your home or workplace.

After your case is filed, you are generally protected by the automatic stay, which is a legal protection that usually stops most collection efforts. We prepare you for the required meeting with the trustee, sometimes called the 341 meeting, and explain who will be there and what questions you might be asked. Throughout the process, our goal is to keep you informed and to respond promptly when you reach out with concerns.

We cannot promise a specific outcome, because results depend on your particular finances, the chapter you file, and how the court applies the law. What we can promise is that we will treat you with respect, provide clear explanations, and work to help you move toward greater financial stability.

Why Work With Our Bankruptcy Firm

Choosing the right bankruptcy lawyer is about more than filling out forms. You need someone who understands consumer bankruptcy and who will walk with you from the first conversation to the final court order. Our firm is dedicated exclusively to Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases for individuals, not a long list of different practice areas.

This narrow focus means our daily work centers on the same questions you are asking now. We spend our time evaluating income, debt, property, and goals, then helping clients understand how the law applies to them. When you contact us, you work with a bankruptcy attorney in Alpharetta who is familiar with the practical issues people face in the local area.

As a boutique law office, we intentionally keep our caseload manageable so we can provide personal attention. We explain why certain documents are needed, what each filing means, and what you can expect at key points in your case. Clients are treated as partners in the process, not as file numbers moving through a system.

We also know that when you are already behind on bills, paying a large fee upfront is often not realistic. Our office offers a client-friendly approach that allows you to file for bankruptcy over the phone without upfront costs. Many clients appreciate being able to handle most of the process by phone, especially if they have demanding work schedules, transportation challenges, or simply prefer the privacy of starting from home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose my house if I file for bankruptcy?

Many people keep their homes when they file, especially if they are current on payments or use Chapter 13 to catch up. Whether you can keep your home depends on equity, exemptions, and your mortgage status. We review these details with you before you decide how to proceed.

How much does it cost to hire your firm?

We know cost is a major concern. Our office offers a structure that allows clients to file over the phone without upfront costs, then pay fees over time. The exact amount depends on the chapter you file and the complexity of your case, which we discuss during your consultation.

How do I know if Chapter 7 or 13 is right for me?

The right chapter depends on your income, assets, and goals. Chapter 7 may work if your income is limited and you mainly have unsecured debts. Chapter 13 may fit if you need to catch up on a mortgage or car loan. We compare both options with you in detail.

How will bankruptcy affect my credit and future?

Bankruptcy usually appears on your credit report for several years, but many people begin rebuilding credit sooner than they expect. Lenders often look at your overall recent history, not just the filing. We talk about typical timelines and practical steps clients take to move forward after a case.

Can we handle everything by phone if I am busy?

In many cases, yes. Our office allows you to complete consultations and even file bankruptcy by phone, which helps if you are balancing work and family or prefer not to travel. We still keep you informed at each step and make sure you understand every important decision.

Talk With Our Alpharetta Bankruptcy Lawyer

If debt is controlling your days and keeping you up at night, talking with a bankruptcy lawyer in Alpharetta can give you a clearer picture of your options. A brief conversation can help you see whether Chapter 7, Chapter 13, or a different approach might offer the most relief.

At Law Office of Danielle J. Eliot, P.C., we focus solely on consumer bankruptcy and provide personalized guidance to people in Alpharetta and the surrounding area. You can begin the process with a convenient phone consultation with our bankruptcy attorney in Alpharetta, and our client-centered approach allows you to file without upfront costs. The first step is simply reaching out so we can learn about your situation.

We know this is not an easy decision. Our goal is to give you honest information and steady support so you can decide what is right for you and your family. When you are ready to talk about your options, call our bankruptcy lawyer in Alpharetta at (770) 343-7570 or contact us online.