11/04/2026
A new year and a clean slate sound refreshing to most of us, but is it actually time for a financial fresh start? If you've been carrying balances you know you can't clear, the end of the year is an opportune moment to find out what your options are.
One thing to be clear about is timing. Filing in November or December won't wrap up a case by January, since a Chapter 7 discharge usually arrives four to six months after filing and a Chapter 13 plan runs three to five years. What filing does do right away is trigger the automatic stay, which can stop most collection calls, lawsuits, and wage garnishments while your case proceeds.
Timing matters in another way, too. Eligibility for Chapter 7 depends partly on your average income over the six full calendar months before you file, so a recent job loss or a drop in hours can change the picture depending on when you file.
Our team can look at your six-month window and tell you whether waiting or moving now makes more sense.
Thinking about a fresh start? Book a free 15-minute consultation at rwhattorneys.cliogrow.com/book.