A bankruptcy lawyer helps you get out from under debt you can't pay — stopping collections, lawsuits, garnishment and foreclosure — and decides with you whether Chapter 7, Chapter 13 or another option fits best.

Questions to ask before you hire

Am I eligible for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13?
What happens to my house and car?
Which debts will be wiped out?
What's your total fee, including filing?
How soon can collection calls stop?

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Crowe LaFave

·Columbia, SC·Attorneys

Crowe LaFave in SC.

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Jones McAden & Associates

·Columbia, SC·Attorneys

Jones McAden & Associates in SC.

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Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein

·Columbia, SC·Attorneys

Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein in SC.

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Jerry M. Screen

·Columbia, SC·Attorneys

Jerry M. Screen in SC.

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Willoughby Humphrey & D'Antoni

·Columbia, SC·Attorneys

Willoughby Humphrey & D'Antoni in SC.

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Howser, Newman, & Besley, LLC

·Columbia, SC·Attorneys

Howser, Newman, & Besley, LLC in SC.

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South Carolina Bankruptcy guides

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Plain-English guides to the law. General information, not legal advice.

The Automatic Stay in South Carolina Bankruptcy

South Carolina bankruptcy automatic stay (11 U.S.C. § 362) immediately halts most collection actions, lawsuits, foreclosures, and wage garnishments the moment a bankruptcy is filed.

Chapter 11 Business Reorganization in South Carolina

South Carolina businesses can use Chapter 11 to reorganize debt while continuing operations. Subchapter V (small-business) streamlines for businesses with debt under ~$7.5M.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy in South Carolina

Chapter 13 ("reorganization" bankruptcy) lets South Carolina debtors keep their assets and repay debts under a 3- or 5-year court-supervised plan. The state's median household income (~$96,000 for a family of 4) controls plan length.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in South Carolina: Exemptions and Eligibility

South Carolina bankruptcy uses only state exemptions (federal not allowed). Homestead: $66,950 (2024, indexed).

Debt-Collection Defense in South Carolina

South Carolina consumers facing debt-collection lawsuits have powerful defenses — federal FDCPA, state consumer protection laws, statutes of limitations, and proof requirements that collectors often can't meet.

Debts That Survive Bankruptcy in South Carolina

Bankruptcy is federal — but not all debts get discharged. South Carolina cases are filed in U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of South Carolina. Several debt categories survive bankruptcy.

Bankruptcy Means Test in South Carolina

South Carolina bankruptcy means test compares debtor income to median family income (currently ~$96,000 for a family of 4). Below median = automatic Chapter 7 eligibility.

Student-Loan Discharge in Bankruptcy in South Carolina

South Carolina student loans CAN be discharged in bankruptcy under the "undue hardship" Brunner test, plus DOJ's 2022 guidance has made it dramatically easier. Other federal options — IDR, PSLF, forgiveness — also relevant.

Wage Garnishment Defense in South Carolina

South Carolina wage garnishment is capped at federal limits (25% of disposable income or 30× minimum wage) — and Texas, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina ban most consumer wage garnishment entirely.

Attorneys near Columbia

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Frequently Asked Questions

Will bankruptcy stop collection calls and garnishment?

Filing triggers the automatic stay, which generally stops most collection actions, lawsuits, garnishments and foreclosures right away.

Chapter 7 or Chapter 13?

Chapter 7 wipes out most unsecured debt in a few months if you qualify. Chapter 13 sets up a 3–5 year payment plan and can help you keep a home or car.

How much does a bankruptcy lawyer in Columbia cost?

Chapter 7 is usually a flat fee; Chapter 13 fees are often partly paid through the plan. Ask for the total, including court filing costs.

How many chapter 13 lawyers are listed in Columbia?

There are currently 207 chapter 13 lawyers listed in Columbia on CGMIMM.