Free Consultations | $0 Down to Get Started
No in person appointment needed
Helping Good People Through Bad Times
John Wonais
The founder of DebtPros
Practicing Bankruptcy Law
Free Consultation | $0 To Get Started
Chicago Bankruptcy Lawyer
Service You Can Depend On
At DebtPros, our bankruptcy attorneys are dedicated to helping you get the debt relief you deserve. Struggling with large amounts of debt can be overwhelming. However, filing for bankruptcy can offer you a fresh start. If you’re being harassed by creditors or facing foreclosure, repossession actions, or wage garnishments, contact a Chicago bankruptcy lawyer at DebtPros to regain control of your financial situation.
Practice Areas
If you are facing financial difficulties, it is best to be proactive and explore your options as soon as possible. We will provide you with a free consultation and offer fast, affordable, and permanent solutions. To find out what we can do for you, fill out our online contact form or call us now at (312) 847-3475.
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Chapter 7 bankruptcy is one of the most common forms. Liquidation bankruptcy allows you to wipe out most, if not all, of your unsecured debts.
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
In Chapter 13 bankruptcy, the exemptions you claim will impact how much you will pay back to creditors through your repayment plan, which means you need to have a clear idea of what you can exempt.
What Our Clients Have To Say
How The Process Works
Free Evaluation
When you schedule a free consultation with our law firm, you can expect a confidential conversation where we learn about your financial situation and discuss your options for debt relief. We gather information about your income, expenses, debts, and assets. After assessing your financial situation, our experienced bankruptcy attorney gives personalized advice on whether Chapter 7 bankruptcy or Chapter 13 is the best option for you.
Bankruptcy Counseling
Before filing for bankruptcy, you must take a credit counseling course in Chicago. This course teaches crucial things about money management and the bankruptcy process. It’s a legal requirement, and you must complete it with an agency approved by the U.S. Trustee in Illinois. We can take care of everything for you, including enrolling you in the classes, so all you have to do is attend the online classes.
Filing A Petition
Our skilled Chicago bankruptcy lawyers can handle all the paperwork, draft a petition, and submit it to the local bankruptcy court on your behalf. We will present your case effectively, so you can start a new chapter of your life, free from debt. We can also prepare this petition virtually, so you don’t need to come to the office in person.
Automatic Stay
The moment our Chicago bankruptcy attorney files your bankruptcy case, an automatic stay comes into effect. It is like a shield that stops creditors from directly contacting you or staking a claim on your property. If creditors are harassing you or you’re facing foreclosure, the automatic stay can provide immediate relief.
Meeting of Creditors
The meeting of creditors is also known as the 341 meeting. About a month after filing, you will attend a virtual meeting of creditors. In this meeting, you will meet the trustee and any creditors. You’ll answer questions about your finances and the bankruptcy filing. To support you, your DebtPros attorney will also join this meeting and accompany you every step of the way.
Completion of a Financial Management Course
You must complete a financial management course to discharge your debt. It helps you navigate your finances moving forward and is a prerequisite for getting rid of your debt. These courses are available online, and DebtPros will make all the arrangements.
Debt Discharge or Reorganization Plan Approval
If you file for Chapter 7 and all goes well, the court will issue a discharge order. As a result, it will eliminate most of your unsecured debt. However, in some rare cases, there might be pending litigation objecting to discharge, which might impact the order. If you file for Chapter 13, the court will approve your repayment plan if it meets the necessary criteria. As a result, you will get a chance to clear your debt over three to five years, allowing you to retain your assets while paying off your debts at a pace you can manage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bankruptcy
These are some of the most frequently asked questions our legal team hears from our personal injury clients. Contact our law office for a free consultation for a specific answer about your case.
How long does a bankruptcy case take in Chicago?
In Chicago, a typical Chapter 7 bankruptcy case filed through the Northern District of Illinois Bankruptcy Court usually takes about four to six months from filing to discharge. A Chapter 13 case, on the other hand, involves a repayment plan that lasts three to five years. The exact timing depends on your specific financial situation, but most cases in Chicago follow these general timelines.
Where do I file for bankruptcy in Chicago?
All bankruptcy filings for Chicago residents go through the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Illinois, located at the Dirksen Federal Building, 219 S. Dearborn Street in downtown Chicago. This courthouse handles both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases for Cook County and surrounding areas. Many hearings are also conducted virtually, which makes the process more accessible for residents across the city and suburbs.
Will I have to attend court in Chicago for my bankruptcy case?
Yes, but in most cases, you will not appear before a judge. Instead, Chicago residents must attend a “341 meeting of creditors,” which typically takes place online or at the bankruptcy trustee’s office. This short meeting allows the trustee and creditors to ask basic questions about your financial circumstances. Most Chicago debtors find this process straightforward with the guidance of their attorney.
Can I keep my home if I file bankruptcy in Chicago?
Illinois law allows you to use exemptions to protect certain assets. For Chicago homeowners, the Illinois homestead exemption protects up to $15,000 of equity in your primary residence ($30,000 for married couples filing jointly). Whether you can keep your home depends on the amount of mortgage debt and the available equity, but Chapter 13 often allows families in Chicago to save their homes from foreclosure while catching up on missed payments.
How does bankruptcy affect car ownership in Chicago?
Chicago residents are allowed to protect up to $2,400 in motor vehicle equity under Illinois exemptions. If your car is financed, Chapter 13 may allow you to restructure missed payments, while Chapter 7 may let you surrender the car and discharge the debt if keeping it is not practical. Many Chicago debtors successfully keep their vehicles through careful planning with their attorney.
John Peter Wonais is the founder of Wonais Law, LLC, D/B/A DebtPros. Born and raised in the Chicagoland area, John understands the unique challenges people face in Chicago and has a deep-rooted passion for protecting the finances, homes, and businesses of the clients he represents.
Free Consultation - Call 24/7
Fill out the contact form or call us at (312) 883-5422 to schedule your free consultation.
Copyright © 2026 Wonais Law, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Attorney Advertising.
*$0 down is for qualified earners.
We serve clients throughout Illinois, including, but not limited to, those in the following localities: Cook County including Arlington Heights, Chicago, Cicero, Des Plaines, Elgin, Evanston, Hoffman Estates, Mount Prospect, Oak Lawn, Oak Park, Orland Park, Palatine, Schaumburg, Skokie, and Tinley Park; DuPage County including Aurora, Naperville, and Wheaton; Lake County including Buffalo Grove, Mundelein, and Waukegan; and Will County including Bolingbrook, Joliet, and Romeoville.