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Best Bankruptcy Lawyers in Evanston, IL

Our Recommended Top 14

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Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Evanston Bankruptcy Lawyers on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

40Reviewed

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14Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

111 West Washington Street, Chicago, IL 60602

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

Alexander | Grossman provides legal services to the Evanston area. Included in its line of practice areas is bankruptcy. Brian E. Alexander, the firm's bankruptcy lawyer, assists clients with chapter 7 bankruptcy. He guides clients in determining whether the debt relief option suits their financial situations. Alexander communicates directly with the clients he works with. The attorney has been in practice for over 40 years. Aside from bankruptcy, he also practices in the areas of family law and real estate.

  • Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Brian Alexander - PartnerActive48 yrs

8745 West Higgins Road, Chicago, IL 60631

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
5.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Badillo Law Group is the private practice of Claudia Farfan Badillo, a Chicago-based bankruptcy attorney that serves individuals in Evanston and the surrounding areas. Badillo focuses on consumer bankruptcy, handling cases that fall under chapter 7 or 13. She guides clients throughout the bankruptcy process, which includes attending a 341 meeting. Other than bankruptcy law, Badillo also deals with cases that involve criminal and traffic offenses. She is a law graduate from Chicago Kent College of Law.

  • Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
  • Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Claudia Badillo - PrincipalActive16 yrs

6825 Hobson Valley Drive, Woodridge, IL 60517

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
5.0 (8)

Why choose this provider?

Zara Law Group is a team of two lawyers that serves Evanston residents. The firm practices in various areas including bankruptcy. Its bankruptcy attorney, Zohaib Ali, helps individuals address debt through chapter 7 bankruptcy. Furthermore, he helps clients set up payment plans for chapter 13 bankruptcy. Ali also provides debt relief solutions to businesses through chapter 11 bankruptcy. Aside from bankruptcy, Zara Law Group addresses legal matters concerning real estate, estate planning, family law, immigration law, and criminal defense.

  • Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
  • Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Zohaib Ali - Managing PartnerActive11 yrs

22 West Washington Street, Chicago, IL 60602

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (34)
Avvo
3.0 (6)

Why choose this provider?

The Cortese Law Offices, P.C. is a bankruptcy law firm serving Evanston and its surrounding places. Frank G. Cortese has over two decades of experience handling bankruptcy cases. He analyzes client debt situations to verify their eligibility for bankruptcy and determine the applicable type of bankruptcy. He also seeks debt discharges, including payday loans and medical bills, and helps preserve properties using federal exemptions. Moreover, he deals with debt reorganizations and payment schemes, preventing repossessions, foreclosures, and wage garnishments.

  • Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
  • Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Frank Cortese - PrincipalActive28 yrs

5757 N. Lincoln Ave. Suite 28, Chicago, IL 60659-4714

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
5.0 (17)
Yelp
1.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Ravago & Associates caters to the legal needs of individuals and businesses near Evanston. Joseph Shun Ravago is a bankruptcy lawyer who advocates for the rights of clients with a great deal of debt. He thoroughly assesses the financial situations of clients, including debt, income, and expenses, to guide them in deciding whether to pursue bankruptcy petitions. With a focus on chapters 7, 11, and 13 cases, Ravago helps clients end collection harassment and protect assets from liquidation.

  • Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
  • Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Joseph Ravago - PrincipalActive26 yrs

8130 North Milwaukee Avenue, Niles, IL 60714

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

Scott C. Polman is a bankruptcy attorney based in Niles. He offers his debt relief services to the residents of Evanston and other areas in Chicagoland. Polman works with both chapter 7 and chapter 13 bankruptcies. He also offers services in civil litigation and business and commercial law. His office offers administrative services in both English and Spanish. Polman is a member of the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys.

  • Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
  • Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Scott Polman - PrincipalActive17 yrs
Scott Polman - PrincipalActive17 yrs

3047 North Lincoln Avenue, Chicago, IL 60657

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
4.5 (21)
Facebook
5.0 (4)

Why choose this provider?

Fenceroy Law, LLC, is a bankruptcy law firm that provides customized bank relief solutions to the residents of Evanston and the rest of the Chicago metropolitan area. The firm handles both chapter 7 and chapter 13 bankruptcies. Keith Fenceroy has over 15 years of experience in bankruptcy and other practice areas, particularly ones related to real estate. He is licensed to practice in both Illinois and Wisconsin. He is a member of the American Bar Association.

  • Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
  • Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Keith Fenceroy - PrincipalActive19 yrs

8424 Skokie Boulevard, Skokie, IL 60077

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
5.0 (15)
Facebook
4.3 (8)
Yelp
4.0 (4)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Schneider & Stone handles bankruptcy-related matters among several other practice areas for clients in Evanston and other Chicagoland areas. The firm files for chapters 7, 11, and 13 bankruptcy on behalf of its clients. Its team of bankruptcy lawyers also provides consultation services to help people understand bankruptcy and its different chapters. It also provides legal representation for clients with matters related to divorce, family law, and estate planning.

  • Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
  • Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Ben Schneider - PartnerActive16 yrs
Matthew Stone - PartnerActive16 yrs

1 Northfield Plaza, Northfield, IL 60093

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
5.0 (6)

Why choose this provider?

Di Giacomo & Somers L.L.C. is a team of family, estate planning, real estate, business, and bankruptcy lawyers representing clients in Evanston, Northfield, and the rest of the northern districts. The firm's attorneys have over 110 years of combined legal experience. Clients can expect a thorough explanation of federal bankruptcy law and the process of filing for bankruptcy in Chicago, specifically. The lawyers are adept at chapter 7 and chapter 13 bankruptcy petitions.

  • Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
  • Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Kathryn Somers - PartnerActive43 yrs
Carol Giacomo - PartnerActive42 yrs

7222 Cermak Road, Riverside, IL 60546

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
5.0 (8)
Facebook
5.0 (5)

Why choose this provider?

Schottler & Associates is a full-service law firm that serves clients in Evanston and surrounding areas. The company provides legal representation and assistance to debtors seeking bankruptcy protection and solutions. Bankruptcy lawyers at the firm focus on personal bankruptcy filings, particularly on chapter 7 and chapter 13 petitions. The company also handles legal matters involving probate, real estate, and estate planning. Founding partner Mark Schottler has been representing individuals facing personal bankruptcy cases for over 20 years. Past clients have praised Schottler and his team for their competence, attentiveness, and compassionate service.

  • Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
  • Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
  • Debt Settlement

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Mark Schottler - Managing PartnerActive27 yrs

5600 North River Road, Rosemont, IL 60018

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
5.0 (35)
Google
5.0 (14)
Yelp
4.0 (9)

Why choose this provider?

Linda Bal & Associates provides legal services via its team of tax and bankruptcy lawyers. For 25 years, the firm's attorneys have served clients in Evanston, Itasca, Naperville, Rosemont, Algonquin, and the rest of DuPage County. The firm caters to several case types, including IRS tax problems, real estate services, bankruptcy, will and living trusts, and probate. For consumer bankruptcy, managing lawyer Linda Bal focuses on chapter 7 and chapter 13 of the Bankruptcy Code.

  • Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
  • Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
  • IRS Tax Debt

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Linda Bal - Managing PartnerActive34 yrs

4001 West Devon Avenue, Chicago, IL 60646

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (11)
Yelp
5.0 (10)

Why choose this provider?

Law Office of Joseph Q. Lou, LLC is a law firm that has represented clients in bankruptcy-related matters in the Evanston area for the last decade. Bankruptcy attorney Joseph Q. Lou helps eligible clients file chapter 7 bankruptcy to pay off debts using non-exempt assets. Lou also offers chapter 13 representation, allowing clients with a steady income to restructure debt payments. Law Office of Joseph Q. Lou, LLC also handles personal injury cases.

  • Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
  • Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Joseph Lou - PrincipalActive18 yrs

10450 South Western Avenue, Chicago, IL 60643

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
4.5 (14)
Yelp
1.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Olstein Law, LLC, is a Chicago bankruptcy law firm that extends its services to nearby Evanston and other areas in Chicagoland. The owner, Joseph Olstein dedicates the greater part of his practice to consumer bankruptcy. He works with both chapter 7 and chapter 13 bankruptcies and has represented thousands of clients in these cases. While representing his clients, Olstein also offers them protection against debt collection harassment from creditors. His other practice areas are real estate law and business bankruptcy.

  • Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
  • Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Joseph Olstein - PrincipalActive15 yrs

4043 North Ravenswood Avenue, Chicago, IL 60613

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
4.5 (26)
Google
4.5 (8)

Why choose this provider?

