Bankruptcy Attorneys in Augusta, GA | Claeys, McElroy-Magruder & Kitchens
Free bankruptcy consultation No judgment, ever Chapter 7   Chapter 13   Subchapter 5 Augusta · Dublin · Statesboro Plus a mobile office Evenings & weekends by appointment
100+
Years of combined experience
3
Georgia offices, plus a mobile office
~6 mo
Typical Chapter 7 discharge timeline
5.0
Average client rating

The truth most people miss

Bankruptcy protects you.

Many people do not realize that protection is what bankruptcy is actually about. In the right filing, it can shield your real estate and your vehicle while you get back on your feet. Several factors should be weighed before the final decision to file, and that preparation almost always starts the same way: a conversation about your personal financial situation with experienced legal counsel.

That is exactly what the bankruptcy attorneys in Augusta, GA at CMMK Law do. We look at the full picture first, then tell you honestly what can be protected and which path fits your life.

Learn how bankruptcy works

Protection is what bankruptcy is actually about.
Your home Your vehicle Your wages Your peace of mind

Do you qualify?

The Georgia means test, in plain English.

The means test is the first thing we look at. It determines which chapter you are eligible to file based on your income, assets and debt. Get the figures wrong and a filing can be denied, so this is where experienced counsel matters most.

Income test

Below or above the median

Those below the median income for Georgia are generally eligible for Chapter 7. Those above will usually file a Chapter 13 repayment plan instead.

The look-back

The previous six months

Your income is evaluated over the six months before filing, then doubled to set your annual figure. Married couples are both evaluated on total household income, even when only one spouse files.

Exemptions & business income

What gets counted

Employees are evaluated on tax records and paystubs, and the number of dependents can change the picture. Business owners have income reviewed across several sources:

  • Business income
  • Rental income
  • Investment interest and dividends
  • Financial contributions from others
  • Unemployment income

Read more on the Georgia means test

Two paths to a fresh start

Chapter 7 or Chapter 13?

Both can be very effective ways to reset a household budget. Which one fits depends on your income, your assets and what you most need to protect. We help you choose, and we handle the filing the right way.

Augusta, GA · Chapter 7

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

For filers whose income qualifies, Chapter 7 can discharge many unsecured debts and give you a clean reset.

  • Many unsecured debts discharged, often about six months from filing.
  • We identify which assets can be protected before you file.
  • Exposed, unprotected assets may be subject to sale, so preparation is everything.
Augusta, GA · Chapter 13

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

For filers who do not qualify for Chapter 7, a Chapter 13 repayment plan brings debts current over time and protects what you own.

  • Can stop a home foreclosure or vehicle repossession in its tracks upon filing.
  • A structured plan brings your debts current by the end of the period.
  • If creditors contest the plan, your attorney is ready to rebut in court.

Own a small business? Subchapter 5 offers a streamlined reorganization path worth a look.

Explore Subchapter 5

Whatever you are facing

We can help with any bankruptcy-related issue.

From the moment you call, the pressure starts to lift. Here are a few of the things we help our Augusta clients put a stop to, and the questions we help them answer.

Never file bankruptcy alone

It is possible to file by yourself. It is almost never worth the risk.

The typical filer has too much to lose and little to gain by going it alone. One missed detail can mean a denied petition. Here is what your free consultation gives you instead.

  • A thorough evaluation of your income before any filing begins.
  • A clear read on whether Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 is the right fit for you.
  • Every figure verified and in place, so your petition is accurate the first time.
  • Honest guidance on which assets can be protected, before anything is exposed.

Here is the part worth acting on: a Chapter 13 can halt a foreclosure or repossession the moment it is filed. Those dates run on the creditor's calendar, not yours. The sooner you call, the more of your home, your car and your record we can protect.

Contact us today for a free consultation. We are available during regular business hours, and by appointment on evenings and weekends.

P.S. We even bring a mobile office to you. There is no reason to carry this alone for one more week. Never file bankruptcy alone. Let Angie help.

Dedicated debt relief attorneys

Call one of our three convenient Georgia offices.

We also bring a mobile office to serve you, and we are available evenings and weekends by appointment.

Straight answers

Augusta bankruptcy questions, answered.

It depends on the means test. If your household income is below the Georgia median, you are generally eligible for Chapter 7. If it is above, you will usually file a Chapter 13 repayment plan. We run the numbers with you before anything is filed.
Often, no. Protection is what bankruptcy is really about, and the right filing can shield your home and vehicle. A Chapter 13 can even stop a foreclosure or repossession the moment it is filed. We tell you honestly what can be protected before you decide.
In many Chapter 7 cases, qualifying unsecured debts are discharged in about six months from the date of filing. Chapter 13 runs over a longer repayment period that brings your debts current by the end.
It is possible, but it is rarely advised. The typical filer has too much to lose and little to gain by going it alone, and a single error can lead to a denied filing. Never file bankruptcy alone. Let Angie help.
Your first consultation is free. We have offices in Augusta, Dublin and Statesboro, plus a mobile office, and we are available during regular hours and by appointment on evenings and weekends.

Read the full FAQ

We are here to help

One honest conversation is all it takes to start.

You do not have to have it figured out. Tell us your story, in confidence, and we will tell you what the law actually allows and which path protects the most. We will treat you with respect at every step.

Augusta

512 Telfair Street
Augusta, GA 30901
Phone: 706-724-6000
Fax: 706-724-3363

Dublin

1205 Bellevue Place, Suite A
Dublin, GA 31021
Phone: 478-275-8311
Fax: 478-275-8399

Statesboro

200 South Main Street
Statesboro, GA 30458
Phone: 912-764-7000
Fax: 912-489-7196

Office Hours

Monday – Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Evenings & weekends by appointment.

Free bankruptcy consultation

Tell us a little about your situation and we will reach out, in confidence, to set up your free consultation. You can reach us three ways.

Texting is usually the fastest reply, including after hours and on weekends. Your information stays confidential.