Find a Bankruptcy Lawyer in Laguna Beach, California

Find the right Bankruptcy attorney in Laguna Beach, CA

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In Laguna Beach, California, bankruptcy is a court procedure in which a person or business has some or all of their debts absolved (or "discharged"), theoretically allowing them to commence 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 fitting 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 probable benefits.

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

Types of Bankruptcy in Laguna Beach, California

In Laguna Beach, 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 Laguna Beach, 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. Numerous 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 typically used bankruptcy system in Laguna Beach is Chapter 13 bankruptcy. This allows a debtor to repay most or all of their debts in a structured manner. It reorganizes the debt into lower periodic payments that, with a bit of frugality, the debtor should find manageable. This allows the debtor to continue to earn a living, and allows the creditors to eventually collect what they are owed. Once a repayment plan is authorized by the bankruptcy court, creditors are legally barred from seeking repayment under the terms of the arrangements that gave rise to the debt in the first place, and will instead have to accept payment under the new plan. Chapter 13 bankruptcy is typically a better option for people who have a steady income. Chapter 11 bankruptcy is generally used by businesses, though it can be used by individuals (which is quite rare). Chapter 11 bankruptcy requires that the debtor come up with a reorganization plan - typically telling the court how they propose to cut costs, streamline their operations, and pay their debts. This plan must be authorized by the participating creditors through a simple majority vote.

A major advantage of Chapter 11 bankruptcy is that businesses can continue their operating while going through the process. Also, they can continue to buy and sell their stock.

How Can a Laguna Beach Bankruptcy Lawyer Help?

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

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Life in Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach, California is a seaside resort city in Orange County, California. It currently has a population of about 22,700.

After Anaheim, Laguna Beach, California is the second-oldest city in Orange County. It was first settled in the 1870s, shortly after the end of the Civil War. Population growth began to pick up in the 1920s, largely keeping pace with the growth of the Southern California region as a whole.

Since its early history, the mainstay of Laguna Beach's economy is driven largely by tourism, which continues to this day. Laguna Beach, California is also a regional center for the environmentalist movement, and is home to several nature preserves. Several local environmental attorneys made a name for themselves getting these preserves legally-recognized.

There are many other types of attorneys in Laguna Beach, California. If you need legal advice, you would do well to consult with a Laguna Beach, California lawyer as soon as possible.