The term “drowning in debt” can be a very real feeling. Interest, fees, and penalties can make an already- hefty debt overwhelming. Dozens of times each month, debtors talk to The Law Office of Stephanie White explaining that they don’t feel right filing bankruptcy, that they are responsible people, and that they just want to find a way to get everyone paid and make ends meet. Our attorneys explain that some life situations can make meeting your obligations nearly impossible, and lawmakers have provided bankruptcy protection to give Americans the chance to get out from the downward financial spiral that comes from mounting penalties, fees, interest. Most Chapter 7 Bankruptcy debtors are able to start fresh by having much of their debt discharged in bankruptcy.
Supportive Bankruptcy Firm
The Law Office of Stephanie White helps debtors get out of the downward spiral of debt through bankruptcy consultation, preparation and representation. We like to think of our office as your “bankruptcy concierge” guiding you through the requirements and processes of bankruptcy to have your debts discharged.
We are pleased to help debtors throughout Southern California who need the help of bankruptcy protection.
Benefits of Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy can be the solution for people who earn below a certain threshold and are unable to meet their needs and pay their obligations. At the end of a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, your unsecured debts (credit cards, medical bills, payday loans, etc) are discharged. Filing Chapter 7 Bankruptcy can help you by discharging your unsecured debt, ending the effects of judgments against you like wage garnishment and liens, discharging certain taxes, ending collection phone calls, and giving you a debt-free fresh start.
Call The Law Office of Stephanie White for a free bankruptcy consultation. Our attorneys are here to help you get your financial life back on track.
The Chapter 7 Process
From the time a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy petition is filed until the discharge of debts typically takes about 100 days – slightly over three months.
After meeting with a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy attorney at The Law Office of Stephanie White, you will understand the best options based on your earnings, assets, and obligations.
Once you hire our office, we assist you in gathering the documents and information needed to file your petition.
When the petition is filed a Trustee is assigned by the Bankruptcy Court. That Trustee is the person who, on behalf of the court, will conduct the hearing to verify statements made in your petition. This hearing is known as a “341 Hearing” named after Section 341 of the Bankruptcy Code that allows for this meeting. It is also called a “Meeting of Creditors” because creditors may attend to ask questions of the debtor; creditors very rarely do this.
After the 341 Hearing, the Trustee can 1) be satisfied that they have everything they need to find you eligible for discharge, 2) ask for additional documents and set a future hearing to make sure they are received, or 3) conduct further investigation. Attorneys at The Law Office of Stephanie White work diligently to make sure your full financial picture is represented so no investigation is ordered.
Within sixty days after the 341 Hearing the Trustee must tell the court whether they have found any assets they believe you are not allowed to keep. The court typically orders the discharge of debts within 60-75 days after the 341 Hearing.
Qualifying for a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Whether you are eligible to file under Chapter 7 Bankruptcy will largely depend upon a calculation of your income and expenses. Debtors may qualify if their earnings are below the median income for their household in their county, or attorneys can help debtors can provide additional information to show that they otherwise qualify for a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy. At a free consultation with The Law Office of Stephanie White we can analyze these known amounts to determine your eligibility.