Business Details
Your Trusted Bankruptcy Attorney in West Chicago
Derrick B. Hager, PC, P.C. is a dedicated consumer bankruptcy law practice serving individuals and families in financial distress. With extensive experience handling thousands of bankruptcy cases, we specialize in Chapters 7 and 13 under the Federal Bankruptcy Code. Our mission is to provide personalized legal solutions that eliminate debt, stop creditor harassment, and restore financial stability. We prioritize client needs through direct attorney involvement, secure electronic record-keeping, and 24-hour response times for inquiries.Our expertise extends to foreclosure defense, tax debt resolution, and post-bankruptcy credit restoration, supported by memberships in the Illinois State Bar Association, National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys, and American Bankruptcy Institute. We offer free consultations to help clients achieve a fresh start while maintaining transparency and ethical standards.
Services
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
Foreclosure Defense
Debt Relief
Credit Restoration
Tax Debt Resolution
Bankruptcy Consultation
Creditor Harassment Defense
Asset Protection
Post-Bankruptcy Counseling
Highlights and features
- We handle consumer bankruptcy cases exclusively with attorney-led service.
- Our firm offers free initial consultations and same-day case evaluations.
- We guarantee 24-hour response times for phone and email inquiries.
- We have successfully filed hundreds of bankruptcy cases without dismissals.
- Our practice includes tax debt resolution and foreclosure defense expertise.
Associations and certifications
- Illinois State Bar Association
- National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys
- American Bankruptcy Institute
What people say
A blessing in my life
Helping us with bankruptcy
Great guy and good lawyer
Financial fresh start achieved
Stopped home foreclosure
Services
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Chapter 7 bankruptcy eliminates unsecured debt through asset liquidation. Qualifying individuals can discharge credit card debt, medical bills, and other obligations within 90-100 days. Exempt assets like homes and vehicles may be retained. This process stops wage garnishments and creditor harassment immediately upon filing. Our firm ensures compliance with federal bankruptcy code requirements while protecting client interests.
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
Chapter 13 establishes structured debt repayment plans over 36-60 months. This option stops foreclosures, restructures mortgage arrears, and prioritizes essential debt payments. Clients maintain asset ownership while repaying creditors through court-approved plans. We specialize in 'Save-the-Home' strategies that integrate regular mortgage payments with arrears repayment through bankruptcy trustees.
Foreclosure Defense
Our foreclosure defense services utilize Chapter 13 bankruptcy to immediately halt home foreclosure proceedings. We develop customized repayment plans that address mortgage arrears while maintaining current payments. This approach requires demonstrating financial feasibility through income documentation and budget analysis. Our track record shows successful prevention of home loss through legally enforceable bankruptcy court orders.
Tax Debt Relief
We provide solutions for discharging eligible income tax debt through bankruptcy. Services include analyzing tax liability dischargeability, preparing documentation for tax debt elimination, and negotiating with federal/state tax authorities. Our expertise covers complex cases involving tax liens, back taxes, and assessment timelines under bankruptcy code provisions.
Debt Relief Consultation
Free initial consultations evaluate clients' financial situations and bankruptcy eligibility. We analyze income, assets, and debt composition to determine optimal solutions. Services include means testing, budget analysis, and explaining Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13 options. This assessment helps clients understand their rights and develop personalized debt resolution strategies.
People
Derrick B. Hager, PC
Founder & Attorney
Admitted to Illinois Bar since 2005 with specialized focus on consumer bankruptcy law. Member of National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys and American Bankruptcy Institute. Provides direct client representation from case filing through discharge.
Questions
What are the differences between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy?
Chapter 7 eliminates debt quickly through asset liquidation, while Chapter 13 restructures payments over 3-5 years. Eligibility depends on income, debt type, and financial goals.
Can bankruptcy stop wage garnishments and creditor harassment?
Yes, both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filings immediately halt wage garnishments, lawsuits, and collection calls through automatic stay provisions.
Will I lose my home and car in bankruptcy?
Most clients retain homes and vehicles by maintaining payments and utilizing exemption protections. Chapter 13 specifically allows catching up on arrears.
How does bankruptcy affect credit scores?
While initially impacting credit, bankruptcy enables financial recovery. We provide post-discharge credit restoration guidance to rebuild scores responsibly.
Can I file bankruptcy without an attorney?
While possible, attorney representation ensures proper documentation, legal protection, and successful discharge. We guarantee attorney involvement at all stages.
What debt cannot be discharged in bankruptcy?
Non-dischargeable debts include student loans, recent taxes, child support, and debts from fraud. We analyze each case to identify exceptions and alternatives.
Videos
