Johnson Legal Services, 1049 Market Street, Wheeling, WV 26003 | Bankruptcy Lawyer Chapter 7 | Chapter 11 | Chapter 13

Which type of bankruptcy should I file for?

The most common types of bankruptcy for individuals are Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. In a nutshell, Chapter 7 involves liquidating assets to pay off debts, while Chapter 13 involves creating a repayment plan. The best option depends on your financial situation, so it's advisable to consult with a bankruptcy attorney to determine the most suitable choice for you. Mr. Johnson is an experienced bankruptcy attorney and can help you identify the most appropriate solution for your case in West Virginia, Ohio and Pennsylvania.
How is child custody determined in divorce cases?

Child custody is typically determined based on the best interests of the child, taking into account factors such as the child's relationship with each parent, their physical and emotional needs, and the ability of each parent to provide a stable environment. Custody arrangements can be agreed upon by both parents or decided by a judge if the parents cannot reach an agreement.
What is the process for filing a civil lawsuit?

Filing a civil lawsuit involves several steps, including drafting and filing a complaint, serving the complaint to the defendant, gathering evidence through discovery, attending pre-trial conferences, and ultimately going to trial if a settlement cannot be reached. Given its complexity, it's crucial to have legal representation throughout the process to navigate tricky legal procedures and ensure your rights are protected.
Can I keep any of my assets if I file for bankruptcy?

Yes, you may be able to keep certain assets depending on the type of bankruptcy you file and the exemptions available in your state. Exemptions typically include items such as your primary residence, vehicle, household goods, and retirement accounts. However, it's essential to consult with a bankruptcy attorney to understand which assets you can protect and develop a strategy to maximize the retention of your property while still obtaining debt relief.
What is alimony, and how is it determined?

Alimony, also known as spousal support, is financial support paid by one spouse to the other during or after a divorce or separation. The amount and duration of alimony are determined based on various factors, including the length of the marriage, each spouse's financial situation and earning capacity, contributions to the marriage, and the standard of living established during the marriage. Alimony arrangements can be negotiated between the spouses or ordered by a judge as part of the divorce settlement.

Hello,

Welcome to JLS!

Johnson Legal Services ("JLS") serves clients in Ohio, West Virginia and Pennsylvania from our headquarters in Wheeling, West Virginia. Or experienced team focuses on business and consumer bankruptcy cases in the Southern District of Ohio, the Northern and Southern Districts of West Virginia, and the Western District of Pennsylvania. Its founding member, Ryan Johnson, worked in the federal judiciary for 20 years before entering private practice and opening JLS on Market Plaza in downtown Wheeling, West Virginia.

In addition to being the founding member of JLS, Mr. Johnson is the Standing Chapter 13 Trustee for the State of West Virginia (for both the Northern and Southern federal judicial districts of West Virginia), has written extensively on the practice of law, and is a frequent speaker at legal seminars. If you are interested in joining our team, please see our "Careers" page!

Legal Resume

Practice Areas

What JLS Offers:

Free Initial Consultation

Experience

Competent Representation

Professionalism

Services

*Pricing varies on case, quote available after free 1st meeting.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

Chapter 7 - liquidation of debts. Most cases are over within 100 days. JLS represents clients with legal plans such as Metlife, and offers multiple payment options tailored to your circumstances.

Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

You can propose a Chapter 11 plan to reorganize business debts and repay creditors pursuant to a court enforced order of confirmation. Subchapter V of Chapter 11 makes reorganization viable and cost-effective for many small businesses.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Save a home from foreclosure, stop tax interest and penalties, repay what you can afford over a 3-5 year period. (Services only offered in Pennsylvania and Ohio). Convert high interest car loans to the bankruptcy rate (currently 8.5% to 10.5%) and lower monthly payments.3

Business Law

Services range from business incorporation to business management and litigation, through liquidation and termination.

Civil Litigation

Whether you are being sued or believe that you have been wronged, JLS can provide you with a solid defense or an aggressive offense within the confines of the law.

Immigration Law

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Coming Soon!

Services offered in English and Italian

Offriamo i servizi d'immigrazione in inglese o in italiano

*Please note that Mr. Johnson serves as the Standing Chapter 13 Trustee for West Virginia and therefore does not represent individuals in Chapter 13 cases in West Virginia, and he does not represent creditors of individuals who have filed for bankruptcy protection in West Virginia.

Recent Bankruptcy Cases

JLS represents individuals and businesses in all types of bankruptcy proceedings. JLS was one of the top bankruptcy filing law firms by volume in 2024 in the Northern District of West Virginia. From individuals in Chapters 7 and 13, to business liquidations in Chapter 7, to business reorganization of all types and sizes in Chapter 11, JLS has the experience to see your case to its successful conclusion.

Recent Federal Litigation

JLS represents clients in federal court. Recently, JLS file a lawsuit under the Carmack Amendment for the failure to deliver goods in interstate commerce and for violations of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, has defended end-of-life caregivers from claims by heirs, and has worked to discharge or reduce the federal student loan obligations of borrowers.

Recent Consumer Protection Cases

State and federal consumer protection laws are often underutilized. JLS represents consumers in vindicating their rights under state specific unfair trade practices acts, the federal Fair Debt Collection Act, Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Truth in Lending Act, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, among many other similar laws.

Recent Business Law Cases

JLS has experience with managing businesses, leadership, human resources, strategic planning and reorganization. Whether you are looking for corporate general counsel or a specific service, JLS has the experience to assist you.

If you’d like more information, call us today.

304-212-4950