Drowning in debt or facing a foreclosure in Garland? Bankruptcy can stop the calls and protect your home and car. Here are the Garland-area bankruptcy firms that show up repeatedly in the rankings, with what they charge and who they fit.
Updated April 06, 202612 min readEditorially independent
If creditors are calling, your wages are being garnished, or a foreclosure date is on the calendar, filing bankruptcy triggers an 'automatic stay' that stops most collection the moment your case is filed. Garland cases are filed in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas, which sits in Dallas, and the lawyer you choose handles the means test, the exemptions that protect your property, and the meeting of creditors so you do not have to face any of it alone.
Most consumers file one of two chapters. Chapter 7 wipes out qualifying unpaid debt in a few months if you pass the income-based means test. Chapter 13 sets up a three-to-five-year repayment plan that can save a house from foreclosure or a car from repossession while you catch up. Texas also has unusually generous exemptions, including an essentially unlimited homestead exemption, which is why the right local lawyer matters: they know what you get to keep.
Bankruptcy fees are fairly predictable. A straightforward Chapter 7 in the Garland area commonly runs $1,000 to $2,000 in attorney fees plus the court filing fee, and many firms offer payment plans. Chapter 13 fees are usually set by the court's guidelines and built into your repayment plan. Most firms below offer a free consultation, so you can find out which chapter fits before paying anything.
How we picked these 7: We cross-referenced peer rankings and directories (Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers, Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, Justia, Expertise.com, FindLaw) and each firm's own published practice pages. Every firm below appeared in at least two independent sources and has a verifiable Garland-area bankruptcy practice. We do not accept payment for placement, and we do not write sponsored reviews. More on our methodology →
1
Collins & Arnove, P.C.
Garland & PlanoBoard-certified, 35+ yrsFlat fee
Practice focus: Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 consumer bankruptcy
A bankruptcy-only firm serving Garland, Plano, and the surrounding area with more than 35 years of focused experience. Founding attorney Greg Arnove is among the small share of Texas lawyers board certified in consumer bankruptcy law. Listed on the firm's site, Avvo, and Expertise.com.
Why they made the list: Board certification and a bankruptcy-only focus, which is exactly what you want when your home or car is on the line.
Practice focus: Chapter 7, Chapter 11, and Chapter 13 for individuals and businesses
A Garland-area firm whose attorneys help individuals and businesses reorganize their finances through Chapter 7, 11, and 13 filings. Lead counsel T.R. Weaver has practiced bankruptcy law since 2003. Cross-listed on wmtxlaw.com and Lawyers.com.
Why they made the list: Handles both consumer and business filings, useful if you have a small business wrapped up in your debt.
Practice focus: Chapter 7 bankruptcy, debt defense, debt settlement
A Texas debt-relief firm that has served Garland families since 2006, handling Chapter 7 filings, debt defense, and settlement. Attorney Christopher Migliaccio carries strong client reviews on Avvo and the firm publishes detailed bankruptcy guidance.
Why they made the list: Strong, verifiable client reviews and a clear focus on consumer debt relief.
Serves GarlandBoard-certified, large TX firmFlat fee
Practice focus: Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 consumer bankruptcy
One of the largest consumer bankruptcy firms in Texas, serving the Garland area from its Dallas-area base. Attorney Reed Allmand is board certified in consumer bankruptcy by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Listed on allmandlaw.com, Justia, and Avvo.
Why they made the list: A high-volume, board-certified firm with the staff to move a straightforward filing quickly.
Garland Low Cost Bankruptcy Center (Rubin & Associates)
Garland, TXLow-cost, payment plansFlat fee
Practice focus: Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 with low down payments
A Garland bankruptcy practice that emphasizes affordability, with $99-down payment plans and personalized service from attorneys Mark Rubin and Kelli Johnson. Listed on the firm's site and Garland-area directories.
Why they made the list: A budget-conscious option for filers who need relief but cannot front a large fee.
Practice focus: Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy, debt relief
A long-established Texas firm with a Garland office that handles consumer bankruptcy alongside its broader practice, giving filers access to a larger support team. Listed across Justia, FindLaw, and the firm's own site.
Why they made the list: A larger firm with a physical Garland presence for clients who want bench depth behind their filing.
Practice focus: Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 consumer bankruptcy
A Dallas-area consumer bankruptcy attorney who serves Garland filers and carries a top peer rating on Avvo for bankruptcy and debt work. Cross-listed on Avvo and Justia among the most-reviewed Garland bankruptcy lawyers.
Why they made the list: Consistently high client and peer ratings for everyday consumer filings.
Tell us about your debt and we'll match you with a Garland bankruptcy attorney who can tell you whether Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 fits. Free, confidential, no obligation.
How to choose between them in Garland
Pick the right chapter first. Chapter 7 erases qualifying debt fast if you pass the means test; Chapter 13 sets up a repayment plan that can save a home or car. A good lawyer tells you which one fits in the first call, not after you have paid.
Confirm the lawyer files in the Northern District of Texas. You want someone who appears in the Dallas bankruptcy court regularly and knows the local trustees and the Texas exemptions that decide what you keep.
Get the all-in fee and payment plan in writing. Most Chapter 7 filings are flat-fee. Confirm whether the court filing fee, credit counseling, and the meeting of creditors are included before you sign.
What bankruptcy help typically costs in Garland
Bankruptcy pricing in Garland is fairly standardized. As rough guidance:
Chapter 7 attorney fee: Commonly $1,000-$2,000 for a straightforward case, often with payment plans available.
