Dallas Bankruptcy Attorneys Who Fight for Your Fresh Start

If you are a Dallas, TX resident struggling under the weight of mounting debt, you are not alone—and you have powerful legal options. At Machi Wright & Associates, our experienced Dallas bankruptcy lawyers have helped thousands of North Texas families and individuals reclaim their financial futures through Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy protection.

As the economic heart of North Texas and the third-largest city in the state, Dallas residents face intense cost-of-living pressures from skyrocketing housing costs, aggressive creditor lawsuits filed in Dallas County courts, and the financial fallout of a boom-and-bust economy. Our office is easily accessible from our Arlington office via I-30, typically a 25-minute drive, making it easy for Dallas residents to get the personal, face-to-face legal guidance they deserve. Call (817) 335-8880 today for a FREE consultation.

Why Dallas Residents Choose Machi Wright & Associates for Bankruptcy

With more than 30 years of experience practicing bankruptcy law in the DFW Metroplex, our attorneys bring a depth of knowledge that larger firms simply cannot match. We focus on people, not case numbers. When you walk into our office, you sit down with an actual attorney—not a paralegal or intake specialist.

• Board-Certified Expertise: Our attorneys are recognized specialists in consumer bankruptcy law, bringing decades of courtroom experience before the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas (Dallas Division).
• Deep Local Knowledge: We know Dallas County, the local trustees, and the specific exemptions that protect Dallas homeowners and families under Texas law.
• Transparent, Honest Advice: During your free consultation, we will tell you honestly whether bankruptcy is right for your situation—or if another path makes more sense.
• Affordable Representation: We offer competitive flat-fee pricing and flexible payment plans because financial relief should not require more financial stress.
• Thousands of Cases Filed: Our track record speaks for itself—over 30 years of successfully guiding Dallas and DFW-area residents through the bankruptcy process from start to discharge.

Understanding Your Bankruptcy Options in Dallas, Texas

Federal bankruptcy law provides two primary paths for individuals and families: Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. The right choice depends on your income, assets, debts, and long-term financial goals. Here is a clear breakdown of each option as it applies to Dallas residents:

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Dallas

Often called “liquidation bankruptcy,” Chapter 7 allows qualifying Dallas residents to eliminate most unsecured debts—including credit cards, medical bills, personal loans, and certain older tax debts—in as little as 90 to 120 days. Under Texas law, generous exemptions protect your primary home (with unlimited acreage inside city limits), up to $60,000 in personal property for families, and retirement accounts.

To qualify, you must pass the means test, which compares your household income to the Texas median. For Dallas (Dallas County), the median income thresholds are updated every six months by the U.S. Trustee’s office. If your income falls below the threshold, you likely qualify. Even if it does not, allowable deductions may still bring you under the limit.

Learn more about Chapter 7 Bankruptcy →

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy in Dallas

Chapter 13, known as the “wage earner’s plan,” allows Dallas residents with regular income to restructure their debts into a manageable 3- to 5-year repayment plan. This is especially powerful for homeowners facing foreclosure, because it allows you to cure mortgage arrears over time while keeping your home.

Chapter 13 also protects co-signers, allows you to “cram down” certain secured debts (like car loans) to the vehicle’s actual value, and can discharge remaining unsecured balances at the end of your plan. For Dallas families earning above the Chapter 7 means test threshold, Chapter 13 provides a structured path to debt freedom without losing assets.

Learn more about Chapter 13 Bankruptcy →

The Bankruptcy Filing Process for Dallas Residents

Filing for bankruptcy in Dallas follows a specific legal process through the federal court system. Here is what to expect when you work with Machi Wright & Associates:

1. Free Initial Consultation: We review your debts, income, assets, and goals. You will leave knowing exactly which chapter fits your situation, what it costs, and what timeline to expect.
2. Credit Counseling: Federal law requires a pre-filing credit counseling course from an approved provider. We guide you to reputable, low-cost options—many available online in about an hour.
3. Petition Preparation: Our team prepares your bankruptcy petition, schedules, and statements with meticulous attention to detail. Errors in these documents can delay or jeopardize your case.
4. Filing With the Court: Your case is filed with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas (Dallas Division). The moment your petition is filed, the automatic stay takes effect—immediately stopping creditor calls, wage garnishments, lawsuits, foreclosures, and repossessions.
5. 341 Meeting of Creditors: Approximately 30 days after filing, you attend a brief meeting (usually 5–10 minutes) where the bankruptcy trustee asks routine questions about your finances. We prepare you thoroughly and attend with you.
6. Debtor Education Course: After your 341 meeting, you complete a brief financial management course.
7. Discharge: In Chapter 7, your discharge typically arrives within 60–90 days of the 341 meeting. In Chapter 13, discharge occurs after successful completion of your repayment plan.

