8 highly rated bankruptcy firms serving Plano, vetted against independent directories and peer rankings.
Updated November 18, 202512 min readEditorially independent
If you are looking for a bankruptcy lawyer in Plano, you are probably dealing with something stressful and you want a straight answer about who to call. This guide lists 8 highly rated bankruptcy firms serving Plano, TX, with what they focus on, what they charge, and why each one earns its place.
We are a directory, not a law firm, and we do not take payment for placement. Every firm below was cross-checked against independent sources such as Justia, Super Lawyers, Avvo, Best Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell, FindLaw and Expertise.com, plus each firm's own published practice pages. Use the list as a starting point, then call two or three before you decide.
Below the firms you will find plain-English sections on what bankruptcy help costs in Plano, how long the process takes, the questions to ask in a free consultation, and answers to the questions Plano residents ask most.
How we picked these 8: 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 Plano-area bankruptcy practice. We do not accept payment for placement, and we do not write sponsored reviews. More on our methodology →
1
DeMarco Mitchell, PLLC
Plano50+ yrs combinedConsumer & small business
Practice focus: Chapter 7, 11 and 13 bankruptcy
DeMarco Mitchell is a boutique Plano bankruptcy firm with more than 50 years of combined experience that limits its practice to individuals, families and small businesses filing under Chapter 7, 11 or 13.
Why they made the list: A bankruptcy-only boutique with deep combined experience and the ability to handle small-business Chapter 11 as well as consumer cases.
Practice focus: Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy
LoBue Law gives clients direct, one-on-one access to the attorney rather than passing files to assistants, and brings more than 25 years of experience to Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases for Plano residents.
Why they made the list: Direct attorney access and 25-plus years of consumer bankruptcy experience.
Practice focus: Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy
Herrin Law's Plano bankruptcy attorneys know local procedures, work regularly with area trustees and understand the specific challenges Plano filers face under both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13.
Why they made the list: Strong working familiarity with the local trustees and court procedures that shape every case.
Practice focus: Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy
Leinart Law Firm represents Plano-area clients in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy, helping individuals discharge or restructure debt and stop collection actions.
Why they made the list: An accessible consumer-bankruptcy practice focused on debt discharge and stopping collections.
Practice focus: Chapter 13 and Chapter 7 bankruptcy
Pelley Law represents Plano-area clients in bankruptcy with particular emphasis on Chapter 13 repayment plans for filers trying to keep a home or vehicle while restructuring debt.
Why they made the list: A Chapter 13 emphasis for clients who want to keep assets while catching up on debt.
Practice focus: Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy
Vecchio Bloomenstiel helps Plano individuals and families protect assets through both Chapter 7 discharges and Chapter 13 rehabilitation bankruptcies, and pairs bankruptcy with estate planning.
Why they made the list: Combines bankruptcy with estate and asset-protection work, useful when debt and planning overlap.
Practice focus: Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy
Lemke & Pederson serves the McKinney and Plano area with consumer Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy, guiding filers through means testing, the 341 meeting and discharge.
Why they made the list: A Collin County consumer-bankruptcy practice covering the full Chapter 7 and 13 process.
Practice focus: Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy
Managing attorney Nathan Graham represents Plano-area individuals and small businesses in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy, focusing on a clear path out of unmanageable debt.
Why they made the list: A small-business-friendly bankruptcy practice for both consumer and owner filers.
If debt has become unmanageable, bankruptcy may give you a clean restart. Tell us your situation and we will connect you with a vetted Plano bankruptcy attorney for a free consultation.
How to choose between them in Plano
Match the chapter to your goal. Chapter 7 wipes out qualifying debt; Chapter 13 reorganizes it to save a home or car. Ask which chapter fits your situation and why.
Confirm the lawyer knows the local trustees. Plano cases run through the local bankruptcy court and trustees. A lawyer who appears there regularly knows what each trustee expects.
Get the full fee, including the filing fee. Attorney fees and court filing fees are separate. Ask whether the quote is all-in and what happens if your case hits complications.
Ask who you will actually work with. Some firms hand files to staff. Confirm you will have direct access to the attorney for your 341 meeting and any objections.
What bankruptcy help typically costs in Plano
Bankruptcy costs in Plano are fairly standardized, with Chapter 13 fees set by a local guideline:
Chapter 7 (liquidation): Attorney fees commonly $1,200-$2,000 flat, plus the $338 court filing fee.
Chapter 13 (repayment plan): Attorney fees follow the court's no-look guideline, often around $3,500-$4,500, plus the $313 filing fee, much of it paid through the plan.
Free consultation: Standard across reputable bankruptcy firms.
Credit counseling: A required pre-filing counseling course costs a small fee, usually under $50.
Be cautious of unusually cheap quotes. Bankruptcy errors can cost you a discharge or an asset, and the work of doing it right is what you are paying for.
How long it takes
The two chapters run on very different clocks:
341 meeting of creditors: Held about a month after filing in both chapters; most are short and routine.
Chapter 7 discharge: Typically about 90 to 120 days from filing to discharge.
Chapter 13 plan: A three- to five-year repayment plan, with discharge at the end once payments are complete.
Red flags to watch for when hiring a bankruptcy lawyer in Plano
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 Plano 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.
Is hiring a bankruptcy lawyer in Plano worth it?
For small, simple matters you may not need a lawyer at all, and a good one will tell you so. But the moment real money, your record, your family, or a hard deadline is involved, going without representation usually costs more than it saves. The other side — an insurer, a prosecutor, or an opposing party — almost always has a lawyer. You should not be the only person in the room without one.
Here is a simple test. If the outcome could change your finances for years, affect your children, put your freedom or immigration status at risk, or turn on a legal deadline you do not fully understand, talk to a lawyer before you act. Most of the firms above will give you an honest read in a free call, including telling you when you do not need to hire anyone at all.
The cost of a consultation is almost always lower than the cost of a mistake you cannot undo. Even if you decide to handle the matter yourself, one conversation with an experienced Plano attorney can tell you what to watch for and where the real risks are before they become expensive.
Talk to a vetted Bankruptcy attorney in Plano
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 Plano
Should I file Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 in Plano?
Chapter 7 erases qualifying unsecured debt quickly but requires passing a means test. Chapter 13 reorganizes debt over three to five years and is used to stop foreclosure or keep property. A lawyer matches the chapter to your goal.
How much does bankruptcy cost?
Chapter 7 attorney fees are commonly $1,200-$2,000 plus a $338 filing fee. Chapter 13 fees follow the court's guideline, often around $3,500-$4,500 plus a $313 filing fee, with much of it paid through the plan.
Will I lose my house or car?
Often no. Texas has generous exemptions, and Chapter 13 is specifically designed to let you catch up on a mortgage or car loan. A lawyer reviews your assets before you file so there are no surprises.
How long does bankruptcy stay on my credit?
Chapter 7 stays on your credit report for up to ten years and Chapter 13 for up to seven. Many people start rebuilding credit within a year or two of discharge.
Does bankruptcy stop creditor calls and lawsuits?
Yes. Filing triggers an automatic stay that immediately stops most collection calls, wage garnishments, foreclosures and lawsuits while your case proceeds.
What is the means test?
It compares your income to the Texas median to determine whether you qualify for Chapter 7. If your income is too high, you may still file Chapter 13. A bankruptcy lawyer runs the test for 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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