Buried in debt in Indianapolis? You have options.
Indiana opts out of federal bankruptcy exemptions, so Indianapolis filers use state exemptions only — including a $19,300 homestead exemption (per spouse). Cases are filed in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Indiana, with the Indianapolis division on West Market Street. The 341 meeting of creditors is typically held by Zoom or in person at the trustee's office.
These 10 firms handle Chapter 7 liquidations, Chapter 13 repayment plans, and small-business reorganizations for Indianapolis residents. We did not accept payment for placement.
How we picked these 10: We cross-referenced peer rankings (Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers, Avvo, Justia), published case results, NC/IN state bar specialty certifications, client review patterns, and bar association recognition. Firms confirmed by at least two independent sources made the list. We do not accept payment for placement, and we do not write sponsored reviews. More on our methodology →
Practice focus: Chapter 7, Chapter 13, debt relief
Indianapolis bankruptcy firm focused exclusively on consumer cases. Long-standing Southern District of IN practice with a high case volume.
Practice focus: Chapter 7, Chapter 13, debt defense, consumer protection
60+ years of collective experience. Indianapolis bankruptcy and consumer protection practice at 8777 Purdue Road. Strong on cases combining bankruptcy with FCRA/FDCPA claims.
Practice focus: Chapter 7, Chapter 13
Attorneys Michael Jackson and Dana Oglesby have 30+ years of combined experience. Indianapolis consumer bankruptcy practice with free initial consultations.
Practice focus: Chapter 7, Chapter 13, foreclosure defense
Indianapolis bankruptcy and debt relief practice. Focused on Chapter 7 discharges and Chapter 13 plans to stop foreclosure and repossession.
Practice focus: Chapter 7, Chapter 13, consumer bankruptcy
Portia Douglas has practiced bankruptcy law since 1987 (Notre Dame Law 1985). Continuous CLE participation in annual bankruptcy seminars since 1990.
Practice focus: Chapter 7, Chapter 13, tax, litigation
Indianapolis-area firm in Fishers handling Indianapolis bankruptcy cases. Julie A. Camden is licensed in Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan, with a tax and litigation focus.
Practice focus: Chapter 7, Chapter 13, family law, criminal defense
Indianapolis general-practice firm with an active bankruptcy team. Handles cases for consumers and small business owners across Marion and surrounding counties.
Practice focus: Chapter 7, Chapter 13, debt counseling
Federally recognized debt relief agency. Solo Indianapolis bankruptcy practice serving consumers across Marion and surrounding counties.
Practice focus: Chapter 7, Chapter 11, Chapter 13
Long-established Indiana firm with Greenfield and Indianapolis bankruptcy attorneys. Handles consumer, business, and Chapter 11 reorganization cases.
Practice focus: Chapter 7, Chapter 13
Indianapolis bankruptcy firm handling Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases for individuals and married couples. Indiana-only practice with flat-fee structure.
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Chapter 7 (liquidation): 4-6 months from filing to discharge. Chapter 13 (repayment plan): 36-60 months. Both require a 341 meeting of creditors, typically a brief 5-10 minute appointment. Most Indianapolis consumer cases never see a bankruptcy judge.
Chapter 7: $1,000-$2,000 flat fee. Chapter 13: $3,500-$4,500 (most paid through the plan). Court filing fees: $338 (Chapter 7) / $313 (Chapter 13). Credit counseling and debtor education courses required: $25-$50 each.
All 10 firms on this list are reputable. Pick between them on fit, not prestige. Five questions worth asking each one before you sign:
The directories on Google have thousands of Indianapolis bankruptcy firms. Most are competent. A few are problematic. Patterns to avoid:
Guaranteed outcomes. No ethical attorney can guarantee a result. If a firm promises a specific recovery, dismissal, or approval, walk away.
The disappearing partner. You meet a senior partner at intake, then never speak to them again. Ask in writing who will be your day-to-day attorney.
Pressure to sign immediately. Reputable firms give you the retainer in writing, time to read it, and the option to take it home. High-pressure intake is almost always a sign of a volume mill.
No verifiable track record. The firm should be able to point to verdicts, settlements, peer rankings, or bar association recognition. "We've helped thousands of clients" is marketing copy. Specific numbers, named cases, and third-party rankings are evidence.
Vague fee terms. "Don't worry about cost" is a red flag. Every legitimate Indianapolis lawyer will give you a written engagement letter with the fee structure, what's covered, what triggers extra charges, and what happens if you fire them.
Indianapolis is its own market. The procedure, the courts, and the strategy are city- and state-specific in ways that matter to your outcome.
Local courthouses matter. The judges, calendars, and procedures shape how cases move. A firm that knows the local courthouse has a real advantage.
Filing deadlines are strict. Notice of Claim windows for cases against the City or County, statute of limitations periods, and pre-suit certification requirements vary by case type and are unforgiving. A missed deadline often means a lost case — full stop.
Local procedure rules matter. Each court has its own forms, motion practice, and judge preferences. The right Indianapolis firm will know not just the law, but the unwritten rules of the courthouse you'll be in.
Juries are local too. Verdict patterns vary by venue, and a trial-capable firm uses venue strategically.
Indiana's homestead exemption protects up to $19,300 in home equity per spouse (so $38,600 for a married couple filing jointly). If your equity is below that threshold, the home is protected in a Chapter 7.
Indiana's tangible personal property exemption is $11,250 per spouse, which generally covers most vehicles with modest equity. If you're current on the loan, you can usually reaffirm and keep the car.
Chapter 7 wipes out most unsecured debt in 4-6 months but requires income below the Indiana median (about $61,000 for a single filer). Chapter 13 is a 3-5 year repayment plan that lets you save a house from foreclosure or catch up on car payments.
Chapter 7: 10 years. Chapter 13: 7 years. Most filers see meaningful credit recovery within 18-24 months if they pay new accounts on time.
Once, for the 341 meeting of creditors — a 5-10 minute appointment with the bankruptcy trustee. Most Indianapolis 341 meetings are held by Zoom now. You'll rarely see a judge.
Yes (pro se), but the means test, schedules, and 341 meeting trip up most non-lawyer filers. Mistakes can get your case dismissed.
Most student loans, recent income taxes, child support, alimony, and criminal restitution survive bankruptcy. Credit card debt, medical bills, and most personal loans are discharged.
One last thing. Choosing a lawyer is personal. Read the reviews. Call two or three firms before you sign. Ask each one the same questions, and compare the answers. The right fit is rarely the most famous name; it's the one whose practice actually matches your situation. — The LawFirmSquare team