Divorce is expensive. Between legal fees, divided assets, and a household that used to run on two incomes now running on one, the financial aftermath of a separation can be just as damaging as the emotional one. For one single mother in Perry Hall, Maryland, the debt she carried out of her divorce threatened to consume the financial future she was trying to build for her daughter.
She found her way to The Law Offices of Nicholas J. Del Pizzo, III P.A., a Baltimore bankruptcy lawyer with offices in Dundalk and downtown Baltimore. What happened next changed the trajectory of her financial life.
The Situation: $30,000 in Debt Including an $18,000 Divorce Attorney Fee
The client was a single mother who had gone through a divorce and emerged from it with more than $30,000 in debt. The largest single balance was an $18,000 attorney fee owed to her divorce lawyer. Along with that, she carried additional unsecured debts that had built up through the process.
She was managing her monthly expenses and a car payment, but the debt load left her with no room to save, no ability to build an emergency fund, and no realistic path to financial stability for herself or her daughter.
“I am a single mom who had to pay over $30,000 for my divorce. Mr. Del Pizzo got rid of all my debts including an $18,000 attorney divorce fee. All I owe now is my monthly expenses and my car payment. This allows me to focus on my daughter and start building a nest egg with my 401k and monthly savings.”
That outcome, monthly expenses manageable, retirement savings possible, financial focus on her child, is exactly what bankruptcy protection is designed to make possible.
Can a Divorce Attorney Fee Be Discharged in Bankruptcy?
This is one of the most important points in this case. Many people assume that attorney fees cannot be included in a bankruptcy filing. In most cases involving a debt owed to a third-party professional for services rendered, that assumption is wrong.
Attorney fees owed to a divorce lawyer are generally treated as unsecured debt, the same category as credit card balances and medical bills. Unless a debt falls into a specifically protected category under federal bankruptcy law, such as domestic support obligations like child support or alimony, it can typically be discharged.
The $18,000 divorce attorney fee in this case was dischargeable. Mr. Del Pizzo identified that and ensured it was included in the filing.
The Financial Reality for Single Parents After Divorce
Single parents in Perry Hall, White Marsh, Middle River, and across Baltimore County often face a similar pattern after divorce. The household went from two incomes to one, but many of the fixed costs did not change proportionally. Legal fees from the divorce itself can be substantial. Credit card balances that accumulated during the proceedings often remain.
Bankruptcy is not a failure. It is a legal tool that exists because Congress recognized that people sometimes end up in situations where the debt they carry is simply not manageable given their actual income and obligations. The fresh start language in bankruptcy law is intentional.
For a single mother rebuilding after divorce, discharging unmanageable debt is often the single most effective financial move available.
Why Clients in Perry Hall Choose Attorney Del Pizzo
Nick Del Pizzo built his practice around the working men and women of the Baltimore area who need real legal help and deserve to work directly with their attorney. Every client at his firm meets with Mr. Del Pizzo personally at the free initial consultation and continues to work with him throughout the case.
His office is conveniently located off I-95 and I-695 in Dundalk, accessible to clients throughout Baltimore County, including Perry Hall, White Marsh, Rosedale, Middle River, and Essex. He is available seven days a week and can also assist clients who communicate in Spanish or sign language.
Questions Perry Hall Residents Often Ask About Bankruptcy After Divorce
Can I file for bankruptcy while my divorce is still ongoing?
In some cases, yes. The interaction between divorce proceedings and bankruptcy filings can be complex, and Mr. Del Pizzo reviews the timing with each client individually.
Will bankruptcy affect my child support obligations?
No. Domestic support obligations including child support and alimony are not dischargeable in bankruptcy. They remain in place.
Can I keep my car?
In many Chapter 7 cases, clients can retain a vehicle if the equity is within Maryland’s exemption limits and payments are current. This is addressed during the consultation.
Will bankruptcy affect my credit?
A Chapter 7 filing remains on a credit report for up to ten years, but many clients find that rebuilding begins relatively quickly after discharge because the debt-to-income picture improves significantly.
If you are a single parent in Perry Hall, White Marsh, or the greater Baltimore area dealing with debt from a divorce, call The Law Offices of Nicholas J. Del Pizzo, III P.A. for a free consultation. Call 410-288-5788 or 1-800-Bankrupt.
The Law Offices of Nicholas J. Del Pizzo, III P.A. represents clients throughout Maryland including Perry Hall, White Marsh, Dundalk, Towson, Baltimore, and surrounding communities.
