Houston Emergency Bankruptcy Attorneys

We Can Help You File an Emergency Bankruptcy Petition in Houston, TX

An emergency bankruptcy filing, sometimes referred to as a “skeleton filing,” allows you to activate the automatic stay quickly to halt creditor actions like foreclosure or garnishments. The process demands precision and timely submission of critical documents. Here’s how it works for residents in Houston:

Steps in Filing Emergency Bankruptcy 

1. Preparation of Required Documents 
   To initiate an emergency bankruptcy, you’ll need to file a bare-bones bankruptcy petition. This includes a completed Voluntary Petition (Form B101), the Creditor Matrix listing all creditors and their contact information, and a Certificate of Credit Counseling.
2. Court Filing & Fees 
   Houston residents typically file at the United States Bankruptcy Court Southern District of Texas. For convenience, filings can often be submitted electronically using the court's ECF system or in person during business hours. Filing fees for Chapter 7 ($338) and Chapter 13 ($313) must be either paid upfront, submitted as an installment, or accompanied by a fee waiver request.
3. Submit Additional Documents Within 14 Days 
   After the initial petition, debtors must file supporting forms, including income statements, asset documentation, and schedules that detail your financial situation. Missing this deadline can result in dismissal of the bankruptcy case.

Navigating these steps under immense pressure is daunting. Our legal team will carefully prepare your filings and submit the required documents on your behalf. We manage deadlines, avoid errors, and provide clarity on what’s required every step of the way.

Stop creditor actions now. Call (504) 608-5208 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation for urgent bankruptcy assistance.

What Happens After You File Emergency Bankruptcy in Houston? Next Steps & How We Help.

Once your emergency bankruptcy case is filed, creditors must immediately cease any collection efforts due to the automatic stay. However, this is just the beginning of the bankruptcy process. Here's what to expect after filing:

1. Complete Additional Filings 
   Within 14 days, you'll need to submit missing documents from your initial skeleton petition. These include Schedule A/B (assets), Schedule C (exemptions), Schedule E/F (creditors), and a Means Test Calculation Form (Chapter 7 only).
2. Attend the Creditor Meeting 
   Roughly 30 days after filing, you’ll need to attend the 341 Meeting of Creditors. A bankruptcy trustee will ask questions about your finances and verify your documentation. While this can seem intimidating, we’ll prepare you thoroughly and accompany you to the meeting for support.
3. Respond to Trustee or Creditor Requests 
   Trustees or creditors may request additional information about particular assets or debts. We’ll address these queries on your behalf to keep the process moving smoothly.
4. Plan Confirmation (Chapter 13) 
   For Chapter 13 filings, you’ll work with the court to finalize a repayment plan. This will outline how you intend to catch up on debts, such as overdue mortgage payments, over three to five years.

From ensuring your filings are free from errors to representing you during meetings and hearings, our team helps guide you through the post-filing stages. If emergencies arise, we quickly respond to ensure your case stays on track.

The Automatic Stay in Emergency Bankruptcy & How It Can Immediately Protect You 

The automatic stay is one of the most powerful tools of bankruptcy protection. Effective immediately upon filing, this legal injunction prevents creditors from pursuing collection actions. Here’s how it shields you:

Actions the Automatic Stay Stops 

• Foreclosure: Stop the sale of your home, even if a foreclosure auction is days away. 
• Wage Garnishment: Prevent creditors from taking money directly out of your paycheck. 
• Repossession: Halt repossession efforts, giving you a chance to retain your vehicle. 
• Collection Calls & Lawsuits: Creditors must halt all harassment and litigation efforts.

While the stay provides immediate relief, it can sometimes be lifted by creditors in specific circumstances, such as in cases of ongoing mortgage non-payment. Our firm advocates on your behalf, presenting evidence to keep the stay in effect whenever possible.

Understanding Houston Property Exemptions When Filing Emergency Bankruptcy 

Texas offers generous bankruptcy exemptions, allowing you to protect certain assets from liquidation. Identifying and leveraging exemptions effectively can mean the difference between retaining critical assets and losing them. We review your possessions in detail to maximize protections under Texas law while ensuring compliance with court requirements.

Key Texas Homestead Exemptions 

Texas law permits unlimited equity protection for your primary residence, provided it’s located on no more than 10 acres in an urban area or 100 acres in rural areas (200 acres for families).

Personal Property Exemptions 

• Vehicles: One vehicle per licensed household member. 
• Personal Items: Up to $50,000 worth of personal property for single filers ($100,000 for families), including clothing, tools, and household furnishings. 

Retirement & Insurance Protections 

• 401(k)s, pensions, and IRAs are generally exempt. 
• Life insurance cash value is often protected.

Let Our Houston Emergency Bankruptcy Lawyers Guide You Through Challenging Times 

Since 1994, we've been working with individuals and families in Houston to address financial challenges through informed legal solutions. Our approach is built on trust, accessibility, and a mission to support good people during tough times. Every person’s financial situation is unique, and we take the time to walk you through available options, providing clarity and reassurance when you need it most.

Why Choose Us? 

• Decades of Bankruptcy Law Practice. We've been helping Texans file bankruptcy since 1994. 
• Practical Advocacy. We focus on creating bankruptcy solutions that address your real-world needs effectively.
• Free Consultations. We offer the opportunity to ask questions and understand your options before committing to any course of action. 

If you're in need of immediate guidance, call (504) 608-5208 or reach out online to schedule a free consultation and take the first step toward a fresh start.