Glendale Bankruptcy Attorneys
Financial Freedom is On the Horizon
Living under the shadow of heavy debt is a burden that no one should bear. That’s why the Law Offices of Wax & Wax in Glendale is adamant about helping as many locals as we can discover, understand, and utilize the benefits of a bankruptcy filing. We’re here to show you that bankruptcy doesn’t need to be an intimidating and frightening process. When done correctly, it can actually be a huge relief.
Call (818) 946-0608 and talk to our bankruptcy lawyers in Glendale about debt relief through bankruptcy today.
On This Page:
- The Advantages of Filing for Bankruptcy
- Chapter 7 or Chapter 13: Which is Right for You?
- California Bankruptcy Exemptions
- Can You Get Out of All Debts By Declaring Bankruptcy?
- Can You File for Bankruptcy If You Have Money In the Bank?
- Hire a Bankruptcy Lawyer Today
What Are the Advantages of Filing for Bankruptcy?
While filing for bankruptcy may seem like admitting defeat in some instances, there are several reasons why this may be the right decision for you and actually lead to greater financial freedom in the future:
- The court-issued stay gives you a break from debtors or creditors and allows time for you to work out a plan for your future; while this doesn't cancel your debts, it does give you time to breathe
- Filing for bankruptcy may allow you to "discharge" or cancel some debts (this may include credit card debt, utility bills, personal loans, etc.)
- It may provide you with a fresh start with building up your credit score
- By filing for bankruptcy you may be able to keep some of your personal property through bankruptcy "exemptions" rather than having it repossessed
Don't let the unknown scare you. Our bankruptcy lawyers are experts in helping you start fresh and make the decisions that are best for you. Call our firm today to get started.
Chapter 7 or Chapter 13: Which Is Right for You?
Bankruptcy is not a singular process to eliminate debt and start with a financial fresh start. Most people who file for bankruptcy have two distinct chapters from which to choose: Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. As your chosen bankruptcy attorneys in Glendale – who also serve clients in Santa Clarita – we would be happy to help you figure out which chapter works best for you.
A quick explanation of both bankruptcy chapters:
- Chapter 7: To use Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you need to pass a means test that compares your debt and income to that of the average family in California. If you pass the means test, then Chapter 7 can discharge large amounts of debt at once. But it can make a larger impact on your credit score. We recommend Chapter 7 if your debt is insurmountable.
- Chapter 13: People with manageable debt might want to consider Chapter 13 bankruptcy. This process minimizes your debt and arranges for it to be repaid across the next three to five years. If you can make all payments, then the remaining unpaid debt is discharged as agreed upon. Chapter 13 can be beneficial in that it might hurt your credit less and allow you to keep more assets.
Bankruptcy Exemptions in California
Bankruptcy doesn’t mean you lose everything to creditors and collections. In California, you can use a state-level or a federal-level list of bankruptcy exemptions to protect as many of your assets and finances as possible. You cannot take exemptions from each list, but our attorneys can help you review each list to find the one that will do the most for you.
When you have property that cannot be protected using the exemption list of your choosing, you might not automatically lose that property. In Chapter 7 bankruptcy, there is a chance that your nonexempt property will be sold off to repay creditors. In Chapter 13 bankruptcy, though, you can pay creditors for the value of the property instead of outright losing it.
Bankruptcy FAQ:
Do You Get Out of All Debts if You Declare Bankruptcy?
While filing for bankruptcy may allow you to eliminate some debts, that doesn't mean it will eliminate all debt. Some things that bankruptcy can't do include:
- Eliminate liens or prevent secured creditors from repossessing certain property
- Eliminate child support or alimony obligations
- Eliminate student loans (although in some situations this may be possible if you can prove repaying these loans will cause you undue hardship)
- Eliminate tax debt
- Eliminate fines or punishments including traffic tickets, personal injury settlements, etc.
Can You File for Bankruptcy if You Have Money In the Bank?
This will depend largely on what state you are filing for bankruptcy in. California has recently allowed for some exemptions when it comes to bank account balances, but they are complex and you may not qualify for these exemptions. If you are worried about your ability to keep the money in your checking or savings account, speak with a bankruptcy lawyer immediately about your situation.
Discover the Bankruptcy Chapter That Works for You
The lesson of bankruptcy is that it does not need to be the devastating financial event that we often see it to be in entertainment media and the news. If bankruptcy is handled correctly and professionally, then it can bring significant financial relief from heavy debt that had been weighing on you each moment it existed. Let our Glendale bankruptcy lawyers help you decide if bankruptcy is the optimal way to find debt relief. We have built our firm on trust and honesty, so we’ll let you know if we think another debt relief solution makes more sense.
Contact us online and a member of our team will get back to you as soon as possible.
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"I was extremely satisfied with the entire process."
I was referred to this law office by a friend of mine and I was very pleased with the results of my case due to the amazing service and advisement by my lawyer Robert Castillo. I highly recommend this law firm for any worker's compensation-related cases. I was extremely satisfied with the entire process.
- Selin M. -
"Robert is your go-to attorney!"WOW! I am not just saying this - but Robert is your go-to attorney. He has been so patient and professional during my entire process. I will refer him to everyone I know. He answered all of my questions and was very honest with me. He took time out of his busy schedule to explain the process to me from beginning to end. I feel confident that he has my best interest and look forward to working with him. Thank you Wax & Wax.- Christine P.
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"The burden was off my shoulders!"I thank you for working tirelessly from beginning to end.- Christina
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"I love this Company"Allen Wax, Lisa Pantoja and staff at the Law Offices Of Wax & Wax gave me excellent service. They were always concerned about my needs, ready to answer questions and explain the process towards resolution of my on going claim. Thanks Law Office of Wax &Wax, love Y'all.- Tonette Reyes
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"Highly recommend!"An honest firm with integrity.- Kevin K
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"Highly recommend Robert for your future cases."I worked with Robert Castillo on my case. He is knowledgeable and patient; Allows time and space for you to ask questions. The office staff is organized and responsive. They send regular correspondence to home and set up a phone appointment if necessary. I enjoyed working with this law firm. Reasonable price, friendly staff, and professional. Highly recommend Robert for your future cases.- Azin G.
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"He won my workers' comp case!"They were always warm and professional.- Maureen
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"s soon as he took on my case, my stress was lifted and Mr. Wax dealt with all the communication and negotiations."I was dealing with my worker's compensation case on my own and I found it confusing and overbearing at times. I met with Alan Wax from The Law Offices of Wax & Wax and I was instantly put at ease. Mr. Wax has been in this business for a very long time; he knew exactly what doctors I needed to see and how to move forward to negotiate my case against the adjusters. He not only advised me for better offers on my case but he demanded I receive all of my doctor requests from the adjuster. As soon as he took on my case, my stress was lifted and Mr. Wax dealt with all the communication and negotiations. Thank you so much for everything! I would recommend the Law Offices of Wax & Wax to anyone and everyone!- Beverly O.
