Tucson Bankruptcy Attorney: Filing Chapter 7 & 13 in Pima County

Filing for bankruptcy in Tucson requires understanding Pima County's specific processes, local court procedures, and Arizona state exemptions. Whether you're dealing with medical debt from Banner-University Medical Center, credit card debt, or facing foreclosure on your home in the Catalina Foothills, this guide covers everything you need to know about filing bankruptcy in southern Arizona.

Pima County Bankruptcy Statistics

Pima County has unique financial challenges that make bankruptcy relief essential for many residents:

• Median Household Income: $56,000 (below state average of $65,000)
• Poverty Rate: 16.2% of residents
• Primary Debt Types: Medical debt, credit cards, auto loans
• Courthouse: U.S. Bankruptcy Court - Tucson Division (38 S Scott Ave)

Where to File Bankruptcy in Tucson

U.S. Bankruptcy Court - Tucson Division

Address: 38 S Scott Ave, Tucson, AZ 85701
Phone: (520) 205-4200
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Parking: Limited street parking available; several paid lots within two blocks. The courthouse is accessible via Sun Link streetcar (Scott/Congress stop).

Credit Counseling Agencies in Tucson

Before filing, you must complete credit counseling from an approved agency. Local options include:

• Take Charge America - Tucson office (520) 623-6344
• Money Management International - Online + phone counseling available
• GreenPath Financial Wellness - Virtual appointments

Tucson-Specific Bankruptcy Considerations

1. University of Arizona Student Debt

Many Tucson residents carry student loans from the University of Arizona. While most student loans aren't dischargeable in bankruptcy, you may be eligible for:

• Undue hardship discharge (rare but possible in extreme cases)
• Chapter 13 repayment plans that reduce monthly payments during the 3-5 year plan
• Administrative discharge programs for total disability or school closure

2. Davis-Monthan AFB Military Filings

Active duty military personnel stationed at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base have special protections:

• Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) protections apply
• Means test exemptions for disabled veterans
• Expedited processing available for deployed personnel

3. Snowbird & Part-Year Resident Issues

Many Tucson residents split time between Arizona and other states. Key considerations:

• File where you've lived for the majority of the past 180 days
• Arizona exemptions apply if you've lived here for at least 2 years
• If newer to Arizona, your previous state's exemptions may apply

Arizona Exemptions Available to Tucson Residents

Arizona's exemption system protects certain assets in bankruptcy:

| Asset Type | Exemption Amount | Notes | |------------|------------------|-------| | Homestead | $250,000 equity | Primary residence only | | Vehicle | $6,000 equity ($12,000 if disabled) | One vehicle per filer | | Household goods | $6,000 total | Furniture, appliances, clothing | | Tools of trade | $5,000 | Equipment for your profession | | Wedding rings | $2,000 | Unlimited if heirlooms | | Bank account | $300 | Wildcard for any personal property |

Important: Arizona requires you to use state exemptions — federal exemptions are NOT available.

Chapter 7 vs Chapter 13 in Tucson

Chapter 7 (Liquidation)

Best for: Those with limited income who need a fresh start

Tucson-Specific Factors:

• Average case completion: 3-4 months
• 341 Meeting held at Tucson courthouse or via phone
• Trustee: Typically assigned from Phoenix panel
• Discharge rate in Arizona District: 96% for Chapter 7

Qualification: Must pass the means test. For Pima County median income:

• 1 person household: $63,749/year
• 2 people: $78,329/year
• 3 people: $86,360/year
• 4 people: $97,694/year

Chapter 13 (Reorganization)

Best for: Those with regular income who want to keep assets

Tucson-Specific Factors:

• Monthly payments made to Chapter 13 trustee
• Tucson has dedicated Chapter 13 trustee office
• Plans run 3-5 years depending on income
• Can stop foreclosure on Tucson homes with mortgage arrears

