Archive for the ‘Bankruptcy’ Category

California Bankruptcy Lawyer – The Best Defense for You and Your Assets

Saturday, December 19th, 2009

Retaining a California bankruptcy lawyer may be the best decision you can make if you have decided that bankruptcy is the right choice for you. You may be tempted to purchase a “do-it-yourself” software package rather than retaining a lawyer. This version seems simple and straightforward, right?Fill out the forms, print, and send them in. Before making that purchase, you should know that the ramifications of some of your answers are not as simple as they seem.If you do not meet the restrictive exceptions of your state or circumstance, the court may dismiss your case, wasting your time and money.

A California bankruptcy lawyer can explain your options and translate the guidelines in clear, non-technical terms. For instance, do you understand the differences between secured and un-secured debt? Did you know there are several categories of property? The type of debts you have, dictate whether, as an individual, you will file Chapter 7 or Chapter 13.An experienced lawyer can easily walk you through the process of listing your debts, defining them as secured or unsecured and discuss which assets can be declared exempt.They can explain creditor rights in a way that helps you make the best, informed decision possible.

Though most guidelines for bankruptcy are the same nationwide, there are some exceptions that vary from state to state. California takes it even further than most. They have a California Exemption-System 2 in addition to the Federal system. This is similar to the federal system, but with variables that include Homesteads, Pensions, Wages and Wildcard statutes. A California bankruptcy lawyer can explain the differences between these two systems and define specifics of California Bankruptcy Code, especially as it pertains to which assets are subject to liens. They will help you understand the differences between redemption, reaffirmation and surrendering of assets.

For many individuals who choose bankruptcy, it is a way to achieve a fresh start. Despite common belief, you usually do not need to give up your home or car.Credit cards are not automatically cancelled. Credit, while affected, is not destroyed and it does not need to take ten years to rebuild.When you retain a California bankruptcy lawyer, you have someone in your corner who is experienced and knowledgeable. They understand the most recent changes in the law and can help use it to your best advantage. They help you decide what option is right for you.

Why You Must Consider Hiring Coronado Bankruptcy Attorney

Wednesday, December 16th, 2009

It is not really surprising that many people are afraid of hiring a Coronado bankruptcy attorney at a time when everyone is knee-deep in debt. Since huge fees are usually associated with hiring lawyers, it is but natural for individuals feeling the financial pinch to stay away from lawyers thinking that no one can afford exorbitant legal fees anyway. In reality, however, hiring a bankruptcy lawyer practicing in your area is a must. Even if you do not own several yachts, Learjet planes or multi-million dollar mansions, you really do not have to worry about paying for legal fees. Here are the reasons why you should consider hiring a bankruptcy lawyer:

Having no money at all is not a reason to avoid hiring a Coronado bankruptcy attorney. More often than not, you can seek free consultation online or via phone from numerous law firms, particularly Shanner Law. You need to take advantage of our free consultations so that you will know if bankruptcy is really the best option to take. Besides, the amount of upfront money that you need to pay your lawyer is dependent on the type of bankruptcy you are planning to file. More often than not, fees for a Chapter 13 bankruptcy are lower than a Chapter 7 filing. Furthermore, bankruptcy attorneys will also help you find ways in which to come up with the money you need for your legal fees, so you really do not have to worry about anything.

But the bankruptcy process is not simple. You need to understand that this can be long and winding, especially if you do not have someone who will guide you through the proceedings. In order for you to understand exactly what you are going through and what options to take, you badly need the help of a Coronado bankruptcy attorney. Besides, in order to spare you from headaches in the future, you need to ensure that you have all the documents and other paperwork necessary for a hassle free filing.

Since there are a growing number of people filing for bankruptcy not only in San Diego but in other places in the country as well, the demand for bankruptcy lawyers is rising too. If you think that you need the services of Coronado bankruptcy attorney, you should not dillydally so that you can still be accommodated by topnotch bankruptcy experts. Even if your case is not as complex as Lehman’s and other high-profile bankruptcy filing, you still deserve the best lawyer in town.

National City Bankruptcy Attorney – Do You Really Need One?

Monday, November 16th, 2009

Since bankruptcies have become harder to file after the passing of Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005, the need to hire a National City bankruptcy attorney has become more important than ever. The requirements and paperwork needed to justify the filing of bankruptcy protection has become more stringent. A lot of people encounter problems with such a proceeding primarily because they do not know what to do and they have not provided appropriate documentation. Although bankruptcy courts are very helpful, the sheer number of people and businesses filing for bankruptcy due to the recent financial crisis has made it close to impossible for the courts to assist and accommodate everyone in a timely manner.

