Leeders Law

09/22/2026

Can Bankruptcy Actually HELP Your Credit Score?

It sounds backwards, but yes, it can happen.

If your credit is already being damaged by missed payments, collections, charged-off accounts, and overwhelming debt, your credit score may already be suffering significantly.

Bankruptcy doesn't magically create good credit. But once eligible debts are discharged, you may have an opportunity to stop the cycle of negative activity and start rebuilding.

Think about it:

❌ Constant late payments
❌ Maxed-out credit cards
❌ Collection accounts
❌ Growing balances and interest

can make it extremely difficult to move forward.

After bankruptcy, the focus can shift from managing yesterday's debt to building tomorrow's credit.

With responsible credit use, keeping new accounts current, and giving your credit history time to recover, your score can improve.

The surprising part? For some people, their credit score may actually begin recovering relatively soon after bankruptcy—because the financial situation that was dragging their score down has changed.

But bankruptcy isn't right for everyone.

If you're drowning in debt and wondering:

“Would bankruptcy hurt my credit—or could it actually help me get back on track?”

That's a question worth having a conversation about.

Leeders Law can help you understand your options, what bankruptcy could mean for your credit, and what rebuilding afterward may look like.

📞 Don't guess about your financial future. Start with a conversation.

09/18/2026

Huge decision just handed down by Judge Slade.
Bankruptcy Caption: In re Rose Thomas
Bankruptcy No: 25-01000
https://www.ilnb.uscourts.gov/sites/ilnb/files/opinions/OpinionThomasSanctioningCityofHarveyforDischargeViolation.pdf

City of Harvey shut of a chapter 7 bankruptcy debtor's water, despite a bankruptcy filing, and plenty of notice. They continued to bill her despite numerous notifications of the bankruptcy discharge. They willfully ignored the advice of counsel. Debtor was without water for 273 days. They even didn't turn it back on when the Court issued a Rule to Show cause. Awarded compensatory damages for out of pocket expenses and emotional stress $41,450, punitive damages of $41,450 plus attorneys fees and costs.

If you are struggling to pay utilities, bankruptcy can be a solution. Reach out to me for a free consultation about your rights.

09/18/2026

09/11/2026

Weekend Reading: Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13 — What's the Difference?

Chapter 7 eliminates most unsecured debt quickly — typically in 3–6 months. Chapter 13 creates a structured repayment plan over 3–5 years, allowing you to keep assets like your home.

Not sure which applies to you? That's exactly what we're here for.

💡 Tip: The best chapter for you depends on your income, assets, and goals — not just how much you owe.

📞 Call Leeders Law Monday for a free consultation.

09/10/2026

💼 End the year stronger than you started it.

If 2026 has been a year of financial stress, you don't have to carry that weight into 2027. Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy are powerful legal tools that can eliminate or restructure debt — and give you a real path forward.

At Leeders Law, we make the process clear, manageable, and judgment-free.

📞 Call today. Your fresh start could be just weeks away.

Call now to connect with business.

03/25/2026

Foreclosures Rising in Chicago – Stop It Before It Starts
Body:

Foreclosure filings in Cook County and the Chicago area continue to climb in 2026.

If you’re behind on your mortgage, facing lender pressure, or worried about losing your home in Chicago or anywhere in the suburbs — you have options.
Chapter 13 bankruptcy can stop foreclosure immediately, let you catch up on missed payments over time, and keep you in your home. Chapter 7 may also help depending on your equity and situation.
With the new higher Illinois exemptions in 2026, more homeowners than ever can protect their property while getting debt relief.

At Leeders Law, we offer personalized, one-on-one service from our convenient office locations or phone/virtual appointments.

Attorney Terry Leeders has over 28 years stopping foreclosures and helping Chicago families save their homes.

Get a FREE consultation this week — in person, phone, or video. No pressure, just clear answers.
Call today: (312) 346-7400
Website: https://leederslaw.com
You don’t have to face this alone — help is local and available now.

Learn more, Call now!

03/11/2026

Chicago's Economy & the Rise in Consumer Bankruptcy — What's Going On?
If you've been feeling financial pressure lately, you're not alone. Across the Chicago metro area — and the country as a whole — more families are struggling to keep up.
A few things worth knowing:
📊 Consumer bankruptcy filings rose 11% nationally in 2025, and the trend is continuing into 2026. Chicago is not immune.
💳 U.S. credit card debt has hit a record $1.21 trillion — a sign that many households are borrowing just to cover everyday expenses.
🏛️ Chicago's pension obligations remain a long-term pressure on city finances, which can affect services, taxes, and the broader economic climate residents depend on.
The causes are real — high interest rates, lingering inflation, and stagnant wages for many workers. For some, bankruptcy isn't the end of the road. It's a legal tool designed to give people a genuine fresh start.
If you or someone you know is feeling overwhelmed by debt, talking to a financial counselor or bankruptcy attorney is a smart first step — not a last resort.
💬 Have you noticed the financial squeeze in your neighborhood? Share your thoughts below.

03/09/2026

💡 Gas prices up. Grocery bills up. Utility bills up. Your paycheck? The same.

If you're robbing Peter to pay Paul every month — using credit cards just to cover the basics — you're not alone. Millions of Americans are feeling the same squeeze right now.

But here's what most people don't know: bankruptcy isn't failure. It's a federal legal tool designed for exactly this situation. It can:

✅ Wipe out credit card debt
✅ Stop collection calls immediately
✅ Give you a real fresh start

At LeedersLaw, we offer FREE consultations with no pressure and no judgment. We'll tell you honestly whether bankruptcy makes sense for you — and if it does, we'll walk you through every step.

You've been carrying this long enough. Let's talk. 👇
🔗 LeedersLaw.com
📞 312-346-7400

02/03/2026

When can you file a new Chapter 7 bankruptcy case after a bankruptcy case converted from Chapter 13 to chapter 7 previously?

The general rule is that you must have 8 years between chapter 7 bankruptcy case filings. But what if the prior case was a converted chapter 13 to 7? The rule uses the original filing date of the Chapter 13, not the date of conversion. So if your prior Chapter 13 bankruptcy was filed more than 8 years ago, you are good to go with the new Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing.

01/23/2026

Vaporize your debt and get a fresh start. Comment "Freeze" for a free bankruptcy evaluation in Illinois.