Bankruptcy Texas Blog
Will I Still Get Child Support if the Other Parent Files Bankruptcy?
The Short Answer No, you will still get child support if the other parent files bankruptcy. Bankruptcy cannot erase child support in Texas. The law treats it as a protected, high-priority obligation that survives Chapter 7 in full. The back support they owe stays owed,…
What Happens to My Cryptocurrency if I File Bankruptcy in Texas?
The Short Answer If you file Chapter 7 in Texas, the court treats your cryptocurrency as property the trustee can potentially sell to pay your creditors. Whether you keep it comes down to two things: what it is worth on the day you file, and…
Does Filing Bankruptcy Stop Debt Collector Calls in Texas?
The Short Answer Yes, filing bankruptcy stops debt collector calls in Texas. The moment your case is filed, a court order called the automatic stay takes effect and orders collectors to stop calling. That protection kicks in right away, and it covers every collector you…
Can I Rent an Apartment After Bankruptcy in Texas?
The Short Answer Yes, you can rent an apartment after bankruptcy in Texas. No law makes you wait. A discharged Chapter 7 filer can sign a lease the same day as anyone else. Approval comes down to the landlord, not the court, so the real…
Can Social Security Be Garnished for Debt in Texas?
The Short Answer For most everyday debt like credit cards and medical bills, no, creditors cannot garnish your Social Security in Texas, even if they sue you and win. Federal law protects it. A few debts are exceptions, like federal taxes and child support. Your…
Does Bankruptcy Show Up on a Background Check in Texas?
The Short Answer A bankruptcy does not show up on a criminal background check, because filing is not a crime. It can appear on a credit-based check and in public court records, usually for up to 10 years. Federal law also protects you: government employers…
Can You File Bankruptcy on Gambling Debt in Texas?
The Short Answer Yes, in most Texas cases you can file bankruptcy on gambling debt. Chapter 7 treats gambling debt like credit card debt or a personal loan, so it usually gets wiped out. The two things that matter most are when the gambling happened…
Can I Keep My Tax Refund if I File Chapter 7 in Texas?
The Short Answer In many Texas cases, yes, you can keep your tax refund when you file Chapter 7, but it comes down to timing and how you protect it. A refund tied to income you earned before you file can become part of your…
Can I File Bankruptcy Twice in Texas?
The Short Answer Yes. You can file Chapter 7 twice in Texas, but the discharge you need to wipe out your debts is only available 8 years after your first Chapter 7 filing date. That is the rule under 11 U.S.C. Section 727(a)(8), and it…
What Is a Texas Turnover Order?
The Short Answer A Texas turnover order is a post-judgment collection tool under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 31.002. A creditor who won a lawsuit against you uses it to reach non-exempt property, often through a court-appointed receiver. Filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy stops…
Does Bankruptcy Affect My Spouse’s Credit in Texas?
The Short Answer No. Your bankruptcy does not appear as a bankruptcy on your spouse’s credit report if you file solo in Texas. But joint accounts, cosigned debts, and community property debts can still affect their credit and their liability. What ends up on their…
Can I Sell My Assets Before Filing Bankruptcy in Texas?
The Short Answer No. Selling assets before filing bankruptcy in Texas can be undone by the trustee, and in most cases, Texas exemptions already protect what you were worried about losing. Before you sell anything, talk to an attorney about whether it is even at…
How to File Bankruptcy in Houston, Texas
The Short Answer To file bankruptcy in Houston, you file with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas at the Bob Casey Courthouse downtown. You complete credit counseling, gather documents, work with an attorney on your petition, and attend one short 341…
Can I Give Money to Family Before Filing Bankruptcy in Texas?
The Short Answer No. Money you give to family before filing bankruptcy in Texas can be clawed back by the trustee, sometimes years after the transfer. Family members are treated as insiders under federal law, which means the lookback windows are longer and the scrutiny…
How Does the Texas Homestead Exemption Work in Bankruptcy?
The Short Answer The Texas homestead exemption protects the full equity in your primary home from unsecured creditors and the bankruptcy trustee. There is no dollar limit under Texas law, only an acreage limit. If you have owned your home for more than 1,215 days…
Can You File Bankruptcy After a Hurricane in Texas?
