Committed to Helping Our Clients Succeed
You Need a Reliable Cedar Rapids Iowa Bankruptcy Attorney
Professional and Experienced Cedar Rapids Iowa Bankruptcy Attorney
You've Come to The Right Place
I started the practice of law in 1974 in Cedar Rapids. One of my first cases was bankruptcy for an individual. I have helped over 1000 people to get their lives back on track in the last forty years by filing for Bankruptcy in Iowa. The present Bankruptcy law has changed from back then, but the premise remains the same. Bankruptcy in Iowa gives a person a fresh start in life.
40+ Years of Experience
Since 1974 I've been helping people get their lives back on track in Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Thousands of cases
I've helped thousands of people through the bankruptcy process in Iowa
Iowa Bankruptcy Attorney John Heckel
Why Choose Cedar Rapids Iowa bankruptcy Attorney John Heckel?
Every client is important to me!
Using my 40+years of experience in bankruptcy I help people in Iowa to start the new debtless life.
I'm with you every Step
I am there to process the necessary information and documents as well as answer all your questions. I am with you through the entire process.
A different approach to Bankruptcy
I handle my Bankruptcy cases differently. Unlike the most bankruptcy firms, I meet with you personally every time. When it is time to work on the petition and schedules of debts and assets, I sit down with my you and go through each part of the bankruptcy forms with you. Aside from a secretary answering the phone, I deal one on one with my clients. The answers to your questions come from me, not a paralegal or secretary, as I genuinely care about you!
1000+
Completed bankruptcy cases
40+ Years
of Iowa Bankruptcy Experience
Business Hours
8am To 4pm: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday
8am To 12pm: Wednesday
After Hours
We Look At Bankruptcy Differently
What Our Client's Say
Frequently Asked Bankruptcy Questions
Most frequent questions and answers
How much does a bankruptcy cost ?
My fees for a typical consumer bankruptcy are $2000. In addition, the court costs payable to the Clerk of Court are $338.
Are there any exceptions ?
Unfortunately no. If an attorney does a bankruptcy on credit, the attorney must disclose the payment arrangement and discharge his bill in the bankruptcy. The debtor must then get another attorney as the original attorney cannot be an attorney for the debtor and a creditor at the same time.
Why are Bankruptcy fees so high?
The 2006 Bankruptcy reform act made the attorneys for the debtor personally responsible for the accuracy and truthfulness of the schedules. This requirement added a lot of time and work to a bankruptcy compared to what was required before under the 1978 bankruptcy act.
How long does the Bankruptcy take ?
Usually about 90 days once the petition is filed with the Clerk. The creditor collection efforts must stop immediately when the petition is filed.
Are all the Bankruptcy fees due at once ?
The first appointment is no charge. Once you decide to proceed with the Bankruptcy, the fees are due when the work session [2nd appointment] occurs.
How much debt is needed for a Bankruptcy ?
There is no set amount needed for a Bankruptcy filing. Generally, I advise people that if they have unsecured debts of more than six months net income, they should file. However, every situation is different.
What do I need to get together for a bankruptcy ?
- LAST TWO YEARS TAX RETURNS
- LAST BANK STATEMENTS FOR EVERY BANK ACCOUNT
- LAST PAY STUB FROM WORK.
- List of creditors with addresses if possible
- Certificate of counseling [ I will need it before filing]
- Attorney fee of $2000 and Court costs of $338.
Does my spouse have to file also?
No, the spouse does not have to file. It complicates the schedules but you can file as a married person filing singularly.
Questions?
Don’t hesitate to contact me
Iowa Bankruptcy Attorney John Heckel
5250 North Park Place Suite 114 Cedar Rapids, IA 52402