Tucson Neighborhoods and Bankruptcy Filing Rates

Bankruptcy filing rates vary across Pima County:

| Area | Filing Rate | Common Issues | |------|-------------|---------------| | South Tucson | High | Medical debt, low income | | Midtown | Moderate | Credit card debt, rent burden | | Catalina Foothills | Low-Moderate | Business debt, investment losses | | Oro Valley | Low | Mortgage issues, healthcare costs | | Marana | Moderate | Agricultural debt, small business |

Finding a Bankruptcy Attorney in Tucson

What to Look For

1. Board Certification: Look for Arizona State Bar bankruptcy certification
2. Local Experience: Attorney familiar with Tucson trustees and judges
3. Fee Transparency: Expect $1,200-$2,500 for Chapter 7; $3,500-$5,000 for Chapter 13
4. Payment Plans: Many Tucson attorneys offer $0 down or payment arrangements

Free Legal Resources in Pima County

• Southern Arizona Legal Aid - (520) 623-9465 - Income-restricted free assistance
• Arizona Bar Foundation - Bankruptcy self-help resources
• Pima County Public Law Library - Forms and legal research help

Tucson Bankruptcy Filing Process Timeline

Week 1: Pre-Filing

• Complete credit counseling course (required)
• Gather financial documents (tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements)
• Complete bankruptcy petition and schedules

Week 2: Filing

• File petition with Tucson Bankruptcy Court ($338 for Chapter 7; $313 for Chapter 13)
• Automatic stay goes into effect (stops creditor actions)
• Trustee assigned to your case

Week 3-4: Post-Filing

• Submit additional documents to trustee
• Attend 341 Meeting of Creditors (Tucson courthouse or phone)
• Creditors have 60 days to object to discharge

Months 3-4: Discharge (Chapter 7)

• Receive discharge order eliminating qualifying debts
• Complete debtor education course
• Begin rebuilding credit

Years 3-5: Plan Completion (Chapter 13)

• Make monthly trustee payments
• Annual income/certification updates
• Final discharge upon plan completion

Life After Bankruptcy in Tucson

Rebuilding Credit

Tucson offers several credit-building opportunities post-bankruptcy:

1. Hughes Federal Credit Union - Fresh start auto loans
2. Pima Federal Credit Union - Secured credit cards
3. Tucson Old Pueblo Credit Union - Credit-builder loans

Housing After Bankruptcy

• Apartment rentals: Most Tucson landlords accept 1-2 year post-discharge applicants
• FHA mortgages: Available 2 years after Chapter 7 discharge
• VA loans: Davis-Monthan personnel may qualify sooner with extenuating circumstances

Common Tucson Bankruptcy Mistakes

1. Filing before the 2-year exemption period — If new to Arizona, you may lose exemption protections
2. Transferring assets before filing — The trustee can void transfers made within 2 years
3. Running up credit cards pre-filing — Purchases within 90 days may not be dischargeable
4. Not listing all debts — You must include ALL creditors, even ones you want to pay
5. Missing the 341 Meeting — Failure to appear can result in case dismissal

Is Bankruptcy Right for Your Tucson Situation?

Consider bankruptcy if you:

• Owe more than $10,000 in dischargeable debt
• Face wage garnishment (Arizona allows up to 25% of wages)
• Are behind on mortgage/rent and facing eviction or foreclosure
• Have medical debt from Tucson Medical Center, Banner Health, or Carondelet
• Cannot make minimum credit card payments

Alternatives to consider:

• Debt settlement (negotiate lump-sum payments)
• Credit counseling debt management plan
• Selling non-exempt assets to pay debts

Take the Next Step

Bankruptcy is a complex legal process with long-term consequences. While this guide provides general information, every situation is unique. A qualified Tucson bankruptcy attorney can review your specific circumstances and recommend the best path forward.

Free Consultation: Most Tucson bankruptcy attorneys offer free initial consultations to discuss your options.

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This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult with a licensed Arizona attorney for advice specific to your situation.