– Floyd County Bankruptcy Attorney

When your home, your paycheck, and your financial future are at stake, the attorney you choose matters. 

Cherney Law Firm, LLC offers experience, direct access to your attorney, and a genuine focus on getting you the best outcome for your situation.

Hands-On Help From Start to Finish

Matthew J. Cherney founded Cherney Law Firm, LLC because he wanted to give clients something large firms often don't: a direct relationship with the attorney handling their case. 

He earned his Bachelor's Degree from Carthage College in Wisconsin and his law degree from Western Michigan University, Thomas M. Cooley Law School.

He started his legal career in Chicago at a large bankruptcy firm, handling debt relief cases across every chapter. In 2008, he moved to Georgia and joined the State Bar of Georgia. After gaining experience at both large and mid-sized consumer firms, he opened Cherney Law Firm, LLC in 2012.

Since then, he has helped thousands of clients across Floyd County, Cobb County, and the greater Georgia area get real relief from debt. He's licensed in Georgia and in the federal courts for the Northern and Middle Districts of Georgia, which covers the courts where most Floyd County cases are filed.

Every client works directly with Matthew from the first consultation to the close of the case. There's no handoff to someone else once you sign on.

15 Years of Georgia Bankruptcy Experience

Matthew has spent over 15 years handling Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases in Georgia. He knows the means test inside and out, understands the Georgia exemptions, and knows how local trustees run their hearings. That experience shapes how your case is built from the start and how smoothly it moves through the court.

Before recommending any filing, Matthew reviews every available option. Debt settlement or direct creditor talks may work better for some clients. He looks at your full picture, income, debts, assets, and what you want to protect, then recommends the path that fits your life.

Clear Communication and Personal Attention

We keep you in the loop at every stage. You won't be left wondering what's happening with your case or what comes next. Matthew explains each step in plain terms so you always know where you stand. If questions come up between calls, you have direct access to someone who knows your file.

We also understand that cost can be a barrier. A free case review is available to every new client. Payment plan options may also be available based on your situation.

Proven Record Across Georgia

We have helped thousands of clients since the firm opened in 2012, with successful outcomes across Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases. We are trusted by Floyd County residents facing garnishment, foreclosure, and mounting debt.

Filing for bankruptcy follows a clear set of steps. Knowing what's coming makes the whole process far less daunting. 

Here's exactly what it looks like when you work with Cherney Law Firm, LLC.

Free Consultation

Your first meeting with Matthew is free and comes with no obligation. He listens to your full financial picture, your income, your debts, your assets, and what you want to protect. By the end of this meeting, you'll have a clear sense of which chapter may work best for your situation and what the process involves.

Document Review and Case Prep

Once you decide to move forward, we gather the documents needed to build your case. This includes pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, and a full list of debts and assets. Every item matters. 

Errors in a bankruptcy filing can slow things down or create problems with the court trustee. Matthew reviews everything carefully before anything gets filed.

Strategy Planning

Every case is different. For Chapter 7, we run the Georgia means test to confirm you qualify based on your income. For Chapter 13, we build a payment plan that meets the court's rules and fits your real budget. 

We also identify which Georgia exemptions apply to your property, home equity, your vehicle, retirement funds, work tools, so you keep as much as possible.

Filing and the Automatic Stay

When we file your petition with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, the automatic stay takes effect right away. Most collection actions must stop, including active lawsuits and wage garnishment. Foreclosure proceedings are also put on hold. Most clients feel real relief within hours of the filing date.

Meeting of Creditors

About 21 to 40 days after filing, you attend a short hearing called the 341 meeting of creditors. A bankruptcy trustee, not a judge, asks a brief set of questions about your filing. It typically takes less than 10 minutes. Matthew prepares you fully in advance so you know what to expect and walk in feeling ready.

Discharge or Plan Completion

In a Chapter 7 case, eligible debts are wiped out within three to four months of filing. In a Chapter 13 case, you follow a payment plan for three to five years, after which any remaining eligible balances are cleared. When your case closes, those debts are gone.

At every step, Matthew is available to answer questions, handle anything that comes up, and keep your case moving forward.

Ready to Take Back Control of Your Finances?

Whether you're dealing with credit card balances, medical bills, a wage garnishment, or the risk of losing your home, the right legal plan can change your situation faster than you'd expect.

At Cherney Law Firm, LLC, Matthew has helped thousands of Floyd County and Georgia residents find a real path forward. We listen first, explain your options clearly, and build a plan that fits your life, not a generic one.

A free consultation is the first step, no cost, and no obligation. You'll leave with honest answers and a clear picture of what's possible for your case. Visit our contact page to book your free consultation and figure out what options are available.