Chapter 7 court filing fee: A few hundred dollars paid to the court, on top of the attorney fee.
Chapter 13 attorney fee: Usually set by the court's guideline ('no-look') fee and built into your 3-5 year repayment plan.
Credit counseling and debtor education: Two short required courses that cost a small fee each, sometimes waived for low income.
Be wary of a quote far below the local norm; bankruptcy is detail-heavy, and a cut-rate filing that misses an exemption can cost you property. Get two written quotes and compare what each covers.
How long it takes
A Garland bankruptcy follows a predictable path, and the automatic stay protects you from day one:
Filing and automatic stay: The day your petition is filed, the automatic stay stops most collection, garnishment, and foreclosure activity.
Meeting of creditors (341 meeting): About a month after filing, you answer brief questions from the trustee under oath; most last only a few minutes and creditors rarely attend.
Chapter 7 discharge: For a typical Chapter 7, qualifying debt is wiped out roughly three to four months after filing.
Chapter 13 plan: Your repayment plan runs three to five years; debts covered by the plan are discharged once you complete it.
Red flags to watch for when hiring a bankruptcy lawyer in Garland
Guaranteed outcomes. No ethical attorney can promise a specific result. If a firm guarantees a win, a number, or a court ruling, walk away.
The disappearing senior partner. You meet a named partner at intake, then never hear from them again while an unsupervised junior runs the file. Ask in writing who handles your matter day to day.
Pressure to sign on the spot. Reputable firms give you the engagement letter in writing and time to read it. High-pressure intake is a volume-mill signal.
No verifiable track record. Look for named results, peer rankings, board certifications, or bar recognition — not "we have helped thousands of clients."
Vague fees. Every legitimate firm will put the fee structure, what is covered, and what triggers extra charges in a written engagement letter.
10 questions to ask in your free consultation
Most of the firms on this list offer a free or low-cost initial call. Use it. Bring a written list and write down the answers, then compare across two or three firms before you sign anything.
Who, specifically, will handle my matter day to day? Get a name and a direct email, not just the firm.
How many matters like mine have you handled in the last three years? You want a number, not a brochure line.
What is your fee, and what does it cover? Get the structure in writing before you sign.
What out-of-pocket costs am I responsible for, and when? Filing fees, records, and experts add up - ask now.
What is the realistic range of outcomes? A good lawyer gives a range; a weak one promises the high end.
How long will this take? An honest estimate, with the assumptions stated.
What is my deadline, and is it at risk? Many bankruptcy matters carry hard filing deadlines.
How often will I hear from you? Set the communication cadence now.
What can I do to help my own case? The best lawyers will give you homework.
What is the worst-case outcome? A lawyer who refuses to discuss downside risk is selling you something.
What to bring to your Garland consultation
You will get more out of the first call if you arrive organized. For most bankruptcy matters, gather:
A short written timeline. Dates, names, and what happened, in order.
The key documents. Any contracts, letters, agreements, court orders, or filings you have received.
Your correspondence. Relevant emails, texts, or messages - and do not delete anything.
Any deadlines you know about. A court date, a signing deadline, or an agency notice.
Your questions. The 10 above are a good place to start.
If you are not sure whether something is relevant, bring it anyway. It is easier for a lawyer to set aside what does not matter than to chase down what you left at home.
Talk to a vetted Bankruptcy attorney in Garland
Tell us about your situation. We'll match you with one of these firms or a similar one. Free, confidential, no obligation.
Frequently asked questions about bankruptcy lawyers in Garland
Will bankruptcy stop a foreclosure or garnishment in Garland?
Usually yes. Filing triggers an automatic stay that stops most collection, including foreclosure sales and wage garnishment, the moment your case is filed. Chapter 13 in particular can let you catch up on a mortgage over time and keep your home.
Chapter 7 or Chapter 13, which is right for me?
Chapter 7 erases qualifying unsecured debt in a few months if you pass the income-based means test. Chapter 13 sets up a 3-5 year repayment plan that can save property you are behind on. Which fits depends on your income, assets, and goals.
Will I lose my house or car if I file in Texas?
Often no. Texas has unusually generous exemptions, including an essentially unlimited homestead exemption and protection for a vehicle, so many filers keep their home and car. A local lawyer applies the exemptions to your specific situation.
How much does it cost to file bankruptcy in Garland?
A straightforward Chapter 7 commonly runs $1,000-$2,000 in attorney fees plus the court filing fee, and many firms offer payment plans. Chapter 13 fees are typically set by court guidelines and built into your repayment plan.
How long does bankruptcy stay on my credit?
A Chapter 7 generally remains on your credit report for up to 10 years and a Chapter 13 for up to 7. Many people begin rebuilding credit within a year or two of discharge, because the debt that was dragging them down is gone.
Do I have to go to court?
Most filers attend only the brief meeting of creditors, which is usually short and routine. You typically do not appear before a judge unless a dispute arises in your case.
What should I bring to a bankruptcy consultation?
Bring recent pay stubs, your last two tax returns, a list of debts and creditors, a list of your assets, and any collection or foreclosure notices. The fuller the picture, the better the lawyer can tell you which chapter fits.
One last thing. Choosing a lawyer is personal. Read the reviews. Call two or three firms before you sign. Ask each one: How many matters like mine have you handled in the last three years? The answer tells you a lot. — The LawFirmSquare team
LawFirmSquare is a directory. We do not represent clients or refer cases for a fee.
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