Dedicated Exclusively to Bankruptcy Law

Unlike general-practice attorneys who handle a wide range of legal matters, Brian E. Kaligian focuses solely on bankruptcy law. This depth of focus means clients receive counsel from an attorney who knows the Connecticut bankruptcy courts, the trustees, and the full filing process — not someone working from a general checklist.

The practice covers two primary paths: Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. The sections below explain each option clearly so you can arrive at a consultation already informed. If you're ready to talk through your options, contact us to schedule a free consultation.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy: A Fresh Start

Chapter 7 is a liquidation bankruptcy available to individuals whose income falls below Connecticut's median income threshold (or who pass the means test). It is best suited for people with primarily unsecured debt — credit cards, medical bills, personal loans — and limited non-exempt assets.

A successful Chapter 7 case discharges most unsecured debts, eliminating the legal obligation to repay them. Debts typically not discharged include student loans, recent tax obligations, child support, and alimony. Brian will review your specific debt profile during the consultation.

After filing the petition, an automatic stay immediately halts most collection actions — calls, wage garnishments, lawsuits. A court-appointed trustee reviews the case. Most Chapter 7 cases in Connecticut conclude in approximately 4–6 months with no court appearance required for the debtor.

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Unsecured Debt Relief

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4–6 Month Process

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Automatic Stay Protection

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No Court Appearance (Typical)

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: Reorganize and Recover

Chapter 13 allows individuals with regular income to restructure their debts into a 3–5 year repayment plan approved by the bankruptcy court. Rather than liquidating assets, the debtor repays all or a portion of their debts under court supervision while retaining their property.

Chapter 13 is particularly well-suited for homeowners facing foreclosure, individuals who earn too much to qualify for Chapter 7, and people who have non-exempt assets they wish to keep. It also allows debtors to catch up on mortgage arrears and car payments that would otherwise result in repossession.

Beyond protecting the home, Chapter 13 provides the same immediate automatic stay as Chapter 7 — stopping collection actions the moment the petition is filed. Upon successful completion of the repayment plan, remaining eligible unsecured debts are discharged. Brian guides clients through every step of plan preparation and court confirmation.

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Save Your Home from Foreclosure

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3–5 Year Repayment Plan

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Automatic Stay Protection

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Keep Non-Exempt Assets

Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 — Which Is Right for You?

The right chapter depends on income, asset type, debt composition, and personal goals. The comparison below highlights the key differences. A consultation with Brian is the best way to confirm which path fits your specific situation.

Chapter 7 — Liquidation

Best for: Individuals with limited income, primarily unsecured debt (credit cards, medical bills), and few non-exempt assets.

  • Discharges most unsecured debts
  • Process completes in ~4–6 months
  • Non-exempt assets may be sold by trustee
  • Must pass the Connecticut means test
  • Does not stop mortgage foreclosure long-term

If your income is below the Connecticut median and you have few assets to protect, Chapter 7 may provide the fastest path to a fresh start.

Chapter 13 — Reorganization

Best for: Homeowners, individuals with regular income, those with non-exempt assets to protect, or those who don't qualify for Chapter 7.

  • Structured 3–5 year repayment plan
  • Can stop and cure mortgage arrears
  • Retain all property during the plan
  • Requires consistent monthly income
  • Remaining eligible debts discharged at plan completion

If you have property you want to keep or need to stop a foreclosure, Chapter 13 offers a structured path to recovery.

Common Questions About Filing for Bankruptcy

Filing for bankruptcy raises important practical questions about timing, cost, and what happens next. The answers below address the questions Brian hears most often from Connecticut clients.

  • How long does bankruptcy stay on my credit report?

    Chapter 7 bankruptcy remains on a credit report for 10 years from the filing date; Chapter 13 remains for 7 years. While this affects credit in the short term, many clients find their scores begin to recover within 12–24 months of discharge as they rebuild with clean accounts.

  • Will I lose my home if I file for bankruptcy?

    Not necessarily. Chapter 13 is specifically designed to help homeowners stop foreclosure and catch up on missed mortgage payments through a court-approved repayment plan. Chapter 7 may discharge the personal debt obligation on a mortgage, but the lien remains — a Chapter 13 is typically the better tool for keeping a home.

  • How long does the bankruptcy process take in Connecticut?

    Chapter 7 cases typically close in 4–6 months from the date of filing. Chapter 13 cases run the full length of the repayment plan — 3 to 5 years — with discharge occurring after the final plan payment is made.

  • What debts cannot be discharged in bankruptcy?

    Debts that generally survive bankruptcy include student loans (in most cases), recent federal and state tax debts, child support, alimony, and debts arising from fraud or willful misconduct. Brian will review your specific debt list during the consultation to identify what would and would not be dischargeable.

  • What does it cost to file for bankruptcy in Connecticut?

    The federal court filing fee for Chapter 7 is currently $338; for Chapter 13 it is $313. Attorney fees vary based on case complexity. Brian discusses all fees transparently during the initial consultation so there are no surprises.

  • What happens to collection calls and wage garnishments when I file?

    The moment a bankruptcy petition is filed, the automatic stay goes into effect. This federal injunction immediately halts most collection calls, letters, wage garnishments, bank levies, and lawsuits. Violating the automatic stay exposes creditors to sanctions from the bankruptcy court.

Ready to take the next step? Contact Brian to schedule a confidential consultation at no charge.