If you want to get over your bankruptcy proceeding fast, then you would require the services of a National City bankruptcy attorney. It is worth noting that the number of filings in the Southern District of California Bankruptcy Court for 2008 increased to 13,633 filings from 7,669 the previous year. If you want to have bankruptcy protection at the soonest possible time, it is important that you have all your papers in place to justify your application. A bankruptcy lawyer is important because he will check if all your documentation and requirements needed for filing are in place.

In order to determine beforehand if you have other options other than filing Chapter 13 or 7 bankruptcy protection, you will need a National City bankruptcy attorney to help you you’re your lawyer is an expert in such a proceeding so he can provide you with adequate information on what alternatives you can take. Sometimes you will even be amazed that bankruptcy may not be the only recourse to get you back on your feet and achieve financial solvency.

If you are one of the many people who are planning to file bankruptcy protection, you should act immediately. If you dillydally, you will end up losing more money on things that might not really be helpful to your cause. One of the things that you need to do first is to look for a National City bankruptcy attorney who has adequate experience in bankruptcy proceedings in San Diego County. Finding a local lawyer to help you out is not only cost-efficient, but it will also hasten things as well. It would also be a good idea to find a law firm that is not only focused in bankruptcy, but in debt settlements and loan modification proceedings as well.

La Mesa Bankruptcy Attorney – The Person Who Will Look After You

Monday, November 16th, 2009

A lot of people think that a lawyer, such as a La Mesa bankruptcy attorney, is someone you should avoid at all cost. It seems that past experiences and loads of lawyer jokes have made many individuals to think that lawyers are people who cannot be trusted. However, in a time when a lot of people are experiencing financial difficulties because of massive job losses, unpaid credit card debts, and unprecedented number of foreclosures, a bankruptcy lawyer who works in your locality is a person whom you can depend on to look after you, especially in one of the most difficult periods of your life.

Although credit counselors can teach you how to save money and what to do in order to make both ends meet, they are not really in a position to assist you efficiently during your bankruptcy protection filing or proceeding. If you put your trust on bankruptcy judges to look after you, you might be disappointed. Although they are inclined to help people regain financial solvency, this is not really their job. They have to be impartial to ensure that both parties will be treated fairly and equitably. So, who is the person who will work for your benefit and will try his best to make the results of the proceedings advantageous to you? If you guessed La Mesa bankruptcy attorney, then you are correct.

Think of a La Mesa bankruptcy attorney like me and my associates as a friend whose sole job is to do what is best for you. We will guide you and provide you with pieces of advice on what your options are. More often than not, bankruptcy is not the only way out of your financial mess. If the lawyer you hire is also an expert in other financial services, you can also count on him to extend a helping hand in coming up with a debt settlement solution.

Let’s face it, bankruptcy can be very complex. Since bankruptcy lawyers have devoted time and effort in mastering the ins and outs of such proceedings, we are in a better position to negotiate on your behalf. We are your ally on your road to financial recovery. The only thing you need to remember is to pick the right La Mesa bankruptcy attorney. Make sure that you choose a local attorney if you live in La Mesa so that it would be easier to consult and meet with your lawyer.

Lemon Grove Bankruptcy Attorney – First Step in Bankruptcy Filing

Monday, November 16th, 2009

If you are planning to file for bankruptcy protection, the first step that you need to take is to look for a Lemon Grove bankruptcy attorney, if you live in Lemon Grove and the nearby areas. It is a common misconception that lawyers will just siphon off money from their clients. Remember that in the law profession, experience and track record are the two things that people should look for. More often than not, lawyers like me get new clients through referral systems. This means that we have to make the people we represent happy and contented with the outcome of their court proceedings.

Once you have found the perfect Lemon Grove bankruptcy attorney for you, the next step is to arrange a meeting with him. There are many law firms, including us at Shanner and Associates that do not charge for the first consultation. At this point, it would be a good idea to be honest with your lawyer. You have to lay everything on the table so that your legal representative can come up with the best option for you. Remember that your bankruptcy attorney will only be effective in representing you if you are forthright at the very beginning.

Some of the things that you should bring during your first meeting with your Lemon Grove bankruptcy attorney include the income taxes that you haven’t paid, outstanding balances on your mortgage, and other debts. You should also provide a monthly breakdown of your monthly bills, which should include credit cards, utilities, club memberships, Internet purchases, and other types of bills and subscriptions. When filing for bankruptcy, you really need to be thorough and honest with your lawyer. You should also furnish your lawyer with copies of important documents, including pay slips for the last two months, court papers in connection with any lawsuits or legal actions that you are currently involved in, divorce papers, and any other pertinent papers that can affect your case.

What you can do, in order to help your Lemon Grove bankruptcy attorney in representing your case, is to be open with your lawyer. Even if the questions that he asks could sometimes sound too personal, for as long as they are related to your financial problems, then you really have to answer honestly. Some of the things that your attorney may ask could be related to your marital status, the length of your stay in the state, and your debt payment practices.

