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Regain Control With a Trusted Bankruptcy Attorney

Are you struggling under a mountain of debt? A West Virginia bankruptcy lawyer from Stewart Bell, PLLC, is here to help you reclaim control of your financial future with strategic legal guidance, empathetic support, and powerful advocacy. Reach out today for a free consultation.

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Your Bankruptcy Lawyer in West Virginia

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by debt, mounting bills, or the fear of losing your home or car, know that you’re not alone. At Stewart Bell, PLLC, we understand how financial hardship can take a toll on every part of your life. As your trusted bankruptcy lawyer in West Virginia, we’re here to listen and help you explore solutions that offer lasting relief. Whether you’re considering Chapter 7 debt discharge or Chapter 13 repayment plans, our goal is to help you restore your financial stability and peace of mind.

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Financial Relief Starts Here

Struggling with unmanageable debt? We’re here to help you reset your finances and move forward with confidence.

Protection When You Need It Most

Filing for bankruptcy provides crucial protection, immediately stopping creditor harassment, wage garnishment, and foreclosure. We act fast to protect what matters most.

Free Consultation, No Upfront Fees

Take the first step without added stress. Your consultation is free, and you won’t pay legal fees unless we file your case.

What Is Bankruptcy and How Can It Help You?

Bankruptcy is a legal process that helps people and businesses who can no longer pay their debts. When you file for bankruptcy, you may be able to eliminate some or all of your debts, stop collection efforts, and get a fresh financial start.

Filing for bankruptcy can:

  • Discharge unsecured debts like credit cards and medical bills
  • Pause or stop foreclosure and repossession
  • End creditor harassment
  • Give you breathing room to rebuild

Whether you’re struggling to make ends meet or dealing with aggressive debt collectors, bankruptcy can offer powerful protections and financial relief. With the right guidance, you can turn this difficult time into a new beginning.

Common Reasons People File for Bankruptcy

Financial hardships can happen to anyone, often through no fault of their own. Whether it’s an unexpected medical emergency or the ripple effects of job loss or divorce, these challenges can quickly lead to overwhelming debt. Bankruptcy offers a structured way to regain financial control when life takes an unexpected turn. Here are some of the most common reasons someone may choose to file:

Credit Card Debt

Credit card debt can quickly spiral out of control, especially when interest rates increase as your balance grows. Some rates can approach 30%, making it nearly impossible to pay off the balance. On top of that, late fees and penalties can add to the burden. Without a structured plan or legal help, this type of debt often becomes unmanageable.

Medical Expenses

Medical debt is one of the leading causes of bankruptcy, and it can affect anyone. Even a short hospital stay or emergency procedure can leave you with thousands of dollars in bills. Ongoing treatment or lack of insurance coverage only adds to the strain. Bankruptcy laws exist to help individuals recover from this kind of unexpected financial shock.

Divorce

Divorce not only takes an emotional toll but can also lead to serious financial stress. You may find yourself responsible for joint debts, legal fees, or suddenly trying to make ends meet on a single income. Some debts like credit cards and medical bills may be discharged in bankruptcy, while obligations like child support and alimony generally cannot.

Job Loss or Reduced Income

Losing your job or having your hours cut can make it difficult to pay your bills. You may have to choose which bills to pay and which to delay, risking late fees, credit damage, or legal action. Bankruptcy can provide a financial reset during this difficult time.

Emergency Costs

Unplanned expenses such as legal judgments, business closure, or natural disasters can cause sudden financial hardship. When these emergencies strike, bankruptcy can offer legal protection and a pathway to stability.

What Are My Bankruptcy Options in West Virginia?

Bankruptcy isn’t one-size-fits-all. The type of bankruptcy that’s right for you depends on your income, the kind of debt you have, and your financial goals. In most personal bankruptcy cases, you’ll file under Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

This type of bankruptcy eliminates most unsecured debts, such as credit card balances, medical bills, and personal loans. It’s often the best option if you have little to no disposable income and cannot realistically repay your debts. Most Chapter 7 cases in West Virginia are resolved in just a few months, offering a fast track to financial relief.

