Indianapolis Personal Bankruptcy Lawyer
Trusted Help When Debt Feels Overwhelming
Experienced Indianapolis Personal Bankruptcy Attorney: Leading You Toward Debt Relief
Are you struggling with debt you can’t seem to repay, no matter how hard you try? At Conrad Legal LLC, we understand how overwhelming it feels when bills keep piling up, income drops, and creditors won’t stop calling. If you’re behind on payments and don’t see a way out, it may be time to explore your legal options for debt management or relief, including bankruptcy. When you’re ready to take action, our Indianapolis bankruptcy attorney can help you find a clear path forward.
Bankruptcy might feel like a last resort, but it’s often the right route to a fresh start. It’s a legal process meant to help people in challenging financial situations, whether caused by job loss, medical expenses, divorce, or other hardships. If you’ve tried everything and still can’t catch up, bankruptcy can give you relief from debt and protection from creditors.
There’s no shame in asking for help. Millions of people use bankruptcy to get back on their feet. You too deserve a chance to reset and move forward.
What Is Personal Bankruptcy?
Personal bankruptcy is a legal process that helps individuals or married couples manage debts they cannot afford to repay. It is handled through the federal court system and allows you to reset your finances under the protection of US bankruptcy law.
Personal bankruptcy applies to individual debts—such as credit cards, medical bills, and personal loans—and is different from business bankruptcy, which deals with company obligations. The process aims to provide debt relief while ensuring fairness to creditors.
If you’re considering bankruptcy, the two most common options for individuals are Chapter 7 and Chapter 13, each with distinct eligibility rules and benefits.
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy (Liquidation)
Chapter 7 is designed for people who cannot afford to pay back their debts. A court-appointed trustee may liquidate non-exempt property to repay creditors, but most filers keep their essential assets under bankruptcy exemptions, which protect necessities such as home equity, household goods, and retirement funds.
Common debts discharged under Chapter 7 include credit card balances, medical bills, and unsecured personal loans.
To qualify, you are required to pass a means test, which compares your household income to Indiana’s median income ($64,461 for 1 earner, $81,986 for 2 earners, etc.). If your income is below the threshold or your expenses leave little disposable income, you likely qualify.
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy (Repayment Plan)
Chapter 13 is designed for individuals with regular income who need time to catch up on debts or protect important assets. Instead of erasing debts immediately, Chapter 13 allows you to create a court-approved repayment plan lasting three to five years.
Benefits of filing for Chapter 13 include:
- Stop foreclosure or repossession
- Catch up on overdue mortgage or car payments
- Retain valuable property that Chapter 7 might not protect
To qualify, you are required to have sufficient income to cover both living expenses and plan payments. As of 2026, debt limits are approximately $1,580,125 in secured debt and $526,700 in unsecured debt.
How Our Indianapolis Personal Bankruptcy Attorney Can Help
At Conrad Legal LLC, we help individuals and families across Indianapolis get relief from overwhelming debt through Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
We handle cases involving:
- Credit card debt
- Medical bills
- Wage garnishment
- Foreclosure or repossession
- Student loans
- Personal loans you can’t repay
We start with your full financial picture. We look at what you owe, what you own, and what you earn. Then we tell you honestly what your options are.
For Chapter 7 bankruptcy, the key question is whether you pass the means test — an income-based eligibility screen. If you do, this path may help discharge qualifying unsecured debt efficiently. Most Chapter 7 cases in the Southern District of Indiana close within three to four months.
Chapter 13 bankruptcy involves more active court supervision. Your repayment plan has to be approved by the trustee and the court, and its terms depend heavily on your disposable income and the types of debt you carry. This option may help you catch up on a mortgage or keep a car you’d otherwise lose.
We match the right option to your real situation. Not every case fits one mold. Your income, your assets, your goals — those details shape the plan we build for you.
Wage garnishment is one issue we closely examine. Filing may trigger the automatic stay, which may help pause garnishment. If foreclosure is a concern, we review whether a Chapter 13 plan could help you protect your home.
We also look at your assets before you file. Indiana has specific exemptions that may protect property such as your home equity, vehicles, and retirement accounts. Understanding those exemptions early helps us build a strategy that keeps more of what you own.
Every step we take is based on your facts.
Conrad Legal serves Indianapolis and the surrounding Central Indiana counties — and we apply that local knowledge to every case. If you have questions about wage garnishment or car repossession, we can help you see how bankruptcy may change your situation.
Why Conrad Legal Is The Right Fit for Indianapolis Filers
Choosing the right Indianapolis personal bankruptcy lawyer matters. Here’s what distinguishes Conrad Legal from general practice firms.
Bankruptcy Is the Only Work We Do — Since 2013
Conrad Legal handles one area of law: personal bankruptcy. No criminal cases. No family law. No side projects. Every client we take on gets the full weight of a firm built around Chapter 7 and Chapter 13, and nothing else. That kind of focus means more focused work and fewer gaps.
15 Years of Personal Bankruptcy Cases Filed
Matthew W. Conrad founded this firm and has spent over 15 years filing bankruptcy cases for individuals and families in Indiana. That’s not a number pulled from a marketing sheet. It reflects significant experience in this specific area of law: reviewing debt, protecting assets, and guiding real people through the courts and trustees of the Southern District of Indiana.
