Kansas City downtown city skyline at twilight
Kansas City

Kansas City Bankruptcy Attorneys

Helping Residents of Missouri’s Western District Tackle Financial Problems

At Watton Law Group, our Kansas City bankruptcy law firm assists clients within Missouri’s Western District in finding debt relief. We have built our practice on a foundation of compassion, communication, and honesty, and we are proud to have earned a reputation as one of Jackson County’s leading bankruptcy law firms. Our team has the knowledge, experience, and resources to help you regain control of your finances and move forward from this difficult time in your life.

Learn more about how our bankruptcy attorneys in Kansas City can help you on the road to financial freedom; call (816) 300-1302 or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation.

Serving Clients Throughout the Western District of Missouri From Our Kansas City Office

Watton Law Group is a full-service debt relief agency with the resources to tackle even the toughest cases. We offer unique insight into an array of services, tailoring our proven strategies to each case we take on.

Over 25+ years, we’ve grown into a national network, but we still maintain our strong local roots and caring approach to provide the highest level of personalized service to our clients. It’s why clients continually trust us to guide them through turbulent times.

On This Page:

Understanding Bankruptcy Options for Kansas City Residents

Bankruptcy is a legal process overseen by the U.S. government that allows qualifying individuals and businesses to discharge financial liabilities, restructure debts, and repay creditors over set periods of time. There are several different types of bankruptcy, each of which accomplishes different things, but the most popular are Chapter 7 and Chapter 13.

Below, we have provided a brief overview of the main differences between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy:

  • Chapter 7: Chapter 7 bankruptcy eliminates all general debts, such as credit card debt, medical bills, and signature loans. To file for Chapter 7, you must meet certain eligibility requirements. Our attorneys can review those requirements with you and determine if this is a good option. One of the most important things to consider is timing—we can help you eliminate the bad stuff and put on the road to success.
  • Chapter 13: Chapter 13 bankruptcy is a type of debt consolidation that eliminates or reduces all of the same debts as Chapter 7 bankruptcy while also stopping foreclosure and repossessions, deferring student loans, and even reducing car interest rates and payments. Chapter 13 allows you to pay back what you can afford. All debts can be put into your consolidation, and the judge may even wipe out a significant portion of your debt.

You must meet certain qualification requirements to file for Chapter 7, Chapter 13, and other types of bankruptcies. Our Kansas City bankruptcy lawyers can help you determine if you are eligible for either type of bankruptcy, as well as whether this is even the right debt relief option for you. There is no cost and no obligation when you speak to a member of our team about your situation.

The Bankruptcy Filing Process in Missouri’s Western District

The process of filing for bankruptcy will differ depending on the type of bankruptcy for which you are filing.

However, there are certain steps involved in most bankruptcy filings:

  • Identify the debt relief option you wish to pursue
  • Decide which type of bankruptcy you wish to pursue
  • Determine your eligibility for filing for bankruptcy
  • Compile various financial records, documents, and papers
  • Undergo credit counseling within 180 days of filing
  • File your official bankruptcy petition
  • Receive an assigned bankruptcy trustee
  • Attend the meeting of creditors

Next, depending on the type of bankruptcy for which you are filing, you may be required to develop a repayment plan based on your available income and assets (as well as other factors), or you may be subject to other/additional processes.

We strongly recommend that you work with an experienced and knowledgeable attorney when filing for bankruptcy, as the process can be very complex, challenging, and time-consuming. At Watton Law Group, we are happy to answer your questions, address your concerns, and ensure that you fully understand all of your legal options. Our goal is to provide our clients with as much information as possible, allowing them to make empowered decisions about their finances and regain control.

Kansas City Debt Relief: Legal Support When It Matters Most

With over 25 years of experience, our attorneys have perfected a system that makes filing for bankruptcy as easy as possible for you. We offer unparalleled support throughout the entire process and will help you move forward with the best options available to you.

At our office in Kansas City, our bankruptcy attorneys assist clients with:

  • Chapter 7 bankruptcies
  • Chapter 13 bankruptcies
  • Foreclosure
  • Creditor harassment
  • Collection activities like wage garnishment, vehicle repossession, etc.

We understand the stakes, and we are ready to take swift legal action to protect your rights.

Request a complimentary bankruptcy evaluation; call (816) 300-1302 or contact us online today to get started.

Common Bankruptcy Questions from Kansas City Clients

When filing for bankruptcy in the Western District of Missouri, the goal is often to discharge as much debt as possible while retaining essential assets. Missouri provides specific exemptions that protect certain types of property from being liquidated to pay off debts in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. These typically include homestead exemptions for primary residences, exemptions for necessary vehicles up to a specified value, and exemptions for personal property such as clothing and household items. Chapter 13 bankruptcy also allows individuals to keep their assets while they work out a repayment plan. Understanding and maximizing exemptions can be complex, and missteps can have significant consequences.

