Shreveport Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Lawyer

A financial setback in Caddo Parish can spiral fast, especially when bills keep stacking up. At Simon Fitzgerald LLC, Louisiana’s oldest bankruptcy law firm, our Shreveport Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyers can explain whether you qualify for a clean slate and how the process works. We regularly handle cases in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Western District of Louisiana – Shreveport Division, and can guide you through every step.

Meet with one of our attorneys at our Shreveport office to take the first step toward real relief. Call our Shreveport office at 318-868-2600 – Free Chapter 7 Consultation Today

What Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Means for Individuals and Families in Shreveport

Many households in Shreveport struggle with medical bills from Willis-Knighton and CHRISTUS Health, credit card balances that grew during job shifts at Barksdale Air Force Base, or overdue rent from local landlords. Chapter 7 bankruptcy offers a chance to clear these debts and protect essential property.

A Shreveport Chapter 7 bankruptcy attorney with Simon Fitzgerald LLC can help you understand whether your debt qualifies and what to expect if you move forward. These are some of the most common types of debt people in Caddo Parish have discharged through Chapter 7:

• Credit card balances that continue to grow with interest. Minimum payments often do little to reduce the total. Late fees and penalty rates can quickly make things worse.
• Medical bills from ER visits, surgeries, diagnostic tests, or long-term care. Even with insurance, one emergency can lead to multiple bills. Many families are left with thousands of dollars in uncovered expenses.
• Overdue utility accounts that are threatening disconnection. Chapter 7 may stop utility shutoffs. It also gives you a chance to reset without losing essential services.
• Unsecured personal loans from banks, lenders, or even finance companies. These debts are not tied to collateral. That means they can often be wiped out entirely.
• Past-due rent owed after eviction or early lease termination. Landlords may pursue court judgments. Chapter 7 can discharge the balance and close that chapter for good.
• Remaining balances after a car was repossessed. If your vehicle was taken and sold at a loss, you may still owe money. Chapter 7 often eliminates that leftover amount.
• Old payday loans or high-interest cash advances. These short-term loans can trap borrowers in a cycle of debt. Chapter 7 may offer a clean break.
• Store financing or “buy now, pay later” balances. If you used financing to purchase furniture or electronics, those accounts may qualify for discharge.

If debt has become impossible to manage, Chapter 7 may give you a chance to reset. The right legal guidance can help you use it the way it was meant to work, to protect your household and get back on track.

Where Shreveport Chapter 7 Cases Are Filed & What to Expect When Filing Chapter 7 in Shreveport

If you live in Caddo Parish, your Chapter 7 bankruptcy case will be filed in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court – Western District of Louisiana, Shreveport Division (Tom Stagg U.S. Courthouse, 300 Fannin Street, Suite 2201, Shreveport, LA 71101). Cases are heard before Judge John S. Hodge in Courtroom 4 (Room 4158) on the 4th floor. Chapter 7 Trustee John W. Luster administers most 341 creditor meetings for Shreveport residents, which are typically conducted via Zoom Video Conference and last less than 15 minutes. Our attorneys will prepare you in advance so you know exactly what to expect.

• Complete a credit counseling session through an approved provider. This must happen before you file and helps confirm that bankruptcy is the right option. The course can usually be completed online in about an hour.
• File your bankruptcy petition and related financial disclosures. This includes details about your income, assets, debts, and monthly expenses. Once filed, the court issues an automatic stay to stop most collection efforts.
• Attend a short meeting of creditors, usually held by phone or video call. This meeting gives the trustee a chance to ask about your paperwork and verify basic information. Creditors rarely attend, and the meeting usually lasts under 15 minutes.
• Respond to any follow-up requests from the court-appointed trustee. You may be asked to provide pay stubs, tax returns, or other documents. Your attorney will help you prepare and send everything needed.
• Receive your discharge order, officially clearing qualified debts. This final step typically happens a few months after your petition is filed. The court will close your case once all requirements are complete.

Our team will help you stay organized so that nothing gets missed along the way. You will always know what step comes next and what documents are needed to keep your case moving forward.

Related Resources for Shreveport Residents

• Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Louisiana
• Chapter 13 Bankruptcy in Louisiana
• Fees & Payment Options
• Bankruptcy FAQs

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Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: Which One Should You Consider?

Both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 are legal tools designed to help you take control of your finances, but they work in very different ways. Chapter 7 clears qualifying debt quickly, without repayment. Chapter 13 sets up a court-approved plan that lets you pay back some or all of what you owe over several years.

