How to Find the Best Bankruptcy Attorney in St. Louis

March 10, 2026

How to find the Best Bankruptcy Attorney in St. Louis

Couple with foreclosure notice looking for the best bankruptcy lawyer in St. Louis

If you’re reading this, you’ve probably been carrying the weight of debt for a while now. Maybe it’s credit card balances that snowballed after a job loss, medical bills that wiped out your savings, or creditor calls that start before breakfast and don’t stop until you silence your phone at night. You’ve thought about bankruptcy. You’ve probably put it off, too, because the idea feels heavy, even shameful. But you’re here now, and that takes courage.

The next step is choosing the best bankruptcy attorney in St. Louis for your situation, and that decision matters more than you might think. Not every attorney is the same, and the person you choose will shape your entire experience. At AKS Law, I’ve helped thousands of people in St. Louis work through this process. This guide breaks down what separates a great bankruptcy attorney from an average one, so you can make a confident decision and start moving forward.


Personal Attention: Who Actually Handles Your Case

One of the first things people overlook when hiring a bankruptcy lawyer is finding out who will actually work on their case. At many larger firms, the attorney you meet during your initial consultation may barely touch your file after you sign. Your paperwork gets passed to a paralegal. Your calls get routed to a receptionist. And when something urgent comes up, you’re left waiting days for a callback from someone who had to pull up your name just to remember who you are.


That’s not how it should work, especially when you’re dealing with something as personal as your finances. The best bankruptcy attorneys in St. Louis handle your case directly. They know your name, your situation, and the details that matter, because they’ve been involved from day one.

At AKS Law, that’s exactly how I operate. My name is Andrew Smith, and when you hire me, you work with me from your first phone call through your discharge. There’s no middle-man, no rotating staff, and no surprises about who’s handling your case. I’m a solo practitioner, which means my name is on every filing and my attention is on every client. Before you hire any St. Louis bankruptcy attorney, ask one simple question: “Will you personally handle my case, or will it be passed to someone else?” The answer tells you a lot.


Focused Experience in Bankruptcy Law

Bankruptcy law is its own world. The difference between a Chapter 7 filing and a Chapter 13 repayment plan can mean thousands of dollars and years of your life. A general practice attorney who files one or two bankruptcies a year simply doesn’t carry the same depth of knowledge as someone whose entire practice revolves around financial relief.


When a bankruptcy attorney focuses solely on this area of law, they build familiarity that makes a real difference. They understand how Missouri’s state exemptions work, including the homestead, vehicle, and personal property protections that determine what you keep when you file. They know the local trustees in the Eastern District of Missouri, how those trustees evaluate cases, and what raises red flags during creditor meetings. That kind of knowledge doesn’t come from handling a handful of cases on the side.


I’ve spent more than 13 years practicing bankruptcy law in St. Louis and have handled thousands of cases across Chapter 7, Chapter 13, collections suit defense, and mortgage foreclosure defense. Bankruptcy isn’t one of several things I do. It’s everything I do. That focus means I can spot problems before they become obstacles and find the strategy that gives you the strongest path forward.


Availability When You Actually Need It

Financial emergencies don’t follow business hours. A garnishment notice shows up on a Friday afternoon. A creditor threatens a lawsuit over the weekend. The anxiety of wondering what happens next keeps you up at 2 a.m. In those moments, the last thing you need is a voicemail box and a promise that someone will return your call “during regular business hours.”


When you’re comparing St. Louis bankruptcy lawyers, ask about their availability. How quickly do they return calls? Can you reach them outside of normal office hours? Do you get the attorney directly, or a call center?


My phone is answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including weekends and holidays. I give my clients my cell phone number because when someone is going through a financial crisis, they should be able to reach their attorney whenever something comes up. You shouldn’t have to wait until Monday morning to get answers when your stress doesn’t take the weekend off.


Credentials That Signal Trustworthiness

Not every rating or badge you see online carries the same weight. But a few third-party signals are worth paying attention to when you’re narrowing down your list of top bankruptcy lawyers in St. Louis.


Avvo’s rating system evaluates attorneys based on experience, industry recognition, and professional conduct. An Avvo Client’s Choice Award, which requires a significant number of positive client reviews, indicates that real people had strong enough experiences to write about them. Better Business Bureau accreditation shows a commitment to ethical practices and responsiveness to client concerns. And membership in the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis reflects professional standing within the local legal community.


