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The Law Office of Jason Cline

Bankruptcy Law

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy – Debt Relief and Fresh Start

Chapter 7 bankruptcy provides a path to eliminate unsecured debt and pursue a fresh financial start. Often referred to as “liquidation bankruptcy,” this option helps individuals overwhelmed by credit card debt, medical bills, and other unsecured obligations find relief under U.S. bankruptcy law.


  • Eliminates most unsecured debts
  • Can stop creditor harassment and wage garnishments
  • Helps reduce financial stress and regain control of your finances


Attorney Cline evaluates your unique situation, explains exemptions available under New Mexico law, and guides you through the Chapter 7 process with experienced advocacy.

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Official Form 309I, a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Case notice on paper, stacked in a file.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy – Repayment Plan That Protects Your Assets

Chapter 13 bankruptcy allows individuals to restructure debt into a manageable repayment plan over 3–5 years while protecting key assets such as your home and vehicles. This option is particularly useful if you want to stop foreclosure, keep property, and work toward financial stability without liquidation.


  • Stops foreclosure and wage garnishments
  • Protects homes, cars, and essential property
  • Offers structured repayment tailored to your income


Attorney Cline explains eligibility, develops a repayment strategy, and represents you throughout the Chapter 13 process to help you achieve the best possible outcome.

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Why Choose the Law Office of Jason Cline

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Personalized Legal Strategy

We treat every case with individualized attention and clear communication.

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Experienced Representation

Jason Cline has over 20 years working with bankruptcy matters and foreclosure defense.

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Compassionate Support

We understand the stress of financial hardship and work to guide you through challenging legal processes.

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Focused on Your Future

Our goal is to help you protect what matters and rebuild toward a more secure financial future.

Ready to talk about your legal situation? Call (505) 595-0110 to schedule a consultation with Attorney Jason Cline and take the first step toward clearer financial solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can filing Chapter 13 bankruptcy stop a foreclosure sale in New Mexico?

    Yes. Filing Chapter 13 triggers an automatic stay that immediately halts a scheduled foreclosure sale, giving you time to catch up on missed mortgage payments through a court-approved repayment plan. Jason Cline represents clients in both the bankruptcy and foreclosure processes.

  • What is judicial foreclosure and how does it work in New Mexico?

    New Mexico requires lenders to file a lawsuit in state district court to foreclose. You have the right to file an answer, raise defenses, and contest the sale. An experienced foreclosure litigation attorney can challenge standing, improper notices, or lender errors at each stage.

  • Where can I find an experienced foreclosure litigation lawyer in Albuquerque?

    The Law Office of Jason Cline serves homeowners facing foreclosure in Albuquerque, New Mexico, handling both foreclosure defense litigation and bankruptcy options designed to protect your home. Jason Cline has experience representing clients through the full judicial foreclosure process in New Mexico state court.

  • What defenses can be raised against a foreclosure lawsuit in New Mexico?

    Common defenses include challenging the lender's legal standing to sue, identifying improper or defective notices, and exposing errors in the loan documents or foreclosure procedures. Because New Mexico is a judicial foreclosure state, homeowners have a formal opportunity to raise these defenses in court before any sale occurs.

  • How long does the foreclosure process typically take in New Mexico?

    New Mexico's judicial foreclosure process generally takes several months to over a year, depending on court scheduling, whether the homeowner contests the case, and any bankruptcy filings that pause proceedings. Because every case moves through state district court, there are meaningful opportunities to slow or stop the process.

  • What is the difference between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy when trying to save a home from foreclosure?

    Chapter 13 is typically the stronger option for saving a home because it lets you restructure and repay mortgage arrears over a three-to-five-year plan while keeping the property. Chapter 7 can provide short-term relief through the automatic stay but does not include a built-in mechanism for catching up on missed payments.

  • What happens after a lender files a foreclosure lawsuit against me in New Mexico?

    Once a lender files suit, you will be formally served and given a deadline to file a written answer with the court. Failing to respond can result in a default judgment allowing the sale to proceed, which is why contacting a foreclosure litigation attorney quickly after being served is important.

  • Can a foreclosure sale be challenged or overturned after it has already occurred in New Mexico?

    In some circumstances, yes — if the lender failed to follow required legal procedures, provided defective notice, or committed errors during the judicial process, a court may have grounds to set aside the sale. These challenges are time-sensitive and fact-specific, so acting immediately after a sale is critical.

  • Do I need a lawyer to defend against foreclosure in New Mexico, or can I represent myself?

    You have the legal right to represent yourself, but foreclosure litigation involves complex procedural rules, strict court deadlines, and technical defenses that are difficult to navigate without legal training. An experienced foreclosure attorney can identify lender errors and file the proper motions to protect your rights at every stage.

  • What should I do first if I have missed mortgage payments and am worried about foreclosure in Albuquerque?

    The most important first step is to understand exactly where you stand in the foreclosure timeline, because New Mexico's judicial process includes specific deadlines that affect your options. Consulting with a foreclosure litigation attorney early — before a lawsuit is filed or a sale is scheduled — preserves the widest range of defenses and remedies.