Filing chapter 7 bankruptcy in Wisconsin is unique. Here are things to consider before starting the process. Table of ContentsWisconsin’s per capita income Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Wisconsin: The BasicsCost to file chapter 7 in WisconsinWhere are the bankruptcy courts located in Wisconsin? Article at a Glance Although bankruptcy law is federal law, the process varies in Wisconsin enough to justify a state expert versed in local rules. Wisconsin exemption laws differ from federal exemptions laws Wisconsin bankruptcy costs are lower than states like California and New York Traditionally hailed as the “Dairy Capital of the USA,” the heartland of Wisconsin is also the birthplace of famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright; the home of the world’s largest music festival, Milwaukee Summerfest; and a prime location for nature lovers with easy access to the Great Lakes. While the thriving milk, cheese, and yogurt industry is a boon to Wisconsinites, other industries bolster the state’s economy as well. Harley-Davidson, Jockey, and Kohl’s are just a few of the Fortune 1000 corporations that maintain headquarters in the Badger State. Wisconsin’s per capita income Despite the presence of these lucrative companies, Wisconsin has a lower per capita income than almost half the states in the U.S., and many residents are struggling to make ends meet. Some are facing an uphill battle with credit card debt, medical bills, and variable mortgage rates. Drowning in debt can feel like diving into a black hole with no escape, but there is hope if you live in Wisconsin and need a fresh start. This post provides an introduction to the basics of filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy in the State of Wisconsin. For a detailed legal analysis, please reach out to a qualified Wisconsin bankruptcy attorney before you decide your next step. Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Wisconsin: The Basics In layperson’s terms, Chapter 7 bankruptcy is a clean slate for a financially struggling individual — a chance to rebuild both your bank account and credit score, although your credit score will initially take a hit. Unlike a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, outstanding debts do not need to be repaid and are permanently discharged or “forgiven.” Certain debt, however, may be ineligible for discharge, including taxes owed to the IRS and child support. In legal terms, filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy means that creditors and collection agencies are no longer permitted to contact you while your case is pending and after your case has been successfully discharged. For many, this news will come as a great relief after months or even years spent worrying about unpaid bills. Not every resident of Wisconsin may qualify for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy discharge, especially those with higher incomes. Taking the means test for the State of Wisconsin is the quickest way to see if you financially qualify to receive a discharge under this bankruptcy category. Cost to file chapter 7 in Wisconsin The chapter 7 filing fees in Wisconsin are $338, but that doesn’t tell the whole story of the real cost to file bankruptcy. Bankruptcy lawyers usually charge between $1,000 and $2,000 to file a chapter 7 case, in addition to the filing fee. Where are the bankruptcy courts located in Wisconsin? After conferring with a bankruptcy attorney to determine your exemptions, you will undergo mandatory credit counseling, followed by the formal filing of your bankruptcy petition. Ultimately, if your case moves forward, you will make an appearance in a Wisconsin bankruptcy court according to where you reside. The court locations in the State of Wisconsin are as follows. Eastern District Milwaukee: U.S. Bankruptcy Court, U.S. Federal Courthouse – Milwaukee, 517 E. Wisconsin Ave., Room 126, Milwaukee, WI 53202, (414) 297-3291 Green Bay: U.S. Federal Courthouse – Green Bay, 125 S. Jefferson St., Green Bay, WI 54301, (414) 297-3291 Oshkosh: Winnebago County Courthouse, 415 Jackson St., Oshkosh, WI 54901, (414) 297-3291 Western District Madison: U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Western District of Wisconsin, 120 N. Henry St., Room 340, Madison, WI 53703, (608) 264-5178 Eau Claire: U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Western District of Wisconsin, 500 S. Barstow St., Eau Claire, WI 54701, (715) 839-2980 Individuals may file for bankruptcy independently, but the representation of an attorney is highly advisable as the legal process (which will include a court date) can be complex to navigate. Filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Wisconsin may seem daunting at first, but we have experienced member attorneys ready to guide you through the process. FacebookPinTweetEmail National Bankruptcy Forum Help us match you with a local attorney Free Bankruptcy Evaluation "*" indicates required fields First Name* Last Name* Phone* Email* Δ Leave a Reply Cancel replyYour email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *Comment * Name * Email * Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ
