Tell us more about your case so that we can show you lawyers that serve your area.
Southern California's Premier Law Firm
3055 Wilshire Boulevard 12th Floor - Los Angeles, CA 90010
HELP is here for YOU. FREE consultation & Nolo discount
9854 National Blvd., #242 - Los Angeles, CA 90034
Please contact us today for a free consultation.
201 Spear Street, Suite 1100 - San Francisco, CA 94401
Personal and Small Business Bankruptcy - Know your options
495 Seaport Court Suite 105 - Redwood City, CA 94063
Free consultations and reasonable fees.
1801 Century Park East Suite 2400 - Los Angeles, CA 90067
Legal Help with Personal Bankruptcy in Central California
4905 North West Suite 104 - Fresno, CA 93705
Assertive, Affordable Representation in Bankruptcy and Family Law Matters.
131 A Stony Circle, Ste. 500 - Santa Rosa, CA 95401
Don't worry...There's Light
424 2nd Street - Davis, CA 95616
Orange County Bankruptcy and Consumer Protection Attorney
505 North Tustin Ave Suite, 284 - Santa Ana, CA 92705
Bakersfield area Bankruptcy & Disability Benefits Attorney
2101 17th street - Bakersfield , CA 93301
When you know you need an Attorney..You need to know Saunders Law Office. Free Consult. 951-445-3793
1891 California Ave, Ste 102 - Corona, CA 92881
A Full Service Law Firm Offering A Broad Range of Legal Solutions. We Fight For You!!!
495 E. Rincon Street Suite 120 - Corona, CA 92879
A Future Free of Debt! Servicing Los Angeles County and Orange County. Speak with an Attorney Today!
9454 Wilshire Boulevard Suite 711 - Beverly Hills, CA 90212
Free Yourself from Credit Card Prison
20 North Sutter Street Suite 202 - Stockton , CA 95202Spotlight on Bankruptcy in California
The Situation in the Golden State
When Governor Schwarzenegger recently warned the California state Assembly that “Our wallet is empty. Our bank is closed. Our credit is dried up.”, many Californians could relate to that scenario. Bankruptcies filed in 2008 hit record levels with over 133,000 in California alone, and over 95% of those filed by consumers. It is estimated that 1.4 million consumer bankruptcies will be filed in the U.S. in 2009, the surge triggered by the foreclosure crisis and economic downturn.
The Federal Bankruptcy Law involves processes, procedures and evaluations which can be complex and confusing, including major revisions made in 2005. Seek the advice of a California law firm with specific long-term experience in California bankruptcy matters. Check references, if possible. A competent California attorney will help you weigh your different options, make informed decisions, help you protect the security of your family and reduce your stress, while facing the realities of the situation.
Chapter 7 - The Most Common Consumer Bankruptcy Choice in California
Chapter 7 is the “fresh start” chapter of the Bankruptcy Code and most commonly used. This filing results in a fair distribution of your available nonexempt property to creditors. Unsecured debts are generally discharged. Included in this process is a “means test”, used to determine your ability to pay your creditors, verifying whether Chapter 7 is appropriate or indicating that you should be filing Chapter 13. Median Family Income by Family Size and current poverty guidelines are factors evaluated when determining appropriate filing status for a given situation.
Debts Which Generally Cannot be Discharged in Your California Bankruptcy:
Contact your creditors to try to work out payment arrangements that you can manage. Contact the non-profit Consumer Credit Counseling service to get help with a manageable repayment plan. Sell as many assets as you can and pay down your debt to a manageable level. Debt consolidation may be considered, but approach this option with caution to make sure it actually helps your situation.
Final Thoughts on California Bankruptcy
Californians continue to suffer, as the State’s economy struggles to recover. If you are considering filing for bankruptcy in California, decisions you make and actions you take now can have a positive or negative effect on the outcome of your bankruptcy proceedings. Although some filers elect to handle their bankruptcy on their own, The U.S. Bankruptcy Court cautions that “Bankruptcy has long-term financial and legal consequences -- hiring a competent attorney is strongly recommended.” Click here to find California attorney resources in your area.
