How Can Bankruptcy Help Me Resolve My Debt?
Our Santa Maria bankruptcy lawyer has 30+ years of legal experience and has handled thousands of cases, including bankruptcy matters. We can carefully look into your financial situation and recommend which form of bankruptcy is right for you and your family.
Our bankruptcy attorney in Santa Maria can help you file for any of the following kinds of bankruptcy:
- Chapter 7 (liquidation) – This bankruptcy is also known as liquidation bankruptcy because it allows for the liquidation of your nonexempt assets to pay off your debts. You must meet certain income qualifications to be eligible for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. In most cases, our clients are able to keep all of their assets and still receive a discharge of their debts.
Our team in Santa Maria can guide you through the entire bankruptcy process, including helping you with filing all the necessary paperwork so you never feel overwhelmed or confused about your options. When you entrust your bankruptcy matter to us, you can feel peace of mind in knowing that your case is in good hands.
How Can Bankruptcy Help Me Regain Control of My Life?
Bankruptcy has many benefits other than debt resolution. Filing for bankruptcy can also be the first step for regaining control of your finances and your life. Filing gives the debtor an opportunity to be relieved from the constant harassing phone calls from creditors and credit agencies, avoid foreclosure, and more. It is important to consult with a Santa Maria bankruptcy attorney to ensure the best option for your situation and understand if you meet qualifications.
When you file for bankruptcy, an automatic stay is immediately implemented. The automatic stay stops most collection efforts from your debtors, including:
- Harassing communications
- Foreclosure
- Wage garnishments
- Repossessions
- Utility disconnection
If you need to save your home or car, stop a garnishment of your paycheck, or want to end constant phone calls from creditors, bankruptcy may be the right choice for you.
Learn more about bankruptcy benefits on our FAQ page.
What Debts Can or Cannot Be Discharged in Bankruptcy?
While bankruptcy does provide an effective way to discharge most of your debts, there are certain types of debts that cannot be discharged.
Debts that can be discharged in bankruptcy:
- Medical bills
- Credit card bills
- Personal loans
- Collection agency accounts
- Past due utility bills
- Car accident debts
- Civil court judgments
Debts that cannot be discharged in bankruptcy:
- Alimony
- Child support
- Certain tax debts such as liens
- Penalties from causing injury or death in drunk driving cases
- Criminal penalties and fines
Discuss your concerns and questions with our law firm's experienced Santa Maria bankruptcy lawyer for more information about your specific debts.