Portsmouth Bankruptcy Attorney — Chapter 7 & 13 | Merna Law
Quick Answer: Portsmouth residents file bankruptcy in the Eastern District of Virginia, Norfolk Division. With approximately 395 filings per year and a 64% Chapter 7 rate, Portsmouth filers predominantly seek a complete debt discharge. Merna Law serves all of Portsmouth from its Virginia Beach office, handling all cases by phone and Zoom.
Bankruptcy in Portsmouth, Virginia
Portsmouth is an independent city directly across the Elizabeth River from Norfolk, served by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Norfolk Division. Between April 2025 and March 2026, Portsmouth produced approximately 395 bankruptcy filings — 64% Chapter 7 — reflecting the city’s working-class and blue-collar employment base and concentration of wage earners seeking a clean discharge from credit card, medical, and personal loan debt.
Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13 in Portsmouth
Chapter 7 — Discharge Debt, Fresh Start
Chapter 7 eliminates most unsecured debt in 90 to 120 days. Virginia income limits (April 1, 2026): 1 person: $78,491 · 2 people: $101,171 · 3 people: $123,159 · 4 people: $144,826 (+$11,100 per additional person). Source: U.S. Trustee Program.
Chapter 13 — Repayment Plan
Chapter 13 stops foreclosure and allows Portsmouth homeowners to catch up on mortgage arrears over three to five years. Portsmouth cases are assigned to Trustee Gregory Stefan or Trustee Kelly Barnhart in the Norfolk Division.
Automatic Stay and Virginia Exemptions
Filing immediately stops all collection activity under the automatic stay (11 U.S.C. § 362). Virginia exemptions protect home equity up to $25,000 per person, vehicle equity up to $10,000, all retirement accounts, and a $5,000 wildcard.
Serving All of Portsmouth
Merna Law serves clients throughout Portsmouth — Cradock, Churchland, Port Norfolk, Olde Towne, and all city zip codes (23701–23707). Every case handled by phone and Zoom.
Ready to Stop the Calls, Garnishments, or Foreclosure?
Free consultation by phone or Zoom — no office visit required. We’ll run your means test, review your property, and tell you exactly which chapter is right for your situation.