The best option depends on your income, your goals, and whether you need to protect specific property. A Chapter 13 bankruptcy filing may also give you a way to address income tax debts or save a home from foreclosure. Key differences that may affect your choice can include:

• Chapter 7 wipes out unsecured debts with no repayment plan
• Chapter 13 spreads repayment over 3 to 5 years based on what you can afford
• Chapter 7 has income limits, while Chapter 13 requires a regular income to qualify
• Chapter 7 may involve surrendering non-exempt property
• Chapter 13 lets you keep more assets but requires you to stay on a structured plan

A Shreveport Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer with Simon Fitzgerald LLC can help you understand the pros and cons of each and recommend the option that fits your situation best.

How Filing Chapter 7 Can Help You Move Forward

Chapter 7 is a legal tool that can bring real change to your daily life. Many clients in Shreveport say the biggest difference is how they feel once the pressure lifts. Those constant calls finally stop. Legal threats go quiet. The growing balances no longer hang over every decision. 

With fewer distractions, it becomes easier to focus on your family. You can start showing up at work with a clear head. You might even start thinking about your future again. Most clients can start from home by telephone, and same‑day consults are available when urgent action is needed.

Common Results Clients Experience After Filing

Filing for Chapter 7 often brings a mix of emotional and practical relief. The financial pressure eases, and day-to-day tasks start to feel less overwhelming. This process creates room to breathe and gives you the chance to rebuild a more stable routine. Positive outcomes after filing Chapter 7 can be:

• Feeling less anxious. Many clients say they finally feel like they are back in control of their daily lives.
• Protection from lawsuits. Creditors are no longer allowed to take legal action or pursue judgments.
• Freedom from creditor harassment. The calls, letters, and wage garnishments come to a stop.
• Improved sleep and more consistent energy. Worry is no longer keeping you up at night or pulling you in every direction.
• Better budgeting habits. Without constant pressure, it becomes easier to track spending and make clear decisions.
• Healthier relationships. Many people feel more present with loved ones once the financial weight is gone.
• More space to think long-term. Short-term survival no longer blocks out bigger goals.
• A calmer response to bills and banking. Checking your account no longer feels like a panic trigger.

These changes touch multiple parts of your life. You may notice shifts in your finances. Your stress levels might drop. Even your daily routine can start to feel more manageable. Chapter 7 is one way to start feeling grounded again, even after months or years of stress.

What Property You May Be Able to Keep After Filing Chapter 7

One of the most common fears about filing Chapter 7 is the idea of losing everything. In reality, Louisiana law protects many of the essentials people rely on to live and work. These protections are called exemptions, and they apply automatically when you file. Most people who qualify for Chapter 7 in Shreveport are able to keep everything they already own.Under Louisiana Revised Statutes § 13:3881, you may be able to keep the items that help you stay housed, employed, and financially stable. An experienced attorney can look through your full asset list and apply the exemptions properly so that nothing important is left out. Assets often protected by state law often include:

• A primary residence with equity up to the state exemption limit.
• One car or truck, as long as it falls within the allowed value range.
• Household items like furniture, appliances, and everyday belongings.
• Retirement accounts, pensions, or other protected savings plans.
• Equipment, tools, or supplies used directly in your job or trade.

For many Shreveport residents, this means you can keep your family home, one vehicle for transportation, and the tools needed to continue working — whether that’s construction equipment, health care tools, or small business property.

Your Shreveport Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer with Simon Fitzgerald LLC can help make sure these protections are applied correctly in your case. Filing for bankruptcy does not mean starting from zero. In fact, in many cases, it helps you protect what you have while clearing away what no longer serves you.

What to Look for in a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Lawyer in Shreveport

The attorney you choose should do more than file paperwork. They should understand what you are going through and know how to make the process as smooth as possible. In Caddo Parish, it helps to work with someone who knows the local court system. Experience with nearby trustees and filing procedures also matters when time and accuracy count.

Because Shreveport cases are assigned to the Western District of Louisiana, it’s important to work with an attorney who regularly practices before Judge John S. Hodge and Trustee John W. Luster. The right lawyer will take the time to explain the process, ask the right questions, and guide you through each step. Here are a few things to ask when choosing who to work with: 

• Do they regularly handle cases in Shreveport and know the local trustees?
• Can they explain each step of the process in a way that makes sense to you?
• Have they helped other people with similar financial situations and debts?
• Will they handle your paperwork directly, or push it off to a case manager?
• How quickly do they respond to questions or requests for updates?
• Are they upfront about the cost and what services are included?

