Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Lawyer in Richmond, VA | Merna Law
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CHAPTER 7 BANKRUPTCY LAWYER IN RICHMOND, VA
Quick Answer
Chapter 7 is the fastest way for most Richmond residents to eliminate qualifying credit-card debt, medical bills, and personal loans — often in about 90 days from filing. You must pass the Virginia means test, but many filers qualify even with above-median income once allowable expenses are counted. Merna Law confirms your eligibility and files in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Eastern District of Virginia, Richmond Division (701 East Broad Street) — entirely by phone and Zoom. Free consultation: 1-800-662-8813.
By John G. Merna, Esq. | Last Reviewed: June 2026 | The Merna Law Group, P.C.
If you are juggling minimum payments and still falling behind, a Richmond Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer can help you wipe the slate clean and keep what matters. A Chapter 7 case typically discharges unsecured debt in a few months, and the automatic stay stops wage garnishment and collection calls the day your case is filed. Merna Law handles your Chapter 7 entirely by phone and Zoom — no trips to the courthouse on East Broad Street.
Do You Qualify for Chapter 7 in Richmond?
Chapter 7 eligibility runs through the Virginia means test. If your household income is below the state median for your family size, you generally qualify automatically. If it is above the median, a second calculation subtracts allowable living expenses — and many Richmond filers still qualify after that step. We run the full test for you during your free consultation, so you know where you stand before anything is filed.
DEBT CHAPTER 7 ERASES
Credit cards, medical bills, personal loans, most older income-tax debt, and deficiency balances after repossession.
WHAT YOU KEEP
Virginia exemptions protect home equity (§ 34-4), a vehicle, household goods, and tools of your trade (§ 34-26). See exemptions →
How Long Does Chapter 7 Take?
Most Richmond Chapter 7 cases move from filing to discharge in roughly three to four months. After we prepare and file your petition, you attend one remote meeting of creditors (the 341 meeting), complete a short financial-management course, and receive your discharge. We prepare you for the 341 meeting in advance so there are no surprises.
See If You Qualify for Chapter 7
Find out in one free phone consultation — affordable flat fees and payment plans. No office visit required.
Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13 in Richmond
Chapter 7 is best when you want to erase debt quickly and your income qualifies. Chapter 13 is the better tool if you are behind on a mortgage and want to stop foreclosure, or if you need to reorganize debt into a payment plan while keeping property. Not sure which fits? We will tell you straight in your consultation.
What Chapter 7 Does Not Erase
Chapter 7 is powerful, but it does not wipe out every debt. In Richmond, the following generally survive a Chapter 7 discharge: most student loans, child support and alimony, recent income taxes, court fines and criminal restitution, and debts arising from fraud. We review your full debt list during your consultation so there are no surprises about what is and is not covered — and we identify any debts where a different strategy may help.
The Richmond Means Test, Explained
The means test compares your household income to the Virginia median for your family size. If you are below the median, you generally qualify for Chapter 7 automatically. If you are above it, the test subtracts allowable living expenses — housing, transportation, healthcare, taxes, and more — to measure your actual disposable income, and many Richmond filers still qualify after that step. Because the median figures and the IRS expense standards are updated regularly, we apply the current numbers to your filing rather than relying on outdated ones. More on the Virginia means test →
Documents to Gather for Your Chapter 7
Getting started is simpler than most people expect. Most Richmond filers provide about six months of recent pay stubs, the last two years of tax returns, recent bank statements, a list of debts and creditors, and statements for any vehicles or real estate. We send a clear checklist and you upload everything through a secure portal — no printing and no trip to the office. From there, we prepare your petition and review it with you over Zoom before anything is filed.
Life After Chapter 7 — Rebuilding Credit
A common myth is that bankruptcy ruins your credit for a decade. In reality, many Richmond clients see their scores begin to recover within months, because the debt that was dragging them down is gone and your debt-to-income ratio improves immediately. With on-time payments, a secured credit card, and steady habits, a large share of filers rebuild to good credit within one to two years. After your discharge, we point you toward practical, no-cost steps to rebuild responsibly.
Richmond Chapter 7 — FAQ
Will I lose my house or car in Chapter 7?
Usually no. Virginia exemptions protect equity in your home and vehicle for most filers, and you can keep secured property by staying current on the loan. We verify your exemptions before filing.
Can I file Chapter 7 in Richmond if my income is above the median?
Often yes — allowable expenses in the means test frequently bring above-median filers under the limit. We run the calculation so you know before you commit.
Where is my Chapter 7 case filed?
In the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Eastern District of Virginia, Richmond Division (701 East Broad Street). With Merna Law the entire process is handled remotely.
Related Richmond Pages
← Richmond Bankruptcy Lawyer (overview)
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy in Richmond
How Much Does Bankruptcy Cost in Richmond?