I hold an Avvo “Excellent” top-rated designation in bankruptcy and have earned the Avvo Client’s Choice Award with over 120 five-star client reviews. I also hold an A+ rating with the BBB and am a member of the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis. Expertise.com has also recognized me among the best bankruptcy attorneys in the St. Louis area. These aren’t things I bring up to boast. They’re filters you can use when you’re comparing attorneys and trying to figure out who has a consistent record of actually taking care of their clients.

A Bankruptcy Attorney Who Serves All of St. Louis

Federal bankruptcy cases in Missouri are filed by district. If you live in the St. Louis area, your case will go through the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Missouri. An attorney who regularly practices in this court understands local procedures, local trustees, and how things actually work day-to-day in that courthouse. That kind of familiarity can make a real difference in how smoothly your case moves forward and how prepared you are at every step.


I serve clients throughout St. Louis city, St. Louis County, St. Charles, Washington, and the surrounding communities. Whether you're dealing with overwhelming medical debt, credit card balances, or the threat of foreclosure, geography shouldn't be a barrier to getting help. With two office locations and flexible scheduling, including virtual consultations, I make the process as convenient as possible regardless of where you're located.

Questions to Ask Before You Hire a Bankruptcy Attorney in St. Louis

Walking into a free consultation can feel intimidating, but you deserve to know what you’re getting before you sign anything. Here are questions that will help you evaluate any bankruptcy lawyer you’re considering:


Will you personally handle my case, or will it be passed to a paralegal or associate?


This is probably the most important question on the list. You want to know that the person sitting across from you is the same person who will be filing your paperwork, attending your creditor meeting, and answering your calls.


How many bankruptcy cases have you handled, and how long have you been practicing bankruptcy law?


Volume and longevity matter. An attorney who has handled thousands of cases over more than a decade will have seen situations like yours before and know how to navigate them.


What is the difference between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13, and which one might apply to my situation?


A good St. Louis bankruptcy attorney should explain this clearly, without jargon, and help you understand which path makes more sense given your income, debts, and goals.

What are your fees, and are there any costs beyond the attorney fee I should expect?


Transparency about pricing matters. You should know the full picture before committing, including court filing fees and credit counseling requirements.

How quickly can we move forward, and what happens to creditor calls in the meantime?


If you’re being harassed by creditors or facing a garnishment, timing is everything. The automatic stay that goes into effect when you file stops most collection activity immediately.


How will you communicate with me throughout the process?


You should feel comfortable reaching your attorney when you have questions, not left wondering whether your message disappeared into a void.

Frequently Asked Questions About Finding the Best Bankruptcy Attorney in St. Louis

How do I find the best bankruptcy attorney in St. Louis?

Focus on three things: whether the attorney practices exclusively in bankruptcy law, whether they will personally handle your case, and whether they regularly file in the Eastern District of Missouri. Local experience matters because trustees and procedures vary by district. Check verified client reviews on Avvo and Google, confirm their BBB rating, and use a free consultation to judge whether they communicate clearly and make you feel confident. Andrew Smith of AKS Law has practiced bankruptcy law exclusively in St. Louis for over 13 years and handles every case personally from start to discharge.


What is the difference between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy?

Chapter 7 eliminates most unsecured debts like credit cards and medical bills within three to four months. Chapter 13 sets up a structured repayment plan lasting three to five years, which can help you catch up on mortgage arrears or keep assets you might lose in a Chapter 7. Missouri's state exemptions, including homestead, vehicle, and personal property protections, affect what you keep under either chapter. The right choice depends on your income, debt type, and financial goals, and a St. Louis bankruptcy attorney can walk you through both options after reviewing your situation.


How much does a bankruptcy attorney cost in Missouri?

Attorney fees vary by case complexity and chapter filed. Chapter 7 generally costs less than Chapter 13 because it involves less ongoing work. Court filing fees are $338 for Chapter 7 and $313 for Chapter 13. Most St. Louis bankruptcy attorneys offer free initial consultations and payment plans. Get a clear breakdown of all costs, attorney fees plus filing fees plus any required credit counseling costs, before you commit.


Will filing for bankruptcy stop creditor calls and wage garnishment?

Yes, immediately. Filing triggers an automatic stay, a federal court order that stops all collection activity the moment your petition is filed. That includes creditor calls, letters, lawsuits, wage garnishments, and foreclosure proceedings. If you are facing a garnishment or imminent foreclosure in St. Louis, timing your filing correctly can make a significant difference, which is another reason to work with an attorney who knows the Eastern District of Missouri.


