Athens Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Lawyer

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Attorney in Athens, TN

Residents of Athens, TN, work hard every day to provide for themselves and their families. Unfortunately, things like a sudden medical emergency or job loss can cause a person to take on more debt than they would want to. Suddenly, they can no longer make their mortgage or credit card payments or pay their utility bills. The good news is that an Athens, TN, Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer at Mark T. Young & Associates can help you relieve your debt and start fresh.

Giving You and Your Family a Fresh Financial Start

Many people think that bankruptcy is only something that businesses or the wealthy use to relieve their debt. That’s not the case — anyone who qualifies for bankruptcy can use it as a way to give themselves a new financial beginning.

In fact, non-business bankruptcy filings increased 11.5% in 2025 compared to the previous year. The U.S. Federal Courts define Chapter 7 bankruptcy as a way for a person to sell off their nonexempt assets. Whatever funds are raised through the liquidation process are then used to help pay off the person’s debt.

The Chapter 7 petition also automatically stops the collection process for certain types of debt you may have accumulated. In some cases, it can eliminate certain debt even if the liquidation of your nonessential assets does not cover it all.

How Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Works

To file for Chapter 7, you must prove that you qualify by passing the means test, which shows whether or not you have the ability to repay your debt.

If you pass the means test, your Athens Chapter 7 bankruptcy attorney can assist you with filing all the necessary paperwork. This includes your personal financial information and a court petition that provides an automatic stay, stopping certain creditors from going after you for debts you owe.

Debts that are eligible for the automatic stay are those accumulated through:

• Credit cards
• Medical bills
• Personal loans
• Utility bills

Debt that is not eligible for the automatic stay includes:

• Alimony
• Child support
• Court-ordered fines and restitutions
• Student loans
• Tax-related debts

During the Chapter 7 bankruptcy process, you will also need to liquidate your nonessential assets, or things you can technically live without, to help pay off your debt. Examples of nonessential assets include:

• Antiques and family heirlooms
• Cash available in bank accounts
• Designer clothes and accessories
• High-value collections, such as coins or art
• Investments like stocks and bonds
• Jewelry outside of your wedding ring
• Recreational vehicles, such as a boat or airplane
• A secondary car
• Vacation homes or property

Most Chapter 7 bankruptcy cases in Athens allow you to keep essential assets, such as things you need for basic living and your future security. Essential assets include:

• Certain earnings, including social security and unemployment funds
• Clothing
• Household furniture and appliances
• The primary home, up to a certain dollar amount
• The primary vehicle
• Retirement accounts

Hire a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Lawyer

If you decide to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you’re certainly not alone. More than 8,300 Chapter 7 bankruptcy cases were filed in Tennessee in 2024.

The job of an Athens Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer is to help you through the eligibility requirements and provide you with a thorough understanding of Chapter 7 bankruptcy laws.

Your Athens bankruptcy legal team can also provide the following services:

• Help you file your Chapter 7 bankruptcy paperwork with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee.
• Assist with communicating with the court-appointed trustee in charge of liquidating your nonessential assets.
• Take part in the creditors’ meeting overseen by your trustee, where creditors have an opportunity to talk about your outstanding debt.
• Advocate on your behalf for why certain nonessential assets should not be liquidated.
• Ensure you receive the court-required credit counseling and attend debtor education courses.

FAQs

How Much Does It Cost to File Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Tennessee?

It currently costs a minimum of $338 to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy with the Eastern District of Tennessee court system, which includes filing fees and administrative costs. As every bankruptcy case is different, you may face some additional fees based on your situation. Hiring a lawyer can add to costs, but it can also greatly benefit your case.

What Is the Income Limit for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Tennessee?

The income limit for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Tennessee depends on the household size. To qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, your annual household income must be below Tennessee’s average income for your household size. As of November 1, 2025, the following are the median household incomes:

• $62,339 with one earner
• $80,722 with two family members
• $95,011 with three family members
• $106,775 with four family members

What if I Can’t Afford a Bankruptcy Lawyer?

If you can’t afford a Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer, our legal team is happy to work with you on making your payments for legal services as affordable as possible. We understand that if you’re filing and qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you are living with a great deal of financial hardship. When you meet with one of our experienced bankruptcy lawyers, they can walk you through our payment options.

Can I File Bankruptcy Without a Lawyer in Tennessee?

Yes, you can file for bankruptcy without legal representation, which is called pro se. However, Chapter 7 bankruptcy laws and the entire process are extremely complex. Without the help of an experienced legal team, you face the risk of filling out paperwork incorrectly and not fully understanding what Chapter 7 bankruptcy cases entail. You should hire a Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer with years of experience in the Athens area.

Consult an Experienced Athens, TN, Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Lawyer

Deciding to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy is a tough decision to make. While it may seem like an easy way to wipe your financial slate clean, it’s important to understand what assets you will be required to liquidate and how bankruptcy will impact your future.

With more than 30 years of experience in bankruptcy law, the legal team at Mark T. Young & Associates is available to answer all of your questions and guide you through the entire Chapter 7 process. Contact our office today to learn more about how we can help.