Choosing the Right Bankruptcy Lawyer in Austin

How a Local Austin TX Bankruptcy Lawyer Will Keep Your Case on Track

Austin consumer cases are filed in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Texas, Austin Division, at the Homer J. Thornberry Federal Judicial Building (903 San Jacinto Blvd., Suite 322). A lawyer who practices here week after week knows the division’s judges, the standing chapter 13 trustee and local chapter 7 panel trustees, and how the clerk’s office prefers petitions, schedules, statements, and any chapter 13 plan assembled. They prepare and e-file everything through CM/ECF, then keep an eye on the docket for deficiency notices, trustee document requests, objections, and hearing settings—so deadlines are met and small issues are handled before they become problems. That home-court familiarity helps you file cleanly, avoid delays, and show up ready for your §341 meeting.

Support for Austin Families Facing Bankruptcy

Austin families often carry real pressures—rising rent, childcare or medical bills, a sudden car repair, or a wage garnishment that squeezes the monthly budget. An Austin bankruptcy lawyer meets you where you are, helps you pull together pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, and other documents without judgment, and maps out a practical plan to protect what matters—your home, car, and paycheck. They break the process into plain-English steps, make sure the automatic stay reaches the right creditors and your payroll department, and stand beside you at the 341 meeting so you’re never navigating the system alone.

Austin Bankruptcy “By the Numbers”

A few Austin indicators help explain why budgets tighten even when folks are working hard. Local incomes, rent, and home prices shape real household math, and one surprise bill (medical, reduced hours, car repair) can tip things over. These numbers also have legal bite: income benchmarks feed into the means test for chapter 7 eligibility, and housing/transportation costs influence what a chapter 13 plan can realistically support. If your situation runs higher or lower than the averages, that’s normal—an Austin attorney will build a strategy around your pay stubs, tax returns, and bills, not just metro-wide stats.

• Median Household Income (2019–2023): $91,501
• Typical Rent (July 2025): about $1,685 per month
• Typical Home Value (mid-2025): about $513,000
• Unemployment (Travis County, June 2025): about 3.3%
• Cost of Living (RPP, Austin–Round Rock MSA, 2023; U.S.=100): about 97.6

If rent, childcare, medical costs, or a car note are squeezing your budget, an Austin bankruptcy lawyer can map those expenses to the means test and a workable plan—whether that’s chapter 7 or chapter 13.

Choosing the Right Bankruptcy Lawyer in Austin

Picking counsel is more than a quick search—look for someone whose practice is primarily bankruptcy and who appears regularly in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Texas (Austin Division). An Austin-focused lawyer knows the division’s judges and local trustees, how this court prefers petitions, schedules, statements, and any chapter 13 plan assembled, and how to monitor the docket (CM/ECF) for deficiency notices, objections, and hearing settings so nothing slips. Ask who will attend your 341 meeting with you, how they handle document collection, and how they’ll keep you updated as filings and orders hit the docket.

What To Look For in an Austin Bankruptcy Lawyer

• Primarily practices bankruptcy (not a generalist who “also does” bankruptcy)
• Regular Austin-division experience, with a clear plan for filing and 341 preparation
• Transparent fees, a named point-of-contact, and timely docket/calendar updates

How To Check Austin-Division Experience

• Look for recent Austin-division case numbers and who attended the 341 with the client.
• Glance at the court’s public calendars:  TXWB Court Calendars .
• Confirm Texas license and status:  State Bar of Texas – Find a Lawyer .
• Optional (paid): search federal dockets for an attorney’s filings:  PACER Case Locator .
• Consult NACBA (consumer bankruptcy):  NACBA Find-An-Attorney .

Note: Austin consumer cases are handled at the Homer J. Thornberry Federal Judicial Building, 903 San Jacinto Blvd., Suite 322, Austin, TX 78701 (Western District of Texas, Austin Division).

Why Hiring a Local Austin Bankruptcy Lawyer Matters

Bankruptcy is a federal process, but your experience is shaped by the Western District of Texas (Austin Division)—its calendars, the standing chapter 13 trustee, the local chapter 7 panel trustees, and judge-specific preferences. An Austin attorney practices in this division week after week. They know how filings are reviewed here, which issues routinely trigger trustee follow-ups, and how to prepare you for a smooth §341 meeting. That local familiarity helps you file cleanly the first time, spot and fix small problems before they become objections, and keep your case moving without unnecessary delays.

