Non-exempt equity
We value the property, subtract liens, and compare both exemption schemes. Chapter 7 is declined when it would put the home at risk.
Historic · Washington, D.C.
Stephen A. Thomas: Bankruptcy Attorney Serving Georgetown, DC
High property values | Exemption math | D.C. Bankruptcy Court
Georgetown is where ‘I make too much and own too much’ is the opening line — and often the wrong conclusion. The honest work is exemption math and chapter choice, not embarrassment.
- 35+ yearsLicensed legal practice
- Free consultConfidential case review
- F StreetOffice at 20 F St NW Ste 700
- VerifyD.C. Bar member directory
Local landscape
How Georgetown cases actually look
Townhomes, co-ops, and condos west of Rock Creek can hold equity that exceeds a careless Chapter 7. That does not mean bankruptcy is off the table. Chapter 13 exists specifically to keep property while a court-supervised plan handles arrears and unsecured claims. A modification still depends on a lender; a plan does not.
Georgetown clients often have professional or dual incomes, tuition, and a credit line that hid a gap for years. When a bonus disappears or a divorce splits the household, collectors move quickly. D.C. Superior Court suits and foreclosure notices both appear.
Meetings are at 20 F St NW Ste 700. Georgetown is a cab, bus, or drive to Union Station — not a reason to hire a Virginia mill that does not know the District exemption election.
Why Georgetown is not a cloned city page
Problems Georgetown residents bring to consultation
Co-op and condo quirks
Co-op shares and condo ledgers are not the same as a simple house mortgage. Documents from the association belong in the consult.
Quiet distress
Georgetown filings are often delayed by reputation concerns. Delay is how sale dates arrive. The docket is quieter than a foreclosure sign.
Court & process
District of Columbia only
Georgetown residents file in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Columbia. The exemption election is mandatory analysis, not optional commentary.
How we can help in Georgetown
Service lines for Georgetown, DC residents
Emergency filing pressure
- D.C. foreclosure sale, garnishment, or lawsuit already pending
- Automatic stay on filing day
- F Street consultations or phone when the calendar is short
Chapter 7 bankruptcy
- D.C. or federal exemption election before we file
- Discharge qualifying credit cards, medical bills, and personal loans
- Means test using District median-income figures
Chapter 13 bankruptcy
- Stop a District foreclosure and catch up on arrears
- Plan payment built on actual D.C. living costs
- Rowhouse, condo, and co-op fact patterns
Office access
Getting to F Street from Georgetown
20 F St NW Ste 700, Washington, DC 20001. Call (855) 940-2265. Bring association documents and a recent value estimate if you have one.
Stephen A. Thomas, PLLC
Call (855) 940-2265 to discuss a Georgetown matter.
Nearby communities
Related pages near Washington, D.C.
Direct answers
Georgetown questions
Can a Georgetown homeowner file Chapter 7?
Sometimes, if equity is within the better of the D.C. or federal exemption schemes and the means test passes. If not, Chapter 13 is the usual path that keeps the home.
Will neighbors on my block know?
Filings are public, but there is no neighborhood posting. A foreclosure process is far more visible than a bankruptcy docket entry.
Do you handle Georgetown condos and co-ops, not just houses?
Yes. The unit type changes the documents we need, not whether District bankruptcy law applies.
Georgetown
Schedule a consultation
Call (855) 940-2265 or send the form. Mention you are in Georgetown so we can apply the right court and exemption rules.