Bankruptcy in California – The First Step Towards Financial Stability

Saturday, November 14th, 2009

Bankruptcy in California has many guidelines, both basic and complex. If you are filing personal bankruptcy, it may be approached differently than if you are filing as a business. Depending on the situation, the focus on personal bankruptcy may be liquidation, debt consolidation, foreclosures, repossessions or wage garnishments.  If it will be filed as corporate bankruptcy it will include asset liquidation and/or reorganization. In recent months we have heard the term bankruptcy being used a lot, from national finance experts to the local news anchors. Do most people really understand what it is, though? Is it an end or beginning to financial stability?

There are three types of bankruptcy in California, Chapter 7, Chapter 11 and Chapter 13. Chapters 7 and 13 are most commonly filed for individuals. Chapter 11 is for businesses.  In both Chapter 7 and 13, a petition is filed with the court, detailing information regarding assets, debts, income and “exempt” assets. In Chapter 7, the court appoints a trustee to review the filing, conduct meetings with creditors, liquidate specific assets and distribute proceeds to the creditors. The process is usually completed in three to four months.  In Chapter 13, a repayment plan is set up for a three to five year period of time.

Chapter 11 is used by sole proprietors, partnerships and corporations for reorganization. The business files a petition with the court that itemizes assets and liabilities, details finances, projects earnings and provides a history and cause of the filing. A plan, preferably created by the debtor, will also be filed, detailing the steps they intend to take to clear its debts. This plan is voted on by the creditors. If accepted, it will be confirmed by the court.  Guidelines for bankruptcy in California allow the debtor to act is its own trustee, retaining possession of property and assets.

Though circumstances vary from one individual to another, there are some questions to ask yourself before deciding to pursue the bankruptcy option. Are you able to pay only the minimums on your bills? With strict budgeting, are you unable to yourself out of debt in five years? Are your loans or mortgage being foreclosed?  In many cases, bankruptcy in California does not remove all debts. Alimony, Child Support, taxes and student loans are among the debts you may still be held responsible for. A qualified, experienced attorney can help you sort through the differences and decide which option is best for you.

Type of Bankruptcy in San Diego – How to Prepare for the Worst

Tuesday, October 20th, 2009

More than ever before, people are being forced to declare some type of bankruptcy in San Diego. We all know that the economy is rough right now, and though it is likely to turn around before too long, I know that if you are one of the millions that have filed bankruptcy it has already been too long. With the job market shrinking and the cost of living growing, it is a pretty dire forecast right now. These changes are putting even the most financially conservative folks right in harm’s way.

So what is the best way to avoid having to file some type of bankruptcy in San Diego? Really, there is no one good answer. If you have lost your job, and are scrambling to find another one, the best that I can tell you is to keep looking. Though unemployment is on the rise, there are already some indications in the stock market that things are going to turn around soon. While you are looking for the next step in your career, don’t be afraid to take a job that may not be your dream position, in order to stave off financial ruin.

If you are one of the lucky folks that still has a job to call their own, it does not mean that you are completely in the clear and in no danger of having to file some type of bankruptcy in San Diego. Be conservative in your expenses and use credit wisely and sparingly. So many folks are defaulting on their credit cards and loans right now that all lenders are definitely feeling the burn. People across the nation are watching their minimum monthly payments sky rocket, which is seriously impacting their monthly budget. Keeping your debt to income ratio as low as possible will help reduce the odds of a change in payment completely derailing your financial stability.

The last bit of advice that I can offer you to help avoid or work your way through any type of bankruptcy in San Diego, is to seek out the counsel and advice of a good bankruptcy or financial planning attorney. With experience navigating the pitfalls and disasters that can await just about anyone in bankruptcy, they can help you to steer clear of the worst dangers and keep you on a sound and secure footing. Remember that it is possible to recover from bankruptcy if you do wind up having to go that route, and a good attorney can help you regain your footing sooner, rather than later.

San Diego Bankruptcy Law Firms – Heroes for a Dark Financial Period

Tuesday, October 13th, 2009

It’s an unfortunate truth, but San Diego bankruptcy law is one of the fastest growing types of practice in the country right now. Quickly swelling beyond personal injury and family practice, more and more people and families are finding themselves in the unhappy position of seeking out a bankruptcy attorney every day. With our country in the throes of a recession, it seems that the only ones making any money are the people that are helping those who have lost all of their money. Though this is not entirely true, I know it sure feels that way if you are the one filing for bankruptcy.