How long does the bankruptcy process take in Missouri?

Chapter 7 cases in Missouri typically take three to four months from filing to discharge. Chapter 13 cases run three to five years because they involve an active repayment plan. Cases filed in the Eastern District of Missouri follow local court procedures that an experienced St. Louis bankruptcy attorney will already know, which helps avoid delays from procedural errors or trustee issues.


Talk to a St. Louis Bankruptcy Attorney Who Will Handle Your Case Personally

You now know what to look for in the best bankruptcy attorney in St. Louis: personal attention, focused experience, real availability, and a track record that other people can confirm. Filing for bankruptcy is one of the hardest decisions you may ever make, but it’s also one of the bravest. The right attorney doesn’t make the process more intimidating. They make it less scary, more manageable, and something you can actually get through.

At AKS Law, I’ve spent over 13 years helping people throughout St. Louis find real financial relief through bankruptcy. Every client works directly with me from the first conversation to the final discharge. My phone is answered 24/7, and your first consultation is free.

If you’re ready to take the next step, contact us online to schedule your free consultation. You don’t have to figure this out alone.

Bankruptcy Myths: Determining Fact from Fiction

By Andrew Smith • February 21, 2023
There’s no need to come into this process with the attitude of being defeated because you will be victorious in your journey with the help of your experienced St. Louis bankruptcy lawyer. But, the first thing you have to do, and I can’t stress this enough, is to stop listening to and believing all the false information about filing for Chapter 7 or 13 and start believing in the positive future that will be rendered by finally committing to paying off your past debts! Some Popular False Myths About Bankruptcy The last thing you should do is listen to what you hear from random people about how bankruptcy works because the fact of the matter is the situation is not going to be the same from individual to individual. Why? Well, for one thing, some people are much deeper in debt than others! For example, one of the myths I hear all the time is that after a person files for bankruptcy, they won’t ever be able to take out a loan again. As your St. Louis bankruptcy lawyer, I can tell you that this is absolutely not true and that it is quite the opposite for many people who are currently in your exact same situation. Untrue myths like this about bankruptcy keep so many folks from filing every year. It’s sad because when they listen to the well-circulated lies about Chapters 7 and 13, a person will many times remain in the same dreary financial situation for many more months or even years, all because of listening to fictional information. But, the written statement from the United States Federal Reserve System is clear, and most people do get some type of credit offer within a year and a half after filing for bankruptcy! You have to remember that you are doing something responsible for a change to fix your financial future. So, please, don’t let what you hear about bankruptcy when you are out and about in your neighborhood change your mind about moving forward with it. Contact Your St. Louis Bankruptcy Lawyer for the Facts about Bankruptcy It’s important to remember that you are looking at your situation from your perspective. And yes, I know that it’s really heavy on you from that viewpoint. But, when you begin to see how your financial life is going to be changing just a short while from now, you’ll laugh when you hear the lies about bankruptcy again because you’ll now know the truth and be glad that you were brave enough to actually do something about your debt. I want to see you through to the end. I know that you are eager to see how I can assist you in effectively transforming your financial thinking and putting you on a path to better credit. You’ll be there soon enough, and the first step is to contact me directly at AKS Law by dialing 314.740.2989.

Bankruptcy Myths: Determining Fact from Fiction

February 21, 2023
Bankruptcy Myths: Determining Fact from Fiction

Navigating Your Way Through The Bankruptcy Process

By Andrew Smith • February 16, 2023
You’ll benefit greatly from the help of a reputable St. Louis bankruptcy lawyer because trying to see your own way through the complicated bankruptcy process can give you a headache that’s as large as your past debts! How Your Creditors React to Your Filing of Bankruptcy You know how you’ve been experiencing so much tension and anxiety lately because of all the emails and phone calls about your overdue debts? Well, maybe it may bring you some comfort to know that the creditors will not harass you once you have filed your case! In fact, they will no longer be able to call, email or contact you in anway once you file! Following the Guidance of Your St. Louis Bankruptcy Lawyer If you’ve come this far, then you more than likely have your mind and heart set on filing Chapter 7 or 13, and are simply tired of the stress and weight of your financial burdens. Some people are skeptical, and that’s normal. But, there is a way that you can be much more clear that you are, in fact, making the right decision. Let’s say that you make about $50,000 a year, and you have accumulated debts that come up to over $25,000. This is a sign that bankruptcy is a wonderful choice for your best financial future, according to experts. For example, NerdWallet recently reported that if you have past debts that are more than half of what you make annually, then you are moving in the right direction. This is especially true if, looking ahead at the next 60 months, you don’t see any other way to get out from underneath your debts other than filing for bankruptcy. Contact Your Trusted St. Louis Bankruptcy Lawyer Some people attempt to navigate their way through the bankruptcy process on their own and end up deciding to acquire the help of an attorney later. They eventually decide to utilize the services of a credible St. Louis bankruptcy lawyer for structure, peace of mind, and guidance from a legal professional who has been through it with people just like you, time and time again. All of that being said, to get the answers to the bankruptcy questions that have been running around in your head for some time now, please don’t hesitate to contact me today at AKS Law by calling 314.740-2989.