Our Kansas City attorneys are skilled at navigating these nuances, ensuring you maximize your exemptions and genuinely benefit from the protections available in your bankruptcy proceedings.

Meet Your Team

Michael J. Watton, Esq.
Michael J. Maloney, Esq.
Timothy H. Hassell, Esq.
Thomas A. Arany, Esq.
Kirk M. Fedewa, Esq.
Robert K.S. Abernathy, Esq.
Bennett S. Stuckey, Esq.
Corrine E. Edwards, Esq.
Tyler D. Rasmussen, Esq.
Elizabeth J. Cho, Esq.
James M. Conley, Esq.
Paul K. Schwartz, Esq.
Cooper O. Neavill, Esq.
Eric J. Wunsch, Esq.
Lauren A. Suchan, Esq.
Judith K. Cranberg, Esq.
Michael J. Watton, Esq.
Senior Partner
Michael J. Watton, senior partner at Watton Law Group, is a nationally recognized bankruptcy attorney who helps overwhelmed individuals and families find debt-relief. His compassionate, practical approach not only resolves immediate financial crises but empowers clients to rediscover their true personal and economic value, emerge stronger, and thrive long-term.
Attorney Profile
Michael J. Maloney, Esq.
Managing Partner
Michael J. Maloney, managing partner of Watton Law Group, helps individuals and families overwhelmed by debt regain financial control and peace of mind. With experience across multiples state and federal districts, he builds personalized strategies tailored to each client’s unique situation. His goal is to ensure his clients have the knowledge and confidence to choose what’s best for their future.
Attorney Profile
Timothy H. Hassell, Esq.
Partner
Attorney Timothy H. Hassell specializes in bankruptcy law and is committed to delivering personalized, innovative solutions for clients facing financial difficulties. He works closely with individuals and families to craft tailored strategies that address their unique circumstances, providing clear explanations of rights and options to reduce stress and empower informed decisions.
Attorney Profile
Thomas Arany
Thomas A. Arany, Esq.
Partner
Attorney Thomas A. Arany guides clients through bankruptcy and debt-relief challenges with efficient, practical solutions. He prioritizes clear communication, rapid resolution, and proactive strategies to help clients avoid unnecessary litigation, regain financial control, and achieve lasting stability. By focusing on individual needs and detailed casework, he secures optimal outcomes that empower clients to move forward with confidence.
Attorney Profile
Kirk M. Fedewa, Esq.
Partner
Attorney Kirk M. Fedewa delivers personalized, creative strategies backed by extensive bankruptcy experience, while providing compassionate, straightforward guidance and clear explanations of rights and options. Treating every client with integrity and family-like care, Attorney Fedewa advocates aggressively to protect assets, eliminate or restructure debt, and achieve a fresh financial start.
Attorney Profile
Robert K.S. Abernathy, Esq.
Associate
Attorney Robert K.S. Abernathy excels at understanding each client’s unique situation, clearly explaining complex bankruptcy options, and crafting tailored solutions. By building strong relationships, and with open communication and thorough preparation, he guides clients confidently toward financial recovery and long-term stability.
Attorney Profile
Bennett S. Stuckey, Esq.
Associate
Attorney Bennett S. Stuckey provides compassionate, goal-oriented representation to clients seeking debt relief. Drawing on his natural problem-solving abilities, he guides individuals through the bankruptcy process with respect and efficiency, ensuring they receive the full protection and fresh start the law allows.
Attorney Profile
Corrine E. Edwards, Esq.
Associate
Attorney Corrine E. Edwards combines compassion and determination in her bankruptcy practice, drawing from her own experiences overcoming financial hardship to empathize with clients. She provides personalized, effective representation, guiding them through bankruptcy toward manageable solutions, a fresh start, and protection of their long-term interests.
Attorney Profile
Tyler D. Rasmussen, Esq.
Associate
Attorney Tyler D. Rasmussen offers clear, compassionate debt relief. He carefully reviews what you owe, explains all options in simple terms without pressure, and assists in making the math work. When bankruptcy is the best path, he moves quickly to secure a true fresh start, always prioritizing your long-term interests.
Attorney Profile
Elizabeth J. Cho, Esq.
Associate
Attorney Elizabeth J. Cho is a compassionate and dedicated attorney, guiding individuals through the bankruptcy process with genuine care and helping them eliminate overwhelming debt. By listening attentively to each client’s unique situation and providing clear, personalized guidance, Elizabeth ensures the experience is positive and empowering, allowing clients to regain control of their lives and achieve a fresh financial start.
Attorney Profile
James M. Conley, Esq.
Associate
Attorney James M. Conley provides compassionate, client-focused representation in bankruptcy and debt relief. With clear communication and practical guidance, he helps individuals and families navigate complex debt challenges, understand their options, and secure tailored solutions for long-term financial stability. Clients appreciate his approachable style and ability to explain intricate legal matters in an accessible way.
Attorney Profile
Paul K. Schwartz, Esq.
Of Counsel
Attorney Paul K. Schwartz provides compassionate, strategic representation in bankruptcy and debt relief cases. With over 40 years of trial experience, he listens carefully to each client’s situation and goals, then crafts personalized plans that deliver lasting financial relief. His prior experience representing creditors gives him unique insight into creditor strategies, which he now uses to protect debtors and secure the strongest possible outcomes.
Attorney Profile
Cooper O. Neavill, Esq.
Associate
Attorney Cooper O. Neavill is dedicated to guiding clients through financial difficulties with empathy-driven representation, recognizing that hardship can arise from many circumstances and that every client deserves honest, dependable counsel. His approach debt relief combines a thorough understanding of the law with a genuine commitment to helping individuals find practical solutions and a fresh financial start.
Attorney Profile
Eric J. Wunsch, Esq.
Associate
Attorney Eric J. Wunsch focuses on consumer bankruptcy and debt-relief matters, bringing creative and detail-oriented strategies to help individuals and families achieve maximum financial relief. Drawing on his civil litigation experience, Eric emphasizes transparent communication and works to reduce the stress clients feel by highlighting the practical benefits of bankruptcy as a powerful tool for a fresh financial start.
Attorney Profile
Lauren A. Suchan, Esq.
Associate
Attorney Lauren A. Suchan specializes in helping clients eliminate overwhelming debt, stop creditor harassment, and secure a fresh financial start. With patience and empathy, Attorney Suchan guides individuals and families through the bankruptcy process, transforming a challenging situation into an opportunity for lasting relief and a brighter future.
Attorney Profile
Bio Judith
Judith K. Cranberg, Esq.
Of Counsel
Judith K. Cranberg is deeply committed to caring for her clients facing financial hardships. She approaches every case with empathy and clear communication, taking time to fully understand each client's unique household dynamics, financial goals, and concerns. Sharing the firm's core values, Judith believes everyone deserves a clear, accessible route to financial stability.
Attorney Profile