Lawyers often get a bad rap. They are portrayed as “ambulance chasers”, or slick and sneaky criminal defense lawyers who are just as interested in getting their fifteen minutes of fame as they are in actually helping their clients. While I am sure that there are some attorneys out there that do live up to their bad reputation, I truly believe that most people that practice law actually seek to help people. This is especially true of San Diego bankruptcy law firms.

San Diego bankruptcy law firms are there to help people when the chips are about as down as they can possibly get. At a time when their clients are finding themselves at absolute financial rock bottom, bankruptcy attorneys are hard at work, trying to help their clients navigate the process with as much ease and dignity as possible. I think it is an admirable thing that they do, helping people get out from suffocating amounts of debt and onto a more constructive path, where they have the chance to become financially solvent once more.

With our economy in the shambles that it is in right now, we can expect the number of bankruptcies being filed to continue to rise. Even once the economy begins to turn around, there will be many people that will still need to seek out the aid of San Diego bankruptcy law firms. The damage done to people’s financial situation will take longer to improve, as jobs need to be created and secured and while looking for work, many people are being forced to amass large amounts of debt. The bankruptcy attorneys will be the ones that are ultimately steering people back to financial freedom, and should be praised for their efforts, not vilified for a preconceived misconception.

San Diego Legal Advice – Filing Bankruptcy

Thursday, July 16th, 2009

There are many reasons to seek useful legal advice in San Diego, California.  Everything from divorce advice and child support to finances and job loss requires specific attention because every case is different.  There are basic points that are generally the same from case to case, however, and I am here to share these financial tips with you regarding bankruptcy.  San Diego legal advice can be found in many forms, but what you need to consider most heavily is advice from an unbiased source.

We all know times are tough right now, especially for California residents who are getting hit the hardest during this economic recession.  Bills are getting harder to pay and debt continues to increase.  Filing bankruptcy can be good San Diego legal advice because it is a way to discharge your debts completely, giving you a fresh start financially.  However, the advice goes further than this.  A Chapter 7 Bankruptcy should be a last resort because it can only be filed every eight years, and once the decision is made to make that file, it remains as part of your credit history for the seven to ten years.

Before you file, be aware of a few things.  What is the compilation of your monthly expenses?  This includes rent, telephone bills, medical payments and anything else you pay monthly to provide for your family.  This amount must come to more than your monthly net income to legally file for bankruptcy under a Chapter 7.  The second portion of San Diego legal advice concerning bankruptcy I can give you is that your assets, which are a collection of all the property you own, should be worth less than your liabilities, or debts that you currently owe.  These parts will all be listed on your bankruptcy petition.

During your bankruptcy proceedings, all the creditors you list will be forced to stop their collecting procedures.  Meetings with creditors and bankruptcy trustees will take place about a month after the filing.  Important decisions will be made about any non-exempt property you may have available for the benefit of your creditors.  60 days later, your bankruptcy will be granted if none of your creditors appear to make objections.  While these proceedings are general and the circumstances may vary from case to case, San Diego legal advice centers on the idea that bankruptcy is a serious decision that it must be done legally and with proper legal councel to avoid further complications.  Soon you will be back in control of your own finances.

San Diego Bankruptcy – How it Relates to a Credit Score

Wednesday, July 15th, 2009

Filing for bankruptcy in California has seen a rise in recent years with the collapse of the economy.  San Diego bankruptcy is a prevalent cause for bad credit because the two are directly linked together.  Credit is a fickle friend, one which gets us into trouble in the first place and is used to try to get us out again.  The ever-present pressure we face every day of trying to keep our credit scores high is enough to make most people grow a few gray hairs.  The difference in a few numbers of the credit scale can make the difference between getting a loan and being denied.  Filing for bankruptcy causes a credit score to plummet, so it should be a last resort.

When we file for bankruptcy, several things happen.  First is our acknowledgement that we can no longer make necessary payments on our own.  We must be relieved from paying unsecured debts, but relief that comes from filing a San Diego bankruptcy comes at a price.  From this time on interest rates on credit cards and loans will increase, obviously a negative side effect of having our debts relieved.

We sometimes must opt for filing San Diego bankruptcy because it is the only option left for us.  It is not the end of the world, though!  While filing bankruptcy initially causes a great depletion of credit scores, over time if we stick with making regular payments on a high interest rate credit card, the credit score can make a strong comeback.  This process does take years, but eventually it will rise to the level it once was.  If the ultimate goal is to restore credit ratings, the work will be well worth it!

Everyone needs to understand the process behind San Diego bankruptcy and its pervasiveness in society today.  Many people may think the instant debt is too high that bankruptcy is the only option.  There are steps we can all take to avoid bankruptcy, but if it comes down to it and we must file bankruptcy, we can rest with the knowledge that things can only go up from there.  With a bit of hard work and dedication to self control and good financing, we can back on our financial feet once again!