Bankruptcy Law
Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 for individuals and small businesses.
Cincinnati Bankruptcy Lawyers for Chapter 7 & 13
For over 40 years Mezher Law has represented individuals and small businesses in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
We advise on bankruptcies and reorganizations and walk clients through the bankruptcy code and process.
Filing can also stop collection while a case is pending. The automatic stay can halt wage garnishment, vehicle repossession, and foreclosure, and it can give you time to decide whether Chapter 7, Chapter 13, or another path fits what you owe, what you own, and what you need to protect.
Looking for a Bankruptcy Attorney Near You?
Call or message us to talk through your situation.
Our Services Include
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
- We represent individuals, couples, and small businesses in Chapter 7 bankruptcy filings.
- Chapter 7 is typically a liquidation case that can discharge qualifying unsecured debt more quickly, often in a few months.
- Our team has guided Chapter 7 clients through this process for more than 40 years.
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
- We represent individuals, couples, and small businesses in Chapter 13 bankruptcy filings.
- Chapter 13 is a three- to five-year repayment plan that can help you catch up on a mortgage or car loan while still addressing other debts.
- Our team has guided Chapter 13 clients through this process for more than 40 years.
Bankruptcy & Divorce
- If a recent divorce has left you financially overwhelmed, bankruptcy can help you turn the page.
- Filing can be a way to begin a new financial chapter with more clarity and stability.
Bankruptcy & Student Loans
- If you are drowning in student loan debt, bankruptcy may offer options to make repayment more manageable.
- Student loans are not typically discharged, but bankruptcy can still provide tools for more affordable payments that better fit your budget.
Bankruptcy & Vehicle Repossession
- If you are falling behind on vehicle payments, filing for bankruptcy can immediately stop repossession efforts.
- It may also help you get back on track with payments that are more manageable so you can keep your vehicle.
Bankruptcy & Taxes
- If you owe taxes and feel like there is no end in sight, bankruptcy may offer a path forward.
- Most tax debts cannot be discharged, but filing can stop interest from continuing to grow and give you room to regain financial stability.
Bankruptcy & Wage Garnishment
- If your wages or bank accounts are being garnished, filing for bankruptcy can stop the garnishment.
- That relief is often immediate, and it can put you back in control of your financial future.
Bankruptcy & Foreclosure
- If you are struggling to make a mortgage payment, or your lender will no longer work with you on a loan modification, bankruptcy can help you keep your home.
- Filing can also give you time to catch up on your mortgage during the bankruptcy proceeding.
What to Expect
Here is how working with Mezher Law typically moves forward on a bankruptcy matter.
- Talk through your finances — We review what you owe, what you own, and what you need to protect, then explain whether Chapter 7, Chapter 13, or another path fits.
- We prepare the petition — You provide documents. We prepare the filing and, when needed, a Chapter 13 plan, then meet with you to review and sign.
- File and follow through — The case is filed in federal court. We attend the meeting of creditors with you and stay with the matter through discharge.
Why Choose Mezher Law
- Experience Matters — Our team brings a combined 65 years of experience representing clients in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 matters, from the first consultation through the meeting of creditors and discharge.
- Problem Solvers — We thoughtfully strategize each case around what you need to protect (a home, a vehicle, income, or a small business) and pursue the best possible outcome under the Bankruptcy Code.
- Client-Focused — We are committed to helping clients understand the law, how it affects their situation, and how our services can provide relief and a meaningful solution, without a long-term repayment plan when Chapter 7 fits.
FAQs
Chapter 7 is typically a liquidation case that can discharge qualifying debt more quickly. Chapter 13 is a repayment plan that can help you catch up on a mortgage or car loan while still addressing other debts. Which chapter fits depends on your income, assets, and goals.
Not necessarily. Many clients keep a home or vehicle, especially when they are current or can catch up through a Chapter 13 plan. We review exemptions and your payment situation before recommending a filing.
Filing generally triggers an automatic stay that can stop wage garnishment, repossession, and foreclosure while the case proceeds. Timing matters, so it is important to talk with us before a sale date or continued garnishment.
A straightforward Chapter 7 case often lasts a few months. A Chapter 13 plan typically runs three to five years. Complexity, missing documents, or objections can add time.
Yes. All debts must be listed in the petition, including debts you hope to keep paying, such as a mortgage or car loan.
The means test evaluates income and expenses to determine Chapter 7 eligibility. Those whose income is below the applicable median, or who demonstrate limited disposable income, may qualify. If you do not qualify for Chapter 7, Chapter 13 may still be available.
A bankruptcy typically stays on a credit report for 7 to 10 years. Many individuals can begin rebuilding credit within one to two years after filing, and a Chapter 13 score often improves over the course of the plan.