San Luis Obispo Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Lawyers
Debt Relief Through Chapter 7
Chapter 7 bankruptcy is a form of liquidation that allows a person to obtain
relief from most of their debts. If you are struggling with debt and wish
to start a new financial chapter in your life, Chapter 7 bankruptcy may
be the right course of action for you.
If you are interested in pursuing this debt-relief option, it is essential
that you seek the help of our skilled legal team at the Law Offices of
R. Morgan Holland, L.C. For over two decades, we have helped thousands
of struggling individuals find debt relief. There is hope for you, too.
Call our Santa Maria bankruptcy lawyer to learn more.
The Chapter 7 Means Test
In order to qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, an individual must meet certain
requirements. Mainly, the filer must prove that they do not have the adequate
disposable income to repay their creditors through a
Chapter 13 bankruptcy payment plan.
To determine this, a person must pass a "means test," which compares
their monthly income to the state's median income for their household
size. If your monthly income is under California's median income for
your household size, you automatically pass the means test and can file
for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
If your monthly income is greater than California's median, the means
test will take into account your essential, or "allowable,"
expenses. You will want to gather documentation of your expenses from
the past six months. The income left over after your allowable expenses
is considered your disposable income that you can put toward repaying the debt.
Some examples of allowable expenses in a California Chapter 7 bankruptcy
filing include:
- Mandatory employment deductions, including union dues, uniforms, or retirement plans
- Health, disability, or life insurance
- Court ordered payments for alimony or child support
- Child care expenses
- House or car payments
- Certain healthcare costs
What Happens When You File for Chapter 7?
The moment you file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, the automatic stay will protect
you from creditor harassment and wage garnishment. This can give you the
peace of mind you and your family need.
It typically takes four to six months to complete a Chapter 7 case. At
the end of the process, you will recieve a discharge of your qualifying debts.
Our San Luis Obispo
bankruptcy attorney can guide you through the entire process, attending creditor meetings
with you, defending you from creditor harassment, and handling all the
paperwork so that you are always aware of your rights and legal options.
Exemptions in a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in California
Debtors often have concerns about losing their property when they file
for Chapter 7. However, California's bankruptcy exemptions can allow
debtors to keep most or all of their assets. The state of California offers
debtors two exemption systems, which each offer different exemptions for
your homestead, personal property, vehicle, wages, and other assets.
Our attorneys can help you determine which exemption system will provide
you the best protection.
Reach Out to a Santa Maria Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Lawyer!
Since 1988, our law firm has become known for providing high-quality legal
services to clients facing massive debt. With
thousands of successful cases behind us, we have the legal resources and experience required to protect
your interests, both inside and outside of court. But you don't have
to take our word for it. Take a look at what some of our
previous clients have to say about the top-notch and client-focused services they received from us.
Contact us to request a
free case evaluation with us at your earliest convenience. This consultation will provide you
with a better idea of how long your case will take and its cost.