Las Vegas Bankruptcy Attorney

Trustee Insight. Board Certification. Direct Attorney Access for Las Vegas Filers.

When debt becomes unmanageable, knowing your options quickly matters. At Fox, Imes & Crosby, LLC, we represent individuals and businesses throughout Las Vegas, Henderson, and Boulder City in Chapter 7, Chapter 11, Chapter 13, and Subchapter V bankruptcy matters. Attorneys Troy Fox, Jason Imes, and David Crosby bring over 50 years of combined legal experience to every case.

Two credentials set us apart from high-volume filers. Troy Fox serves as a court-appointed Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Trustee (appointed 2019), giving our firm a direct working knowledge of how the U.S. Bankruptcy Court District of Nevada evaluates cases and what trustees actually review. Jason Imes is Board Certified in Business Bankruptcy Law by the American Board of Certification, a credential held by a small percentage of practitioners nationally. Together, these perspectives mean we understand how the system works from both sides of the process.

Every client works directly with our attorneys from start to finish. We don’t hand your matter off to a paralegal. Full legal services are available in both English and Spanish, and flexible payment plans are available for clients facing financial hardship. An initial consultation gives you a clear picture of your options before you commit to any path.

Contact us online or dial (702) 941-6320 to schedule a consultation with a bankruptcy attorney in Las Vegas at Fox, Imes & Crosby, LLC.

Chapter 7, 13, 11 & Subchapter V: Full-Range Bankruptcy Representation

Bankruptcy is a federal legal process, but real-world outcomes in Nevada depend heavily on state-specific exemptions, local court procedures, and familiarity with how the U.S. Bankruptcy Court District of Nevada operates. Identifying the right chapter early preserves available exemptions and helps prevent costly errors. We handle the full range:

• Chapter 7 Bankruptcy: Known as liquidation bankruptcy, Chapter 7 can discharge qualifying unsecured debts and is typically resolved in a shorter timeframe. We evaluate your eligibility under Nevada’s median income threshold and guide you through the means test, the income-based federal formula used to determine whether a filer qualifies for Chapter 7, if your income exceeds the state median.
• Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: This chapter creates a court-approved repayment plan spanning three to five years, allowing filers with regular income to keep assets while catching up on overdue payments. We develop a feasible plan aligned with your budget and financial goals.
• Chapter 11 Bankruptcy: Primarily designed for businesses, Chapter 11 allows a company to reorganize and restructure debts while continuing operations. We help craft proposals that address creditor obligations while protecting your business interests.
• Subchapter V: A streamlined version of Chapter 11 created specifically for small businesses. It reduces the time and cost of a standard Chapter 11 reorganization, helping more businesses remain viable without the complexity of a full proceeding.

Because each Nevada bankruptcy case follows both federal and local rules, we walk clients through how the U.S. Bankruptcy Court District of Nevada hearings work. This includes the 341 meeting of creditors, a required hearing where you answer questions under oath about your finances, and any required financial counseling, so the process is as smooth as possible.

The Bankruptcy Filing Process in Las Vegas, Step by Step

Nevada residents file bankruptcy through the U.S. Bankruptcy Court District of Nevada; the Las Vegas division handles the majority of Clark County filings. The process starts with collecting financial documents: income statements, asset records, and a complete list of debts. Before any petition can be filed, you must complete a credit counseling course from a court-approved provider.

Filing the petition triggers an automatic stay, a federal court order that immediately stops most collection actions, including lawsuits, wage garnishments, and foreclosure proceedings. The court then schedules the 341 meeting of creditors, where you answer questions under oath. In most consumer cases, only you, your attorney, and the trustee are present. We review all required paperwork with you before that meeting so nothing is missing and you know exactly what to expect.

Chapter 7 filers typically see qualifying unsecured debts discharged in a shorter timeframe following asset review and exemption decisions. Chapter 13 requires a proposed repayment plan submitted for court approval, covering three to five years. When cases require advocacy beyond the trial court, our attorneys have represented clients before the Federal District Court and the 9th Circuit Bankruptcy Appellate Panel.

Eligibility & Nevada Bankruptcy Exemptions: What You Can Protect

Qualifying for bankruptcy in Las Vegas depends on both federal law and Nevada’s own eligibility rules. For Chapter 7, household income must generally fall below Nevada’s median income for a family of your size. When income exceeds that threshold, the means test determines whether Chapter 7 remains an option or whether Chapter 13 is the better fit. Only residents who have lived in Nevada for at least two years before filing may use Nevada’s state exemptions.

Nevada’s bankruptcy exemptions protect meaningful categories of property from liquidation, including the primary residence (homestead exemption up to a statutory cap), vehicles, clothing, retirement accounts, and necessary household items. These protections can make bankruptcy more favorable for Nevada residents than in some other states. We review every applicable exemption with you, drawing on decades of experience in Las Vegas cases, and file accurate, compliant petitions designed to protect as much property as possible while fully addressing your financial obligations.

Bankruptcy Costs & Payment Options in Las Vegas

Bankruptcy costs include federal court filing fees (set by the court and varying by chapter), required credit counseling fees, and attorney fees. Fee waivers may be available for filers whose income falls below a set guideline. We explain every fee upfront so there are no surprises at any stage.