To qualify, you must pass the “means test,” which compares your household income to the state median for a similar family size. If your income is below the median, you likely qualify. Even if it’s above, you may still qualify after certain deductions. Many people can keep all their property by using West Virginia bankruptcy exemptions.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

This option is more like a court-approved payment plan. Rather than eliminating debts immediately, Chapter 13 allows you to repay some or all of your debts over 3 to 5 years, depending on your income and debt load. It’s ideal if you have a regular income and want to:

  • Stop foreclosure and keep your home
  • Catch up on missed mortgage or car payments over time
  • Pay off non-dischargeable debts like tax obligations or child support while protecting your assets

Unlike Chapter 7, Chapter 13 is often used by people who want to keep property that might otherwise be sold or who don’t qualify for Chapter 7 due to higher income.

Both chapters offer a path toward financial stability. Our bankruptcy lawyer can help you choose the best option based on your unique situation.

Do I Qualify for Bankruptcy?

Not everyone qualifies for every type of bankruptcy. One of the main eligibility tools is the means test, which compares your income to the median income for a household of your size in West Virginia. If your income is below that level, you may qualify for Chapter 7. If it’s above, you might still be eligible depending on your expenses and financial obligations.

Other factors include:

  • Your income level
  • Types of debt
  • Recent financial transactions
  • Whether you previously filed bankruptcy

The best way to find out if you qualify is to talk with a West Virginia bankruptcy attorney. We’ll help you determine if bankruptcy is right for you and which chapter fits your situation.

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Should I File for Bankruptcy?

You might want to consider bankruptcy if:

  • You’re using credit cards to cover basic needs
  • You’ve missed mortgage or rent payments
  • Your wages or bank accounts are being garnished
  • You’re facing lawsuits or constant calls from debt collectors

Bankruptcy allows you to discharge unsecured debts like credit card balances and medical bills while protecting essential assets, such as:

  • 401(k) and IRA retirement accounts
  • Equity in your home (up to exemption limits)
  • A vehicle up to a certain value
  • Household goods and personal items up to a certain value

Bankruptcy isn’t your only option. If a creditor has violated your rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), you may be able to take legal action against them. A bankruptcy attorney can help you explore all available options to get your financial life back on track.

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What Is the Bankruptcy Process Like?

Filing for bankruptcy might sound intimidating, but it follows a clear and structured process designed to help people get back on their feet. Here’s what to expect:

You’ll meet with a bankruptcy lawyer to discuss your financial situation, goals, and whether bankruptcy is the right option for you.

You’ll gather and provide important documents, including your income statements, tax returns, a list of your debts, property, expenses, and recent financial activity. These are used to prepare your bankruptcy petition.

Your attorney files the completed paperwork with the bankruptcy court. This officially begins your case.

As soon as you file, the court issues an “automatic stay,” which immediately stops creditors from calling, suing, garnishing wages, or foreclosing on your property.

This is a brief, informal meeting with a bankruptcy trustee, who is a court-appointed official responsible for reviewing your case and overseeing the bankruptcy process. You’ll answer simple questions under oath about your finances. Creditors can attend, but they rarely do.

If everything goes smoothly, you’ll receive a discharge order that wipes out qualifying debts. This means you are no longer legally required to pay them.

 

Our legal team will help make sure you understand each step so you can move forward with confidence. Take the first step today and schedule your free consultation.

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Will I Lose My Home or Car If I File for Bankruptcy?

One of the biggest concerns people have when considering bankruptcy is whether they will lose their home, car, or other important belongings. The truth is that bankruptcy is often the most effective way to protect what you have.

When you file for bankruptcy, the automatic stay goes into effect immediately. This legal protection stops all collection actions, including:

  • Foreclosure
  • Repossession
  • Wage garnishments
  • Bank account levies
  • Harassing phone calls and letters from creditors

If a creditor continues collection efforts after the automatic stay is in place, they may be legally liable for damages.

What Are Bankruptcy Exemptions in West Virginia?

Bankruptcy exemptions allow you to keep certain property during Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy. West Virginia lets you choose between using the federal or state exemption lists, depending on which offers you better protection.

