Consumer Bankruptcy Lawyers in Brentwood, California

Find the right Consumer Bankruptcy attorney in Brentwood, CA

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Bankruptcy is a legal procedure that allows an individual or business to have some or all of their debts discharged. It is normally considered as an option of last resort, because while it can stave off financial disaster, it has some considerable long-term consequences warranting careful consideration of the costs and benefits. Bankruptcy is a creation of federal law, and goes through federal courts. Therefore, the procedure governing bankruptcy in California will be roughly the same as it is anywhere else in the U.S. But individual courts have different rules for what property is exempt, so you should consult a local Brentwood, California before you file.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Brentwood, California

There are 2 main forms of consumer bankruptcy in Brentwood, California: Chapter 7 and 13. Chapter 7 bankruptcy involves liquidation of some of the debtor's assets. It requires some percentage of the debtor's property to be sold in order to pay off as much of his or her debt as possible. However, the majority of property that most people own is exempt. This normally includes homes, vehicles, insurance policies, and retirement accounts. These do not need to be sold.

Once all non-exempt assets are sold, and the money from the sales turned over to the creditors, most remaining debt is absolved. But some types of debt cannot be discharged through Chapter 7 bankruptcy. These include child support payments, student loans, and criminal fines, among others. If most of your Brentwood, California debts are not dischargeable, you might want to consider options other than bankruptcy.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy in Brentwood, California

In Brentwood, California, Chapter 13 is very different from Chapter 7. Chapter 13 may or may not be the best choice for you; this depends on the facts of your individual situation. Chapter 13 bankruptcy does not discharge debt. Instead, it restructures it. This involves the bankruptcy court coming up with a new payment plan that supersedes the terms of the contracts that gave rise to the debt in the first place. This results in an altered payment plan that the debtor should find manageable, if he or she can make a few sacrifices.

Which Type of Consumer Bankruptcy Should I File in Brentwood, California

Whether Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 is the right choice for you depends heavily on your particular situation. If you have a steady income stream, and a lot of non-exempt property, Chapter 13 might be right for you. If you don't have a steady income, and most of your property is exempt, Chapter 7 might be a better way to go.

Of course, you should always seek the counsel of an experienced local Brentwood, California bankruptcy attorney before you make the decision to file. He or she will be able to advise you of your options, and suggest the best possible course of action for your individual situation.

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Life in Brentwood

Brentwood, California is a city in Contra Costa County, California, in the East Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area. Its population is a little over 51,000 people.

Brentwood, California's economy has evolved over the last several decades, transitioning from a mostly agriculture based economy, to one based on retail and services. Uniquely, however, Brentwood has retained agriculture as a significant portion of its economic base, creating a diverse and vibrant economy, with a median household income of over ,000.

Many extremely successful professionals call Brentwood, California home. These include many lawyers and other providers of legal services.

Brentwood, California lawyers are highly competent, and are able to handle almost any legal issue just about any legal issue that their clients will face.