Steven C. Fraser, Esq. — DC Bankruptcy Attorney
Washington, DC & Florida  ·  Virtual Practice

The DC Bankruptcy
Attorney Who
Files and Fights Back.

The moment your case is filed, the calls stop. The garnishment stops. The fear stops. And when creditors cross the line after that — Attorney Fraser pursues them personally in federal court.

The only DC attorney combining bankruptcy filing with active creditor litigation.

Free Eligibility Check ↓ 📞 202-417-8128

Garnishment active? Foreclosure scheduled? The automatic stay stops both — sometimes within 24 hours. Call: 202-417-8128

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Select what applies to your situation

I need to know if I qualify for Ch. 7→ My home is in foreclosure→ My wages are being garnished→ A creditor is still calling after I filed→ A debt collector is harassing me→ My credit report has errors→
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DC Direct202-417-8128
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Toll-Free877-862-7188
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Schedule Onlinecalendly.com/fraserlawyers
Martindale-Hubbell 25 Year Anniversary — Proudly Serving the Community Since 1998 Since 1998
Elite Lawyer 2023 · 2024 · 2025
Lawyers of Distinction 2022 · 2023 · 2024
Top Lawyers 2021
Pro Bono Services 2023 · 2024
Best of the Best — Top 10 2024
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Quick Answer

Steven C. Fraser, Esq. is a bankruptcy attorney licensed in Washington, DC (DC Bar No. 460026) and Florida (FL Bar No. 625825), practicing exclusively in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy, automatic stay enforcement, FDCPA debt collector violations, and FCRA credit report disputes. His DC practice is entirely virtual — consultations by phone or video, documents via secure portal. He is also a Florida Supreme Court Certified Mediator (Cert. No. 37256 CFR). Free consultation: 202-417-8128.

Automatic Stay — 11 U.S.C. § 362

The Moment You File,
Everything Stops.

The phone stops ringing. Those bright red past-due notices stop filling the mailbox. The wage garnishment that has been draining your paycheck every two weeks — gone. The foreclosure sale date that has been keeping you awake at 3 a.m. — stopped. The threat of a vehicle being repossessed from the parking lot at work — eliminated.

With that weight removed, something remarkable happens: you can think clearly again. You can make good decisions. You can begin to rebuild — with a lawyer who is not done fighting for you the moment the discharge order is signed.

Creditor Calls

All collection contact must stop immediately — calls, texts, letters, emails.

Wage Garnishment

Your employer must stop deducting from your paycheck as of the filing date.

Foreclosure

Any pending foreclosure sale is halted — including DC Superior Court proceedings.

Repossession

Vehicle repossession is prohibited. Already repossessed? Recovery may be possible.

Lawsuits & Judgments

Active lawsuits are frozen and judgment enforcement is immediately prohibited.

Bank Levies

Creditors cannot seize funds from your bank accounts once the stay is in effect.

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What If a Creditor Ignores the Stay?

Most bankruptcy attorneys file the petition and move on. Attorney Fraser monitors for stay violations — and when creditors willfully ignore the federal court order, he pursues them. Under 11 U.S.C. § 362(k), you may be entitled to actual damages, punitive damages, and attorney’s fees — paid by the creditor who violated your rights.

Your Options

Two Powerful Paths to a Fresh Start

Chapter 7 eliminates most unsecured debt in 4–6 months. Chapter 13 lets you keep your home, catch up on arrears, and repay on a structured plan. Both begin with immediate federal protection.

11 U.S.C. § 701 et seq.

Chapter 7

The fastest path to discharge. Most unsecured debt — credit cards, medical bills, payday loans — eliminated.

Time to discharge4 – 6 months
Credit cards & medical debtEliminated
DC homestead — federal §522(d)$31,575
DC homestead — DC §15-501Unlimited*
Means test requiredIncome-based
Student loans§523(a)(8) review
Attorney fee — single filer$1,750
Attorney fee — married couple$2,000
Court filing fee$338
Total — single filer$2,088
Total — married couple$2,338

Flat fee — no hidden costs. Filing fee paid directly to the court.

Student loan modifications, tax resolution, and mortgage modifications are not included in the base fee and are quoted separately.

Need time to get the fee together? We can work with you.

The full fee must be paid before your case is filed — but you don’t have to pay it all at once. Make payments at your own pace using our secure online payment portal. When the balance is paid in full, we file immediately.

Ready to start? Call 202-417-8128 or pay online below.
Check Ch. 7 Eligibility →
11 U.S.C. § 1301 et seq.

Chapter 13

Keep your home. Cure mortgage arrears. Repay what you can afford over a court-supervised plan.

Plan length3 – 5 years
ForeclosureStopped & cured
Second mortgage stripAvailable if underwater
Vehicle cramdownReduce loan to value
Mortgage modificationStay buys protected time
Income requirementRegular income needed
FeesDiscussed during free consultation

Student loan modifications, tax resolution, and mortgage modifications are not included and are quoted separately.

