If debt has become unmanageable in Madison, here are the bankruptcy firms that show up again and again across peer rankings and client reviews — for both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13.
Updated May 02, 202611 min readEditorially independent
If you are behind on bills, dodging collection calls, or facing a garnishment or foreclosure, bankruptcy can feel like failure. It is not. It is a legal tool, written into federal law, designed to give honest people a fresh start. The hard part is choosing the right chapter and doing the paperwork correctly, because mistakes can cost you property you could have kept.
Most consumers file Chapter 7, which wipes out qualifying unsecured debt in a few months, or Chapter 13, which reorganizes debt into a payment plan and can save a home from foreclosure. Wisconsin lets filers choose between state and federal exemptions, which determine what you keep — and that choice alone can make a large difference. A good bankruptcy lawyer figures out which chapter and which exemptions actually fit your life.
We looked at the bankruptcy firms serving Madison and Dane County, cross-checked them against Super Lawyers, Avvo, Justia, Expertise.com and each firm's own published practice pages, and pulled together the ones that consistently come up. Here is who made the list, what they focus on, and what filing tends to cost here.
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 Madison-area bankruptcy practice. We do not accept payment for placement, and we do not write sponsored reviews. More on our methodology →
1
Krekeler Law, S.C.
Madison, WIFounder: J. David KrekelerDebtor & creditor work
Practice focus: Bankruptcy and debtor-creditor work, representing consumers, businesses and trustees.
J. David Krekeler founded the firm and has decades of experience handling cases under Chapters 7, 11, 12 and 13, representing debtors, creditors and bankruptcy trustees. That range means the firm understands how the other side thinks, which helps consumer and business filers alike.
Why they made the list: Deep, multi-chapter experience on both the debtor and creditor sides of bankruptcy.
Fee structure
Flat fee for consumer Chapter 7/13; hourly for complex cases
Madison, WIFounders: Michael & Claire Richman60+ yrs combined
Practice focus: Bankruptcy and financial reorganization, with strength in business and Chapter 11 cases.
Founded by Michael P. Richman and Claire Ann Richman, who bring more than 60 years of combined experience, Richman & Richman handles bankruptcy and insolvency matters with particular strength in business reorganization. Michael Richman is recognized by Super Lawyers and teaches at the University of Wisconsin Law School.
Why they made the list: The Madison choice for complex business reorganizations and Chapter 11 work.
2000 Engel St., MadisonPartner: Zachary KluckDebtor/creditor focus
Practice focus: Bankruptcy and debtor-creditor matters for Madison-area consumers and small businesses.
Zachary J. Kluck, a partner at Zerbst & Kluck at 2000 Engel Street, focuses primarily on bankruptcy and other debtor-creditor issues and is recognized on the Super Lawyers list. The firm is a solid fit for consumer Chapter 7 and 13 filings.
Why they made the list: A focused debtor-creditor practice with peer recognition for its bankruptcy work.
30 W. Mifflin St., MadisonWade PittmanConsumer & business
Practice focus: Consumer and business bankruptcy, including Chapter 7 liquidation and Chapter 13 plans.
Wade Pittman runs Pittman & Pittman Law Offices at 30 West Mifflin Street near the Capitol, handling both personal and business filings under Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. The firm also does immigration work, but its bankruptcy practice serves consumers and small businesses across the Madison area.
Why they made the list: A downtown Madison firm comfortable with both consumer and small-business filings.
Practice focus: Consumer bankruptcy and Wisconsin's Chapter 128 debt-amortization option.
Debt Advisors Law Offices focuses on consumer debt relief in Wisconsin, including Chapter 7, Chapter 13 and the state's Chapter 128 plan, with virtual and in-person appointments. The firm emphasizes transparent flat fees with no hidden charges.
Why they made the list: Consumer-focused, with the Wisconsin-specific Chapter 128 option many firms overlook.
Practice focus: Consumer bankruptcy and debt-relief representation in Madison and beyond.
Cardis Law Group maintains a Madison office, with a bankruptcy attorney bringing about 25 years of experience and a practice spanning multiple states. It is an option for consumers seeking Chapter 7 or 13 relief who want a firm with a long track record.
Why they made the list: A multi-state firm with a long-experienced bankruptcy attorney serving Madison.
Practice focus: Business bankruptcy, creditor rights and reorganization for Madison-area companies.
