Financial distress rarely arrives with warning. Job loss, medical emergencies, business downturns, or divorce can transform manageable debt into overwhelming burden within months. Texas law provides strong asset protections compared to most states, but navigating bankruptcy requires understanding both federal code and state-specific exemptions that determine what property remains protected.
The automatic stay that accompanies a bankruptcy filing stops collection calls, halts wage garnishments, and prevents foreclosure proceedings immediately upon filing. This breathing room allows debtors to reorganize finances or liquidate non-exempt assets in an orderly manner rather than under creditor pressure. However, the technical requirements for successful filing and discharge demand precision that self-representation rarely achieves.
What Bankruptcy Attorneys Handle
Chapter 7 Liquidation
Chapter 7 bankruptcy discharges most unsecured debt, including credit cards, medical bills, and personal loans, typically within four to six months. Despite its name as “liquidation” bankruptcy, most Texas filers keep all their property because of generous state exemptions protecting homesteads, vehicles, retirement accounts, and personal property. Attorneys determine qualification through means testing and identify which exemptions maximize asset protection.
Chapter 13 Reorganization
When income exceeds Chapter 7 limits or when protecting property from secured creditors becomes priority, Chapter 13 offers a three-to-five-year repayment plan. Mortgage arrears can be caught up over time while stopping foreclosure. Vehicle loans can be restructured. Tax debts and support obligations receive payment priority while unsecured creditors receive whatever the plan allows. Attorneys structure plans that courts approve and debtors can actually complete.
Business Bankruptcy
Chapter 11 reorganization allows businesses to continue operations while restructuring debt, though complexity and cost limit its practicality for smaller enterprises. Some small businesses qualify for Subchapter V, a streamlined Chapter 11 process. Chapter 7 business bankruptcy liquidates company assets and closes operations. Attorneys guide business owners through entity-specific considerations and personal guarantee exposure.
How to Choose a Bankruptcy Attorney
Board certification. The Texas Board of Legal Specialization certifies attorneys in Consumer Bankruptcy Law. This credential requires passing a specialized examination and demonstrating substantial experience in the field.
Filing volume. Attorneys who file bankruptcy cases regularly understand local court procedures, trustee preferences, and common pitfalls. Ask about their caseload and experience with cases similar to yours.
Fee structure clarity. Bankruptcy attorney fees typically range from $1,500 to $3,500 for Chapter 7 cases and $3,500 to $6,000 for Chapter 13 matters. Fees should be explained completely before engagement, including court filing costs and credit counseling requirements.
Post-filing support. Chapter 13 cases last three to five years. Ensure the attorney provides ongoing representation throughout the plan period, not just through initial filing.
Texas Bankruptcy Attorneys
Allmand Law Firm, PLLC
Location: Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio (multiple Texas offices)
Website: https://allmandlaw.com
Phone: (214) 265-0123
Reed Allmand is certified in Consumer Bankruptcy by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. The firm focuses on consumer bankruptcy matters, handling Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filings throughout Texas. Their approach emphasizes education, offering free financial analysis sessions before engagement to ensure bankruptcy is the right solution.
Practice Focus: Chapter 7 liquidation, Chapter 13 reorganization, foreclosure defense, wage garnishment prevention, credit score recovery strategies
Toronjo & Prosser Law
Location: Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas
Website: https://www.t-plaw.com
Phone: (214) 932-1180
This firm provides full-service debt relief to individuals, families, and small business owners throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The attorneys understand that financial distress often results from circumstances beyond individual control and approach each case without judgment. They handle Chapter 7 individual and business bankruptcies, Chapter 13 reorganization, and provide guidance on non-bankruptcy alternatives when appropriate.
Practice Focus: Chapter 7 personal and business bankruptcy, Chapter 13 debt restructuring, creditor lawsuits, foreclosure defense, business loan defaults
Lovein Ribman, P.C.
Location: Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Austin (statewide practice)
Website: https://loveinribman.com
Phone: (888) 368-2483
While primarily recognized for construction law expertise, Lovein Ribman maintains a bankruptcy practice representing creditors and businesses in Chapter 7 and Chapter 11 cases. The firm protects secured creditor interests in bankruptcy proceedings and guides businesses through debt restructuring and reorganization. Their construction law background proves particularly valuable when construction companies or related businesses face financial distress.
Practice Focus: Chapter 7 and Chapter 11 business bankruptcy, creditor representation, secured transactions, debt restructuring, asset acquisitions in bankruptcy
Costs and Fees
Chapter 7 bankruptcy typically costs between $1,500 and $3,500 in attorney fees, plus a $338 court filing fee. Chapter 13 cases range from $3,500 to $6,000, with the filing fee at $313. Most Chapter 13 attorney fees can be paid through the repayment plan rather than upfront. Credit counseling and debtor education courses required by law add approximately $50 to $100 total. Many firms offer payment plans for Chapter 7 fees since all amounts must be paid before filing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I lose my house and car if I file bankruptcy in Texas?
Most Texans keep their homes and vehicles in bankruptcy. Texas offers unlimited homestead protection for your primary residence. For vehicles, Texas allows one car per licensed household member, with the value counting toward total personal property limits of $50,000 for individuals or $100,000 for families. Retirement accounts receive complete protection regardless of value.
How long does bankruptcy stay on my credit report?
Chapter 7 bankruptcy remains on credit reports for ten years from the filing date. Chapter 13 stays for seven years. However, many filers see credit scores improve within 12 to 18 months of discharge because the bankruptcy eliminates the delinquent accounts that were actively damaging credit.
Can bankruptcy eliminate tax debt?
Income taxes may be dischargeable if they meet specific criteria: the return was due more than three years ago, was filed more than two years ago, and was assessed more than 240 days prior to filing. Payroll taxes, trust fund penalties, and recent taxes generally cannot be discharged.
This directory provides general information about bankruptcy attorneys in Texas. It does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Bankruptcy law involves complex federal and state regulations, and outcomes depend on individual circumstances. Consult directly with a qualified bankruptcy attorney about your specific situation.
Last Updated: January 2026
Disclaimer: This directory is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice, endorsement, or recommendation of any attorney or law firm. Information about attorneys and law firms was compiled from publicly available sources and may not be current or accurate. We make no representations or warranties about the qualifications, experience, or quality of any attorney listed. Fee estimates are approximations only and actual costs may vary significantly. Always verify attorney credentials with the State Bar of Texas, confirm current contact information, and conduct your own due diligence before hiring legal counsel. No attorney-client relationship is created by use of this directory.