Compassionate Bankruptcy Advocacy for Your Fresh Start
Facing impending foreclosure notices, vehicle repossession, or aggressive collection calls? Attorney John Helstowski delivers battle-tested Chapter 7 liquidation and Chapter 13 reorganization across North Texas.
Stop Creditor Harassment
Complete the confidential form below. An experienced Dallas bankruptcy professional will evaluate your relief options immediately.
State Bar of Texas
NACBA MemberScheduled for a First Tuesday Foreclosure Auction?
Filing an emergency bankruptcy petition instantly triggers the 11 U.S.C. § 362 Automatic Stay, halting county courthouse auctions and foreclosure sales even if filed hours before the sale.
Which Bankruptcy Chapter Fits Your Needs?
Federal law provides distinct chapters based on whether you seek swift unsecured debt liquidation or court-approved mortgage restructuring.
Chapter 7 Debt Elimination
Liquidation & Fresh Start OrderCompletely discharge qualifying credit card debts, medical bills, and personal loans without making monthly repayment plan disbursements.
Chapter 13 Debt Reorganization
Court-Approved Repayment PlanConsolidate delinquent mortgage arrears, automobile notes, and tax obligations into an affordable, court-supervised monthly payment plan.
Four Steps to Your Court-Ordered Fresh Start
From initial consultation to final court discharge, our experienced attorneys guide you every step of the way.
Confidential Intake
We evaluate your paystubs, debts, and tax records to run the Texas Means Test and inventory all exempt assets.
Filing & § 362 Stay
We file your petition electronically with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court. Creditor phone calls and lawsuits freeze instantly.
The 341 Meeting
Your attorney attends the mandatory Meeting of Creditors alongside you. Most meetings last under 10 minutes.
Final Discharge
The federal bankruptcy judge signs your official Discharge Order, legally releasing you from qualifying debt forever.
What Property Can You Keep in Texas?
Texas Property Code Chapters 41 and 42 provide some of the most generous debtor protections in the United States.
Homestead Exemption
Virtually unlimited dollar equity protection for your primary home on up to 10 acres urban or 200 acres rural.
Personal Property
Up to $100,000 for families ($50,000 single) in furnishings, clothing, heirlooms, tools of trade, and firearms.
Motor Vehicles
One passenger vehicle per licensed family driver is 100% exempt from trustee liquidation.
Retirement Accounts
401(k), 403(b), traditional & Roth IRAs, and teacher/state pensions are 100% shielded from creditors.
John Helstowski, Esq.
Graduate of Texas A&M University School of Law
"We Know That Bad Things Happen to Great People."
A second-generation trial attorney whose father was a judge and whose uncles were courtroom litigators, Attorney John Helstowski has filed over 8,000 bankruptcies in North Texas. When financial crisis strikes, our firm provides direct attorney access, aggressive litigation defense, and compassionate guidance to restore your financial peace.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly does filing bankruptcy in Texas stop foreclosure or repossessions?+
Instantly. Under 11 U.S.C. § 362, the federal Automatic Stay activates the exact second your petition is submitted to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court. It legally bars all mortgage auctions, vehicle repossessions, creditor calls, wage garnishments, and collection lawsuits.
Will I lose my home or car if I file for bankruptcy in Dallas?+
In the vast majority of our cases, no. Under Texas Property Code Chapters 41 and 42, Texas has some of the most protective homestead and personal property exemptions in the country. You can keep your primary residence with unlimited equity and keep your vehicles as long as payments are maintained.
What is the difference between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13?+
Chapter 7 is a 90-to-120 day debt liquidation that completely eliminates unsecured debts without a repayment plan. Chapter 13 is a 3-to-5 year court-approved reorganization plan that allows you to catch up on delinquent mortgage arrears, protect non-exempt assets, and stop foreclosure.
Do creditors stop calling once I hire Helstowski Law Firm PLLC?+
Yes. Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and the Texas Debt Collection Act, once debt collectors know you have hired an attorney, they are legally prohibited from contacting you directly. All calls and correspondence must go through our office.