Posted on October 31st, 2025

Navigating financial distress can feel like wandering through fog.

At the Law Offices of R. Kenneth Bauer, we’ve guided many clients through those same murky moments, and we know the questions that keep you awake at night.

You may be wondering whether bankruptcy is right for you, which type to file, or how to start the process.

We understand the stress that comes when bills pile up, calls from creditors ring out, and payday seems further away than ever.

Our goal here is to help you feel less alone—less like you’re stumbling blindly—and more like you’ve got a steady hand guiding you forward.

In this guide we’ll walk you through the major milestones of bankruptcy.

We’ll explain how our bankruptcy services work, describe what filing under Chapter 7 vs Chapter 13, or Chapter 11, might look like, and give you practical steps for moving toward debt relief.

Let’s go.

1. What Is Bankruptcy—and Why Might You Consider It?

Bankruptcy often carries a stigma, but at its core it is a legal process designed to help people (and sometimes businesses) obtain relief from burdensome debt. When you’re unable to keep up with payments, it’s not about failure—it’s about finding a realistic way forward.

We help clients explore the big picture: what their debt load is, what is feasible given their income and expenses, and whether bankruptcy makes sense now or if there are other alternatives. For many people, the decision comes down to weighing whether they can keep making payments or whether relief is needed now.

In our bankruptcy lawyer services, we emphasize the human side. You’re not just a case file; you’re a person with bills, obligations, hopes—and we treat you accordingly. Early on, we’ll talk about whether you’re facing overwhelming debt from things like medical bills, job loss, or unexpected life events—and how bankruptcy can be a tool for rebuilding.

If you’re asking: “Should I consider bankruptcy?” the right answer depends on your circumstances. One of our key offers is a free bankruptcy consultation, so you can explore your options without pressure.

2. The Differences Between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

When someone mentions bankruptcy you’ll often hear “Chapter 7” and “Chapter 13”. We believe knowing the differences helps you feel empowered—rather than overwhelmed.

With Chapter 7 bankruptcy, the trustee liquidates nonexempt assets (if any) to pay creditors, and you obtain a discharge of qualifying debt. It is faster and may the best alternative when your income is low and you have few assets. With Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you keep your assets and repay creditors through a court-approved plan over three to five years.

Here’s a quick comparison:

Chapter 7: Faster, no payments, more asset risk (depending on exemptions)
Chapter 13: Three to five year payment plan, keep assets, best when you have steady income and want to protect nonexempt property

We often walk clients through scenarios: imagine you’re a homeowner with equity you’d like to protect—that may push you toward Chapter 13. Or if you have little disposable income and no real assets to lose—Chapter 7 may make more sense. We help you decide by explaining each option clearly.

If you’re researching “the differences between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy”, you’re doing the right thing. It’s not just about labels—it’s about the strategy that will give you the best outcome. If you’re ready to deal with your financial problems, I’m ready to explain your options and discuss which one will best address your situation.

3. How to Choose a Bankruptcy Lawyer

One of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing someone you trust. When you’re researching how to choose a bankruptcy lawyer, we suggest you focus on these four criteria: experience, transparency, compatibility, and communication.

Experience: Look for someone who has handled cases like yours. Over my forty years of practice, I’ve represented individuals, married couples, small businesses, partnerships, and corporations through bankruptcy proceedings.
Transparency: You want someone who explains fees, tells you what to expect, and avoids legal-speak that leaves you confused.
Compatibility: You should feel comfortable asking questions and know that your lawyer will listen.
Communication: Your lawyer should keep you informed throughout the process.

When you reach out to us, we’ll provide a free bankruptcy consultation where you can ask the tough questions: What is your success rate? Will you be handling my case personally or will someone else lead? What’s the timeline? What are the fees?

We’re upfront about our approach. We believe that when you choose us, you should feel like a partner—not a number. And we’re ready to support you whether you’re dealing with personal debt or considering business-related relief.

4. Steps for Filing for Bankruptcy and Discharging Debts

If you’re ready to take action, the step-by-step process for filing bankruptcy can be straightforward when you’ve got the right help. Here’s how I guide you through each stage when you’re ready to begin.

Initial evaluation: We review your debts, income, assets, and goals.
Choose the right chapter: Based on our discussion, you select either Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 (or potentially another option).
Pre-filing requirements: You provide all required income, expense, and other financial information and documents, and complete credit counseling course (required for filing).
Filing the petition: We prepare all required paperwork, review it with you, and submit it to the court.
Post-filing: We attend the meeting of creditors (by video or telephone), and you complete financial management course (required for discharge of debts).
Discharge: After statutory time periods have expired, your discharge order is entered by the court, and your fresh start begins.

Over the years, I’ve had clients express extreme relief when they received their discharge order from the court. Although I was just doing my job, for which I was paid, I’ve received hugs, and dinners, and gifts of gratitude.

