Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Attorney in Marrero

Personal, Local Help When Debt Feels Overwhelming

If you are buried in bills and constant creditor calls, it can be hard to see a way out. Chapter 7 bankruptcy is a legal tool that can wipe out many unsecured debts and give you space to rebuild. As a Chapter 7 bankruptcy attorney in Marrero who helps people across Jefferson Parish, my job is to guide you through that process with clarity and respect.

Since 2012, I have handled thousands of debt-related matters for individuals and families who felt like they had run out of options. I work directly with every client who comes through my door. When you contact Sisk Law Firm, you speak with me, not a case manager, and we talk about whether Chapter 7 fits your situation.

Your first consultation is free, and I offer payment options designed for people who are already under financial strain. If you live in Marrero or the surrounding area and you are wondering how Chapter 7 works, I can walk you through your options step by step.

Get debt relief—speak directly with a trusted Chapter 7 bankruptcy attorney in Marrero today. Call (504) 499-5919 now or reach out online.

Is Chapter 7 Right For You

Many people who call my office feel embarrassed or worried that they waited too long to ask for help. In reality, I regularly meet with people from Marrero who are dealing with credit card balances that never go down, large medical bills, signature loans, or payday loans that keep rolling over. Consumer bankruptcy, including Chapter 7, is often considered when these unsecured debts have become impossible to manage.

Chapter 7 is sometimes called liquidation bankruptcy. In many consumer bankruptcy cases, people keep most or all of their essential property while eliminating qualifying unsecured debts. Debts such as most credit cards, many medical accounts, and certain personal loans can often be discharged. Some obligations, including recent taxes, student loans, and domestic support, are treated differently or are not discharged under current law.

Whether you qualify for Chapter 7 depends in part on your income, household size, and recent financial history. There is a means test that compares your income to figures used for Louisiana, and we also look at your actual budget and necessary expenses. During a consultation, I review your pay information, your debts, and any recent transfers or large purchases so we can see if Chapter 7 is a realistic option or if another path makes more sense.

Part of my role as a chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer in Marrero that residents can turn to is to give honest advice. Sometimes that means confirming that Chapter 7 is the right step. Other times, it means explaining why Chapter 13 or a different approach would better protect your property or address your goals. My focus is on the long term stability of you and your family, not simply filing a case.

How I Guide You Through Chapter 7

Filing bankruptcy can feel intimidating when you do not know what to expect. I find that stress drops off once people understand the steps. When you hire me, I handle every legal stage personally and stay in touch so you are never left wondering what comes next.

Our work together usually begins with a free consultation where we talk about your debts, income, and concerns about property. I ask for information such as pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, and a list of all creditors. Once I have these documents, I prepare the bankruptcy petition and schedules, and I go through them with you to make sure they are complete and accurate before anything is filed with the court.

After your case is filed, the automatic stay usually goes into effect. This court protection generally stops most collection activity, including many lawsuits, wage garnishments, and phone calls. The court then schedules a meeting of creditors, also called a 341 meeting. You attend this brief meeting, often by phone or video, and answer questions from the trustee about your finances. I prepare you for that meeting in advance and attend with you so you know what to expect.

In a typical Chapter 7 case, you complete a credit counseling course before filing and a financial management course after filing. These are required by law and can be completed online or by phone. Once the trustee has reviewed your case and any property issues are addressed, the court generally issues a discharge order that wipes out qualifying debts. My diligent work ethic and attention to financial details are focused on helping you navigate these steps with as few surprises as possible.

Because I am a solo practitioner, you always know who is reviewing your paperwork, answering your questions, and appearing with you. I do not hand your case to a junior lawyer or a case manager. My goal is to provide a level of detailed attention that gives you confidence throughout the process.

Filing Chapter 7 In Marrero

Residents of Marrero and the rest of Jefferson Parish file bankruptcy in the federal court system that serves this region. Cases originating in this parish are typically handled by the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. The meeting of creditors is scheduled through that court, and in many cases, these meetings take place by telephone or video, which can be helpful for people who work or have family obligations.

Louisiana has its own exemption rules that determine what property you may protect in Chapter 7. These rules are important for people who are concerned about keeping a vehicle, household goods, or some equity in a home. During our meetings, I review how these exemptions may apply to your specific assets, including your car, furniture, and other everyday items, so you have a clear picture of what is at risk and what is protected under current law.

Clients from Marrero often ask how filing will affect local wage garnishments, bank accounts at area institutions, or medical bills from hospitals and clinics in Jefferson Parish. When a case is filed, the automatic stay typically tells most creditors to stop collection, including many garnishments and lawsuits, as long as they fall within the kinds of debts covered by the bankruptcy code. I help you understand which of your particular creditors are affected and what steps usually follow in this area.

My office is in Metairie, and I regularly work with individuals and families who live and work in Marrero. That local focus means I am familiar with the types of debts and financial pressures people here face, whether those come from service industry jobs, industrial work, or medical costs. When I give you advice, it is grounded in how the process actually plays out for residents of Jefferson Parish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose my car if I file Chapter 7

Many clients can keep a vehicle, but it depends on your equity, exemptions, and whether there is a loan. I review your car’s value, what you owe, and the Louisiana exemption rules. Together, we decide how Chapter 7 or another option may affect your specific vehicle.

How do I know if I qualify for Chapter 7

Eligibility is based on your income, household size, and overall financial picture. I compare your numbers to the means test figures used in Louisiana and review your recent financial history. After looking at your documents, I explain whether Chapter 7, Chapter 13, or another approach fits best.

How much does it cost to hire you?

Your first consultation is free. If you decide to move forward, we talk about the court filing fee and my attorney's fee for Chapter 7 work. I outline payment options so you can plan, and I keep the discussion straightforward so there are no surprises.

What happens to collection calls after I file

Once a Chapter 7 case is filed, the automatic stay generally tells most creditors to stop collection efforts, including many phone calls and letters. There are some exceptions, but most clients notice a significant change. I explain how this protection applies to your specific creditors before we file.

Will I work directly with you on my case

Yes. I personally handle every stage of your case, from the first meeting through the discharge. You do not get passed to a case manager or junior lawyer. When questions come up, you can contact my office and speak with me about your concerns and next steps.

Costs, Payment Options & Next Steps

For many people, the biggest hesitation about calling a lawyer is cost. It can feel strange to think about hiring an attorney when you are already behind on bills. That is why I offer a free initial consultation where we talk about your situation and your options before you pay any legal fees.

In a typical Chapter 7 case, there are two main cost components. There is a court filing fee set by the federal court system, and there is the attorney's fee for the legal work involved in analyzing your situation, preparing your petition, and guiding you through the process. I discuss these costs with you up front and outline payment options that are realistic given your budget. The goal is to make getting sound legal advice possible even when money is tight.

Many people want to know how filing will affect their credit. Bankruptcy does appear on your credit report for a period of time, but for clients who are already past due on multiple accounts, the filing can be the first step toward rebuilding. After a discharge, some people find it easier to manage a realistic budget, and over time, that can support better credit than carrying unmanageable debt.

If you are unsure whether talking to a chapter 7 bankruptcy attorney, Marrero residents trust is the right step, remember that a conversation does not commit you to filing. In our first meeting, I listen, ask questions, and explain your choices. You leave with more information, not pressure. When you are ready, we can move forward at a pace that makes sense for you.

To discuss your situation directly with our Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer in Marrero and learn whether Chapter 7 could help, reach out online or call (504) 499-5919.