Overwhelmed by Debt? Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Can Give You a Fresh Start.
Wipe out credit card debt, medical bills, and personal loans in as little as 3–6 months. Arey & Cross, P.C. has helped thousands of Georgia families reclaim their financial freedom — with no judgment, no pressure, and a free consultation.
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Serving GA Since 1994
Thousands of Cases Filed
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From First Call to Debt-Free: Here's How Chapter 7 Works
Most clients complete the process in 3–6 months. Here's what to expect — step by step.
01
Free Consultation
We review your debts, income, and assets. You’ll know within one conversation whether Chapter 7 is right for you — and what to expect.
02
We File For You
We prepare and file your petition with the court. An automatic stay immediately stops all creditor calls, garnishments, and collection actions.
03
Discharge & Fresh Start
You attend one brief meeting (usually under 10 minutes). Within 3–6 months, your eligible debts are legally discharged. You start over.
What Debts Does Chapter 7 Eliminate — And What Do You Keep?
Chapter 7 wipes out most unsecured debt while letting you keep essential property under Georgia's exemption laws.
Debts Typically Eliminated
- Credit card debt
- Medical bills
- Personal loans
- Payday loans
- Utility bill arrears
- Most judgments and lawsuits
- Certain older tax debts
Property You Can Keep (Georgia Exemptions)
- Credit card debt
- Medical bills
- Personal loans
- Payday loans
- Utility bill arrears
- Most judgments and lawsuits
- Certain older tax debts
Do You Qualify for Chapter 7? Most People Do.
The main requirement is passing the Means Test — a comparison of your income to Georgia's median. Here's how to know if you likely qualify.
You may be a strong candidate for Chapter 7 if:
- Credit card debt
- Medical bills
- Personal loans
- Payday loans
- Utility bill arrears
- Most judgments and lawsuits
- Certain older tax debts
Not sure? That’s exactly what your free consultation is for. We’ll run the Means Test for you — at no cost.
| Chapter 7 — Fresh Start | Chapter 13 — Repayment Plan | |
|---|---|---|
| Timeline | 3–6 months | 3–5 years |
| Debt Outcome | Most debt eliminated | Restructured repayment plan |
| Income Requirement | Must pass Means Test | Requires regular income |
| Keep Property | Within exemption limits | Keep all property |
| Best For | High unsecured debt, lower income | Behind on mortgage/car, higher income |
Thousands of Georgians Have Trusted Arey & Cross to Handle Their Bankruptcy
We’ve been helping Columbus, GA families find financial relief since 1994. No judgment. No runaround. Just straightforward legal help from attorneys who know Georgia bankruptcy law inside and out.
Serving GA Since 1994
Decades of bankruptcy experience in Columbus and surrounding counties. We know Georgia courts, judges, and trustees.
Thousands of Cases Filed
We've guided thousands of individuals and families through Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 — with compassion and without judgment.
Free Consultation — No Upfront Fee
Your first consultation is 100% free. In Chapter 7, all attorney fees are paid upfront before filing — we'll be fully transparent about costs.
Local Columbus Attorneys
We're not a national firm. We're your neighbors. We file in the Middle District of Georgia and know this community.
Automatic Stay — Immediate Relief
The moment we file, creditor calls stop. Garnishments stop. Lawsuits pause. We move fast because we know you need relief now.
Debt Relief Agency
Arey & Cross, P.C. is a federally designated Debt Relief Agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.
Your Chapter 7 Questions — Answered Honestly
Will bankruptcy ruin my credit forever?
Chapter 7 stays on your credit report for 10 years, but most clients see their credit begin to improve within 12–24 months of discharge. Many find they can qualify for a car loan or secured credit card within a year. Starting fresh with no debt is often better for your long-term credit than continuing to miss payments.
Will I lose my house or car?
Not necessarily. Georgia's exemption laws protect up to $21,500 in home equity (doubled for married couples) and $5,000 in vehicle equity. If you're current on your mortgage and car payments and within exemption limits, you can keep them. We'll review your specific situation in your free consultation.
How does the automatic stay work?
The moment we file your bankruptcy petition, federal law immediately prohibits creditors from calling you, suing you, garnishing your wages, or continuing any collection action. This is called the 'automatic stay,' and it goes into effect the same day we file.
How much does Chapter 7 bankruptcy cost?
The court filing fee is $335. Attorney fees are paid in full before we file — we'll give you a clear, written quote with no hidden costs after your free consultation. For many clients, the cost of filing is far less than one month of debt payments.
What is the Means Test?
The Means Test compares your average monthly income over the past 6 months to Georgia's median income for your household size. If you're below the median, you automatically qualify. If you're above, we calculate disposable income to determine eligibility. We run this analysis for you — free.
Do I have to go to court?
You'll attend one brief meeting called the '341 Meeting of Creditors.' It typically lasts 5–10 minutes, your attorney is with you the entire time, and it is not a courtroom hearing. Most clients find it much less intimidating than they expected.
Can I keep my retirement accounts?
Yes. 401(k), IRA, pension, and most retirement accounts are fully protected in bankruptcy — they are not considered assets available to creditors. This is one of the most important exemptions in Georgia.
How soon can I file again after Chapter 7?
You cannot file Chapter 7 again for 8 years after a discharge. This is why we review your full situation carefully before filing — to make sure bankruptcy is the right long-term decision for you.
Ready to Stop the Creditor Calls and Start Over?
Your free consultation is waiting. No obligation. No judgment. Just a clear, honest conversation about your options.
- Free
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- No Pressure
Arey & Cross, P.C. is a federally designated Debt Relief Agency helping people file for relief under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.