Estimate My Plan Payment →

DC Advantage — Two Exemption Systems: DC filers may choose between federal exemptions under § 522(d) (homestead: $31,575; wildcard up to $17,475 for renters) or DC’s own unlimited homestead under D.C. Code § 15-501 — no dollar cap on home equity if owned 1,215+ days. Attorney Fraser analyzes both systems for every client before filing.

Free Screening Tool

Do You Qualify? Find Out in 3 Minutes.

Applies the official federal means test to your income and household. No account required. No credit check. 2026 DOJ median income data for DC and Florida.

Bankruptcy Eligibility Calculator

Official Form B 122A-1
Step 1 of 5Jurisdiction
About Attorney Fraser

The Lawyer Behind Every Case

I became a bankruptcy attorney because I believed people in financial crisis deserved a real advocate — someone in the room when they need help most, not after the crisis has passed. Most people see bankruptcy as an end. I see it as a strategic financial tool used by some of the most famous leaders and innovators in history — Walt Disney, Abraham Lincoln, Henry Ford, Mick Fleetwood, Marvin Gaye, Meat Loaf, 50 Cent, and MC Hammer all used bankruptcy to restructure and come back stronger — and I am honored to help you do the same. Financial collapse carries a shame the system does nothing to ease, but the law is powerful when someone who knows it is standing in your corner. A fresh start should feel like one.

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You work with Steven Fraser directly — alwaysNo reassignment. No network. No handoffs. The attorney you hire handles your case start to finish.
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The only DC bankruptcy attorney who also fights backFDCPA, FCRA, discharge injunction, automatic stay violations — actively pursued. Not a discharge mill.
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Admitted in eight federal courts — DC and all three Florida districtsDistrict of Columbia: U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Columbia · U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia
Florida: U.S. Bankruptcy Courts for the Northern, Middle & Southern Districts · U.S. District Courts for the Northern, Middle & Southern Districts
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100% virtual — no office visits requiredAll consultations by phone or video. Documents via secure portal. Complete representation from home.
Recognition & Awards
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Lawyers of Distinction2022 · 2023 · 2024
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Elite Lawyer2023 · 2024 · 2025
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Legal Elite Award2017
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Top Lawyers2021
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Outstanding Pro Bono Services2023 · 2024
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Advocate for Equal Justice AwardAccess to Justice Recognition
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Best of the Best Attorneys — Top 102024
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Fort Lauderdale Top Lawyers2021
District of ColumbiaBar No. 460026
FloridaBar No. 625825
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FL Supreme Court Certified MediatorFamily & Circuit Civil · Cert. No. 37256 CFR · Available as neutral in debt and family matters
The Difference That Matters

Most Bankruptcy Attorneys Stop at Discharge.
Steven Fraser Doesn’t.

Many firms consider their work complete when the discharge order enters. They file your petition, attend your 341 meeting, and move on to the next case. What happens after — how creditors treat you, how your credit report reflects the case, whether collectors respect the court’s order — is not their concern. It is ours.

Post-Discharge Creditor ViolationsCreditors who continue collecting on discharged debts violate the discharge injunction. Attorney Fraser pursues sanctions under § 524 — including damages payable to you.
FDCPA — Debt Collector ViolationsHarassment, misrepresentation, and illegal collection tactics may entitle you to statutory damages up to $1,000 plus attorney’s fees from the collector.
FCRA — Credit Report ErrorsDischarged debts that continue reporting as active balances are FCRA violations. We identify and dispute them aggressively on your behalf.
Automatic Stay ViolationsCreditors who continue collection after your filing date face sanctions under § 362(k) — actual damages, punitive damages, and attorney’s fees paid by the violating creditor.
The Bottom Line: You hired an attorney to protect you — not just to file paperwork. At Steven C. Fraser, P.A., the representation does not end at discharge. We monitor, we fight, and when creditors cross the line, we make them pay for it.
Legal Resource Center

DC Bankruptcy Guides & Insights

Plain-English answers to the questions DC residents actually ask

Chapter 7Mar 29, 2026

DC Chapter 7 Means Test: What the Numbers Actually Mean in 2026

The 2026 DOJ median income figures for DC have shifted — and whether you fall above or below the line determines everything. Here’s what the means test actually calculates and what happens if your income exceeds the median.

Read More →
ExemptionsMar 29, 2026

The DC Unlimited Homestead Exemption: How to Keep Your Home in Bankruptcy

DC gives filers a choice most states don’t: federal exemptions capped at $31,575, or DC’s unlimited homestead with no ceiling on equity — if you’ve owned for 1,215+ days. The decision can be worth tens of thousands of dollars.

Read More →
Creditor ViolationsMar 29, 2026

Automatic Stay Violations in DC: What to Do When a Creditor Keeps Calling After You File

The automatic stay takes effect the instant you file — no hearing required. When creditors ignore it, § 362(k) authorizes actual damages, punitive damages, and attorney’s fees. Most bankruptcy attorneys don’t pursue these claims. Attorney Fraser does.

