Handling Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Filings
I have focused my Woodland Hills, California, law firm on helping people make a fresh start by wrapping up debt. This usually means filing Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Clients rely on me to give them straightforward answers and solutions that fit them — not someone else.
Call Los Angeles-area lawyer Jonathan Leventhal at 818-456-0397 for a free initial consultation.
Common Issues in Bankruptcy
I answer clients' questions about all aspects of bankruptcy. Below are some of the topics that come up often in my bankruptcy practice.
- Is bankruptcy the right choice? I can help you determine whether Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 is the right option for you. I evaluate your debts, looking at the type of debt, how old it is, and how behind you are on your payments.
- Chapter 7: Chapter 7 bankruptcy involves liquidating your non-exempt assets to pay your creditors a percentage of our debt. Once your creditors are paid, the remainder of your debts are discharged and you are free to start again.
- Chapter 13: Chapter 13 bankruptcy involves reorganizing your debts so that you can pay a percentage of them over three or five years. After this time, your remaining balances are discharged. You keep ALL of your property, nothing is liquidated.
- Means test: Not everyone qualifies for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. The means test determines whether you meet income qualifications for Chapter 7 as measured by your county's median income.
- Creditor harassment: Stopping creditor harassment is one of the most important benefits of filing bankruptcy. Once you file, phone calls and threatening letters must stop.
- Your home: People always wonder if they can keep their homes after filing bankruptcy. It depends on the type of bankruptcy and whether your home qualifies for an exemption.
- What debts can be discharged? Most debts can be discharged in either Chapter 7 and Chapter 13, although each case is different. However, people cannot discharge student loans, child or spousal support, criminal fines and restitution, debts for personal injury or death caused by driving while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs, most taxes or credit card charges used to pay taxes cannot be discharged.
- Debt negotiation and debt settlement: Many creditors will accept a partial payment to settle a debt rather than risk recieving nothing.
- Foreclosure: A foreclosure notice does not mean that you have to lose your home. Depending on the type of bankruptcy (7 or 13) that works best for you, you may be able to keep your house.
- Bankruptcy reform: Many people worry that they will be unable to file bankruptcy because of recent changes in the law. The important thing: most people can still file bankruptcy.
- How my office handles your bankruptcy: You will recieve personal attention from me, starting at the intial consultation. I will discuss all the paperwork and timelines with you to to ensure your comfort level and satisfaction.
- Glossary of terms used in bankruptcy: You may find this list useful and informative during your exploration of the bankruptcy process. Feel free to ask me about any bankruptcy related issue.
Contact the Law Offices of Jonathan Leventhal. Call me at 818-456-0397 to find out how an attorney can help you when your debt has become overwhelming.
We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code.
