Alameda County Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Attorney
Helping Bay Area Residents File For Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Alameda County • Contra Costa County • Pleasanton
Individuals and families who face overwhelming debt have two options when it comes to a personal bankruptcy filing: Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. Chapter 7 may be the right choice for you if:
- You have a large amount of unsecured debt, like medical debt, personal loans and credit card debt
- Your income is not sufficient to pay the debt over the course of three to five years, even if that debt was reduced
- You have had a significant drop in income, perhaps from a job loss, cut in hours, or loss of spousal or child support
- You do NOT have significant family assets (such as valuable art or heirlooms that you want to protect)
- You meet the income qualifications
Chapter 7 bankruptcy is also called a "fresh start" bankruptcy because it wipes away much of your debt so you can start over. It is also called a "liquidation" bankruptcy because you may be required to sell assets over a certain value. However, most people who qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy do not have to sell anything.
Pleasanton Personal Bankruptcy Attorney
The Law Offices of James G. Schwartz has been helping individuals and families with a wide range of legal needs since 1976. If you are considering Chapter 7 bankruptcy and would like more information, a review of your financial situation, or help with your bankruptcy filing, contact us online or call 925-271-4460 to schedule a free initial consultation.
We will review your financial situation and advise you if you qualify for Chapter 7 or if Chapter 13 would be a better option for you. We will help you find and complete the required credit counseling course prior to filing. And we will work with you to gather all the necessary information to submit to the bankruptcy court.
How Does Bankruptcy Work?
Many of the benefits of Chapter 7 begin immediately upon filing the paperwork:
- Creditors can no longer call you at home or at work regarding the debts identified in the bankruptcy filing
- Creditors cannot garnish your wages
- Creditors cannot seize your bank account or put a lien on your home
- The bank cannot proceed with home foreclosure until your bankruptcy case is heard in court
- Your car cannot be repossessed until your case is heard
When the court approves your Chapter 7 bankruptcy, the debts listed in your bankruptcy filing will be discharged. You will not owe any money, or face fees or fines. If you wish to keep your home or your car and you can afford to make those payments, you can reaffirm those loans and continue to pay them.
Know Your Options
Before another day of demand letters and collection calls goes by, talk with a lawyer who can help you understand your options for getting out of debt. At the Law Offices of James G. Schwartz, our goal is to restore you to financial stability and peace of mind. Contact an Alameda County Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer at our law firm to schedule a free consultation.
We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code.