Texas Bankruptcy Exemptions That Protect Dallas Families

Texas offers some of the most generous bankruptcy exemptions in the nation. For Dallas residents, this means you can keep more of what you have worked hard to build:

• Homestead Exemption: Texas protects your primary residence with unlimited value on up to 10 acres within city limits (like Dallas) or 100 acres in rural areas. This is one of the strongest homestead protections in America.
• Vehicle Exemption: Each person can protect one motor vehicle.
• Personal Property: Up to $50,000 for individuals or $100,000 for families in combined personal property, including furniture, clothing, jewelry, tools of trade, and more.
• Retirement Accounts: 401(k)s, IRAs, pensions, and other qualified retirement accounts are fully protected—with no dollar cap on most employer-sponsored plans.
• Wages: Current wages for personal services are 100% exempt.

Our attorneys analyze every asset you own against Texas and federal exemption schedules to build a strategy that protects the maximum amount of your property.

What Debts Can Bankruptcy Eliminate for Dallas Residents?

Bankruptcy can discharge (eliminate) many types of debt, but not all. Here is what Dallas residents need to know:

Debts Typically Discharged

• Credit card balances
• Medical bills and hospital debt
• Personal loans and payday loans
• Older income tax debts (meeting specific age and filing requirements)
• Utility arrearages
• Deficiency balances from repossessions or foreclosures
• Business debts (for sole proprietors)

Debts Generally NOT Discharged

• Recent income taxes (typically less than 3 years old)
• Student loans (except in rare undue hardship cases)
• Child support and alimony
• Criminal fines and restitution
• Debts from fraud or willful injury

How Much Does Bankruptcy Cost in Dallas, Texas?

We believe in complete transparency about fees. Here are the typical costs for Dallas residents:

• Chapter 7 Filing Fee: $338 (set by the federal court)
• Chapter 13 Filing Fee: $313 (set by the federal court)
• Attorney Fees: Vary based on complexity, but our firm offers competitive flat-fee pricing with no hidden costs. Many Chapter 7 cases can be filed with a modest upfront payment. Chapter 13 attorney fees are typically paid through the repayment plan itself—meaning little to no out-of-pocket cost upfront.
• Credit Counseling & Debtor Education: Approximately $20–50 total for both required courses.

We discuss all fees during your free initial consultation so you know exactly what to expect before moving forward.

Serving Dallas and All of Dallas County

Our Arlington office at 1521 N Cooper St, Suite 550 is easily accessible from our Arlington office via I-30, typically a 25-minute drive. We proudly serve clients throughout Dallas and its surrounding neighborhoods, including Uptown, Oak Lawn, Bishop Arts District, Deep Ellum, Lakewood, Lake Highlands, Oak Cliff, Pleasant Grove, Garland, Mesquite, North Dallas, Far North Dallas, Cedar Crest, Kessler Park. Whether you live near Reunion Tower, the Dallas Arts District, Deep Ellum, the Dallas Arboretum, AT&T Discovery District, Fair Park, or anywhere in the Dallas area, our team is ready to help.

We also serve clients across the greater DFW Metroplex, including Arlington, Fort Worth, Grand Prairie, Mansfield, Dallas, and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bankruptcy in Dallas

Will filing for bankruptcy ruin my credit forever?

No. While a Chapter 7 bankruptcy remains on your credit report for up to 10 years (and Chapter 13 for up to 7 years), many Dallas clients see their credit scores begin improving within 12–18 months of their discharge. By eliminating overwhelming debt, you create space to rebuild with responsible credit use. Many clients qualify for auto loans within a year and mortgages within 2–3 years after discharge.

Can I keep my home and car if I file bankruptcy in Dallas?

In most cases, absolutely. Texas’s generous homestead exemption protects your primary residence in Dallas (within city limits, up to 10 acres) regardless of its value. Your vehicle is also protected under Texas exemptions. Our attorneys craft an exemption strategy specifically for your assets to maximize what you keep.

How long does bankruptcy take in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas?

Chapter 7 cases typically move from filing to discharge in about 4 months. Chapter 13 plans last 3 to 5 years, with discharge following successful completion. However, the automatic stay stops all creditor actions immediately upon filing—giving you instant relief from the moment your petition reaches the court.