The Short Answer Yes. Filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy after a hurricane in Texas can wipe out credit card balances, medical bills, and personal loans while protecting your home, retirement, and vehicle under Texas’s generous exemptions. It also stops foreclosure, repossession, and collection calls the day…
Do You Pay Taxes on Debt Discharged in Bankruptcy in Texas?
The Short Answer No. Under IRS Topic 431, debt canceled in a Title 11 bankruptcy case is excluded from your gross income. That means a Chapter 7 discharge is not taxed. Debt canceled outside of bankruptcy, such as through a settlement with a credit card…
Am I Being Sued by Jefferson Capital Systems?
The Short Answer Yes. Jefferson Capital Systems is a real debt buyer and they really are suing you or preparing to. In Texas, you have until 10:00 am on the Monday after 20 days from the date you were served to file a written answer,…
Can Bankruptcy Get Rid of a Judgment Against Me in Texas?
The Short Answer Yes. Bankruptcy clears a judgment in Texas by discharging the debt behind it. Chapter 7 wipes out the debt in three to four months. If a creditor placed a judgment lien on your homestead, bankruptcy can strip that lien off entirely under…
Can a Debt Collector Freeze My Bank Account in Texas?
The Short Answer Yes. A debt collector can freeze your bank account in Texas, but only after they sue you, win a judgment, and get a court order called a writ of garnishment. Texas blocks wage garnishment for most consumer debts, but that protection ends…
How Long Can a Debt Collector Come After You in Texas?
The Short Answer In Texas, a debt collector has four years to sue you on most consumer debts, counting from the date of your last payment or first default. After the four years pass, the debt is time-barred. Collectors can still contact you, but they…
Can You File Bankruptcy on Buy Now Pay Later Debt in Texas?
The Short Answer Yes. You can file bankruptcy on buy now pay later debt in Texas. Klarna, Affirm, Afterpay, Sezzle, and PayPal Pay Later balances are unsecured consumer debts, and they are generally dischargeable in a Chapter 7 case. You must list every account, no…
Is Medical Debt Still on My Credit Report?
The Short Answer Yes. Medical debt can still appear on your credit report in Texas. Paid medical collections and unpaid balances under $500 have been removed by the credit bureaus. Unpaid medical debt over $500 can still be reported. A federal rule that would have…
Can I Discharge a Payday Loan in Texas?
The Short Answer Yes. You can discharge a payday loan in Texas through bankruptcy. Payday loans are unsecured debt, and Chapter 7 wipes them out in three to four months. Two watch-outs before you file: recent large borrowing within 70 to 90 days of filing…
What Happens to Your Retirement in Bankruptcy?
If you have spent years building a retirement account, the thought of losing it can be terrifying. Here is the reality: retirement accounts are some of the best-protected assets in all of bankruptcy law. Most people who file in Texas keep every dollar they have…
Can You Get a Mortgage After Bankruptcy?
If you are thinking about filing for bankruptcy but worried you will never own a home again, that fear is understandable, but not accurate. Thousands of Americans buy homes every year after filing for bankruptcy. There are specific waiting periods depending on the type of…
Can Bankruptcy Stop an Eviction in Texas?
If your landlord has filed for eviction or you are behind on rent, you may be wondering whether bankruptcy can keep you in your home. The answer depends on timing and the specific stage of the eviction process. In some cases, filing for bankruptcy can…
Can Bankruptcy Help with IRS Tax Debt in Texas?
Owing money to the IRS feels different from other debts. The federal government has collection powers that no credit card company or hospital can match, including levies on your bank account, liens on your property, and garnishment of your wages without a court order. If…
Do I Lose My 401k If I File Bankruptcy in Texas?
The Short Answer No. Your 401k is safe in a Texas bankruptcy. The law keeps it out of reach for creditors and for the bankruptcy trustee. Most people file bankruptcy and keep every dollar in their retirement account. There is one big mistake that can…
I Cosigned for Someone and They Filed Bankruptcy in Texas. Am I Still Responsible?
The Short Answer Yes. If you cosigned for someone who filed bankruptcy in Texas, you are still responsible for that debt. Their bankruptcy wipes out what they owe, but it does not wipe out what you agreed to pay. Creditors can come after you for…
My Car Got Repossessed in Texas. Can I Get It Back?
