Free Bankruptcy Consultation in Iowa

You may be unsure what bankruptcy would do, what property you could keep or whether you qualify. We review the basic facts with you and explain how the law applies. You can ask questions without committing to file or hire us.

What To Expect In Your First Conversation With A Bankruptcy Attorney

We start with what is happening now. Money may be coming out of your paycheck, or you may be behind on credit cards or medical bills. You may be worried about your home or vehicle. We listen, ask questions and explain which information will matter if you decide to move forward. A rough estimate of your income and major debts is enough to begin.

Filing bankruptcy creates the automatic stay, a federal protection that generally halts most collection activity. One filing can address several accounts at once, including many common debts such as credit cards and medical bills.

We explain what these protections could mean for you and what we would need to review further. We do not provide standalone collection lawsuit defense, debt settlement, lawsuits against debt collectors or credit repair.

The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Iowa reported more bankruptcy filings in 2025 than in 2024. Bankruptcy is a federal legal process for dealing with serious debt.

How We Look At Your Income, Debts And Iowa Exemptions

Iowa exemptions are state-law protections that help determine what property you can keep. During the consultation, we ask about your income, the types of debt you have and the property you own. These facts help us explain the main issues in a possible case. A full review may require documents after the first conversation.

Income affects which chapter may be available. The means test is a federal calculation that helps determine whether you qualify for Chapter 7. Federal law sets out the Chapter 7 means test in 11 U.S.C. 707(b).

The U.S. Trustee Program’s median income figures depend on your household size. We check the current figure for your household when we review Chapter 7 eligibility. The figures change, so we use the ones in effect when we review your case. Income above the listed amount does not automatically rule out Chapter 7 because the calculation also considers allowed expenses.

We also separate debts by type. A secured debt is tied to property, such as a mortgage or vehicle loan. Unsecured debts include credit cards and medical bills because no specific property backs them. The type of debt affects how bankruptcy treats it.

We review your property under Iowa Code 627.6. The law protects up to $7,000 in a vehicle, $7,000 in household goods and $10,000 in tools used for work. Iowa law can protect a qualifying home, but the result depends on your property and the facts of your case. Equity means the property’s value after subtracting what you still owe, and the result for specific property requires a review of your facts.

Chapter 7 Or Chapter 13: How We Identify Which Path Fits Your Situation

Chapter 7 can discharge many common unsecured debts, including credit cards and medical bills, without a repayment plan. A discharge is the court order ending your responsibility to pay the debts it covers. Many straightforward cases conclude in about 90 days, although timing varies. Eligibility and the treatment of specific property require a closer review.

Chapter 13 uses a court-approved repayment plan lasting three to five years. It can help you catch up on missed house or car payments over time. Chapter 13 is not full repayment of everything you owe. In most cases, a large percentage of eligible debt is wiped out after successful completion of the plan. The amount of debt does not set the monthly payment. Payment is based on income after payroll deductions and necessary living expenses, which are measured against IRS standards. If Chapter 13 is one of your options, we explain how its costs and payment plan work.

We compare the chapters based on your income, debt and goals. Our Iowa Chapter 7 bankruptcy page explains how Chapter 7 works and which debts it can cover. Our Iowa Chapter 13 repayment plan page explains how payments are calculated and how missed payments can be caught up.

You can also read how the two bankruptcy options compare. You do not need to read these pages before contacting us. The consultation gives you a place to discuss your own situation and learn what information we would need next.

What Iowa Residents Need To Know Before Filing

Credit counseling is a short course about debt and the options open to you. Federal law requires you to complete an approved course within the 180 days before filing, as explained in 11 U.S.C. 109(h). A case can be thrown out if it was not done first.

The course usually takes one or two hours and can be completed online or by phone. It usually costs around $50, although provider prices vary. We explain when to complete it and how to find a government-approved provider.

Iowa has two federal bankruptcy districts, and your county decides which one handles your case. We confirm that before filing.

You Are Not Deciding Anything Today

A free consultation does not require you to file bankruptcy. We answer your questions and explain what the available chapters can do. We may also identify documents or details needed for a complete review. You can take time to consider the information before making a decision.

If you are still deciding whether your financial situation calls for legal help, read about signs that it may be time to discuss bankruptcy. You can also start with a conversation. You do not need a complete file or final decision before calling.

Call Zisman Law at 641-472-5141 or request a free consultation. Pick a time on the calendar that suits you, and we will read what you send us before we talk.