Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy attorney Palm Desert Coachella Valley

533138_law_and_order.jpgI am now a local Bankruptcy Attorney for Riverside County.

I have been filing cases here for over three years but have recently decided to move my family to be able to service more bankruptcy clients. The riverside bankruptcy court is the busiest bankruptcy court in the country. In 2009 there were close to 120,000 cases filed here. The second largest was in Florida with 60,000 cases. Most of my business has come from this area for quite some time, but I also handled cases in Oakland, San Jose, San Francisco, San Diego, Los Angeles, Modesto, Sacramento. I will still take cases in the Northern and Eastern District and either fly there for the 341 hearing or pay a special appearance to do so.

My new focus will be serving the people of Riverside County and will occasionally drive to San Diego or L.A. for cases that I take on there. I have an a great relationship with many of the trustees in Riverside and have already built trust in the cases that I have been filing in Riverside court for 3 years.

Bankruptcy can be very predictable if I have all the facts and I have never had a client who did not get a discharge or have their case go in the direction that I predicted.

It’s best to talk to a bankruptcy attorney before allowing your situation to get worse. There are a lot of things we can do to protect your assets and prepare for a case and I can advise you on pitfalls not to take and make sure you keep things that are exempt currently in that position. It troubles me to see people who have cashed out retirement funds and other exempt items and ended up filing for bankruptcy anyways.

Please talk to me before its too late or you make decisions that you shouldn’t have.
Chris Hewitt 415-265-2917

Frequently Asked Questions: Debt Consolidation in California
How does debt consolidation affect credit scores?

Initially, it might cause a slight dip due to credit inquiries. However, consistent payments can improve your credit score over time.

What is the difference between debt consolidation and debt settlement?

Debt consolidation involves taking a new loan to pay off debts, while debt settlement is negotiating to pay less than you owe. Settlement can negatively impact your credit score.

What are secured vs. unsecured debt consolidation loans?

Secured loans require collateral (like a house or car), usually with lower interest rates. Unsecured loans don't require collateral but typically have higher rates.

Is debt consolidation right for me?

It depends on your total debt, interest rates, credit score, and payment capability. It's suitable if you can pay off your debt within five years and secure a lower interest rate than your current debts.

Should I consider long-term financial planning?

Yes, debt consolidation should be part of a broader financial strategy including budgeting, cutting expenses, and building an emergency fund.

How do Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies in California differ?

Chapter 7 involves liquidating assets to pay off debts, while Chapter 13 allows debt restructuring over a set period, usually three to five years.

Can my spouse's bank account be garnished for my debt?

Bankruptcy laws offer protections against such actions, but specifics depend on individual cases and state laws.

How can I learn more about my options?

Consulting a California bankruptcy attorney can provide clarity. Firms like The Law Offices of Christopher Hewitt offer free consultations to explore debt relief paths.

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