Experiences That Matter Most
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Attorney
Solutions To Unsecured Debt Problems
Chapter 7 bankruptcy, also known as liquidation bankruptcy, is the most common type of bankruptcy for individuals in the United States. Liquidation refers to non-exempt assets of the debtor that may be liquidated to pay creditors. Most Chapter 7 cases are “no-asset” cases. That doesn’t mean the debtor had no assets, it just means there were not non-exempt assets that if sold, would result in a meaningful distribution to creditors. So, the debtors get to keep their property. Chapter 7 bankruptcy can give you relief from credit card debt, medical bills, personal loans, some tax debt, or other types of unsecured debt.
Dischargeable & Non-Dischargeable Debts
If you have debt and an inability to keep up with your financial obligations, this may be the best option for you. Below are examples of types of debts that can and cannot be discharged:
Debts that can be discharged under Chapter 7 include:
- Credit card debts
- Medical bills
- Personal loans
- Some tax debts
- Other types of unsecured debt
- Some student loans may be dischargeable under a new Department of Education Policy
Debts that cannot be discharged under Chapter 7 include:
- Alimony obligations
- Child Support
- Payroll Trust Fund Taxes
- Income Taxes that do not meet the 3-Prong Test
- Student Loans that do not meet the new policy requirements.
Attorneys at J. Doling Law, PC, have over two decades of experience helping clients file bankruptcy petitions throughout California. We represent clients in the Northern District of California, the Eastern District of California, the Central District of California, and the Southern District of California. To determine what your best options are contact J. DOLING LAW, PC.
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Process
Chapter 7 is the cheapest, easiest, and quickest way to eliminate debt and start rebuilding credit. The entire Chapter 7 process from the date your case is filed until you get your discharge is only about four months. Although many people mistakenly believe they will “lose everything” in the bankruptcy process, the law provides exemptions to protect equity in certain assets which may allow you to keep your home, car, computers, and other personal belongings.
California’s Exemptions
Attorney JENNY L. DOLING was a lead advocate working with a small group of colleagues and California Senator Bob Wieckowski in 2020 to pass California’s new homestead exemption. Ms. Doling testified before the California State Senate and the State Assembly in support of AB 1885 which increased California’s homestead exemption from a three-tier system of $75,000, $100,000, and $175,000 to a minimum homestead exemption of $300,000 and a maximum homestead of $600,000 (adjusted each year and in 2024 is approximately $699,000). The homestead exemption is now tied to the median sale price for each county and took effect January 1, 2021.
In 2021, JENNY L. DOLING, Senator Wieckowski and her colleagues got back to work seeking legislative changes to other important California exemptions that were outdated. They prevailed over the objections of the debt buyer industry, the auto lenders, and the chapter 7 trustees. SB 1099 passed and took effect on January 1, 2023.
Misinformation About Bankruptcy
We often hear from clients they feared filing bankruptcy because well-meaning friends or family members had passed along misinformation. This is the reason J. DOLING LAW, PC offers a free consultation. Too many good, hardworking people have been harmed by misinformation. We want to give you information and recommendations based on your circumstances so you can make an educated decision based on the law and real legal advice.
Contact Our Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Attorney Today
It’s time to put you and your family first. Eliminate debt legally and responsibly through bankruptcy and preserve your assets. Before you consider:
- Taking money from your home equity to pay bills
- Taking money from your retirement to pay bills
- Selling your home to pay bills
meet with our attorneys. You’ll be far better off keeping those assets and eliminating your debt. You will also rebuild your credit much quicker after bankruptcy than a debt management plan or debt consolidation plan.
Find The Hope You Need When Dealing With Financial Hardships
Work with our CERTIFIED BANKRUPTCY SPECIALIST who is highly experienced and understands the different bankruptcy and debt settlement options. We’ll find the best solution for you and your family.