Common exempt items under West Virginia Code § 38-10-4 include:

  • Up to $35,000 in home equity ($70,000 for a married couple)
  • Household goods and furniture
  • Clothing and personal effects
  • Retirement accounts (like 401(k)s and IRAs)

We understand that protecting your assets may be even more important to you than wiping out debt. Our team will guide you through every step and help you use the exemptions to your advantage, so you can safeguard your most important assets.

What Happens After Bankruptcy?

Filing for bankruptcy doesn’t mean your financial life is over. Many people rebuild their credit within a few years.

After bankruptcy:

  • You can still qualify for loans and credit
  • Some debts (like student loans or child support) may remain
  • Bankruptcy stays on your credit report for 7–10 years, but its impact fades over time

How a Bankruptcy Attorney Helps You File Successfully

Working with an experienced West Virginia bankruptcy attorney can make all the difference. At Stewart Bell, PLLC, we offer:

  • Personalized Guidance Through Every Step: We listen carefully and tailor a debt relief strategy that fits your unique situation, whether that involves Chapter 7, Chapter 13, or another solution.
  • Protection of What Matters Most: We’ll help you understand West Virginia’s exemption laws so you can protect key assets like your home, vehicle, retirement accounts, and household belongings.
  • Immediate Relief From Creditor Harassment: Filing triggers the automatic stay, stopping foreclosure, repossession, wage garnishment, and debt collection calls. We help ensure creditors comply with the law.
  • Local Experience: Our bankruptcy lawyer has over a decade of experience helping people throughout West Virginia navigate the bankruptcy process and secure a fresh start.
  • We Go Beyond Bankruptcy: If you’ve been harassed or mistreated by debt collectors, we may be able to take legal action under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act to hold them accountable.

Let Stewart Bell, PLLC, help you protect your assets, stop the harassment, and start over financially. Contact us today for a free consultation and find out how we can help you regain control.

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Our West Virginia Bankruptcy Attorney

Attorney Steven R. Broadwater

Attorney Steven R. Broadwater

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Bankruptcy Lawyer FAQs

When you file for bankruptcy, the court issues an automatic stay, which immediately stops most collection actions, including lawsuits, wage garnishments, foreclosures, and harassing phone calls. Depending on the type of bankruptcy, your eligible debts may be discharged or restructured.

Filing involves several steps: completing a credit counseling course, gathering detailed financial records, filing a petition with the court, and attending a meeting with creditors. An attorney can guide you through every step to avoid mistakes and delays.

No. While bankruptcy can discharge most unsecured debts, it typically does not eliminate student loans, child support, alimony, or most tax debts unless certain criteria are met.

Chapter 7 remains on your credit report for 10 years, while Chapter 13 stays for 7 years. However, many people begin rebuilding credit shortly after discharge by practicing good financial habits.

While it’s legally possible to file on your own (pro se), bankruptcy laws are complex. Hiring a bankruptcy lawyer greatly improves your chances of success and ensures you don’t lose valuable property or make costly errors.

At Stewart Bell, PLLC, we believe everyone deserves a path to financial relief. That’s why we offer clear, upfront pricing and flexible payment options where possible. Our goal is to help you navigate bankruptcy confidently without adding to your financial stress.

Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your situation and get a clear understanding of what your case may cost.

Rebuild With Confidence: Speak to a West Virginia Bankruptcy Lawyer for Free

You don’t have to face the stress of overwhelming debt alone. At Stewart Bell, PLLC, we’re here to help you understand your options and protect what matters most to you. Working with an experienced bankruptcy lawyer in West Virginia can help you make informed decisions, avoid costly mistakes, and achieve lasting financial relief.

Our team will take the time to listen, answer your questions, and craft a strategy that suits your specific situation. Let us guide you through the bankruptcy process with compassion and clarity, so you can focus on rebuilding and moving forward.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and take the first step toward a stronger financial future.

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For more than 30 years, the lawyers of Stewart Bell, PLLC have helped the people and businesses of West Virginia protect their interests and rights. We understand the issues that injured people and their families face after an accident and work quickly to obtain the MAXIMUM amount of compensation for every case we handle.

We have recovered MILLIONS of dollars for clients injured because of nursing home abuse, motor vehicle accidents or medical malpractice.

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