5. Understanding the Bankruptcy Process for Businesses

Many people imagine bankruptcy is only for individuals—but if you’re a business owner, bankruptcy may also be an option. When it comes to understanding the bankruptcy process for businesses, we’re ready to walk you through relevant options such as filing under Chapter 11 or treating your business debt under personal bankruptcy if you’re a sole proprietor.

One important factor to be aware of is that corporations and partnerships are not treated entirely the same as human beings in bankruptcy. While corporations and partnerships are considered “people” for many legal purposes, they are not considered people for all bankruptcy purposes. Humans can file for Chapter 13 relief, but corporations and partnerships cannot. Humans can claim exemptions in bankruptcy, but corporations and partnerships cannot. Humans can discharge their debts and obtain a fresh start, but corporations and partnerships cannot.

We’ve worked with small business owners who faced shrinking cash flow, vendor demands, or tax issues. For them, choosing the right path might mean adjusting business operations, negotiating with creditors and figuring out if restructuring or liquidation is the best fit.

Here are some typical business-owner concerns we address:

Should I keep my business running while filing?
What happens to contracts, leases, and employees?
Can I re-start fresh after bankruptcy?
What impact will bankruptcy have on my credit and business reputation?

In working with us, you’ll get a clear explanation of how business bankruptcy differs from individual bankruptcy, and which scenario applies to you. We’re comfortable handling both scenarios—so if you’re weighing business debt issues, set up a chat with us.

6. What Happens After Bankruptcy: Rebuilding & Life Beyond

Filing for bankruptcy isn’t the end—it’s the beginning of a new chapter. Once your bankruptcy is discharged, you’ll want to rebuild financially, restore credit, and create a plan for a stable future. We help clients navigate this aftermath with realistic next steps.

For many, the first few months after discharge are critical. Some people feel like they’ve escaped a storm—and yet the sky still looks cloudy. We remain available to answer questions, advise about financial decisions, and deal with creditors who don’t seem to understand what discharge of debts means.

The good news is this: a bankruptcy doesn’t prevent you from owning a home, starting a business, or achieving financial independence. With the right approach you can move forward confidently. If you’re ready for structured debt relief, we’ll be your partner in the rebuild.

7. Common Myths and Misconceptions About Bankruptcy

There’s a lot of myth-making when it comes to bankruptcy—and those myths can prevent people from seeking help. We break down the most common ones so you don’t get held back by misunderstanding.

Myth 1: “I’ll lose everything if I file bankruptcy.”
You will never lose everything. In most cases you won’t lose anything. By choosing the correct bankruptcy exemptions, you’ll probably maintain possession of your home, your vehicle, and most other assets.

Myth 2: “I’ll never be able to borrow money again.”
While bankruptcy does impact your credit, many people begin rebuilding immediately and regain access to loans or credit cards sooner than they think.

Myth 3: “It’s only for people who are lazy or irresponsible.”
We’ve represented clients who went through job loss, medical crises, or divorce. Bankruptcy isn’t about irresponsibility—it’s about reset and strategy.

Myth 4: “Filing is too complicated; I’ll just wait and deal with it myself.”
While you can represent yourself, the legal system is complex. Having experienced bankruptcy lawyer services makes a big difference in outcome and peace of mind.

When you hire us, we don’t sugarcoat the challenges—but we’re realistic about what you can achieve and how long it takes. Our approach is transparent, professional, and tailored to you.

8. Choosing to Move Forward: Next Steps and What You Should Ask

Deciding to file bankruptcy is a big step—and it’s okay to take your time. Once you’re ready, here are some actionable next steps:

Call our office at (925) 818-5555 to schedule your free bankruptcy consultation
Gather your financial documents: list of debts, income statements, pay stubs, tax returns
Write down your goals: What do you want to achieve? Lower monthly payments? Protect your home? Start fresh?
Ask us key questions: Which chapter fits me? What assets am I likely to keep? What’s the cost? How long will it take?

At the consultation, we’ll walk through everything and make sure you leave with clarity—even if you decide not to file right away. We invite you to click here to learn more about our services. We’re here to help you chart a path toward relief and stability.

Once you decide to move forward with us, we’ll direct you to the credit-counseling website, provide you with the necessary financial information forms to complete and a list of documents to provide, prepare the bankruptcy documents for your review and signature, and file them with the court when you’re ready to proceed..We believe in keeping things as simple and straightforward as possible.

At the Law Offices of R. Kenneth Bauer, we believe that facing financial difficulty doesn’t mean giving up—it means choosing a smarter path forward. You don’t have to walk this alone.

From our first conversation to the final discharge, we’ll be with you, step by step.

If you’re ready to discuss how we can help you with bankruptcy lawyer services, or just want to explore whether Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 is right for you, reach out today.

Call us at (925) 818-5555 or message us to arrange your free bankruptcy consultation, during which we’ll discuss your situation and options, without any pressure or hurry.

Let’s begin the next chapter together. We help you restore financial stability and build a fresh start. At the Law Offices of R. Kenneth Bauer, we make it easy to get started.