Read More →
View All Articles →
Frequently Asked Questions

Bankruptcy Questions,
Plain-English Answers

What exactly is Chapter 13 — and who is it for?
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Chapter 13 is a federally supervised debt repayment plan under 11 U.S.C. § 1301 et seq. You propose a 3-to-5-year plan paying creditors what they are legally entitled to — and nothing more. At plan completion, remaining eligible unsecured debt is discharged. It is designed for people with regular income who are behind on a mortgage, have assets to protect, or earn too much to qualify for Chapter 7.
How does Chapter 13 stop a foreclosure and let me keep my home?
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The automatic stay halts any foreclosure sale instantly when you file — including one scheduled for the next morning. The plan cures all mortgage arrears over 36–60 months while you continue your regular mortgage payment. If you have a second mortgage and your home is worth less than the first mortgage balance, Chapter 13 can strip that second lien entirely upon plan completion.
Can Chapter 13 help with a mortgage modification?
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Chapter 13 does not directly reduce a primary residence mortgage balance under § 1322(b)(2), but the automatic stay stops foreclosure and gives protected time to complete a pending modification application. The forced arrears cure compels the lender to accept repayment of missed payments over up to 60 months. For investment or rental properties, cramdown is fully available.
What are bankruptcy exemptions — and what can I keep?
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DC filers may choose between two systems. Federal exemptions (§ 522(d)): homestead $31,575; wildcard up to $17,475 for renters. DC state exemptions (D.C. Code § 15-501): unlimited homestead — no dollar cap on home equity if owned 1,215+ days. Attorney Fraser analyzes both systems for every client before filing.
I recently moved to DC — which exemptions apply to my bankruptcy?
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Under § 522(b)(3)(A): if you have lived in DC for at least 730 days before filing, DC exemptions apply and you may choose between DC and federal systems. If not yet 730 days, the state where you lived for the greater portion of the 180-day window ending 730 days before your filing date governs.
Is my tax refund protected if I file bankruptcy?
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A tax refund is property of the bankruptcy estate under § 541. Renters can redirect the full federal wildcard (§ 522(d)(5)) — up to $17,475 — to protect a tax refund. Joint filers may protect up to $34,950. Filing after you have received and spent the refund on living expenses eliminates trustee exposure.
Where does my DC bankruptcy get filed — does the creditor's location matter?
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Venue is governed by 28 U.S.C. § 1408. DC residents file in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Columbia — regardless of where any creditor is headquartered. Virginia servicers, Maryland creditors, and Texas credit card companies must all respond to the DC court.
Will I lose my home if I file bankruptcy in DC?
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In Chapter 7, DC filers may use either the federal homestead exemption ($31,575 under § 522(d)(1)) or DC's unlimited homestead under D.C. Code § 15-501 for homes owned 1,215+ days. In Chapter 13, you cure mortgage arrears over 3–5 years and keep the property as long as plan payments are made.
What happens the day I file?
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The automatic stay under § 362 takes effect the instant the petition is filed. Wage garnishments, bank levies, foreclosure sales, and collection calls must stop immediately. Creditors who continue collecting face sanctions under § 362(k) — actual damages, punitive damages, and attorney's fees paid by the violating creditor.
Do I qualify for Chapter 7? What is the means test?
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The means test compares your average monthly income over the past 6 months to DC's or Florida's median for your household size. Below the median: you automatically qualify. Above the median: a second calculation of IRS allowable expenses applies. Use the free calculator on this page for an instant estimate based on 2026 DOJ median income data.
Can my student loans be discharged?
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Recent DOJ guidance has created a real window under § 523(a)(8) via an adversary proceeding. The DOJ now uses an attestation-based review weighing income, health, age, and repayment history. Both the DC Bankruptcy Court and the Middle District of Florida have granted discharges in recent years. Attorney Fraser evaluates student loan discharge eligibility at every intake.
What if a creditor keeps calling after I file?
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That is a willful violation of the automatic stay, actionable under § 362(k). You may be entitled to actual damages, punitive damages, and attorney's fees paid by the violating creditor. Document every contact — date, time, caller ID, content of call — and contact Attorney Fraser immediately.
Do I have to go to court?
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For Chapter 7, you attend one brief 341 Meeting of Creditors — typically 10–15 minutes by phone or video — before a bankruptcy trustee. Most Chapter 7 clients never appear in a courtroom. Chapter 13 involves a confirmation hearing, but Attorney Fraser handles all court appearances. All proceedings are conducted virtually.
What debts cannot be discharged?
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Non-dischargeable debts include: domestic support obligations (child support, alimony), most student loans without an adversary proceeding, recent income taxes, debts arising from fraud or willful misconduct, and criminal fines. Credit cards, medical bills, payday loans, and most unsecured debts can be discharged.
How is Attorney Fraser different from a national bankruptcy firm?
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National bankruptcy networks assign cases to attorneys you have never met and sometimes rotate through multiple attorneys per case. Attorney Fraser handles every case personally from first call to discharge — no handoff, no network, no reassignment. He also actively pursues creditor violations including FDCPA, FCRA, automatic stay violations, and discharge injunction violations.

Free Consultation

Speak directly with Attorney Fraser

  • Attorney-client privilege from first contact
  • Chapter 7 & 13 means test analysis
  • Student loan discharge review
  • DC and Florida jurisdictions
  • Creditor violation assessment
  • Same-week appointments available
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