Federal, State, and Local Layers—Why Bankruptcy Is “Local” in Practice

Every Austin case sits where three systems meet: the Bankruptcy Code and Rules (federal), Texas law (exemptions and other state-law rights), and the Western District of Texas (Austin Division) with its local rules, standing orders, calendars, and trustee guidance. Austin is overseen by the U.S. Trustee Program (Region 7), not a Bankruptcy Administrator; the UST and local trustees publish procedures and expectations that experienced practitioners track closely. A local Austin lawyer reads those signals in context and applies them to your facts—so filings match what this division actually requires in day-to-day practice.

Exemptions: State Law Applied in Federal Court

Texas bankruptcy exemptions can be powerful, but applying them is nuanced. Debtors may choose either the Texas exemption scheme or the federal list (not both), and a good attorney will model both before filing. Homestead protections hinge on urban vs. rural acreage limits and how title is held; personal-property protections under the Texas Property Code (household goods, tools of the trade, vehicles, retirement, and more) also depend on accurate valuation, liens, and timing. Spousal ownership and documentation can change outcomes. Lawyers who regularly practice before Austin-division trustees build schedules and supporting papers the way this court expects—reducing avoidable objections and smoothing the path to your 341 meeting.

Examples of Austin-Specific Judgment Calls That Affect Outcomes

• Valuation Standards: Documenting “replacement value” for a vehicle or tools under § 506(a)(2), which pricing guides to rely on, and when photos, mileage/condition notes, or repair records strengthen the file.
• Homestead and Marital Property: Texas homestead rules (urban vs. rural limits), community-property considerations, title form, and lien status can change how much equity is effectively protected—paperwork must match the legal theory.
• Lien Avoidance Under § 522(f): Whether and how to avoid a judicial lien depends on a clean valuation record, properly claimed exemptions, and accurate equity math.
• Pre-Filing Transactions: Paying family back, selling equipment, shifting funds, or large purchases shortly before filing can raise preference/transfer questions if not addressed with disclosures and evidence up front.

What an Austin Attorney Does Before Filing (The Stuff That Prevents Problems)

• Means-Test Modeling: Runs Texas medians and allowed IRS expense standards; documents any special circumstances with receipts, statements, and declarations.
• Exemption Mapping: Pulls titles, deeds, DMV records, and recent statements; compares Texas vs. federal exemptions; supports valuations with photos, appraisals, or guides.
• Look-Back Review: Screens 90-day and one-year transfers, insider payments, pending lawsuits and garnishments, setoffs, and tax-refund timing to avoid surprises.
• Document Readiness: Assembles ID, proof of Social Security number, tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and trustee-requested items in the format local trustees expect to see.
• 341 Prep: Walks you through typical Austin trustee questions so the meeting is concise, accurate, and drama-free.

Local Practice Matters in Bankruptcy Cases

Local practice really matters in bankruptcy cases—especially in chapter 13. In Austin, the Western District of Texas (Austin Division) uses a local form plan, recognizes non-standard provisions in limited circumstances, and follows trustee policies that shape how plans are drafted and confirmed.

Mortgage arrears may be cured over the plan term, and delinquent loans can trigger conduit payments through the trustee. Adequate-protection payments on vehicles typically begin early. Interest rates, treatment of tax claims, turnover or application of tax refunds, and step-ups in plan payments are calibrated to local norms and your budget. An Austin lawyer drafts a plan the trustee can recommend and the court can confirm.

Trustee Office Procedures Differ—and They Matter

• Payments: many trustees won’t take paper checks; expect a payment portal (e.g., TFS/ePay) or a wage order from your employer.
• Document delivery: some offices require uploads through a secure portal; others accept email but with strict file-naming and timing rules.
• Conduit policies: standing orders and trustee guidance may require conduit plans (ongoing mortgage paid through the trustee) when a loan is delinquent or based on case posture.
• Pre-confirmation practices: adequate-protection payments, treatment of tax refunds, and proof-of-insurance checks are policed differently across trustee offices.
• Communication channels: some offices route questions through case administrators or ticketing; others prefer written requests via a portal.
• Deadlines and formatting: each office sets expectations for pay-stub ranges, bank-statement spans, and how valuations and exhibits are labeled.

Chapter 13 trustees can get frustrated—understandably—when non-local or brand-new counsel don’t know these internal workflows. An Austin-based lawyer who practices in this division every week knows the payment rails, document portals, and confirmation checkpoints, which reduces friction, avoids preventable objections, and keeps your plan on track.

Why “Local” Often Changes the Result in Austin

Two families with similar debt and income can see very different outcomes depending on valuation evidence, how exemptions are claimed, and whether the plan aligns with the Western District of Texas (Austin Division) expectations. The law is the same statewide, but its application isn’t automatic.

A lawyer who practices in this division knows which facts to emphasize, which documents to attach, and how to adjust strategy early so you keep the property that matters and exit with the cleanest possible result.