The Short Answer If your car was repossessed in Texas and has not been sold yet, filing Chapter 7 can stop the sale. Texas lenders can sell a repossessed car in as little as 10 days, and the automatic stay halts that the moment you…
I Owe the IRS Money in Texas. What Happens If I Just Ignore It?
The Short Answer Ignoring IRS debt in Texas does not make it go away. The IRS sends letters, then takes bigger steps – adding fees, freezing bank accounts, taking money from your paycheck, and placing claims on your property. The longer you wait, the worse…
My Medical Bill Went to Collections in Texas. What Do I Do Now?
The Short Answer If your medical bill went to collections in Texas, you still have options. Collectors have less power than you think. Texas law protects your wages, your home, and your savings. You have the right to question the debt, ask for proof, and…
I Stopped Paying My Property Taxes in Texas. What Happens Now?
The Short Answer If you are behind on your property taxes in Texas, fees and interest start adding up right away after February 1. If you wait too long, the county can take your home and sell it. But you have more time and more…
I Just Used My Credit Cards — Can I Still File Bankruptcy in Texas?
The Short Answer Using credit cards before filing bankruptcy in Texas does not automatically disqualify you or mean those debts won’t be discharged. Most everyday credit card spending is fine. However, certain purchases made close to your filing date can create problems, and knowing the…
Will I Go to Jail for Not Paying Debt in Texas?
The Short Answer No. You will not go to jail simply for not paying credit cards, medical bills, or most consumer debt in Texas. Texas law and the U.S. Constitution both protect you from jail time over unpaid debt. There are a few narrow situations…
How Long Does It Take to File Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Texas?
One of the first questions people ask when they consider bankruptcy is how long it takes. The answer matters because you need to plan around it. Will the automatic stay be in place before your next garnishment? Can you discharge debt before a court date?…
Should I File Bankruptcy for Credit Card Debt in Texas?
Most people asking this question already know something is wrong. The balance is not going down. The minimum payment is eating into money you need for groceries and gas. You have been telling yourself you will get it under control for longer than you want…
What Documents Do You Need to File Bankruptcy in Texas?
Gathering documents is the first real task in any bankruptcy case, and it is the step that determines how fast everything else moves. Missing documents slow down your attorney, delay the filing, and can create problems at the 341 meeting. The more organized your paperwork…
Texas Bankruptcy Wildcard Exemption: What It Is and How to Use It
If you have been researching bankruptcy exemptions in Texas, you may have seen references to a wildcard exemption and wondered what it covers and whether you qualify. The answer depends on which exemption system you choose. Texas state law does not offer a wildcard. The…
Can Utility Bills Be Discharged in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Texas?
If you are behind on your electric bill, past-due on water, or carrying unpaid gas and internet charges alongside credit card and medical debt, bankruptcy can address all of it at once. Utility bills fall into the same category as credit cards and medical bills.…
Will I Lose My House If I File Bankruptcy in Texas?
If you are considering bankruptcy and wondering will I lose my house if I file bankruptcy in Texas, the answer for most homeowners is no. Texas has one of the strongest homestead exemptions in the country, and it protects your primary residence with no dollar…
Can I File Bankruptcy After a Layoff in Amarillo, Texas?
If you lost your job in the Tyson layoffs and you are wondering whether you can file bankruptcy after a layoff in Amarillo, the answer is yes – and it may be the fastest path to getting back on solid ground. A layoff does not…
What Happens If You Default on an SBA Loan in Texas?
Most Texas business owners who take out an SBA loan understand there is a risk of default. What most do not expect is how fast the consequences escalate or how far the federal government’s collection reach extends. This is not a credit card situation where…
Can Credit Card Companies Sue You in Texas?
If you have fallen behind on credit card payments and you are wondering whether a lawsuit is coming, the answer is yes, it can happen. Credit card companies and debt buyers file thousands of collection lawsuits in Texas courts every year. Most people do not…
What Does the Bankruptcy Trustee Look for in Your Bank Account?
In a Texas Chapter 7 case, the bankruptcy trustee looks at your recent bank statements to confirm the details in your petition are accurate. They check your balance on the filing date, whether your income and expenses match what you reported, and any large or…
Portfolio Recovery Associates Lawsuit in Texas: Your Bankruptcy Options
A lawsuit from Portfolio Recovery Associates can arrive without much warning, but it does not have to define what happens next. PRA is one of the largest debt buyers in the country and files collection lawsuits in Texas courts regularly. Knowing who they are, how…
Midland Credit Management Is Suing Me in Texas: What Happens Next?
