Masterson Law
The Law Offices of Venessa Masterson
and Associates
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Person reviewing bills at kitchen table at sunrise
Practice Area

Bankruptcy Law

Start living debt-free. Stop creditor calls, garnishments, and foreclosures — and get the fresh start you deserve.

Call (978) 323-7880Free Consultation
Why It Matters

A Second Chance Is Closer Than You Think

Are you over your head in debt? Afraid to answer your phone because creditors keep calling? Being sued for a debt you owe? Facing foreclosure? You are not alone. Times are tough, and we all deserve a second chance.

Bankruptcy may be able to give you that fresh start you deserve. Choosing the right type of bankruptcy requires a careful analysis of your particular financial situation — and that's where the guidance of an experienced attorney makes all the difference.

At The Law Offices of Venessa Masterson & Associates, PLLC, we have successfully represented consumers struggling with financial hardship. We have the knowledge, experience, and resources to help you make the best decision for your situation.

Our Commitment to You
  • Honest Assessment
    Clear facts, never false hope. You decide with confidence.
  • Personal Attention
    You work directly with Attorney Masterson — start to finish.
  • Complete Petitions
    We don't file until every debtor is included and accounted for.
  • Affordable Fees
    Reasonable rates with manageable payment plans you can afford.
Smiling person enjoying a fresh start
100s
Cases Filed
Same Day
Creditor Stay
20+
Years Practicing

"Attorney Masterson assisted me as my attorney during my financial crisis. Her diligence and zeal helped me with my bankruptcy. It was very complicated and it took her expertise for a positive outcome."

— Wayne T.
What We Handle

Our Bankruptcy Services

Bankruptcy Analysis & Filing
Service 01
Service 01

Bankruptcy Analysis & Filing

Filing for bankruptcy is a major decision, and the right strategy depends on a careful look at your unique financial picture. We start with a thorough analysis and walk you through every form, deadline, and decision from start to finish.

What's Included
  • Thorough analysis of your debt situation
  • Determining your property exemptions
  • Determining your eligibility for Chapter 7
  • Advice on whether to reaffirm any debts
  • Preparing all the necessary forms and schedules
  • Assistance from start to finish
Who We Represent
IndividualsCouplesHomeownersWage Earners
What Bankruptcy Can Do for You
Service 02
Service 02

What Bankruptcy Can Do for You

Bankruptcy is a legal tool to consolidate or eliminate specific debts so you can rebuild. The moment your case is filed, the automatic stay puts a wall between you and most creditors — calls, lawsuits, and garnishments stop.

What's Included
  • Stop harassing phone calls from creditors
  • Stop foreclosures and repossessions
  • Eliminate all or most of your unsecured debt
  • Stop wage garnishments and bank freezes
  • Stop lawsuits and court appearances
  • Keep retirement accounts (401K, IRA, pensions)
Who We Represent
Stressed BorrowersGarnished WorkersLawsuit DefendantsForeclosure Risk
Protecting Your Home & Property
Service 03
Service 03

Protecting Your Home & Property

Many clients fear they'll lose everything by filing — but that's rarely the case. Massachusetts and federal exemptions, including the homestead exemption, are designed to protect the property that matters most.

What's Included
  • Massachusetts homestead exemption strategy
  • Asset protection planning before filing
  • Reaffirmation of important secured debts
  • Prevention of attachments to your property
  • Protection of vehicles, tools, and household goods
  • Coordination with mortgage lenders and trustees
Who We Represent
HomeownersVehicle OwnersRetireesFamilies
Understanding Chapter 7

The Fresh-Start Bankruptcy

Chapter 7 is the most common form of bankruptcy for individuals seeking debt relief. It's designed to eliminate unsecured debts and offers immediate relief from creditors — including stopping wage garnishments and most collection activity.

Unsecured Debt

Loans without collateral — credit cards, medical bills, personal loans, and utility bills are typically dischargeable.

Keeping Your Home

Massachusetts homestead exemption can protect your primary residence from creditors during and after filing.

Debts That Typically Can't Be Discharged
  • Most child support and alimony obligations
  • Most federal and private student loans
  • Recent income tax debts (with exceptions)
  • Court-ordered restitution and certain fines
Call (978) 323-7880 Today
Attorney signing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy petition
Important to Know

Bankruptcy Is a Process — Not a Free Pass

Bankruptcy is not free, but rather a legal process to consolidate or eliminate specific debts in order to get your financial health back on track. You should always speak with an attorney if you're considering filing — small mistakes can be costly.

Stop the Calls — (978) 323-7880
Client Voices

What Our Clients Say

4.9 ★ from 124+ Google Reviews
Leave a Google Review

"Attorney Masterson assisted me as my attorney during my financial crisis. Her diligence and zeal helped me with my bankruptcy. It was very complicated and it took her expertise for a positive outcome. She is also working on my will, leaving me as a now optimistic and stable person with my finances."

Wayne T.
Posted on Google
W

"Excellent bankruptcy attorney, very knowledgeable, helpful and personable."