Understanding Bankruptcy in Austin: An Overview

Types of Bankruptcy

It's important to understand the different types of bankruptcy:

• Chapter 7 Bankruptcy: gets qualified filers a discharge of unsecured debts relatively fast. Learn more about chapter 7 bankruptcy here.
• Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: Known as allows individuals with a steady income to create a repayment plan over three to five years. Learn more about chapter 13 bankruptcy here.
• Chapter 11 Bankruptcy: Primarily for businesses, allowing for reorganization and restructuring of debts while continuing operations.

Understanding which type applies to your situation will help you find the right bankruptcy attorney in Austin with the relevant experience. We won't dive deep into the specifics of each chapter here, but please explore our detailed guides on chapter 7 and chapter 13, as well as our guide on chapter 7 vs chapter 13.

Which Court Handles Austin Cases

U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Western District of Texas — Austin Division, Homer J. Thornberry Federal Judicial Building, 903 San Jacinto Blvd., Suite 322, Austin, TX 78701. The clerk’s office maintains specific filing and mailing instructions; always follow the directions on your notice for the required format and location.

341 Meetings in Austin (What To Expect)

For new cases, most section 341 meetings in the Austin, Midland, and Waco divisions are conducted by secure Zoom video conference. Your official notice will include the trustee’s meeting link, Meeting ID, passcode, and any call-in number. If your notice sets an in-person meeting instead, it will list the building and room—typically at the Homer J. Thornberry Federal Judicial Building. Always follow the date, format, and connection details on your notice.

How To Prepare (Video or In-Person)

• ID and SSN: have government photo ID and proof of Social Security number ready to show.
• Docs handy: keep recent tax returns, pay stubs, and any trustee-requested statements within reach.
• Tech check (video): test audio/video beforehand; stable Wi-Fi, camera at eye level, quiet room.
• Name format (video): set your display name to your first and last name (and case number if requested).
• Arrival time: join 5–10 minutes early (video) or arrive early for security screening (in-person).
• Joint cases: both spouses must attend and be on camera (video) or present (in-person) with ID and SSN proof.

Trustee Practices You Might See (They Vary)

• Introductions on the record: some trustees ask attorneys to state name and bar number at the start.
• Document delivery rules: many offices require uploads via a secure portal rather than emailed PDFs.
• Payment rails (chapter 13): expect a trustee payment portal (e.g., TFS/ePay) or a wage order; paper checks may be restricted.
• Exhibit labeling: trustees may specify file names or date ranges for statements, pay stubs, and valuations.
• Communication channel: questions may route through a case administrator or a portal ticket instead of email.

Because each trustee office runs its calendar a little differently, local counsel will tell you exactly how your trustee prefers IDs shown, documents submitted, and names announced, so your meeting moves quickly.

Day-Of Tips (Save Everyone Time)

• Mute when not speaking; unmute only when called. Avoid crosstalk that interrupts other cases.
• Do not join while driving. Sit still, keep the camera steady, and remove distractions.
• Answer what’s asked—briefly and truthfully. No need to volunteer extra stories or explanations.
• Have your paperwork open to the right page before you’re called.
• If you lose connection, rejoin immediately and notify your attorney.

If Your Meeting Is In Person (Austin)

• Location: Homer J. Thornberry Federal Judicial Building, 903 San Jacinto Blvd., Austin, TX 78701.
• Security: allow time for screening; bring only what you need.
• Parking/transit: build in extra time for downtown traffic and parking.

Trustees and Practical Austin Details

Knowing who administers your case helps you send the right payments and documents, and it sets expectations for how your 341 meeting and plan confirmation will run. Assignments appear on your official notice and on the docket. Use the links below for current contact details and any trustee-specific instructions.

• Chapter 13 trustee (Austin Division): Deborah B. Langehennig — 6201 Guadalupe St., Austin, TX 78752; (512) 912-0305. Trustee site: ch13austin.com (standing orders, plan and payment guidance).
• Some cases in nearby counties may be assigned to G. Ray Hendren, Jr. (Chapter 12/13 Standing Trustee). Correspondence: P.O. Box 27466, Austin, TX 78755-2466; Plan payments: P.O. Box 85511, Chicago, IL 60689-5511; main line (512) 474-6309. Payment/portal info: 13Network (Austin).
• Chapter 7 panel trustees serving the Austin area (assigned by case): Ron Satija, John Patrick Lowe, Christy L. Heimer, and others. For the current roster and contacts, see: Austin Trustees (TXWB).

Can I Use Texas or Federal Exemptions?

Yes. Texas allows you to choose between Texas’s exemption scheme and the federal list (you must pick one or the other). Which set you can use depends on where you’ve lived during the look-back period; a local attorney will confirm eligibility before filing and model both options to see which protects more of what you own.

