Bankruptcy Law in Southwest Montana – Your Path to a Fresh Start

Yes. You can file your own bankruptcy. You can also file your own tax returns, and you can pull your own teeth. But, there are times when the best move is to have an experienced professional in your corner. In Montana, there are four Trustees appointed by the Court to oversee your case (one Chapter 13 Trustee for the entire state; three Trustees divide up the Chapter 7 work). We have worked with each of these Trustees for years, and have had hundreds of cases with each one. We know what they are looking for in a bankruptcy filing, and have worked with each to resolve issues quickly and quietly on numerous occasions. 

The Trustees trust our office to get your paperwork filed correctly ... and so can you. 

When debt becomes unmanageable, having an experienced bankruptcy attorney is crucial. At Stuart R. Whitehair, P.C., our practice emphasizes bankruptcy practice. It’s what we do - it’s not a sideline. With over 35 years working within the Federal Court system, we ensure you receive the right legal strategy for your situation.

As all hearings in the bankruptcy process are now handled by Zoom meetings, our office can provide assistance to every resident in the state of Montana. We always welcome clients at our office in Bozeman, but, if you would prefer, we can assist you via Zoom wherever you live in the Treasure State. Here’s some of the ways we assist our clients:

– Personalized Bankruptcy Consultations. We take the time to understand your financial situation, and work with you to determine if Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 is the best option for you; 

– Immediate Debt Relief. We can stop creditor calls, wage garnishments, and foreclosures, with a process designed to get you immediately “back to even” with your creditors; 

– Step-by-Step Bankruptcy Guidance. From paperwork to your hearing with the Trustee, we handle every detail. 

– Can you stop the phone calls? Once you have filed, creditors are obligated to stop contacting you. From that point on, they can call our office all they like, but they have to leave you alone. For many who have filed for bankruptcy protection, this is the most immediate and noticeable benefit of filing.

– Will I lose my home? My car? In almost all instances, the answer is “no”. There are state laws called “exemptions” which protect your assets. There are exemptions for your home, your vehicle, your household goods, wearing apparel, sporting goods, jewelry, retirement accounts, etc. Remember, the process is not designed to punish you, but to give you a fresh start. 

– How much does it cost? The one question which should always be asked. Well, it depends. Our practice is to charge a flat fee, and your fee will vary depending on your circumstances:

        For individuals/couples filing a Chapter 7 whose income is below the state median (roughly $67,000.00 for individuals; $81,000.00 for couples - with additional allowances for dependants), our fee is $1,400.00.

        For individuals/couples filing a Chapter 7 whose income is above the state median, or for individuals/couples who are self employed, our fee is $1,800.00. 

        For individuals/couples filing a Chapter 13 repayment plan, our fee is $5,000.00 (we can place $3,500.00 of the attorney’s fees into the Plan, but you will have to at least $1,500.00 prior to filing). 

        In addition to the above fees, the Bankruptcy Court filing fees are $338.00 for a Chapter 7; $313.00 for a Chapter 13. 

        You don’t have to pay us in full when you walk in the door. We can work out payment plans for almost every client. Give us a call at (406) 587-4200, and we can get you started on your path to a fresh start!