Bankruptcy Attorney in New Orleans

A New Orleans Native Who Has Handled Thousands of Bankruptcy Cases Since 2012

When debt becomes unmanageable, bankruptcy can provide a legal path to relief. I’m Christopher Sisk, a New Orleans native and solo bankruptcy attorney in practice since 2012. At Sisk Law Firm, I personally handle every aspect of each client’s case, from the first consultation through the final discharge. You won’t be handed off to a case manager or associate. Services include Chapter 7 bankruptcy, Chapter 13 bankruptcy, debt settlement and reorganization, foreclosure defense, creditor harassment defense, and wage garnishment relief. Over thousands of debt-related cases, I’ve helped individuals and families across the New Orleans area find their footing again. A free initial consultation is available to get started.

Cases for New Orleans residents are filed with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. Whether you’re fielding creditor calls, facing a foreclosure notice, or watching wage garnishment cut into your paycheck, identifying which chapter of bankruptcy fits your situation is the first step. Louisiana’s state exemptions and local economic conditions both factor into that decision, which is why local knowledge matters from the start.

Available debt relief options include:

• Chapter 7 Bankruptcy: A liquidation chapter that can discharge many unsecured debts, including credit cards and medical bills, for qualifying filers.
• Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: A reorganization chapter that lets filers with regular income catch up on secured debts like mortgages through a three-to-five-year court-approved repayment plan.
• State Exemptions: Louisiana law protects certain property during bankruptcy, including homestead equity and personal property such as vehicles and household items.

Ready to talk through your options? Call (504) 499-5919 or contact Sisk Law Firm online to schedule your free consultation.

How the Bankruptcy Process Works in New Orleans

Filing for bankruptcy involves a defined sequence of steps, and I guide clients through each one personally. Before any petition is filed, I review your debts, income, and assets to determine eligibility and identify the appropriate chapter. Chapter 7 eligibility depends on passing the means test, which compares your income to Louisiana median income figures based on household size. Chapter 13 requires a repayment plan covering three to five years, submitted to and confirmed by the court.

Once your petition is filed with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, the automatic stay takes effect, which can stop most collection actions, including creditor calls, lawsuits, foreclosure proceedings, and wage garnishment. I handle all required paperwork and court filings, and I prepare you for the 341 meeting of creditors, where a trustee asks standard questions about your finances under oath. From document gathering to creditor negotiations, every step is managed directly by me.

Steps in the bankruptcy process include:

• Financial Assessment: Reviewing debts, assets, and income to determine eligibility and the right chapter for your situation.
• Document Preparation: Gathering pay stubs, tax returns, and account statements, and completing required pre-filing credit counseling.
• Filing the Petition: Submitting accurate and complete paperwork to initiate your case in the Eastern District of Louisiana.
• Automatic Stay: Protection from most collection activity may begin once the petition is filed.
• 341 Meeting of Creditors: A brief hearing where the trustee asks questions about your financial disclosures under oath.
• Discharge or Plan Confirmation: Chapter 7 cases may proceed to discharge of eligible debts. Chapter 13 cases may receive court confirmation of the repayment plan.

What New Orleans Filers Need to Know About Louisiana Bankruptcy Law

Bankruptcy strategy in New Orleans isn’t one-size-fits-all. Louisiana is a community property state, which can affect how joint assets and debts are treated when a married individual files. Louisiana’s homestead exemption protects equity in a primary residence, and personal property exemptions cover vehicles and household items, though maximizing those protections depends on the specifics of each filing. I’m a member of the New Orleans Bar Association and have practiced in New Orleans-area courts throughout my career, so I know what the trustees in the Eastern District expect to see.

New Orleans’ economy, shaped in large part by tourism, hospitality, and seasonal employment, can produce income variability that directly affects the means test calculation and the feasibility of a Chapter 13 repayment plan. That context matters when determining which chapter to file and how to structure the paperwork. Familiarity with local court procedures means your case is prepared in a way that anticipates trustee questions and avoids unnecessary delays.

Direct Access to Your Attorney From Start to Finish

I don’t delegate your case to a case manager or associate. Every detail is handled personally by me, providing consistency and clarity at every stage. In practice since 2012, with thousands of debt-related cases resolved, I bring direct experience to every filing, not a junior attorney learning on the job.

Clients benefit from:

• Free Consultation: Understand your options before committing to anything.
• Direct Attorney Access: Every aspect of your case is handled personally by me, not a case manager or associate.
• Convenient Payment Options: Including $0 down until filing, designed to reduce financial pressure during the process.

Call (504) 499-5919 or complete the online form to schedule your free consultation with me directly.