Most-Used Texas Exemptions (Plain English)

• Homestead: protects equity in your primary residence, with acreage rules that differ for urban vs. rural property.
• Personal property: protects everyday household goods, clothing, some jewelry, and similar items up to statutory caps.
• Vehicle: protects equity in one (or more) vehicles depending on household status; valuation and liens matter.
• Tools of the trade: protects equipment you need for your work or small business.
• Retirement/insurance: many tax-qualified retirement accounts and certain life-insurance interests are protected by law.
• Community property considerations: how assets and debts are shared between spouses can affect what’s effectively protected.
• Public benefits/wages: certain benefits are protected; treatment of wages depends on timing, chapter, and applicable law.
• Wildcard note: if you elect the federal scheme, a wildcard may be available; Texas’s scheme does not include a general wildcard but has broad personal-property coverage.

Nuances Austin Lawyers Watch

• Title and equity: how property is titled (solo, community, or separate) changes what’s protected against which creditors.
• Valuation evidence: using realistic replacement values (with photos/records) helps avoid objections and supports lien-avoidance math.
• Strategy tradeoffs: choosing Texas vs. federal exemptions can shift how you protect cash, refunds, or a second vehicle.
• Timing: recent transfers, big pay-downs, or title changes can raise flags if not addressed before filing.
• Tax refunds: portions may be exempt or non-exempt depending on the credit type and which exemption scheme you choose.

What If My Equity Exceeds the Exemptions?

If you have non-exempt equity, a chapter 7 trustee could sell the asset and distribute the net value to creditors. In chapter 13, you can often keep the property by proposing a plan that pays at least the non-exempt value over 36–60 months. An Austin bankruptcy attorney will run both scenarios so you can choose the path that protects what matters most.

Full List and Updates

For the detailed Texas categories and current notes, see our reference page: Texas Bankruptcy Exemptions (Full Guide). Exemption amounts and interpretations change; your attorney will apply the latest figures and local practice to your facts.

Get Matched With a Local Austin Bankruptcy Attorney

U.S. Bankruptcy Help is an educational site. If you request an introduction, we’ll share your contact information and city with an independent Texas bankruptcy attorney who regularly handles Austin-division cases. All communications and any representation are strictly between you and that attorney.

Why Start Here

• Local focus: attorneys who handle Western District of Texas (Austin Division) matters
• Clear next steps: what to expect for timelines, 341 prep, and required documents
• No obligation: you choose whether to talk or hire

Attorney Participation Standards

• Licensed in Texas and in good standing
• At least three years focused on bankruptcy law
• No disciplinary history involving dishonesty or moral turpitude

Local Success Stories From Austin Residents

• “R.” — a North Austin nurse juggling medical bills and credit cards after an unexpected surgery. In chapter 7, R. discharged unsecured balances and, using the chosen exemption scheme, kept a modest car needed for shift work. With collections paused and then eliminated at discharge, R.’s monthly budget finally covered rent, childcare, and a small emergency fund. The biggest change? Fewer crisis decisions and the ability to plan a month ahead instead of a week at a time.
• “T. & J.” — a Travis County family two payments behind on their mortgage after parental leave reduced overtime. A chapter 13 plan cured the arrears over 48 months while they maintained current payments, stopping a looming foreclosure. Keeping the home meant the kids stayed in the same school and commute routines stayed intact. With one organized plan payment, they stabilized cash flow and had a clear timeline to get fully current.
• “A.” — a South Austin contractor whose business depends on a work truck and tools. With targeted exemptions and a chapter 13 plan, A. protected essential equipment and consolidated tax and card debt into one affordable payment. Staying on the road kept income steady, which in turn supported the plan and regular household expenses. The practical win was momentum: work continued, bills were predictable, and vendor relationships recovered.

Names and details are anonymized; every case is unique. An Austin attorney will tailor filings to your facts so relief translates into day-to-day stability—keeping the home and car you rely on, smoothing monthly cash flow, and giving you a clear path forward.

Austin Bankruptcy FAQs

• Where are hearings for Austin filers? Homer J. Thornberry Federal Judicial Building; your notice lists the room and time.
• Are 341 meetings virtual? Many are held by secure Zoom in this division unless your notice says otherwise.
• Who is the chapter 13 trustee? The standing Austin-division chapter 13 trustee administers these cases; see your notice or the trustee portal for payment options.
• How long does a typical chapter 7 take? Many cases discharge within 3–4 months if documents are complete and no objections are filed.
• Will I keep my car or home? Texas or federal exemptions may protect certain equity; your attorney applies current amounts to your situation.
• What do I bring to the 341? Photo ID, proof of Social Security number, and any documents requested by your trustee.