Find a Bankruptcy Lawyer in Newport Beach, California

Find the right Bankruptcy attorney in Newport Beach, CA

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In Newport Beach, 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.

For that reason, it would be prudent to speak with a good Newport Beach, California bankruptcy attorney. This attorney will be able to advise you as to whether or not filing for bankruptcy is a good idea, given your particular situation. This determination is highly dependent on the details of each individual case, so a Newport Beach attorney's advice is truly indispensable.

Types of Bankruptcy in Newport Beach, California

There are 3 bankruptcy schemes that are normally used in Newport Beach: Chapter 7, Chapter 13, and Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Bankruptcy is governed by federal law, so the procedures in Newport Beach, California are very similar to what they will be anywhere else in the United States. 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 proceeds 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 popular bankruptcy system in Newport Beach is Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Under this system, the debtor's debts are restructured, instead of discharged. This involves creating a new repayment plan that the debtor will find manageable, given his or her income, and that will result in the creditors being paid in a reasonable amount of time. When a repayment plan is approved by a court, creditors are legally barred from attempting to collect under the original terms of their agreement with the debtor. Chapter 11 bankruptcy is primarily 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 - essentially telling the court how they propose to cut costs, streamline their operations, and pay their debts. This plan must be approved by the participating creditors through a simple majority vote.

During the Chapter 11 process, a business can usually continue its operations, and the stock can be traded, even if it is de-listed from a major stock exchange.

How Can a Newport Beach Bankruptcy Lawyer Help?

Filing for bankruptcy in Newport Beach is a very important decision, and should not be made lightly. Before filing, one should consult with a good Newport Beach bankruptcy attorney for advice.

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Life in Newport Beach

Newport Beach, California is a city in Orange County. It is about 10 miles south of Santa Ana, and has a population of about 85,000 people.

Newport Beach is an extremely affluent community. More than a quarter of its households have an annual income exceeding ,000 per year, and the median home value is approximately million.

The economy of Newport Beach, California is dominated by healthcare, insurance, retail, and other services. One Fortune 500 company, Pacific Life Insurance, is headquartered in Newport Beach, and employs over 1,500 people, including several Newport Beach, California lawyers.

Residents of Newport Beach, California who find themselves in need of legal services are in luck. Newport Beach, California attorneys tend to be very sophisticated and highly experienced, meaning that a Newport Beach, California lawyer can help you with almost any legal issue a person is likely to face.