– Roswell Georgia Bankruptcy Lawyer

At Cherney Law Firm, LLC, we start by looking at your full financial picture. That means your income, your debts, and what creditors are currently doing to collect. Once we understand your situation, we can map out a real path forward.

Many Roswell residents come to us with a mix of problems. Credit card debt. Medical bills. A lawsuit that turned into a judgment. Sometimes a garnishment is already active.

We look at all of it together, because one solution may address several issues at once.

Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?

Chapter 7 bankruptcy is often a more efficient route to relief. It can wipe out most unsecured debt, including credit cards and medical bills. For clients who qualify, it offers a clean break. The process moves quickly, and results can come in a matter of months.

Chapter 13 bankruptcy works differently. It sets up a structured repayment plan — typically lasting three to five years — that can stop a foreclosure or catch up on missed mortgage payments. It may also protect assets that a Chapter 7 case could not.

We look at your income and goals to see which option fits.

Not every client needs bankruptcy. Some situations may be better suited to debt settlement, working directly with creditors to reduce what you owe. We review both paths and give you a straight answer about which one makes sense for your case.

Our approach is personal. We don't run clients through a script. Matthew J. Cherney reviews each case with care. You get clear answers and a plan built around your numbers — not someone else's. Our firm covers the full range of debt problems Georgia families face. From the first review to the final discharge, we stay focused on your outcome.

Why Roswell Residents Trust Cherney Law Firm

Roswell residents facing debt need more than a generic law firm. They need someone who knows Georgia bankruptcy law, handles these cases every day, and takes the time to listen. At Cherney Law Firm, LLC, our strengths come from specific facts — not vague promises.

Over 15 Years of Georgia Bankruptcy Cases

Attorney Matthew J. Cherney has focused on bankruptcy since founding the firm in 2012. He has filed many cases in Georgia's federal bankruptcy courts. That volume matters. He knows the judges, the filing rules, and the local procedures. This vast amount of knowledge and experience enables us to quickly draw a conclusion when we review a potential client’s situation.

You get a lawyer who has seen your situation before — and knows how to move through it.

Bankruptcy Only — No Divided Attention

Cherney Law Firm, LLC focuses on one thing: debt relief. The firm does not take family law cases, injury claims, or criminal matters. Every hour goes toward helping clients get out of debt. That focus means your case gets full attention — from the first call to the final discharge.

Serving Roswell and All of North Metro Atlanta

The firm's main office sits at 1744 Roswell Road in Marietta — just minutes from Roswell. Matthew J. Cherney serves clients across Fulton County, Cobb County, Cherokee County, and the surrounding areas. You get local help from someone who knows this region.

A Kind, Personal Approach to Hard Times

Debt is stressful. Calls from creditors are exhausting. Matthew J. Cherney treats every client with respect and patience. He takes time to explain your options in plain terms. No pressure. No jargon. Just clear, honest guidance so you can make the right call.

Your Bankruptcy Case Step by Step in Georgia

Filing for bankruptcy in Georgia largely follows a clear process. Knowing what comes next can make the whole experience feel less overwhelming.

Stage 1: Your First Review (Week 1–2)

Your job at this stage is to gather documents. That means pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, and a list of debts. The attorney's job is to review everything — income, assets, and the types of debt you carry. That review shapes which chapter fits your situation.

Chapters 7 and 13 have different rules. Chapter 7 requires passing a means test based on Georgia’s median income levels. Chapter 13 requires that you show you have a steady income to fund a repayment plan. Getting this right from the start matters.

Stage 2: Filing Your Petition (Week 2–4)

Once your case is ready, the petition is filed with the US Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Georgia. That is the federal court that handles cases for Roswell and the surrounding Metro Atlanta area. The filing includes a full list of your debts, assets, income, and monthly expenses.

The moment your case is filed, an automatic stay takes effect. This may stop collection calls, lawsuits, wage garnishments, and foreclosure actions right away. It does not require a court hearing to begin.

Stage 3: The 341 Meeting of Creditors (About 30–45 Days After Filing)

This is a required step in every bankruptcy case. You attend a short meeting with a bankruptcy trustee, not a judge. The trustee asks questions about your finances and your petition. The meeting is usually brief. Most clients finish in under 15 minutes.

Creditors may attend, but they rarely do in consumer cases. You need to be prepared and honest. The trustee's role is to confirm that your paperwork is accurate.

Stage 4: Resolution of Your Case

Chapter 7 cases in the Northern District of Georgia typically close within 3 to 6 months of filing. If no assets are at issue, the process moves quickly. A discharge wipes out eligible debts, including credit cards, medical bills, and most personal loans.

Chapter 13 cases last 3 to 5 years. You make monthly plan payments to a trustee, who distributes funds to creditors. At the end of the plan, remaining eligible balances may be discharged. If your situation changes during the plan, the payment amount may be adjusted.

Stage 5: After Discharge

Once your case closes, you get a fresh start. Most discharged debts are gone for good. Your case file remains in the federal court system, but day-to-day collection activity stops. The path forward includes rebuilding credit over time and managing new debt carefully.

Life After Bankruptcy

While bankruptcy does remain on your credit report for a number of years, it’s vital to focus on rebuilding your credit after a bankruptcy discharge. We can walk you through what comes after your discharge so you know what to expect.

If fear of ruined credit is holding you back from taking the plunge, don’t let that concern stop you because you can reestablish your credit if you work at it.

Millions of Americans are suffering from financial troubles. Everywhere you turn, someone you know is laid off or struggling with an underwater mortgage. No matter what led to your particular situation, we are confident that we can help you find the most practical solution to the matter at hand.

So, if you're dealing with creditor calls, a looming foreclosure, or a garnishment eating into your paycheck, now is the time to act. A free consultation with Cherney Law Firm, LLC can help you see your options clearly.

We keep things simple. You tell us what you owe. We tell you what can help.

Contact us today to get started.