The Top 5 Surprises about Bankruptcy

By Andrew Smith • February 13, 2023
It’s my job as your St. Louis bankruptcy attorney to let you know about any surprises that you may not be aware of…so here goes! Surprise #1: You Have One Court Hearing After Filing! Don’t worry. This Court hearing is not as stressful as you may think. It is called the Meeting of Creditors. In the vast majority of cases, there are no creditors appearing at this hearing. Also, since COVID-19, this hearing is completed over the phone. No need to attend in person! Surprise #2: It’s Not Going to Happen Overnight! The process of Chapter 7 bankruptcy generally lasts approximately 90 days, and with Chapter 13 it can be 36 to 60 months. However, the moment you file your case is when the automatic stay is implemented. This means the crediotrs have to stop contacting you! Surprise #3: Yes…You Have to Pay Money to File for Bankruptcy! “What?! I’m already in debt!” you may be thinking. “Why do I need to pay to go bankrupt??” As a St. Louis bankruptcy lawyer who has heard just about everything under the sun when it comes to comments like the one above, I know firsthand that most folks don’t have a lump sum ready to file. Thankfully, our office offers payment plans. While we can’t file your case until it is paid in full, we can definitely do payments. Surprise #4: Certain Debts Simply Can’t Be Eliminated! I’ll go over these more with you during your initial consultation with me. But yes, there are some things that even filing Chapter 7 or 13 can’t erase. A few of these things are certain unpaid taxes, any unpaid alimony or child support, and often times many student loans. Surprise #Five: You Often Do Not Lose Any Assets in a Bankruptcy! Under Missouri Law, individuals are granted exemptions that allow property to be protected under certain dollar amounts. It is important to talk to a St. Louis Bankruptcy Attorney to know what is and is not protected!

Can a Bankruptcy Stop the Foreclosure on My Home?

By Andrew Smith • February 6, 2023
Absolutely! Is your house about to be sold on the court house steps due to missed payments? If you are behind on your mortgage payments and facing the threat of foreclosure, filing for bankruptcy can provide immediate relief. Having a knowledgeable St. Louis Bankruptcy Attorney is important when helping protect your home!  Upon a bankruptcy filing, the automatic stay goes into effect that prevents creditors from taking any collection action against you. This filing, for instance, immediately stops the lenders right to foreclose on your home. Depending on your situation, a bankruptcy may provide you the additional time needed to catch up the payments or provide you an opportunity to catch up the arrearage through a court ordered repayment plan. Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 are the two types of bankruptcy that can be filed to stop a foreclosure sale. In a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, the automatic stay will temporarily halt the foreclosure process. This means that you will still be responsible for paying your mortgage, and the lender can resume the foreclosure process after the automatic stay is lifted. Generally, a Chapter 7 only lasts approximately 3 months. In most cases, our office will recommend that you file a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy if you are facing the threat of a foreclosure. In a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, a repayment plan can be proposed that includes your mortgage payments and pay off your mortgage debt over time. This can allow you to keep your home and avoid foreclosure. This is particularly helpful when the reason for falling behind on your mortgage was a period of unemployment. If you fall too far behind on your mortgage, they may not be willing to let you make it up with payments. When a mortgage company demands 10 payments need to be paid at once or else, well, often times it just isn’t feasible. This is where filing for bankruptcy can help. Give my office a call anytime at 314-740-2989 to discuss your options!

Can a Bankruptcy Stop the Repossession of My Vehicle?

