Bankruptcy Attorney Denver CO | Chapter 7 & 13 Help

Why Denver Bankruptcy Filings Just Jumped 23%

If you are weighing a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 case, the timing is no accident. Colorado bankruptcies climbed 23% in March 2026, per BizWest reporting on April 22, 2026. The state recorded 900 filings in March alone — up from 730 the year before — and the year-to-date total of 2,129 sits 19.3% ahead of 2025. A seasoned bankruptcy attorney Denver households consult is now juggling intake calls at a pace not seen since the early-2020 wave.

The trend mirrors the national picture. According to U.S. Courts data released February 4, 2026, U.S. bankruptcy filings rose 11% in calendar 2025 to 574,314, and Q1 2026 numbers ran 14% above the same quarter last year. Colorado is outpacing both. For residents searching for a bankruptcy attorney Denver creditors will take seriously, that means more competition for hearing dates and faster trustee assignments.

Three pressures converged. Household debt nationally crossed $18.8 trillion. Credit-card and student-loan delinquencies climbed through late 2025. And Front Range housing costs left Denver families with thinner cash cushions than peers in Pueblo or Grand Junction. Local attorneys in Colorado are seeing more dual-income households cross the means-test threshold than at any point since 2019.

Common Bankruptcy Cases in Denver

Chapter 7 liquidation — about 80% of Colorado filings. Discharges most unsecured debt in 4–6 months.
Chapter 13 reorganization — 3- or 5-year repayment plan; keeps the house and the car.
Chapter 11 small-business — Subchapter V elections in Q1 2026 jumped 67% nationally.
Medical debt discharge — Denver Health write-offs and CU Medical billing are common Chapter 7 triggers.
Mortgage cure — Chapter 13 catches up on missed payments without losing the home.
Tax debt restructuring — older IRS and Colorado Department of Revenue debts may discharge under specific rules.
Stop garnishment — the automatic stay halts wage garnishment the moment the petition files.
Foreclosure defense paired with bankruptcy — Public Trustee sales pause once the case opens.

Colorado Bankruptcy Law and the Denver Division

All Denver-area cases route through the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Colorado at the Byron G. Rogers United States Courthouse on 19th Street. The court runs three division offices — Denver, Grand Junction, and Colorado Springs — but Denver handles the bulk of the filings statewide.

The means test is the gatekeeper for Chapter 7. For cases filed on or after April 1, 2026, a Colorado household of four must earn under the state median to be presumed eligible. Households above size four add $11,100 per additional member. If your income is over the threshold, your bankruptcy attorney Denver guides you toward will usually pivot to Chapter 13.

Colorado exemptions also matter. Under C.R.S. § 38-41-201, the homestead exemption shields up to $250,000 of home equity ($350,000 if the debtor is 60+ or disabled). Motor vehicles get a $7,500 protection ($12,500 if 60+ or disabled). These are doubled for joint filers. Therefore, the same household assets can yield very different Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13 recommendations depending on equity position.

Chapter	Typical Length	Filing Fee	Best Fit
Chapter 7	4–6 months	$338	Below-median income, few non-exempt assets
Chapter 13	3 or 5 years	$313	Steady income, home to save, tax/support arrears
Chapter 11 Sub V	Plan within 90 days	$1,738	Small business under $3.4M debt

Did you know? Chapter 7 filings account for roughly 80% of all Colorado bankruptcy cases, per the District of Colorado bankruptcy court’s published statistics. The remaining 20% is mostly Chapter 13, with a small but growing slice of Subchapter V small-business reorganizations.

What to Look for in a Bankruptcy Attorney Denver Families Trust

Start with admission to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Colorado. Not every Colorado attorney is admitted to federal practice, and bankruptcy court has its own bar admission separate from state bar. Verify on the court’s CM/ECF roster before signing an engagement.

Next, ask about means-test experience for incomes near the cutoff. The April 2026 median income tables shifted, and a lawyer who has not refiled the calculator in the last 90 days may give stale advice. Above-median households often qualify under Form 122A-2 deductions that less experienced counsel miss.

Fees vary predictably here. Chapter 7 attorney fees in Denver typically run $1,200–$2,500 flat, plus the $338 court filing fee. Chapter 13 is often $0 down with the attorney fee folded into the plan payment ($3,500–$5,000 total). Be cautious of advertised “free Chapter 7” — those usually mean Chapter 13 conversions in disguise.

Finally, communication. Trustee meetings (the 341 hearing) happen by Zoom in Colorado as of 2024. A responsive lawyer who prepares you for the trustee’s specific style — different trustees ask different questions — saves real money in plan modifications later.

Find a Bankruptcy Lawyer in Denver on ReachAttorneys

The directory lets you compare Denver-area bankruptcy attorneys by chapter focus, fee structure, and federal court experience. Filter for Chapter 7, Chapter 13, or Subchapter V small business as your situation requires.

Each profile shows verified contact details and practice concentration. If you live in Aurora, Lakewood, Centennial, or Boulder County, results stay tied to attorneys who regularly appear in the Denver division.

Related Guides

Workplace classification problems can drive filings. Our Newark employment guide walks through the NJ ABC misclassification rule and its impact on household finances.
Also looking at consumer-protection options before filing? See our Austin consumer protection guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q&A

How much does a bankruptcy attorney in Denver cost?

Chapter 7 attorney fees in Denver typically run $1,200–$2,500 flat, plus a $338 court filing fee. Chapter 13 fees usually fold into the repayment plan, totaling $3,500–$5,000 over three to five years.

Q&A

Will I lose my house if I file Chapter 7 in Colorado?

Not if your equity sits under the homestead exemption — $250,000 for most filers, $350,000 if you are 60+ or disabled, doubled for joint filers. Mortgage payments still need to stay current to keep the home.

Q&A

How long does Chapter 7 take in Denver?

Most Denver-area Chapter 7 cases close in four to six months. The 341 trustee meeting typically falls 30–45 days after filing, and discharge follows roughly 60–90 days later.

Q&A

What is the Colorado means test threshold for 2026?

The Colorado median income figures effective April 1, 2026 set the Chapter 7 presumption. Households above size four add $11,100 per additional member to the threshold. Check the current table before filing.

Q&A

Can bankruptcy stop a wage garnishment?

Yes. The automatic stay under 11 U.S.C. § 362 halts most garnishments the moment your petition is filed. Domestic support obligations and certain tax debts are exceptions.

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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for guidance on your specific situation.