A lawsuit from Midland Credit Management can feel overwhelming, especially when you are already under financial pressure. Getting served does not mean you are out of options. Midland is one of the most active debt buyers in the country, and Texas residents face their lawsuits…
LVNV Funding Is Suing Me in Texas: What Are My Options?
Getting served with a lawsuit from LVNV Funding LLC is alarming, but you still have options. LVNV is one of the largest debt buyers in the country, and they file thousands of lawsuits every year in Texas courts. Knowing who they are, how the lawsuit…
What Is a Reaffirmation Agreement in Chapter 7 – Should You Sign One?
A reaffirmation agreement in Chapter 7 is one of the most important decisions you make during the filing process. A creditor sends you the agreement. You sign it. And suddenly a debt that bankruptcy would have wiped out is yours again. Before you put pen…
What Happens at the Dallas Bankruptcy Court: What Texas Filers Need to Know
If you are considering bankruptcy in Dallas, understanding how the court process works before you file can make a real difference. The Dallas bankruptcy court handles cases for seven counties across North Texas. Most filers move through the entire process without ever standing before a…
What Happens at the Fort Worth Bankruptcy Court: A Texas Filer’s Guide
Your car is probably not just a vehicle. It is how you get to work, pick up your kids, and keep your daily life running. So when you start thinking about bankruptcy, the first question is often: “Will I lose my car?” For most people…
What Happens to Your Car in Bankruptcy?
Your car is probably not just a vehicle. It is how you get to work, pick up your kids, and keep your daily life running. So when you start thinking about bankruptcy, the first question is often: “Will I lose my car?” For most people…
What Happens at the 341 Meeting of Creditors?
If you have decided to file for bankruptcy, you have probably heard about the 341 meeting. The name alone sounds intimidating. A “meeting of creditors” makes it seem like you will be sitting in a room full of people you owe money to, answering hostile…
Can You File Bankruptcy Without a Lawyer?
If you are researching bankruptcy and trying to save money, the idea of filing on your own might seem appealing. Technically, yes, you can file for bankruptcy without a lawyer in Texas. No law requires you to hire one. But before you go that route,…
Can Bankruptcy Stop Wage Garnishment in Texas?
When a chunk of your paycheck disappears before you even see it, every bill becomes harder to pay. Wage garnishment can make it feel like you are working just to pay off a debt that never shrinks. If a creditor is garnishing your wages right…
What Happens to Your Bank Account When You File Bankruptcy?
One of the first things people ask when they are considering bankruptcy is what happens to the money in their bank account. It is a practical question with real stakes. You have bills due next week, direct deposits coming in, and a checking balance that…
How Much Does Bankruptcy Cost in Texas?
Wondering how much bankruptcy costs in Texas? For most people who file Chapter 7, the total runs about $1,400 to $3,000, and much of that can be paid over time. At Bankruptcy Texas, we go over every number with you for free, before you commit…
How Long Does Bankruptcy Stay on Your Credit Report?
The question is not whether bankruptcy appears on your credit report. It does. The real question is how long it stays there, what it actually looks like to lenders at different stages, and when it stops mattering. The answers are more encouraging than most people…
How to File for Bankruptcy in Texas: Step by Step
Filing for bankruptcy in Texas is not something you do on a whim. There are documents to collect, a mandatory class to complete, and legal decisions that affect what happens to your property, your debts, and your financial future for years to come. But the…
Can Bankruptcy Help with an SBA Loan Default?
Defaulting on an SBA loan is not the same as falling behind on a credit card. The federal government is involved, collection powers reach further, and the consequences escalate faster than most business owners expect. If you signed a personal guarantee, which every standard SBA…
Do I Qualify for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Texas?
Worried that you earn too much to file Chapter 7? You are not alone, and the answer is usually better than people expect. Most Texans who ask this question do qualify. At Bankruptcy Texas, we run this exact calculation with clients every day. Whether you…
What Does the Automatic Stay Stop in Texas Bankruptcy?