Ginger K.
Posted on Google
G

"Consider yourself lucky coming into contact with Venessa. Besides being excellent at delivering results with reasonable costs, she also takes the time to get the big picture and genuinely cares about you as a human being."

Will O.
Posted on Google
W

"Attorney Venessa Masterson is highly recommended. She has the best and most reasonable prices around, very straightforward, highly intelligent. She does not waste your time or money and gets things done right."

Sara C.
Posted on Google
S

"Vanessa Masterson is one of the most talented lawyers I have ever come across. She is responsive, knowledgeable, always kept me informed with my case. I highly recommend her."

Marian
Posted on Google
M

"Attorney Masterson is a true professional to work with. She will listen to what you have to say and provide you the best advice to move forward with. I highly recommend her."

Mark F.
Posted on Google
M

"She fought hard for me and my family. If you are looking for someone who honestly cares for your interest more than money, then she can be your attorney too."

NilK
Posted on Google
N

"Professional, knowledgeable representation at a great value. Venessa was responsive and took great time explaining the process with me. She acted as my advocate and wasn't afraid to follow up when needed."

Kiley N.
Posted on Google
K

"Attorney Masterson assisted me as my attorney during my financial crisis. Her diligence and zeal helped me with my bankruptcy. It was very complicated and it took her expertise for a positive outcome. She is also working on my will, leaving me as a now optimistic and stable person with my finances."

Wayne T.
Posted on Google
W

"Excellent bankruptcy attorney, very knowledgeable, helpful and personable."

Ginger K.
Posted on Google
G

"Consider yourself lucky coming into contact with Venessa. Besides being excellent at delivering results with reasonable costs, she also takes the time to get the big picture and genuinely cares about you as a human being."

Will O.
Posted on Google
W

"Attorney Venessa Masterson is highly recommended. She has the best and most reasonable prices around, very straightforward, highly intelligent. She does not waste your time or money and gets things done right."

Sara C.
Posted on Google
S

"Vanessa Masterson is one of the most talented lawyers I have ever come across. She is responsive, knowledgeable, always kept me informed with my case. I highly recommend her."

Marian
Posted on Google
M

"Attorney Masterson is a true professional to work with. She will listen to what you have to say and provide you the best advice to move forward with. I highly recommend her."

Mark F.
Posted on Google
M

"She fought hard for me and my family. If you are looking for someone who honestly cares for your interest more than money, then she can be your attorney too."

NilK
Posted on Google
N

"Professional, knowledgeable representation at a great value. Venessa was responsive and took great time explaining the process with me. She acted as my advocate and wasn't afraid to follow up when needed."

Kiley N.
Posted on Google
K
Frequently Asked

Bankruptcy Questions

Honest answers from an attorney who files Chapter 7 cases regularly.

Will I lose everything if I file for bankruptcy?

Almost certainly not. Massachusetts and federal exemptions — including the homestead exemption — are designed to protect your primary residence, retirement accounts, vehicles, tools of your trade, and household goods. We map your assets to exemptions before we file so you know exactly what is protected.

Will bankruptcy stop creditor calls and lawsuits?

Yes. The moment your case is filed, an automatic stay goes into effect that immediately halts most collection activity — calls, lawsuits, wage garnishments, and bank freezes. If a creditor contacts you after filing, refer them to us.

What kinds of debt can be eliminated?

Chapter 7 typically discharges unsecured debts like credit cards, medical bills, personal loans, old utility bills, and most lawsuit judgments. Some debts — child support, alimony, most student loans, and certain taxes — generally cannot be discharged.

Can I keep my house and car?

In most cases, yes. If you're current on your mortgage and car payments and want to keep them, we use exemptions and reaffirmation agreements where appropriate so you can hold onto the property that matters to you.

How does bankruptcy affect my credit?

A bankruptcy filing does appear on your credit report, but most clients find their credit begins to recover within 1–2 years because high-balance, delinquent accounts are eliminated. We provide a dos-and-don'ts list to help you rebuild responsibly.

What does it cost to file?

Bankruptcy isn't free — there are court filing fees, required credit counseling, and attorney fees. Our fees are reasonable and we offer manageable payment plans. We'll quote everything up front in a clear engagement letter at your consultation.

How long does the process take?

A typical Chapter 7 case takes about 90–120 days from filing to discharge. The automatic stay protections begin the day we file, so creditor harassment usually stops within hours.

Speak With the Attorney

Contact Attorney Masterson

Attorney Venessa M. Masterson
Venessa M. Masterson, Esq.
Bankruptcy Attorney · MA Bar Since 2006

Whether you're drowning in debt, facing foreclosure, or being sued by creditors — let's talk. Confidential consultations available today.

Call Direct
(978) 323-7880
Email
info@mastersonlawoffices.com
Office
385 Gorham St Suite #1, Lowell, MA 01852
Hours
Mon–Fri · 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Call (978) 323-7880Request Consultation
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