At the Law Firm of Howard Williams, we understand that overwhelming debt can be a significant burden. With over 35 years of legal experience, our dedicated team is committed to providing top-quality legal representation, as guaranteed under the U.S. Constitution. Our “Clients First” philosophy ensures that your needs are our priority every day. We proudly serve families across Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, and all of Bernalillo County.

95%
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Experience

Debt can creep up slowly or hit all at once — a medical bill you never planned for, a slow season for your 1099 work, credit cards that never go down no matter what you pay. Ignoring the warning signs costs you time and options, and once a creditor gets a judgment in a Bernalillo County court, wage garnishment comes next.
That’s why we created this FREE guide: to help Albuquerque families spot the red flags early — and know exactly what to do next. There’s no shame in a fresh start; hard-working New Mexico families use Chapter 7 every year to get back on their feet.
We focus on Chapter 7 bankruptcy, a legal process designed to help individuals eliminate unsecured debts and gain a fresh financial start. Our experienced attorneys will guide you through every step, ensuring you understand your options and make informed decisions.
Extensive Experience: Our team brings over five decades of combined legal expertise to your case.
Constitutional Commitment: We are dedicated to delivering the high-quality legal representation guaranteed under the U.S. Constitution.
Client-Centric Approach: Our “Clients First” philosophy means your needs and concerns are always our top priority.

With over 35 years of legal experience, our team provides knowledgeable representation for families across Albuquerque and Bernalillo County.
We prioritize your needs, ensuring personalized and attentive service.
Chapter 7 can discharge debts in as little as 120 days, allowing you to rebuild your financial life promptly.
I was overwhelmed with debt and didn’t know where to turn. The team at Howard Williams guided me through every step of the Chapter 7 process. Their compassion and professionalism made all the difference.
-Sarah M.
Facing financial hardships, I sought help from the Law Firm of Howard Williams. Their team guided me through bankruptcy with professionalism and care, leading to a fresh financial start. Highly recommend their services.
-Fred H.
A huge thank you to the Law Firm of Howard Williams! Their expertise in Chapter 7 bankruptcy gave me a fresh start. Highly recommend their services to anyone in Albuquerque facing debt issues.
-David L.
I was overwhelmed with debt and didn’t know where to turn. The team at Howard Williams guided me through every step of the Chapter 7 process. Their compassion and professionalism made all the difference.
-Sarah M.
Facing financial hardships, I sought help from the Law Firm of Howard Williams. Their team guided me through bankruptcy with professionalism and care, leading to a fresh financial start. Highly recommend their services.
-Fred H.
A huge thank you to the Law Firm of Howard Williams! Their expertise in Chapter 7 bankruptcy gave me a fresh start. Highly recommend their services to anyone in Albuquerque facing debt issues.
-David L.



Yes, filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy typically initiates an automatic stay, which temporarily halts most collection activities, including wage garnishment — a tactic creditors use heavily once they win a judgment in a Bernalillo County court. However, garnishments for certain debts, like child support, may not be affected.
You must wait eight years from the date of your previous Chapter 7 filing before you are eligible to file again under Chapter 7
Not necessarily. New Mexico allows exemptions for certain assets, such as your home, vehicle, and personal belongings, enabling you to retain essential property.
Some tax debts may be discharged in Chapter 7 bankruptcy if they meet specific criteria, such as being income taxes that are at least three years old and for which returns were filed at least two years prior to the bankruptcy filing. However, not all tax debts are dischargeable.
Filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy will have a significant negative impact on your credit score. The bankruptcy can remain on your credit report for up to ten years, making it more challenging to obtain new credit during that time.
A Chapter 7 bankruptcy can stay on your credit report for up to ten years
While many unsecured debts can be discharged, certain obligations like child support, alimony, and most student loans are typically non-dischargeable.