Debt relief starts with the right legal.
Why You Need Guidance From an Experienced Chapter 7 Attorney in GA
Chapter 7 bankruptcy can wipe out debt fast. Credit card bills, medical costs, and personal loans can all be discharged under federal bankruptcy law. At Cherney Law Firm, LLC in Marietta, Georgia, we help people across the Metro Atlanta area understand their options and take back control of their finances.
Debt doesn't just hurt your wallet. It follows you through calls from collectors, threats of lawsuits, wage garnishments, and even car repossession. Many people don't know that a Chapter 7 filing can stop those actions right away.
The moment you file, an automatic stay goes into effect. That means creditors are obligated to halt collection efforts while your case moves forward.
However, Chapter 7 is not right for everyone. Your income, the type of debt you carry, and the assets you own all play a role in whether you qualify. But for many people in Georgia, it offers the fastest path to a clean financial start.
How Cherney Law Firm Approaches Your Chapter 7 Case
In Georgia, a Chapter 7 bankruptcy is a legal proceeding in which the court discharges your debts. If successful, most unsecured debts will be forgiven, and the debtor will get a “fresh start.”
Once this process is completed, the debtor is free of major debt.
At Cherney Law Firm, LLC, we start by listening. Your situation is unique, and we treat it that way. Our first step is a full review of your finances. We look at what you owe, what you own, and what income you bring in. That picture tells us whether Chapter 7 fits your needs.
Chapter 7 bankruptcy can wipe out many types of debt. Credit card bills, medical debt, and personal loans may all qualify for discharge.
We map out which debts could be eliminated and which ones cannot.
Exemptions
Moreover, when you file for Chapter 7, you will most likely have to give up anything that isn’t exempt under Georgia law (like your car, home equity, or household goods). The bankruptcy trustee will liquidate any non-exempt assets to pay your creditors. We apply these exemptions carefully so you walk away with as much as possible.
Means Test
We can also look at the means test. This is a formula that checks if your income qualifies you for Chapter 7 in GA. We run the numbers with you so there are no surprises.
In short, unless there is proof that you cannot afford to repay your debt based on your income and other factors, you cannot file under this chapter. Your household income will be measured against the median income of a family living in the state that is comparable in size to your own family (as of 2026, this is: $68,478 for 1 earner, $84,965 for 2 earners, $101,479 for 3 earners, and $123,481 for 4 earners)
If your average income from the last 6 months is less than or equal to the median income, you will be considered eligible for Chapter 7.
Alternative Options
If Chapter 7 is not the right path, we say so. In some cases, Chapter 13 may work better for your goals. We give honest guidance — not a one-size-fits-all answer.
Once we know Chapter 7 is the right move, we build your filing plan. We prepare your paperwork, work to protect your assets, and handle communication with creditors. You do not have to face any of this alone.
Our goal is simple. Get you real relief, as fast as the law allows.
Why Georgians Trust Cherney Law, LLC for Chapter 7
Choosing the right Chapter 7 lawyer in GA matters. The details below show why clients across Metro Atlanta turn to Cherney Law Firm, LLC.
Over a Decade of Bankruptcy Experience
Matthew J. Cherney has handled bankruptcy cases since 2012. We have handled a wide range of debt situations — and we know how to move fast when it counts. Moreover, our founder, Matthew J. Cherney, has been featured in publications such as Wall Street Select, Star Tribune, and the Daily Herald, highlighting his impressive track record and professionalism.
Focused Solely on Bankruptcy Relief
Cherney Law Firm does one thing: bankruptcy. We don't split focus across family law, personal injury, or criminal defense. Every client benefits from that focus. When Chapter 7 is your path forward, you want a lawyer who lives and breathes it daily.
Personal Attention from Attorney Matthew J. Cherney
You won't be passed off to a paralegal. Matthew J. Cherney reviews your case directly. He listens. He explains your options in plain terms. That kind of personal attention is rare, and it matters when your financial future is on the line.