Filing bankruptcy in Texas can stop wage garnishment immediately. The phone calls, the letters, the lawsuits, the garnishment notices – the moment your case is filed, a federal court order forces every creditor to stop. Not in a few days. Not after a hearing. Immediately.…
How to Rebuild Your Credit After Bankruptcy
Your bankruptcy discharge is behind you. The debt is gone. Now what? This is the part most attorneys skip. They help you file, get the discharge, and send you on your way. But the months after discharge are where your financial future actually gets built.…
Bankruptcy vs. Debt Consolidation: Which Actually Works?
When you’re buried in debt, you’ll hear a lot of advice. Some people say to consolidate. Others say to settle. And some say bankruptcy is the only real way out. The truth is, all of these options exist for a reason. But they don’t all…
Will Bankruptcy Get Rid of My Student Loans?
If you’re drowning in student loan debt and thinking about bankruptcy, you’re not alone. Millions of Americans owe more than they can ever hope to pay back. And for a long time, people were told there was no way out, that student loans couldn’t be…
Is Filing for Bankruptcy Something to Be Ashamed Of?
Nobody grows up planning to file for bankruptcy. So when the moment comes, when the bills are stacking up, the phone keeps ringing, and you’re staring at numbers that don’t add up, no matter how hard you try, the weight isn’t just financial. It’s personal.…
What Property Can You Keep in Chapter 7 in Texas?
The number one fear people have about Chapter 7 bankruptcy is losing everything they own. It’s the reason most people put off the call for months, sometimes years, while their debt keeps growing and their stress keeps building. Here’s the truth: Texas has some of…
Can Bankruptcy Stop a Foreclosure in Texas?
If you’ve gotten a letter from your lender or seen a foreclosure notice taped to your door, your stomach probably dropped. Texas moves fast on foreclosures, faster than almost any other state, and the timeline can feel impossible to keep up with. But here’s what…
How Does Bankruptcy Affect Your Credit Score? Full Guide
Your credit score is probably already taking hits before you even consider filing. Late payments, collections, maxed-out cards, and charge-offs have been dragging it down for months, sometimes years. So the real question isn’t whether bankruptcy hurts your score. It’s whether filing gives your score…
Texas Bankruptcy Exemptions: What Property You Can Keep
Financial challenges can be stressful, but filing for bankruptcy does not mean losing everything. Texas law provides strong exemptions that let most filers keep essential property such as a home, vehicle, and personal belongings. At Bankruptcy Texas, we walk clients across the state through Chapter…
How Filing for Bankruptcy Can Impact Your Texas Divorce
Money worries and a breakup can collide, and the weight of it all can feel overwhelming. If you’re going through a divorce in Texas, you may be wondering whether filing for bankruptcy will bring the process to a halt. At Bankruptcy Texas, bankruptcy law is…
Pros and Cons of Filing for Bankruptcy: What to Consider
Debt can affect every part of life, from your health to your relationships. If constant calls from creditors and stacks of unpaid bills have taken over your days, you may be wondering if bankruptcy could help. At Bankruptcy Texas, we guide clients throughout the state…
What Happens When You File for Bankruptcy in Texas? A Complete Guide
Bills pile up, the phone will not stop ringing, and you are losing sleep wondering how to stretch every dollar. If that sounds familiar, take a breath. At Bankruptcy Texas, we focus only on bankruptcy law, guiding neighbors across the state toward fresh starts and…
How Much Cash Can You Keep in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Texas?
Money stress hits hard, and it can feel like everything is slipping at once. If you are eyeing Chapter 7, a big question pops up fast: how much cash can you actually keep? At Bankruptcy Texas, we focus on bankruptcy law and know Texas exemption…
How Filing Bankruptcy Works for Credit Card Debt in Texas
Credit card bills are piling up, and the balance barely moves even after you pay. You are not alone, and that stress is real. At Bankruptcy Texas, we focus solely on Chapter 7 bankruptcy, helping individuals and families find lasting relief and a clear way…
Let’s Talk About a Fresh Start
If you’re facing overwhelming debt, the team at Bankruptcy Texas is here to help you file for bankruptcy with confidence and dignity. From start to finish, we provide the legal guidance and resources you need to move forward. We offer a free consultation to review your situation, explain your legal options, and answer your questions. If you are ready to take the next step toward financial recovery, we are ready to help.
We serve clients across Texas from our offices in Arlington, Midlothian, Lubbock, and Cleburne, as well as surrounding cities including Dallas, Fort Worth, and Grand Prairie.
Our Offices