Serving Marion County and Central Indiana’s Surrounding Counties
Conrad Legal serves Indianapolis and the counties around it — Hamilton, Hendricks, Johnson, Boone, Hancock, Morgan, Madison, and Shelby. We know the local filing rules. We know what trustees in the Southern District look for. That local knowledge helps your case move forward without surprises.
Free Consultations — Honest and Pressure-Free
Every person we meet gets a straight answer. Conrad Legal offers free consultations to review your situation and explain your real options. No pressure. No runaround. Just clear guidance from an Indianapolis personal bankruptcy lawyer who does this work every day.
Your Personal Bankruptcy Case, Step by Step
Filing for bankruptcy in Indianapolis follows a set process. Here is what to expect at each stage, from the first call to your final discharge.
Stage 1: Free Consultation and Case Review
Your first step is a free consultation with Matthew W. Conrad. You talk through your debts, your income, and your assets. We review your income, assets, expenses, and debts to determine whether bankruptcy is right for you or if another solution would be better.
If bankruptcy is appropriate, we explain the differences between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 and help you identify which one you qualify for based on your finances.
This stage typically takes one meeting. You leave with a clear plan.
Stage 2: Preparing and Filing Your Petition
Once you decide to move forward, the work begins. You gather documents — pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, and a list of what you owe. Conrad Legal uses this to build your bankruptcy petition. Bankruptcy involves detailed forms and strict rules. We handle all filings, making sure everything is accurate and submitted on time.
Your case is filed with the US Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Indiana, which covers Indianapolis and Marion County. The moment your petition is filed, the automatic stay takes effect. That stay can help pause creditor calls, wage garnishment, and foreclosure proceedings.
Once you hire us, creditors should contact us—not you. We make sure the automatic stay is enforced and stop harassment or illegal collection activity.
Stage 3: The 341 Meeting of Creditors
About 20 to 40 days after filing, you attend the 341 meeting. This is a brief meeting with the bankruptcy trustee—not a courtroom hearing. The trustee asks basic questions about your finances. Most clients are done in under 15 minutes.
Conrad Legal prepares you before this meeting so you know exactly what to expect. You are not alone at this stage
Stage 4: Completing the Process
For Chapter 7 cases, your discharge typically comes 60 days after the 341 meeting. The entire process, from filing to discharge, usually takes 3 to 4 months in the Southern District of Indiana.
For Chapter 13 cases, you follow a court-approved repayment plan that lasts three to five years. Conrad Legal drafts that plan for you, makes sure it meets Indiana bankruptcy law requirements, and supports you through the entire repayment period.
Stage 5: Receiving Your Discharge
Your discharge order is the official end of your case. It releases you from personal liability on most qualifying debts. For Chapter 7, you get there in a matter of months. For Chapter 13, it comes after you complete your payment plan.
The discharge does not wipe out every type of debt — student loans, recent taxes, and domestic support obligations typically remain. Conrad Legal explains exactly which debts are covered before you ever file.
Furthermore, we offer guidance on rebuilding your credit and regaining long-term financial stability after your case ends.
We know how stressful this process can be. That’s why we’re here—to give you honest advice, handle the legal details, and help you take back control of your finances.
Contact Us Today
If you’re overwhelmed by debt and unsure where to turn, you’re not alone, and you don’t have to figure it out on your own. Bankruptcy is a legal solution meant to help people just like you get relief, protect what matters, and build a more stable future.
At Conrad Legal LLC, we combine local experience, attention to detail, and a client-focused strategy to help you achieve results that truly make a difference. Whether you’re considering Chapter 7 or Chapter 13, we’re here to help you make the right decision for your life—not just your finances.
Don’t wait for things to get worse. Call us today or request a free consultation online. Let’s discuss your options and how we can help you take control of your finances.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who qualifies to file for bankruptcy in Indiana?
You may qualify to file for bankruptcy if you are overwhelmed by unsecured debt (like credit cards or medical bills), facing wage garnishment or foreclosure, and meet the eligibility criteria for a chapter such as Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. Eligibility involves factors such as your income level, assets, and whether you can repay some of your debt under a plan.
2. What is the typical timeline for filing and completing bankruptcy in Indiana?
In Indiana, if you file under Chapter 7, the process often takes around 3 to 6 months from filing to discharge. Under Chapter 13, the process may last 3 to 5 years under a repayment plan. The timeline depends on your individual financial situation and the type of bankruptcy you choose.
3. What steps are involved in the bankruptcy process in Indiana?
The process generally includes: completing mandatory credit-counseling before filing; preparing and submitting your bankruptcy petition with schedules of assets, liabilities, income, and expenses; obtaining the automatic stay that halts most collection actions; attending the creditors’ meeting (341 meeting); completing the required debtor-education course; and either receiving a discharge (Chapter 7) or completing a repayment plan (Chapter 13).
4. What happens to my assets and debts under bankruptcy?
In Chapter 7 bankruptcy, non-exempt assets may be liquidated by a trustee to pay creditors, but many assets are protected under Indiana’s exemption laws. Most unsecured debts can be discharged, meaning you’re no longer legally obligated to pay them. In Chapter 13, you repay some or all of your debts through a court-approved plan and may keep more of your assets while still receiving debt relief.
5. What should I consider when choosing between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13?
When deciding between the two, consider your income level, asset value, types of debt, and whether you want to keep certain property like a house or car. Chapter 7 may be best if you have limited income and few assets. Chapter 13 may be preferable if you have a steady income and want to keep assets by repaying over time. It’s important to evaluate your specific goals and financial picture with an experienced attorney.