Metro Atlanta Coverage Across Key Georgia Counties
We serve clients throughout Marietta, Cobb, Fulton, Cherokee, and Paulding Counties, and beyond. From Kennesaw to Roswell to Sandy Springs, our reach covers the areas where most Georgia Chapter 7 filers live. Local knowledge of Georgia courts strengthens every case we handle.
Free Consultations to Start Your Fresh Start
Your first step costs nothing. We offer free consultations so you can get clear answers before making any decisions. No pressure. Just honest guidance from a lawyer who knows Georgia bankruptcy law.
Your Georgia Chapter 7 Case, Step by Step
The Chapter 7 process in Georgia follows a clear path. Knowing each stage helps you feel less anxious and more in control of what comes next.
Stage 1: Free Consultation and Case Review
Your first step is a review of your debts, income, and assets. At Cherney Law Firm, LLC, we look at your full financial picture to see if Chapter 7 is the right fit.
Stage 2: The Georgia Means Test
To file Chapter 7 in Georgia, you must pass the means test. This compares your income to Georgia's median income for your household size. If your income is too high, you may need to look at Chapter 13 instead. We run this test with you so there are no surprises.
Stage 3: Filing Your Petition
Once you qualify, we prepare and file your bankruptcy petition with the US Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Georgia. This filing triggers the automatic stay, a legal protection that stops most collection calls, lawsuits, wage garnishments, and repossessions right away.
The stay goes into effect the moment we file.
The Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing fee in Georgia is $338.
Stage 4: The 341 Meeting of Creditors
About 21 to 40 days after filing, you are required to attend a 341 meeting, also called the meeting of creditors. This takes place virtually, via Zoom. It is not a court hearing. Here, the trustee reviews your case and goes through all the paperwork and details to ensure there is no fraud. They may also want to review your bank statements, deeds to any real estate, and vehicle titles.
The trustee asks basic questions about your finances and assists with the liquidation of your assets. Creditors rarely attend. The meeting typically lasts 10 to 15 minutes.
We prepare the paperwork and help you go over every potential question with you in advance so you feel ready.
Stage 5: Discharge
If no issues arise, your discharge is granted roughly 60 to 90 days after the 341 meeting. This wipes out most unsecured debts. Once the discharge is entered, those debts are discharged.
The entire process, from filing to discharge, usually takes 3 to 6 months in Georgia.
Talk to a Chapter 7 Lawyer in Marietta Today
Debt doesn't have to run your life. At Cherney Law Firm, LLC, we offer free consultations to help you find a clear path forward. Our team is ready to help you stop creditor calls, work to protect your assets, and get a fresh start.
Contact us today and schedule a free initial consultation. Tell us about your debt, and we'll review your options at no cost.
Don't wait. Reach out today and take the first step toward real relief.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I file Chapter 7 if I just got a new job with higher pay?
Your income at the time of filing is what counts. A recent raise may affect whether you pass the means test. A Chapter 7 lawyer in GA can review your current income and help you decide whether to file now or wait.
2. What happens to my tax refund if I file mid-year?
A tax refund you are owed at the time of filing may be treated as an asset by the bankruptcy trustee. The timing of your filing can make a big difference, so it is worth planning ahead with your attorney.
3. Can Chapter 7 stop a wage garnishment that has already started?
Yes, the automatic stay takes effect the moment your case is filed, which can halt an active garnishment. Wages taken before you file, though, are generally not returned.
4. What if I filed Chapter 7 before? Can I file again?
You can file again, but federal law requires eight years to pass between Chapter 7 discharges. Your attorney can confirm your eligibility based on your prior filing date.
5. How will filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Georgia affect my credit score?
Once you file, the bankruptcy will appear on your credit report and can remain there for up to 10 years. This can lead to a substantial drop in your score, making it challenging to obtain new credit, loans, or even certain jobs. Over time, as you demonstrate responsible financial behavior, your score can gradually improve.
