Bankruptcy Attorney Alpharetta GA
Comprehensive bankruptcy representation
How a Bankruptcy Lawyer in Alpharetta, GA Can Help You Rebuild Your Finances
Debt can pile up fast. Medical bills, credit cards, job loss. Any of these can push you to a breaking point. If you live in Alpharetta, GA, and you're struggling to keep up, you're not alone. At Cherney Law Firm, LLC, we help people in the Metro Atlanta area find meaningful debt relief through bankruptcy law.
Contrary to popular belief, most people do not file bankruptcy because they are reckless overspenders. Instead, most bankruptcy filers had a major life event that led them to lose control of their finances. Unemployment, mortgage payments, medical bills following an accident, and divorce can all lead people to consider bankruptcy. So, whether your family was affected by illness or disease, or a job layoff, we want you to know that we have seen and heard it all.
In short, bankruptcy is a legal tool. It can stop creditor calls, pause wage garnishments, and protect your home from foreclosure. Many people think filing means giving up. It doesn't.
For most clients, it means getting an opportunity for a new financial beginning, one they couldn't reach on their own.
As bankruptcy attorneys, we can review your full financial picture and tell you which options may apply to your situation. Chapter 7 may quickly wipe out most unsecured debt. Chapter 13 lets you catch up on missed payments over time through a structured repayment plan.
Both paths are governed by federal bankruptcy law, but local courts and Georgia rules shape how your case moves forward. The right path depends on your income, your assets, and your goals.
We are ready to help you along the way.
How Cherney Law Firm Helps A0'lpharetta Residents Tackle Debt
At Cherney Law Firm, LLC, we start by listening. We want to know what debt you're carrying, what collectors are doing, and what you most want to protect.
We look at the full picture before we recommend anything.
Chapter 7
Chapter 7 bankruptcy may be the right fit if you need a fast, clean break. It can wipe out unsecured debt, such as credit cards and medical bills. Most Chapter 7 cases in Georgia close within 3 to 4 months.
You typically cannot discharge the following debts with Chapter 7:
Student loans,
Child support,
Spousal support/alimony,
Recent taxes (the last three years),
Court-ordered fines (traffic tickets, etc.), and
Victim restitution.
To qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you first need to pass the bankruptcy “means test.” If your average income in the last six months is equal to or less than Georgia’s median income, you’re eligible for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. If your income is too high for a Chapter 7, you will be diverted to filing a Chapter 13 bankruptcy instead.
Chapter 13
Chapter 13 bankruptcy works differently. It lets you catch up on missed mortgage payments and keep your home. You pay back a portion of your debt over three to five years, on a plan you can manage.
Those filing under Chapter 13 bankruptcy also have to complete a means test to demonstrate they can repay their debts. With Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you’ll have a 3 to 5 year time period to pay off your debts. You elaborate a monthly repayment plan to pay the bankruptcy trustee every month, who would then distribute the money to your creditors.
Your monthly payment amount and the duration of the payments will depend on your monthly disposable income.
Automatic Stay
We also look at whether the automatic stay can help you right away. The moment you file, it is designed to halt most collection actions. That means no more calls, no garnishments, and no foreclosure while your case is active.
If you're dealing with tax debt or considering debt settlement, we can review those options, too. The goal is to find what actually works for you.
Why Alpharetta Residents Choose Cherney Law Firm
Choosing the right bankruptcy attorney in Alpharetta, GA, can shape your financial future.
At Cherney Law Firm, LLC, we bring real, verifiable strengths to every case, not just promises.
10+ Years of Experience
Matthew J. Cherney has guided clients through bankruptcy since 2012. That means more than a decade of focused work and a substantial number of cases filed in Georgia. This depth of experience matters when your home, car, or wages are at risk.
Moreover, he earned his Bachelor’s degree from Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and his Juris Doctor (law degree) from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Lansing, Michigan. Upon graduating from law school, he was admitted to the State Bar of Illinois and began my legal career in Chicago. In 2008, I moved to the beautiful “Peach State” and became a member of the Georgia State Bar.
Furthermore, Matthew has been featured in publications such as Wall Street Select, the Boston Herald, and InvestorPlace, highlighting his impressive track record and proficiency.
Focused Entirely on Bankruptcy Relief
Our firm focuses only on consumer and business bankruptcy. We handle Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases, and nothing else. That focus means we have focused experience in this area of law and bring focused, attentive representation to every client.
Local Coverage Across Metro Atlanta and Cherokee County
We serve Alpharetta, Roswell, Sandy Springs, and all of Fulton County, as well as Cherokee, Cobb, and Paulding counties. We know the local courts. We file cases in the Georgia bankruptcy courts that serve your area.
Free Consultations to Evaluate Your Options
We offer free consultations to every new client. You can talk through your debt, your assets, and your goals at no cost. That first conversation helps us build a plan that fits your life.
Your Bankruptcy Journey in Georgia, Step by Step
Filing bankruptcy in Georgia follows a clear process. Knowing what comes next can make the whole thing feel much less scary.
Stage 1: Free Consultation (Week 1)
Your first step is a free consultation with our firm. You share the basics: your debts, your income, and what you own. We review your situation and tell you which chapter fits best, either Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. Most consultations take about an hour.
Stage 2: Gathering Documents (Weeks 1–2)
After the consultation, you collect your financial records. These include pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, and a list of creditors. We give you a checklist so nothing gets missed. This stage usually takes one to two weeks.
Stage 3: Filing Your Case (Weeks 2–4)
We prepare and file your petition with the US Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Georgia. This court covers the Alpharetta and Metro Atlanta area. The moment your case is filed, the automatic stay goes into effect. That means creditor calls, lawsuits, wage garnishments, and foreclosure actions should stop. We’re ready to step in if they don’t.
Stage 4: The 341 Meeting of Creditors (About 4–6 Weeks After Filing)
Every bankruptcy case in Georgia requires a 341 meeting, also called the meeting of creditors. You attend virtually via Zoom. A bankruptcy trustee asks you questions about your finances, not a judge. The meeting is short, usually 10 to 15 minutes, and we can prepare you fully so you know what to expect and what to say.
Stage 5: Discharge or Repayment Plan (2–5 Months for Chapter 7; 3–5 Years for Chapter 13)
In a Chapter 7 case, most debts are discharged within two to five months of filing. You get an opportunity for a new financial beginning. In a Chapter 13 case, the court confirms a repayment plan. You make monthly payments to a trustee over three to five years. We monitor your plan throughout and respond to any issues that come up. At the end of a successful Chapter 13 plan, remaining eligible debts are discharged.
Each stage has firm deadlines set by federal law and local court rules. Missing a deadline can hurt your case. We track every deadline on your behalf.
Talk to a Bankruptcy Attorney in Alpharetta Today
If you have been struggling with overwhelming debt for a while, Cherney Law Firm, LLC is here for you. Debt does not have to control your life. We can review your situation and help you find a real path forward.
As experienced bankruptcy attorneys, we’re here to help you get debt-free.
Take the next step now. Our skilled attorneys can help you stop creditor calls, protect your assets, and move toward a new financial beginning.
Do not wait. The sooner you reach out, the sooner relief can begin. Call or contact us online today and schedule your free initial consultation.
Ready to Get Started?
Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward financial freedom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Individuals who have significant unsecured debts (such as credit cards, medical bills, personal loans) or secured debts they can’t manage may qualify. Eligibility for Chapter 7 requires passing a means test based on income; if income is too high, Chapter 13 (debt reorganization) may be an option.