Introduction: A Real Client, A Real Challenge
At O’Flaherty Law, we know that legal problems often arise during the most stressful times in life. That was the case for “John D.,” a single father who came to us after years of financial trouble. John had run a small home remodeling business in Illinois and worked hard to support his kids. But when the pandemic hit, everything changed. His business slowed down, his income stopped, and his debt piled up quickly.
John wasn’t just worried about money—he was worried about his future. He didn’t know how he would keep his car, pay rent, or provide for his kids. What he needed was a clean slate. Our team at O’Flaherty Law helped him find a way forward through Chapter 7 bankruptcy. His story is one that many can relate to, showing how the right legal help can make a real difference.
Background: The Legal Problem
When John came to us, he was overwhelmed. His business had shut down months earlier, and he was doing small side jobs to get by. He had over $80,000 in debt from credit cards, medical bills, and personal loans. Two of his creditors had already filed lawsuits against him, and one had gotten a court judgment. That meant they could soon start garnishing his wages or freezing his bank accounts.
Every day, John was getting calls from debt collectors. He was afraid to open his mail or answer the phone. He didn’t know how to respond to the court papers he was getting and was afraid of losing what little he had left—including his car, which he used for work. John’s main goal was to stop the pressure and start over. He didn’t want to run from his responsibilities—he just needed help getting back on track.
John’s Situation and Plan
We sat down with John and went through his financial picture in detail. We reviewed his income, expenses, assets, and debts. We also talked about his goals and what he wanted to keep, especially his car, his basic household items, and his tools, which he still used to do small jobs. After reviewing his information, we told him he qualified for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Chapter 7 is often called a “fresh start” bankruptcy because it allows people to wipe out most or all of their unsecured debt—like credit cards, medical bills, and personal loans—without having to pay it back. Best of all, it stops lawsuits, wage garnishment, and collection calls the moment the case is filed.
John was nervous at first. Like many people, he thought bankruptcy meant losing everything or admitting failure. We helped him understand that bankruptcy is a legal tool, not a punishment. It’s there to give people like him a second chance.
Once he felt comfortable moving forward, we got to work.
Filing the Bankruptcy Case and Supporting John Through the Process
We helped John gather the documents needed to prepare his bankruptcy case. This included bank statements, pay stubs, tax returns, a list of all debts, and a breakdown of his monthly expenses. We also explained what property he could keep under Illinois bankruptcy laws. In John’s case, the exemptions protected everything he owned—including his car, tools, and personal items.
After preparing the case, we filed it with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court. The moment the case was filed, all collection activity against John had to stop. That meant no more phone calls, no more lawsuits, and no more threats of wage garnishment.
About a month after filing, John had to attend a brief hearing called the “341 meeting” or “meeting of creditors.” This is a normal part of every bankruptcy case where a court-appointed trustee asks the person filing a few questions about their paperwork. We prepared John in advance so he knew what to expect. The meeting lasted less than ten minutes, and no creditors showed up.
After the meeting, there were no issues or objections in John’s case. We stayed in touch with him while the court reviewed everything. About two months later, the court granted John a discharge. That meant his debts were officially wiped away, and he was no longer legally required to pay them.
The Result: A Fresh Financial Start
John’s case took less than four months from start to finish. By the end, over $80,000 of debt was discharged. He kept his car, his tools, and all of his personal belongings. The lawsuits against him were dismissed, and the collection calls stopped for good. Most of all, John felt like he could finally breathe again. He no longer lived in fear of creditors or court judgments. Instead, he had a clear path forward and a plan to rebuild. He started working again, and every paycheck went towards supporting his family, not towards unmanageable debt.
Why This Matters
John’s story is just one example of how bankruptcy can be a lifeline for everyday people. Life doesn’t always go according to plan. Whether it’s a job loss, an illness, or something unexpected like a global pandemic, many hardworking people find themselves buried in debt through no fault of their own.
What matters most is having the courage to ask for help—and getting the right guidance to move forward. At O’Flaherty Law, we treat every client with compassion. We explain the law in plain language, answer every question, and create a plan that fits each person’s life and goals. We don’t just file paperwork—we walk with you through the entire process.
Is Your Situation Similar?
If you’re struggling with debt like John was, you’re not alone. Many people across Illinois are in the same situation, and help is available. Filing for bankruptcy isn’t giving up—it’s taking control of your future.
At O’Flaherty Law, we’re here to help you understand your options and support you with honesty, respect, and experience. Whether Chapter 7 is right for you or another solution is a better fit, we’ll help you make the best choice for your life.