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Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy in Utah and How It Can Help You Move Forward

Financial struggles can happen to anyone, and when debts become overwhelming, bankruptcy may provide a way to regain control and move forward. Bankruptcy is a legal process that allows individuals and businesses to eliminate or restructure debt under federal and state laws.

At Porter Law Firm, we help clients navigate the bankruptcy process, ensuring they understand their rights and options while working toward a debt-free future.

A worried man with glasses reviews financial papers, highlighting stress and financial concern.

Types of Bankruptcy in Utah

  • Chapter 7 Bankruptcy (Liquidation) – Eliminates most unsecured debts, such as credit cards, medical bills, and personal loans. Some assets may need to be sold, but Utah’s bankruptcy exemptions often allow individuals to keep essentials like their home and vehicle.
  • Chapter 13 Bankruptcy (Repayment Plan) – Allows individuals to restructure debt and create a repayment plan over three to five years, keeping assets while catching up on missed payments.
  • Chapter 11 Bankruptcy (Business Reorganization) – Used by businesses to reorganize debt while remaining operational.
  • Chapter 12 Bankruptcy (Family Farmers and Fishermen) – Specifically for individuals in agricultural professions who need structured debt relief.

Each type of bankruptcy has specific eligibility requirements, so it is important to understand which option best fits your situation.

Benefits of Filing for Bankruptcy

  • Stops Creditor HarassmentFiling for bankruptcy triggers an automatic stay, which halts collection efforts, lawsuits, wage garnishments, and repossessions.
  • Eliminates or Reduces Debt – Unsecured debts like medical bills, credit cards, and personal loans may be discharged completely.
  • Allows You to Keep Essential Assets – Many individuals filing for bankruptcy can retain their home, car, and personal belongings under Utah’s exemption laws.
  • Provides a Financial Reset – Bankruptcy can offer a clean slate, allowing you to rebuild credit and regain financial stability over time.

FAQs

Not necessarily. Utah’s bankruptcy exemptions protect certain assets, allowing many filers to keep their primary residence and vehicle under specific conditions.

A Chapter 7 bankruptcy remains for 10 years, while a Chapter 13 bankruptcy stays for seven years. However, many people start rebuilding their credit much sooner..

Yes. The moment bankruptcy is filed, an automatic stay takes effect, stopping collections, foreclosures, repossessions, and lawsuits.

 

Learn from the Experts

Our Blog

How Bankruptcy Can Provide a Fresh Start for Utah Residents

Learn how bankruptcy can eliminate debt and help individuals regain financial stability.

Chapter 7 vs Chapter 13 Bankruptcy and How to Choose the Right Option

Explore the differences between liquidation and repayment bankruptcy and determine which fits your situation.

What You Can and Cannot Keep in a Utah Bankruptcy Filing

Alimony can be a contentious issue during a divorce. This blog explores strategies to protect your financial future, including negotiation tactics, mediation, and legal options to ensure a fair outcome.
  • Jon was very professional and handle my sensitive custody case. He got a good out come and I was very pleased with how well he handled all the punches my exs lawyer through out. I would recommend Jon over and over again. We have now been using him for 4 almost 5 years for my custody stuff and now my husband. I will always recommend him.

    Tiena Hockin Avatar Tiena Hockin
    March 23, 2024
  • Our journey began shortly after I returned from the last deployment of my career. I learn that my children had been moved across the country and I was being told I could only see them on/around summer break and winter breaks. This was alarming given that I was court ordered the majority custody of my children. After one hearing with Porter Law Firm my children were returned into my custody. Unfortunately, what seemed to be a simple enforcement issue, became a bit of a living nightmare. I started working initially with Cassidy, who is a really amazing and caring person, but shortly thereafter worked mostly with Stephanie and Jon directly. Stephanie has been nothing short of phenomenal, there have been too many instances in which I have needed her and Jon's expert advice, and albeit this moderately simple enforcement case became quite complex in the blink of an eye. With that being said, given the complexity, Stephanie and Jon are great at providing quick and accurate answers to the many questions I have had. We are nearing what I hope to be the conclusion of this ordeal and regardless of the outcome, I have felt that they have been there for me when I needed them the most. To be a little more descriptive, there have been many conversations derived by a lot of emotions, (and admittedly I can be a bit long winded) yet each time I am in contact with them it really feels like they are hearing me as more than that of a client, but as a person. While it has been difficult to process that sometimes things take longer than what I would hope they did, I can say that after working with Porter Law-Firm for well over a year, I am grateful for all they have done to help!

    Michael Carfaro Avatar Michael Carfaro
    August 23, 2024
  • Jonathan was fantastic to work with, he was professional, and so quick responding to any questions that I had!!! Thank you for everything you literally changed my life!!!!!

    jared love Avatar jared love
    March 23, 2024
  • Jonathan was very thorough in helping me with my divorce. I had a pretty complex situation but he was planned and prepared every step of the way. We were able to come to a resolution without a trial and he had everything drafted and prepared at our pre trial scheduling conference. He had my back the whole way and I’m truly grateful for him and his fantastic paralegal, Stephanie. She was always very quick to get back to me with any questions I had. I would highly recommend Jonathan to any and everyone going through a divorce. I’m so thankful I had him and Stephanie through the process.

    Chelsey Olsen Avatar Chelsey Olsen
    March 23, 2024
  • Highly Highly Highly Recommend!! Porter Law Firm is a first class office that is all in for their client from the time you first step foot into their office until your case is closed. Jon, Stephanie and Cassidy were very responsive (text, email or call) anytime I reached out which was critical during these stressing times/case. If you’re looking for a Divorce lawyer that truly cares about you and your needs, look no further. Fingers crossed that I never need them again, but if I do, my first call will always be to the Porter Law Firm. Thank you, Jon and team!!

    NICHOLAS SADY Avatar NICHOLAS SADY
    November 23, 2024
  • Jonathan helped my brother in a custody case, he was fair, kind, and caring throughout the process. Jonathan and his team were so great to work with.

    Sydnee Hammer Avatar Sydnee Hammer
    July 23, 2024
  • Always quick to answer questions.

    Kristy Doesburg Avatar Kristy Doesburg
    February 23, 2025
  • Porter Law was amazing! Helped me with some custody stuff and actually had my back. Jon and his staff are fantastic!

    Cody Vine Avatar Cody Vine
    July 23, 2024
  • Jonathan and cassidy helped me throught out my case and worked well with me with payment. Def recommend appreciate the help guys !

    Brian LS Avatar Brian LS
    July 23, 2024
  • Jonathon helped my husband and I with a gestational agreement as we embark on the journey of surrogacy. He was kind and responded quickly to our questions. His staff members were supportive and took the time to answer all questions thoroughly. Jonathan was able to get our agreement validated in court and the judge praised how well the agreement was prepared. My husband and I recommend Jonathan without any reservation.

    Kristen Porter Avatar Kristen Porter
    March 23, 2024

Take the Next Step - Contact Porter Law Firm Today

If you are struggling with debt, creditor harassment, or wage garnishments, you do not have to face it alone. Porter Law Firm is here to help you explore your bankruptcy options and take control of your financial future.