Find a Bankruptcy Lawyer in La Mesa, California

Find the right Bankruptcy attorney in La Mesa, CA

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In La Mesa, California, bankruptcy is a court procedure in which a person or business has some or all of their debts excused (or "discharged"), theoretically allowing them to start with a clean slate, and move on with their lives no longer drowning in debt (and hopefully having learned to better manage their use of credit in the process). Remember, though, that bankruptcy should not be viewed as a convenient way to get out of debt that you don't feel like paying back. It is meant to serve as an option of last resort for people and businesses faced with debt that they will probably never be able to pay back. The decision to file for bankruptcy can result in negative consequences, such as damaged credit ratings, which must be seriously weighed against the potential benefits.

Accordingly, you should speak with a good La Mesa, California bankruptcy lawyer. Your La Mesa bankruptcy lawyer can inform you of the costs and benefits of filing for bankruptcy, and give his or her professional opinion as to whether or not it's a good option, given your particular circumstances.

Types of Bankruptcy in La Mesa, California

In La Mesa, California, 3 types of bankruptcy procedures are in common use: Chapter 7, Chapter 11, and Chapter 13. Being governed by federal law, the procedures involved in filing for bankruptcy in La Mesa, California will be roughly the same as everywhere else in America. Chapter 7 bankruptcy involves liquidation of many of the debtor's assets in order to pay off as much of the debt as possible. This sounds harsh, but there is an upside: once the liquidation is complete, the debts are legally viewed as having been paid in full, whether or not the full amount was covered by the liquidation. Liquidation involves selling some personal property, and using the funds to pay off debt. Many types of property are exempt from liqudiation, and therefore may not need to be sold. They include homes, cars, and insurance policies, among others. You should know that some types of debt cannot be discharged in Chapter 7 bankruptcy, including taxes, student loans, and child support.

The other typical bankruptcy scheme used by consumers in La Mesa is Chapter 13 bankruptcy. In this system, debt is not discharged. Instead, it is restructured. This allows the debtor to have the terms of the agreements that gave rise to their debts in the first place thrown out, and replaced with new terms that call for a structured repayment plan, designed to allow the debtor to survive on whatever income they have, and allowing the creditors to get paid back eventually. Once a payment plan is authorized, creditors are not allowed to attempt to collect payment under the original agreements. Although it can be used by individuals, Chapter 11 bankruptcy is used almost always by businesses. Not unlike Chapter 13, Chapter 11 focuses on restructuring of debt, rather than discharging it. Chapter 11 requires that the debtor come up with a reorganization plan designed to reduce debt and cut costs. Before being implemented, this plan must be approved by a majority vote of participating creditors.

One advantage of Chapter 11 bankruptcy is that it allows a business going through it to continue operating, and to trade its stock.

How Can a La Mesa Bankruptcy Lawyer Help?

One should not make the decision to file for bankruptcy in La Mesa easily. Before making any such decision, it would be highly advisable to contact an experienced La Mesa bankruptcy attorney.

Talk to a Bankruptcy & Finances Law Attorney now!

Life in La Mesa

La Mesa, California is a city in San Diego County, California. It has a population of about 57,000 people.

La Mesa is a quiet, middle-class community. Its median household income of about ,000 per year, which is roughly in line with the national average. About 9% of its population lives below the poverty line, which is somewhat less than the national average. La Mesa, California directly borders the city of San Diego, which is the second-largest city in California, and a major economic hub for the area, with industries like shipbuilding, ports, tourism, and the military all having a large presence in the area.

These industries employ people in a wide range of fields, including many white-collar professionals such as La Mesa, California lawyers.

Many of these professionals live in La Mesa, California to take advantage of the quiet, affordable nature of a suburb, while still having access to the amenities and economic opportunity that only a big city can offer.

If you live in La Mesa, California, and need legal services, chances are good that there's a La Mesa, California attorney who can help.