Krekeler Strother is an established Madison firm with a recognized bankruptcy and debtor-creditor practice that appears across Super Lawyers and directory listings. It is geared toward business filings, creditor representation and reorganization rather than simple consumer cases.
Why they made the list: A business-side bankruptcy option for companies and creditors in the Madison area.
Bankruptcy can stop the calls, the garnishments and the foreclosure clock — but the right chapter and timing matter. Tell us about your situation and we will connect you with a Madison firm that handles consumer or business filings.
How to choose between them in Madison
Match the firm to your filing. A straightforward consumer Chapter 7 and a business Chapter 11 reorganization are very different. Ask each firm what share of its work is consumer versus business bankruptcy.
Ask about exemptions early. Wisconsin lets you choose between state and federal exemptions, and the choice decides what you keep. A good lawyer analyzes this for your specific assets before you file.
Get the flat fee and what it covers. Most consumer cases are flat-fee. Ask whether the quote covers the full case, the required credit counseling, and any creditor disputes that come up.
Be honest about your whole picture. Recent large purchases, transfers to family, or income changes can complicate a filing. Tell the lawyer everything up front so there are no surprises at the trustee meeting.
What bankruptcy help typically costs in Madison
Most consumer bankruptcies in Madison are handled on a flat fee, plus the court filing fee. What you pay depends on the chapter and complexity. Rough expectations:
Chapter 7 attorney fee: Commonly a flat fee in the rough range of $1,200–$2,500 for a straightforward consumer case.
Chapter 13 attorney fee: Often $3,000–$5,000+, much of it built into the repayment plan rather than paid all up front.
Court filing fee: A federal filing fee of a few hundred dollars (around $338 for Chapter 7 and $313 for Chapter 13 as of 2026), separate from attorney fees.
Required credit counseling: A small fee (often $10–$50) for the mandatory pre-filing and pre-discharge courses.
Business / Chapter 11: Billed hourly and far more expensive, given the complexity of reorganization.
For Chapter 13, the structure matters as much as the number — much of the fee is paid through the plan, which makes hiring a lawyer feasible even when cash is tight right now.
How long it takes
How long a bankruptcy takes depends mostly on the chapter. Rough expectations:
Chapter 7: Often about 3–4 months from filing to discharge for a straightforward consumer case.
Chapter 13: A repayment plan that runs 3–5 years, with the discharge at the end of the plan.
Automatic stay: Begins immediately on filing, stopping most collection calls, garnishments and foreclosure actions right away.
Meeting of creditors: A required 341 meeting usually occurs about a month after filing; most consumer cases involve no creditor objections.
Red flags to watch for when hiring a bankruptcy lawyer in Madison
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 Madison 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 Madison
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 Madison
How much does a bankruptcy lawyer cost in Madison?
A straightforward consumer Chapter 7 is often a flat fee of about $1,200–$2,500, plus the court filing fee. Chapter 13 commonly runs $3,000–$5,000 or more, much of it paid through the repayment plan.
Will bankruptcy stop garnishments and collection calls?
Yes. Filing triggers an automatic stay that immediately halts most collection actions, including wage garnishments, collection calls and foreclosure steps, while your case proceeds.
Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 — which is right for me?
Chapter 7 wipes out qualifying unsecured debt quickly but requires passing a means test. Chapter 13 reorganizes debt into a plan and can save a home from foreclosure. A lawyer reviews your income, assets and goals to recommend the right one.
What can I keep if I file in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin lets you choose between state and federal exemptions, which protect things like home equity, a vehicle and household goods up to certain limits. The choice can significantly change what you keep, so it is worth a lawyer's analysis.
Will I lose my house or car?
Often no. Chapter 13 is specifically designed to let you catch up on a mortgage and keep your home, and exemptions plus continued payments can protect a vehicle. The details depend on your equity and budget.
How long does bankruptcy stay on my credit?
A Chapter 7 can appear on your credit report for up to 10 years and a Chapter 13 for up to 7, but many people begin rebuilding credit within a year or two of discharge.
What is Wisconsin's Chapter 128?
Chapter 128 is a Wisconsin state debt-amortization option that lets you repay debts through a court-supervised plan without a formal bankruptcy. It is not right for everyone, but some Madison firms, like Debt Advisors, offer it as an alternative.
Do I have to go to court?
Most consumer filers attend only the 341 meeting of creditors, a short administrative meeting with the trustee, rather than a courtroom hearing before a judge. Your lawyer attends with you.
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.
Helpful next steps
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