Erwin Law is dedicated to helping clients near Evanston protect their assets and discharge burdensome debts through bankruptcy. Michael N. Oreluk, one of the firm's bankruptcy lawyers, is highly skilled in handling chapters 7 and 13 bankruptcy cases. He guides debtors in declaring bankruptcy and helps them eliminate some unsecured debts and build repayment plans for other debts that bankruptcy petitions cannot wipe out. Oreluk has experienced counseling clients in hearings, Rule 2004 examinations, and adversary proceedings.

  • Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
  • Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
James Erwin - Principal/Founding PartnerActive32 yrs

Compare our Top Bankruptcy Lawyers

NameExpertise RatingAddressPromotionsLearn more
Alexander | Grossman
111 West Washington Street, Chicago, IL 60602
Badillo Law Group
8745 West Higgins Road, Chicago, IL 60631
Zara Law Group
6825 Hobson Valley Drive, Woodridge, IL 60517
The Cortese Law Offices, P.C.
22 West Washington Street, Chicago, IL 60602
Ravago & Associates
5757 N. Lincoln Ave. Suite 28, Chicago, IL 60659-4714
Law Office of Scott C. Polman
8130 North Milwaukee Avenue, Niles, IL 60714
Fenceroy Law LLC
3047 North Lincoln Avenue, Chicago, IL 60657
The Law Offices of Schneider & Stone
8424 Skokie Boulevard, Skokie, IL 60077
Di Giacomo & Somers L.L.C.
1 Northfield Plaza, Northfield, IL 60093
Schottler & Associates
7222 Cermak Road, Riverside, IL 60546
Linda Bal & Associates
5600 North River Road, Rosemont, IL 60018
Law Office of Joseph Q. Lou, LLC
4001 West Devon Avenue, Chicago, IL 60646
Olstein Law LLC
10450 South Western Avenue, Chicago, IL 60643
Erwin Law
4043 North Ravenswood Avenue, Chicago, IL 60613

Disclaimer:  Consumers utilizing Expertise.com are free to communicate and contract with any lawyer they choose. Expertise.com is not involved in the confidential attorney-client relationship. Featured lawyers pay a reasonable advertising cost to market their legal services with Expertise.com and must meet similar selection criteria as other lawyers. All cases are different. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Evanston, IL Bankruptcy FAQs

  • Where do I file for bankruptcy in Evanston, Illinois?

    Residents of Evanston may file for bankruptcy at the Eastern Division of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Illinois, located at 219 S. Dearborn, Chicago, IL 60604.

  • Where can I get bankruptcy forms in Evanston, Illinois?

    Residents of Evanston may get bankruptcy forms at the official website of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Illinois, which can be accessed here: https://www.ilnb.uscourts.gov/forms.

  • Are bankruptcy filings common in Evanston?

    According to data released by the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Illinois, the residents of Evanston have filed 31 bankruptcy cases in 2023. This is out of the 9,022 recorded bankruptcy filings for the entire Northern District of Illinois in 2023 so far, 8,257 of which were filed in the Eastern Division and 776 in the Western.

  • What is the means test in an Evanston Chapter 7 bankruptcy?

    Residents of Evanston who wish to file for bankruptcy must first pass the means test, a tool developed by the federal government to discourage abuse of the bankruptcy system. Those whose income does not surpass the state median household income, which is $72,563 in Illinois as of 2021, are presumed to qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

  • Can Evanston debtors file for bankruptcy without the help of an attorney?

    While debtors in Evanston may file for bankruptcy without an attorney, or “pro se," it is strongly recommended that they enlist legal assistance, as any errors may cause them to lose crucial protections and benefits. If they still wish to forego legal help, the official website of the US Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Illinois contains a plain-language guide for debtors filing without a lawyer.

  • What assets are protected in filing for an Evanston Chapter 7 bankruptcy?

    As per the state’s bankruptcy exemptions, those in Evanston who are filing for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy are allowed to protect certain assets, including up to $15,000 in equity of real property, $2,400 for their personal vehicle, $1,500 for the tools of their trade, and $15,000 in personal injury recoveries. Illinois also offers a wildcard exemption of $4,000 for any personal property.

  • Will Evanston residents lose their retirement savings in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy?

    In an Evanston Chapter 7 bankruptcy case, tax-exempt retirement plans such as IRAs and government plans will not be collected. Most life, health, and disability insurance benefits are also protected, as well as the pensions of certain types of employees, including civil service employees, general assembly members, judges, police officers, firefighters, and teachers.

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