By Andrew Smith • January 31, 2023
It can be very stressful when every day you wake up and you wonder if your car is still in the driveway. Thankfully, filing a bankruptcy can stop the threat of repossession. Knowing your rights is a big reason why you should hire a St. Louis Bankruptcy Attorney! Upon a bankruptcy filing, an automatic stay goes into effect that prevents creditors from taking any collection action against you. This includes stopping a car lender from being able to repossess your vehicle.  There are two main types of bankruptcy that can provide this protection: Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. In a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you do get a temporary protection from a repossession once your case is filed. However, you would still need to continue to make your payments on your vehicle if you wish to keep it after the bankruptcy ends. If you wish to surrender your vehicle, the Chapter 7 will discharge your liability in the vehicle and you will not have to pay back any remaining balance on the vehicle. In a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you can propose a repayment plan that includes your car payments and pay off your vehicle debt over time. This can be helpful because the Court’s interest rate may be more beneficial than the contract interest rate. Additionally, the Chapter 13 allows you to repay the vehicle up to 5 years. This can stretch out and reduce your outgoing monthly payment helping you financially. It is important to file the bankruptcy prior to the vehicle being repossessed. Once they repossess the vehicle, you are not able to get it back by filing a Chapter 7. In certain circumstances, you can get the vehicle back after filing for a Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Consulting with a St. Louis Bankruptcy Attorney can help you understand your options and determine the best course of action for your specific situation. You can call my office anytime at 314-740-2989 to discuss your options!

Can Bankruptcy Stop Garnishments on My Paycheck?

By Andrew Smith • January 26, 2023
Garnishments are one of the most punishing ways a debt can be collected. Out of nowhere, you get your check and it looks short. You first think, hmm, was there an error by my payroll? Unfortunately, a past judgment from as long as a decade ago may be coming back and they have a right to garnishment 10 or 25 percent depending on whether you are head of household. This can be devastating. Filing for bankruptcy can provide relief by stopping a garnishment due to the automatic stay which goes into effect immediately upon filing your case. Normally, our office gets a garnishment release about 2 days after the bankruptcy is filed. . When times are tough prior to a garnishment, having a large amount of your wages taken can be disastrous. Thankfully, filing for bankruptcy case help ease that burden.  There are two main types of bankruptcy that can provide this protection: Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. In a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you may be able to discharge (eliminate) the debt that is being collected through garnishment and stop the garnishment altogether. In a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you can propose a repayment plan that includes the garnished debt and pay it off over time. This can allow you to keep more of your wages and avoid the financial strain of garnishments. When navigating how to address a garnishment it is helpful to talk to a St. Louis Bankruptcy Attorney about your options. Give our office a call anytime at 314-740-2989.

4 Common Misconceptions about Bankruptcy in St. Louis

By Andrew Smith • January 24, 2023
There is a lot of information out there about bankruptcy – both good and bad. If you are considering filing and have done some research, you may have come across some misconceptions about bankruptcy and what it means to file. Here are some of the more common myths and misconceptions our office hears from clients and from the general public. For more information, call our office today to speak with a bankruptcy lawyer in St. Louis.  You’re Not Old Enough to File for Bankruptcy! If you are on the younger side, you may get advice from friends and family who say that you’re “too young” to file for bankruptcy and that you have time to fix your debt. Well, that may be true in some instances, but for young people who are truly buried in bills, then filing for bankruptcy can be more of a blessing than a curse. The reality is that if you’re in financial trouble and don’t see a way out, filing as soon as possible means that you’ll be back on your feet sooner. You Have to Be a Financially Irresponsible Person to File for Bankruptcy You may think that only people who are financially irresponsible file for bankruptcy, but nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, U.S. News and World Report points out many other reasons someone would file, such as if they have recently gone through a divorce, or spontaneously lost a steady job. When You File Bankruptcy, You’ll Lose Everything You Have! Bankruptcy, contrary to popular opinion, is something that is supposed to help you, not hurt you. So, although it is hard to silence the myth that when someone files bankruptcy they will lose everything they have, any St. Louis bankruptcy lawyer will tell you that it is not true. There are ample exceptions available to filers which allow filers to keep certain amounts of specific types of assets. For example, there are exemptions for work tools, vehicles, personal property, and even the equity in your home. In fact, in most cases, filers are able to claim all of their assets as exempt, meaning they will not need to give up anything they own to enjoy the benefits of bankruptcy. You Should File for Bankruptcy Without a Lawyer to Save Money You can file for bankruptcy by yourself, but that doesn’t mean you should. Filing for bankruptcy is an extremely complicated process, and even the federal courts advise against filing without a lawyer. Filing with an attorney will ensure that you obtain the best outcome to your case. Contact Your St. Louis Bankruptcy Lawyer Today If you are behind on your bills and don’t see how you can catch up, you should call an attorney as soon as you can. For more information about how filing can improve your financial future, feel free to call me today at AKS Law.

