Is waiting to file for bankruptcy costing you more than you think? If you’re considering bankruptcy in Corpus Christi, the Law Office of Joel Gonzalez is here to help. As a dedicated bankruptcy attorney handling Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases, Joel Gonzalez focuses exclusively on helping individuals and families file for bankruptcy relief in Texas—quickly, correctly, and with as little stress as possible.
This post explains how key 2025 changes are affecting both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filings—especially in terms of income eligibility, paperwork, and court schedules—and why acting sooner may protect your property and peace of mind.
What’s Changed in 2025—and Why It Matters Now
New updates this year are reshaping the bankruptcy filing process in ways that can delay or even derail your case if you’re not prepared.
1. Higher Income Thresholds—but More Scrutiny
The median income limits for Chapter 7 bankruptcy filings have been adjusted upward. While that means some people now qualify who didn’t before, it also means:
- Courts are requiring more documentation to verify income sources
- The “means test” calculation is getting tighter for borderline cases
- Filing errors are more likely to trigger delays or dismissals
2. Additional Documentation Requirements
In 2025, we now have to submit expanded proof of:
- Last six months of income (including irregular earnings)
- All secured debts and recent large purchases
- Current asset valuations for vehicles and property
These changes can slow down the process—and if creditors are circling, every day counts.
3. Longer Court Delays
Chapter 13 and Chapter 7 bankruptcy attorney schedules are seeing bottlenecks due to:
- Increased filings statewide
- Limited hearing dates in the Corpus Christi division
- Stricter court reviews of repayment plans and exemptions
If you wait too long to begin, you could be weeks (or months) behind others in line.
Why Acting Early Can Help You Avoid Bigger Losses
Delaying a bankruptcy filing doesn’t just give creditors more time to sue—it can:
- Allow foreclosure timelines to progress beyond the point of no return
- Open the door to IRS collection actions, like levies on your bank account
- Reduce your ability to protect assets due to missed deadlines or valuation drops
By starting your paperwork early—even if you’re still evaluating options—you’re protecting your legal ground and giving yourself time to handle hiccups before they snowball.
So—When Should You File?
If you’ve missed multiple payments, are receiving collection letters, or are facing threats to your home or vehicle, waiting rarely works in your favor. Filing for bankruptcy isn’t admitting defeat—it’s using the law to stop the damage and reset your finances.
Even if you’re not sure whether Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 is the better fit, a conversation with a bankruptcy lawyer can clarify that quickly. The 2025 rules are making things stricter, not easier—and the sooner we begin reviewing your case, the better positioned we’ll be.
Thinking of Waiting Another Month? Here’s Why That Could Hurt
Filing for bankruptcy is already a serious decision. But in 2025, waiting too long could take away options you have today. Whether it’s avoiding foreclosure, stopping tax collection actions, or simply getting relief from unmanageable debt, timing is everything.
That’s where the Law Office of Joel Gonzalez can help. As a dedicated bankruptcy lawyer in Corpus Christi, Joel Gonzalez works one-on-one with clients to guide them through the process—from preparing documents to representing them in court. If you’re considering filing for bankruptcy, don’t wait until your hands are tied.
Contact us now to find out how we can help you file for bankruptcy relief in Texas before deadlines close doors you didn’t know were open.
