Personal Bankruptcy under Chapter 7
Despite recent changes in the bankruptcy law, you still can quality for Chapter 7 bankruptcy relief. Although, the new laws make it more difficult, bankruptcy and debt relief are still available, especially when represented by experienced and competent counsel. Contact bankruptcy attorney Darrel C. Horsted today for a free initial consultation.
Many debtors experience a sense of shame or humiliation when faced with bankruptcy. Others believe they should be able to file their cases without the assistance of counsel. Unfortunately, the new bankruptcy laws are not "consumer friendly", and many debtors experience significant frustration and often a substantial loss of legal rights, including the financial relief they deserve.
In his law practice, Mr. Horsted has represented such debtors for more than 32 years, and he often represents clients who have been injured in accidents, devastated by a divorce, or terminated from their employment, resulting in debts that force them to consider bankruptcy. Mr. Horsted's office believes that bankruptcy, which is a traditional part of our country's history, is a valuable legal right that is guaranteed under the Constitution to any citizen experiencing stress or duress because of debts or a financial crisis.
The Process of Filing Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Bankruptcy relief is available to individual and business debtors who require a "fresh start" in life, free from overwhelming financial obligations. The new bankruptcy laws require a thorough examination of your present financial situation and compliance with financial and bankruptcy criteria. After these issues are resolved, the bankruptcy court requires the filing of several documents, including your petition, schedules of debts and assets, and statements reflecting your personal, financial, and business affairs. Therefore, most debtors find that experienced counsel is required for guidance and advice during their cases. San Francisco bankruptcy lawyer Darrel C. Horsted will represent you throughout all these stages of the bankruptcy process, including the following:
- You must file a bankruptcy petition in court, including certain financial and legal documents
- You must provide a certificate of credit counseling
- Ensuring that the filing of the petition stops all creditor proceedings and harassment
- Representing you at the meeting of creditors, where you will be questioned by the trustee about your income, assets, and financial affairs
- The trustee liquidates any property to which you are not entitled (which is quite rare)
- Any money obtained from the liquidated property will be distributed to creditors
- After the case us completed, all or most of your debts are discharged
Role of an Attorney in Bankruptcy Proceedings
There are many complex aspects to filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy, and a competent and experienced attorney will ensure that you comply with these requirements. For example, certain debts, such as student loans, are not discharged, most personal and household property is exempt from liquidation, and most debtors retain their homes and automobiles. Mr. Horsted will ensure that you understand the full implications of filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
For more information about filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, contact bankruptcy lawyer Darrel C. Horsted for a free initial consultation. We represent people throughout the San Francisco, bay area, including Oakland, Sausalito, San Jose, and Santa Cruz.
Darrel C. Horsted, Attorney at Law
130 Sutter Street, Suite 700
San Francisco, CA 94104-4204
Phone: (415) 291-1900
Fax: (415) 291-3500
Darrel C. Horsted, Attorney at Law represents clients throughout the San Francisco, California, bay area including Daly City, the East Bay, Oakland, Alameda, Fairfield, Hayward, Livermore, Vallejo, Vacaville, Walnut Creek, Brentwood, Concord, Antioch, the South Bay, San Jose, Santa Cruz, Milpitas, Campbell, Sunnyvale, Chico, Napa, Richmond, Redwood City, Redding, Ukiah, Lodi, Fremont, Sausalito, Novato, and San Francisco, San Mateo, Contra Costa, Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, San Diego, Marin, Napa, and Alameda Counties.