Your Shreveport Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer with Simon Fitzgerald LLC should feel like a partner: someone who listens and takes your concerns seriously. You need someone who knows what to do, takes the time to get it right the first time, and shows up when it matters most.

How to Know if You Qualify for Chapter 7 in Louisiana

Chapter 7 is designed to help people who truly cannot afford to repay their debts. The means test is a calculation used to decide whether you meet that standard. It compares your income to state averages and subtracts necessary expenses to see how much is left over. If the number is too low to support a repayment plan, you may qualify for a full discharge.

Even if your income seems too high, you may still qualify after deductions are applied. Every situation is different, especially when you are dealing with wage garnishment, debt settlement, or unexpected changes in income. The U.S. Trustee Program publishes the income thresholds and forms used to apply this test in Louisiana. What the means test considers when determining eligibility includes:

• Your average income from the past six months. The court looks at wages, side jobs, spousal income, and other sources to get a complete picture.
• The number of people who rely on your income. This affects how much of your earnings are considered necessary for basic household survival.
• Standard living expenses based on your location. These include costs like food, housing, healthcare, and transportation; all used to measure what you can realistically afford.
• Any recent shifts in your financial situation. If you were laid off, had your hours reduced, or faced unexpected bills, that could impact your eligibility for Chapter 7.

If you are unsure where you stand, we can help you figure it out. The U.S. Trustee Program publishes updated income limits used for Louisiana means testing. Our attorneys can calculate this for you and let you know if you qualify at your free consultation. Your Shreveport Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer with Simon Fitzgerald LLC will walk through the numbers and let you know if Chapter 7 is a real option in your case.

FAQs About Chapter 7 in Shreveport

Where will my 341 meeting be held in Shreveport?

Usually by phone or Zoom with Trustee John W. Luster. Your attorney will attend with you and prepare you in advance so there are no surprises. If you are not comfortable with how Zoom video meetings work, you are always welcome to come to our office for your meeting.

Can I keep my car if I file Chapter 7?

In most cases, yes—and often you can keep more than one vehicle. Many Chapter 7 clients in Louisiana are able to retain their cars and trucks, especially if they are protected by state exemptions, encumbered by loans, or of limited resale value. Our attorneys will review your entire situation and recommend the chapter that gives you the best outcome with the lowest risk.

What should I bring to my bankruptcy consultation?

The only thing you absolutely must have is a valid picture ID (like a driver’s license). Everything else helps us move faster:

• Recent pay stubs or other proof of income.
• Recent tax returns (last 2 years if you have them).
• A list of your bills and creditors (we can also pull a credit report).

If you can’t find all of these, don’t worry. Bring what you have, and we’ll help you gather the rest. Our job is to make this process easier, not harder.

Does Chapter 7 stop wage garnishments from local employers?

In almost every case, Yes. Filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy usually puts a federal court order called the automatic stay into effect. This order tells your employer and creditors to stop garnishing your paycheck right away. If money is already being taken out, those deductions generally stop immediately, and in some cases, we may even be able to recover part of what was already taken. Very rarely, special rules about recent prior filings can affect how the stay works—but we review that with you up front so there are no surprises.

How long does it take to complete Chapter 7 in Shreveport?

Most Chapter 7 cases in the Shreveport Division finish in about 4 to 6 months from the date of filing. Here’s the usual timeline:

1. Filing – We prepare and file your case.
2. Meeting of Creditors – About a month later, you attend a short phone or Zoom meeting with the trustee.
3. Waiting Period – Creditors have 60 days to object, but in most cases, they don’t.
4. Discharge – If all goes smoothly, the court issues your discharge order and your case closes a few months after filing.

That means in less than half a year, you could have your fresh start—often without ever setting foot in a courtroom.

Call a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Lawyer in Shreveport for Help Today

At Simon Fitzgerald LLC, Louisiana’s oldest bankruptcy law firm, our Shreveport team has guided thousands of families through Chapter 7. We know how stressful creditor calls and lawsuits can be, and we make it simple to take the next step.

Call our Shreveport office at 318-868-2600 today to schedule your free consultation.

Most clients can start from home by telephone, and same-day consults are available when urgent action is needed.