Let's talk about Bankruptcy
At the Law Offices of Cecille Doan, we represent individuals, families, and businesses facing financial and legal challenges. Our firm combines deep experience in civil litigation and bankruptcy law to provide practical, results-driven solutions—whether that means protecting creditor rights, preventing foreclosure or repossession, discharging student loans, or seeking protection under the Bankruptcy Code.
We Will Guide You Toward the Best Path
We understand that financial hardship can feel deeply personal. Our goal is to offer not only skilled legal representation but also clarity, compassion, and a plan for long-term recovery. Whether you need a full discharge of debts, a structured repayment plan, or a business reorganization, we’ll guide you toward the best path for your circumstances.
What Type of Bankruptcy Is Right for You?
Chapter 7 — The Fresh Start Option
Chapter 13 — Protect What Matters Most
Chapter 13 — Protect What Matters Most
Chapter 7 bankruptcy offers a real “fresh start” by eliminating most debts, like credit cards, medical bills, and personal loans. It is available to individuals and businesses.
Most Chapter 7 clients have limited income, few assets, and unmanageable debt. Once your case is filed, most collection activity must stop immediately, including phone calls, lawsuits, and wage garnishments. After discharge, qualifying debts are permanently erased, allowing you to rebuild with confidence.
Certain debts—such as child support and some taxes—cannot be discharged, but Chapter 7 can still provide a powerful opportunity for a genuine financial reset. Other debts, like student loans, may be discharged, but require an extra step, an adversary proceeding, to enforce your rights.
Chapter 13 — Protect What Matters Most
Chapter 13 — Protect What Matters Most
Chapter 13 — Protect What Matters Most
If you have a steady income but have fallen behind on mortgage, car, or tax payments, Chapter 13 may allow you to keep your property.
Through a court-approved repayment plan lasting three to five years, you can stop foreclosure, repossession, and collections while making affordable monthly payments. Debtors must have unsecured debts under $526,700 and secured debts under $1,580,125.
Chapter 13 can help you catch up on missed payments, pay only a portion of unsecured debt, and retain valuable assets. Once the plan is completed, any remaining eligible debt is discharged—giving you true financial stability and peace of mind.
Chapter 11 - Business Reorganization and Individual/Joint Reorganization (with substantial debt)
Chapter 11 - Business Reorganization and Individual/Joint Reorganization (with substantial debt)
Chapter 11 - Business Reorganization and Individual/Joint Reorganization (with substantial debt)
Chapter 11 provides a framework for businesses and individuals with significant or complex debt to reorganize while continuing operations. The debtor typically remains “in possession” and manages day-to-day affairs under court supervision, while proposing a plan to repay creditors.
This chapter is ideal for corporations, partnerships, small business owners, and individuals who exceed Chapter 13 debt limits. It offers flexibility to restructure obligations, preserve control of assets, and position the business—or household—for long-term success.
Small Business Chapter 11
Chapter 11 - Business Reorganization and Individual/Joint Reorganization (with substantial debt)
Chapter 11 - Business Reorganization and Individual/Joint Reorganization (with substantial debt)
Small business owners face unique pressures, so the Small Business Reorganization Act created Subchapter V, a faster, more affordable version of Chapter 11 tailored to their needs. To qualify, combined secured and unsecured debts must not exceed $3,424,000, with at least half tied to business activity. Subchapter V helps entrepreneurs maintain control of their operations while working with a trustee to confirm a manageable reorganization plan.
Key Advantages:
- Streamlined process and lower legal costs
- Faster plan confirmation and fewer procedural hurdles
- No automatic creditors’ committee
- No need for creditor approval if the plan meets legal standards
Subchapter V gives small business owners a chance to protect their livelihood, employees, and future—while reorganizing on terms that make sense.
A Supportive Legal Partner for Your Next Chapter
At the Law Offices of Cecille Doan, we combine technical precision with genuine care for the people we serve. Bankruptcy is not a failure—it’s a legal tool designed to help good people and businesses recover from difficult circumstances.
Every case begins with listening. We take time to understand your goals, explain your options, and protect what matters most—your home, your business, your family, and your peace of mind.