Attorney fees depend on case complexity and the chapter filed. Chapter 13 reorganizations typically involve more planning and court appearances than Chapter 7 cases and are priced accordingly. We offer flexible payment plans designed around each client’s budget, and many clients can begin the process without full payment upfront through structured payment arrangements.

What Debts Can Bankruptcy Discharge?

Not every debt qualifies for discharge, and knowing the difference shapes your entire strategy. Dischargeable debts typically include:

• Credit Card Debt: Outstanding balances, interest, and late fees are generally dischargeable as unsecured obligations.
• Medical Bills: Unsecured medical debt qualifies for discharge, offering relief from bills that can accumulate quickly after an emergency.
• Personal Loans: Unsecured personal loans, including those from private lenders, are typically dischargeable.
• Mortgage Arrears: Bankruptcy won’t eliminate the mortgage itself, but it can pause foreclosure and, in Chapter 13, allow you to catch up on arrears while keeping your home.
• Auto Loan Deficiencies: In some cases, deficiency balances after vehicle repossession can be addressed in bankruptcy, though options for reaffirming or redeeming the vehicle also exist.
• Unsecured Debts: Payday loans, utility arrears, and similar obligations without collateral are generally dischargeable.

Non-dischargeable debts include recent taxes (subject to specific criteria), child support, alimony, and most student loans. Las Vegas filers should also know that gaming-related debts and casino markers must be properly disclosed and addressed. We review each client’s specific debt profile to identify which obligations may be shed and which will survive discharge, including Nevada-specific liabilities that out-of-state firms may not anticipate.

Why Las Vegas Residents & Businesses Work With a Bankruptcy Attorney

Filing without an attorney is permitted but carries real risk. Errors in required paperwork or missed deadlines can result in case dismissal. Bankruptcy law is federal, but local procedural rules, mandatory forms, and appearance schedules vary by district, and familiarity with U.S. Bankruptcy Court District of Nevada procedures can reduce filing errors and delays.

Because Troy Fox serves as a court-appointed Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Trustee, we understand firsthand what trustees review when evaluating a filing. That perspective helps us prepare complete, accurate documentation that meets trustee expectations. When cases develop complications, our attorneys can provide representation before the Bankruptcy Court, Federal District Court, and the 9th Circuit Bankruptcy Appellate Panel.

• Exemption Maximization: Applying Nevada’s exemptions correctly can protect the assets most important to your household or business.
• Proper Documentation: Accurate, timely paperwork helps prevent the delays and dismissals that can derail pro se filings.
• Creditor Disputes: If a creditor challenges your discharge or files an objection, you need an attorney who can respond effectively in court.
• Alternative Options: We also explore debt relief alternatives and foreclosure mediation pathways with every client before settling on a filing strategy.

Bankruptcy in the Las Vegas Valley: Local Economy, Local Strategy

Las Vegas’s economy is heavily tied to tourism and hospitality, creating income variability that can accelerate debt problems for workers in those sectors. Seasonal slowdowns, reduced hours, and sudden layoffs are realities that shape bankruptcy planning in ways that differ from more economically stable markets. We build strategies that account for those patterns, including how variable income affects means test calculations and repayment plan feasibility.

We serve clients throughout Las Vegas, Henderson, and Boulder City. Casino employees, small business owners, and homeowners each face distinct financial pressures in this market. Foreclosure has historically been a significant concern in the Las Vegas housing market during economic downturns, and Nevada’s exemptions give local homeowners specific tools to protect their primary residence.

Residents with limited resources should know that the Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada provides free civil legal services to qualifying low-income individuals, including bankruptcy assistance. The Nevada Department of Business and Industry also offers consumer protection information and financial resources for state residents. We stay current with Nevada’s exemption updates and local court procedure changes so our clients receive guidance that reflects the law as it stands today.

Recent Developments in Nevada Bankruptcy Law

State lawmakers periodically update Nevada’s list of bankruptcy exemptions, directly affecting how much property filers can protect. We monitor these changes closely so clients receive current guidance rather than advice based on prior-year thresholds. The U.S. Bankruptcy Court District of Nevada has also adopted virtual and remote hearing options that affect how clients manage appearances and legal obligations throughout their case.

Nationally, there are ongoing discussions about standards for student loan discharge in bankruptcy. Under current federal law, student loans remain very difficult to discharge and require a separate legal proceeding to establish undue hardship. Any change to that standard would require new legislation or binding court decisions. No expanded discharge pathway is currently available. We advise clients on what is actually accessible under current law rather than what may eventually change.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During the Bankruptcy Process

Complete and accurate disclosure is the foundation of every bankruptcy filing. Failing to list all assets and debts is a serious error that can lead to case dismissal or creditor fraud claims. Las Vegas filers sometimes overlook assets that trustees treat as personal property: timeshares, event tickets, casino rewards points, and gaming-related liabilities, including casino markers, all require proper disclosure.

Taking on new debt close to the filing date is another significant risk. Luxury purchases made shortly before filing can trigger creditor fraud objections that complicate or derail your case. Nevada bankruptcy trustees may also request recent tax returns and proof of rent or mortgage payments, so gathering financial records in advance helps prevent avoidable delays.

We work with every client to ensure all assets and liabilities are accurately disclosed from the start, giving your case a strong foundation.

Ready for a fresh start? Contact our Las Vegas bankruptcy attorneys today online or call (702) 941-6320 to schedule a consultation.