How to Choose the Right Bankruptcy Option for Your Situation

By Andrew Smith • January 24, 2023
If you are having trouble keeping up with your bills, St. Louis Bankruptcy lawyers know that the bill collectors and creditors are beginning to call you more and more. You need to be able to recognize the signs in your life that bankruptcy may just be the best option for you to improve your financial life, as well as the quality of your everyday life. Some Signs Signifying Bankruptcy May Be Right for You If any of the following situations sound like your situation, then there’s a good chance that bankruptcy could be your best option moving forward.  Financial Anxiety Has Entered Your Life Financial problems can affect every aspect of your life and cause significant stress. It’s never easy to have to decide between groceries and rent. Even when the bill collectors are not calling, many of our previous (and no doubt future) clients regularly find themselves with their financial situation running through their mind all day, every day. This is one of the most potent signs that bankruptcy could be probably one of the best decisions that you could ever make in your life, especially for some immediate personal peace. You are Behind on Your Monthly Bills Every now and then, people get behind on their bills. That is just a fact of life. But, sometimes folks will let things pile up on them for long periods and, before they know it, the things that they had been trying to pay on monthly have become so overwhelming that they don’t see a way out. These situations are at their worst when the monthly bill the person is behind on is something they need - like a car that they drive to work in, the rent payment for their apartment, or their mortgage payments. It’s important to remember you are not along. For example, when it comes to how many people who are behind on car payments at any given time annually, Investopedia recently reported in November of 2022 that around three and a half percent of people who have a loan for a car, truck, SUV, or other kind of personal or everyday vehicle are currently behind on their auto loan payments. You Don’t See a Way Out Perhaps the most obvious sign that you should look into bankruptcy is when you don’t see a way out of debt. For example, if you are barely able to make the interest payments on your credit card and are on a fixed income, eliminating that debt through bankruptcy may be the best course of action. An experienced lawyer can help you determine whether you have other options or if bankruptcy is right for you. Contact a St. Louis Bankruptcy Lawyer Today At AKS Law Firm, we are committed to helping people just like you obtain a fresh start through bankruptcy. We offer completely free consultations and take calls 24/7. To schedule your case evaluation with a bankruptcy lawyer in St. Louis, call our office today or contact us online.

Ask a St. Louis Bankruptcy Lawyer: What to Expect During the Bankruptcy Process

By Andrew Smith • January 17, 2023
Many people who are considering bankruptcy are confused or even anxious about what the process entails. Thankfully, a St. Louis bankruptcy lawyer can guide you through the process. The first thing to do would be to find out if you are eligible to file for Chapter 7 or 13. If you are truly considering filing Chapter 7 or 13, then you need to start looking at which route to take. Once you know that bankruptcy will be an option, you need to complete a pre-filing financial management class. That being said, here is a list of approved pre-bankruptcy counseling services. Next, a client will take what is called a “means test”. According to Investopedia , a means test is used to determine whether you qualify for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy based on your income. The means test averages your past six months of income. The means test also plays a roll in a potential Chapter 13 bankruptcy as well. There are a few exceptions of income that is not included in the means test. For example, if you receive VA disability benefits or receive social security benefits, this would not be included in the means test. The amount of consumer debt you have also determines if you have to take this test. For example, if the majority of your debt is non-consumer debt (ie- business debt), then the means test is not necessary. Also, if you are living beneath the Missouri Median Income level, then you won’t have to take the test. To determine this, take your monthly wages over the past six months and average them. Then, count how many people are in your household, and refer to this chart under “Missouri Median Income” to see your numbers. Next, your forms will need to be submitted to the courts, which I will take care of as your St. Louis bankruptcy lawyer. You’ll then be assigned a trustee, and shortly after that there will be a meeting with your creditors where you’ll be asked about the state of your finances as well as the information you put on your court forms. Contact Your Trusted St. Louis Bankruptcy Lawyer My goal is to help to make your financial future as bright as can be, and the first step is to contact me here at my offices. You can do so easily by calling me directly at AKS Law by dialing 314-740-2989.