Bankruptcy in Iowa

Iowa Bankruptcy Guide

Iowa Bankruptcy Law

Filing for Personal Bankruptcy in Iowa

This site will take you through Iowa bankruptcy basics, how to decide if you should file a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13, the petition, exemptions and discharge as well as common bankruptcy mistakes, alternatives and internet resources. You can also check the questions and answers where we address the most common issues that seem to consume bankruptcy clients. Like anything else, your bankruptcy will proceed more smoothly if you do your homework first. Studying up will also reduce your stress and enable you to anticipate any problems that may arise. Congratulations on taking this step!

Chapters

I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
VI.
VII.
VIII.
IX.
X.
XI.
Iowa Bankruptcy Basics
Bankruptcy, Chapter 7 versus Chapter 13
The Iowa Bankruptcy Petition
The Iowa Bankruptcy Estate and Exemptions
The Iowa Bankruptcy Hearing and Discharge
Common Bankruptcy Mistakes
Alternatives to Iowa Bankruptcy
Internet Bankruptcy Resources
Famous and Bankrupt
Glossary
About the Author
Bankruptcy Questions & Answers

 
Jeff handles the Southern District of Iowa Counties including:
Adair, Adams, Appanoose, Audubon, Boone, Cass, Clarke, Clinton, Dallas, Davis, Decatur, Des Moines, Fremont, Greene, Guthrie, Harrison, Henry, Jasper, Jefferson, Johnson, Keokuk, Lee, Louisa, Lucas, Madison, Mahaska, Marion, Marshall, Mills, Monroe, Montgomery, Muscatine, Page, Polk, Pottawattanie, Poweshiek, Ringgold, Scott, Shelby, Story, Taylor, Union, Van Buren, Wapello, Warren, Washington, and Wayne counties. If you live in one of the above counties contact Iowa bankruptcy attorney Jeff Mathias. Jeff files all his cases in Des Moines so your case would involve one trip to Jeff's office and one to your hearing and 2nd and Walnut in Des Moines.

Iowa Bankruptcy, Iowa Bankruptcy Guide, Iowa Bankruptcy Law

If you live in another Iowa county (Northern Iowa), contact attorney Steve Klesner, he may be able to assist you.

Jeff Mathias Law Office Bankruptcy Summary

Step One: Median Income Requirement

If your gross annual household income is under the state median income listed below, you should be eligible for a full discharge of credit card, medical and other consumer debt through Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
Household Size
1 Person
2 People
3 People
4 People
5 People
Gross Annual Income
$39,851
$52,608
$61,526
$71,309
$77,609
*Add $6300 for each additional person in the household
*Social Security income is excluded.
* Updated 10/01/2008

Step Two: Accumulate Fees and Documents

  • $1,199 in cash or money order ($900 attorney fee and $299 filing fee)
  • Credit Counseling Certificate (you can get this online at www.cccsinc.org, allow
     two days) or in person here in Des Moines at www.consumercredit-dm.com)
  • All bills you intend to discharge (credit cards, medical etc.)
     with account numbers, full address
  • Creditor information (full address, account #'s) on debts you will keep
     like home or car loans
  • Last two months pay stubs from work (including your spouse
     even if they are not filing)
  • If you do not receive wage income, bring records of other income
     for the last six months
  • Most recent state and federal tax returns
  • W2's for the last two years
  • Legal Description of your Iowa home if you own from your abstract or tax bill
  • Proof of valuation of your Iowa home such as tax or other appraisal
     if you have them
  • Photo ID and Social Security Card or proof of social security number

Attorney Fees:

Fixed Attorney Fee : $900
Court Filing Fee: $299
$1,199
We accept fees in cash or money order. The fees are the same whether you are filing a single or joint married case. You do not pay us anything unless you choose to go forward when we meet.

Step Three: Office Appointment

Jeff will complete your entire petition with you during your one office appointment. That way you do not spend hours filling out a long packet at home and your case can be filed quickly.

Note: Jeff will not accept your money unless you are eligible and want to file bankruptcy.

Step Four: Hearing

Your hearing is about 4 weeks after your case is filed. Jeff will be there to protect your rights. Your case is discharged about 9 weeks after the hearing and you are done!

Owe more than your car is worth?
If you owe more than your car is worth you may be able to redeem it and save some money. See 722Redemption.com to see if you are eligible.


Have questions or ready to get started? Email Jeff, Set An Appointment Online, call Jeff in Des Moines at 1-515-261-7526 or Toll Free at 1-800-997-1395 and we will get you fixed up!

Jeff Mathias Law Office
4800 Mills Civic Parkway, Suite 205
West Des Moines, Iowa 50265
Telephone: 515-261-7526
Toll Free: 800-997-1395
jeff@mathiaslaw.com  

 

 

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Hi Jeff,
I just wanted to thank you for the great job you did during my Bankruptcy. The first visit when I filed the paperwork with you, well put it this way it was very fast and easy. You made the whole process easy and, In my book you are the best Bankruptcy Attorney, Iowa has to offer. I would recommend you to everyone who needs to file. Again Thank You very much for the great job you did for me.

Sincerely,
DK, Recent Chapter 7 Client

 

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Jeff Mathias Law Office
4800 Mills Civic Parkway, Suite 214
West Des Moines, Iowa 50265
Tel. 515-261-7526
Toll Free: 1-800-997-1395
jeff@mathiaslaw.com

 
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