How Watton Law Group Helps

Free Consultation
Our consultations are free. Speak with a qualified lawyer who can help determine your best course of action.
Talk With Our Team
File Bankruptcy
We’ll guide you through each step from filing your bankruptcy petition to creating a plan that’s right for you so that the process is simple, understandable and straightforward.
Our Services
Have Questions?
Contact our experienced team online to help you manage your debt. Your information will be kept confidential.
Fill Out Our Form

Debt Relief in Three Easy Steps

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Step #1

Please check all that affect you:*

Step #2

Step #3

What Sets Watton Law Group Apart for Kansas City Clients

Our team truly cares about you and your future. We understand how stressful financial challenges can be, particularly when you are facing relentless creditors and frustrating collection activities. Our Kansas City bankruptcy attorneys are prepared to immediately step in and put an end to creditor harassment and bill collections.

We work directly with our clients and provide a compassionate, personalized approach that accounts for their unique needs, concerns, and goals. Our attorneys utilize decades of experience and extensive resources to develop innovative legal strategies and effectively advocate for you.

Happy Family Together At Park
I worked with Watton Law Group and they were very responsive and helpful.
I worked with Watton Law Group and they were very responsive and helpful.
- Ashley O.
He is the best.
He is the best.
- Steven M.
Robert Abernathy has always been professional.
Robert Abernathy has always been professional.
- Donna A.
Wow is all I can say!
Wow is all I can say!
- Diashecia B.
The most professional law firm I have ever used.
The most professional law firm I have ever used.
- Bernadine E.
Great lawyers can be hard to find and he definitely is one!
Great lawyers can be hard to find and he definitely is one!
- Michelle
I highly recommend.
I highly recommend.
- Daniel E.
Michael Watton is an example of a well-knowledged attorney.
Michael Watton is an example of a well-knowledged attorney.
- Jodi C.
Working with Robert Mills at Watton Law has been a refreshing experience in the midst of hardship.
Working with Robert at Watton Law has been a refreshing experience in the midst of hardship.
- Tracy S.
Tom has been a saving grace for me, he has motivated me to actually get things done.
Tom has been a saving grace for me, he has motivated me to actually get things done.
- Amy F.

Get The Help You Need

Start With a Free Consultation

"*" indicates required fields