Filing chapter 7 bankruptcy in Wisconsin is unique. Here are things to consider before starting the process. Table of ContentsWisconsin’s per capita income Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Wisconsin: The BasicsCost to file chapter 7 in WisconsinWhere are the bankruptcy courts located in Wisconsin? Article at a Glance Although bankruptcy law is federal law, the process varies in Wisconsin enough to justify a state expert versed in local rules. Wisconsin exemption laws differ from federal exemptions laws Wisconsin bankruptcy costs are lower than states like California and New York Traditionally hailed as the “Dairy Capital of the USA,” the heartland of Wisconsin is also the birthplace of famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright; the home of the world’s largest music festival, Milwaukee Summerfest; and a prime location for nature lovers with easy access to the Great Lakes. While the thriving milk, cheese, and yogurt industry is a boon to Wisconsinites, other industries bolster the state’s economy as well. Harley-Davidson, Jockey, and Kohl’s are just a few of the Fortune 1000 corporations that maintain headquarters in the Badger State. Wisconsin’s per capita income Despite the presence of these lucrative companies, Wisconsin has a lower per capita income than almost half the states in the U.S., and many residents are struggling to make ends meet. Some are facing an uphill battle with credit card debt, medical bills, and variable mortgage rates. Drowning in debt can feel like diving into a black hole with no escape, but there is hope if you live in Wisconsin and need a fresh start. This post provides an introduction to the basics of filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy in the State of Wisconsin. For a detailed legal analysis, please reach out to a qualified Wisconsin bankruptcy attorney before you decide your next step. Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Wisconsin: The Basics In layperson’s terms, Chapter 7 bankruptcy is a clean slate for a financially struggling individual — a chance to rebuild both your bank account and credit score, although your credit score will initially take a hit. Unlike a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, outstanding debts do not need to be repaid and are permanently discharged or “forgiven.” Certain debt, however, may be ineligible for discharge, including taxes owed to the IRS and child support. In legal terms, filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy means that creditors and collection agencies are no longer permitted to contact you while your case is pending and after your case has been successfully discharged. For many, this news will come as a great relief after months or even years spent worrying about unpaid bills. Not every resident of Wisconsin may qualify for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy discharge, especially those with higher incomes. Taking the means test for the State of Wisconsin is the quickest way to see if you financially qualify to receive a discharge under this bankruptcy category. Cost to file chapter 7 in Wisconsin The chapter 7 filing fees in Wisconsin are $338, but that doesn’t tell the whole story of the real cost to file bankruptcy. Bankruptcy lawyers usually charge between $1,000 and $2,000 to file a chapter 7 case, in addition to the filing fee. Where are the bankruptcy courts located in Wisconsin? After conferring with a bankruptcy attorney to determine your exemptions, you will undergo mandatory credit counseling, followed by the formal filing of your bankruptcy petition. Ultimately, if your case moves forward, you will make an appearance in a Wisconsin bankruptcy court according to where you reside. The court locations in the State of Wisconsin are as follows. Eastern District Milwaukee: U.S. Bankruptcy Court, U.S. Federal Courthouse – Milwaukee, 517 E. Wisconsin Ave., Room 126, Milwaukee, WI 53202, (414) 297-3291 Green Bay: U.S. Federal Courthouse – Green Bay, 125 S. Jefferson St., Green Bay, WI 54301, (414) 297-3291 Oshkosh: Winnebago County Courthouse, 415 Jackson St., Oshkosh, WI 54901, (414) 297-3291 Western District Madison: U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Western District of Wisconsin, 120 N. Henry St., Room 340, Madison, WI 53703, (608) 264-5178 Eau Claire: U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Western District of Wisconsin, 500 S. Barstow St., Eau Claire, WI 54701, (715) 839-2980 Individuals may file for bankruptcy independently, but the representation of an attorney is highly advisable as the legal process (which will include a court date) can be complex to navigate. Filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Wisconsin may seem daunting at first, but we have experienced member attorneys ready to guide you through the process.