Will my employer find out I filed for bankruptcy in Dallas?

Bankruptcy filings are public records, but employers do not receive direct notification. Unless your employer is a creditor (e.g., you owe them money), they will not be involved in the process. If wage garnishment is currently happening, your employer will be notified that the garnishment must stop—which is a positive development.

Can I file for bankruptcy if I already tried debt consolidation?

Yes. Many of our Dallas clients come to us after trying debt consolidation, credit counseling, or debt settlement without success. Bankruptcy provides the legal protections that these alternatives cannot—including the automatic stay, the discharge of qualifying debts, and the prevention of lawsuits and garnishments.

Take the First Step Toward Financial Freedom in Dallas

Every day you wait, interest accrues, collection calls continue, and stress compounds. The attorneys at Machi Wright & Associates are here to help Dallas residents take control. Our free, no-obligation consultation gives you a clear picture of your options, your costs, and your timeline.

Call (817) 335-8880 today or contact us online to schedule your free bankruptcy consultation. We serve Dallas and the entire DFW Metroplex from our conveniently located Arlington office.

Explore Your Dallas Bankruptcy Options

Choosing the right bankruptcy chapter is critical to your financial recovery. Learn more about each option available to Dallas residents:

• Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Dallas, TX — Complete debt elimination for qualifying residents
• Chapter 13 Bankruptcy in Dallas, TX — Structured repayment plans to protect your home and assets

Helpful Bankruptcy Resources

Our attorneys have published in-depth guides on the topics that matter most to people considering bankruptcy in Dallas:

• Pros and Cons of Filing for Bankruptcy — Weigh the benefits and drawbacks before deciding
• Nondischargeable Debts in Bankruptcy — Which debts survive the filing process
• Try This Before Filing For Bankruptcy — Explore alternatives before filing
• Insolvency vs Bankruptcy — Understand the key legal distinctions
• 11 Indicators It Might Be Time To File Bankruptcy — Recognize the warning signs
• Eight Benefits Of Filing For Bankruptcy — Why filing may be the fresh start you need
• How to Rebuild Credit After Bankruptcy — Your roadmap to financial recovery

Our Legal Services

Machi Wright & Associates serves Dallas residents with a full range of financial legal services:

• Chapter 7 Bankruptcy — Liquidation bankruptcy for debt elimination
• Chapter 13 Bankruptcy — Reorganization with a manageable repayment plan
• Foreclosure Defense — Stop foreclosure and save your home
• Wage Garnishment — End involuntary paycheck deductions
• SBA Loan Defaults — Legal options for business loan debt

Serving Communities Across the DFW Metroplex

In addition to Dallas, our bankruptcy attorneys serve families throughout North Texas:

• Bankruptcy Attorneys in Arlington, TX
• Bankruptcy Attorneys in Grand Prairie, TX
• Bankruptcy Attorneys in Mansfield, TX
• Bankruptcy Attorneys in Benbrook, TX

About Machi Wright & Associates — Dallas Bankruptcy Lawyers

Machi Wright & Associates is a Texas bankruptcy law firm led by attorneys Ted Machi and Daniel Wright. The firm’s office is located at 1521 N Cooper St, Ste 550, Arlington, TX 76011, serving clients throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex including Dallas. With over 30 years of combined experience, the firm has helped thousands of North Texas families eliminate debt, stop foreclosure, end wage garnishment, and achieve a financial fresh start. The firm focuses exclusively on consumer bankruptcy (Chapter 7 and Chapter 13), foreclosure defense, SBA loan defaults, wage garnishment, and Social Security disability claims.

Common Questions About Bankruptcy in Dallas

How much does it cost to file bankruptcy in Dallas, TX? Court filing fees are $338 for Chapter 7 and $313 for Chapter 13. Attorney fees vary based on case complexity but typically range from $1,200 to $3,500 in the DFW area. Machi Wright & Associates offers free initial consultations and flexible payment options.

Will I lose my house if I file bankruptcy in Texas? Texas law provides an unlimited homestead exemption, meaning your primary residence is protected regardless of its value. In most Dallas bankruptcy cases, homeowners keep their homes.

How long does bankruptcy stay on my credit report? Chapter 7 bankruptcy remains on your credit report for 10 years from the filing date. Chapter 13 remains for 7 years. However, many clients begin rebuilding their credit within 12-18 months of filing.