Find a Bankruptcy Lawyer in West Covina, California

Find the right Bankruptcy attorney in West Covina, CA

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In West Covina, California, bankruptcy is a court procedure in which a person or business has some or all of their debts cleared (or "discharged"), theoretically allowing them to begin 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 proper 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 possible benefits.

For that reason, it would be advisable to speak with a good West Covina, 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 individual situation. This determination is highly dependent on the details of each individual case, so a West Covina attorney's advice is absolutely indispensable.

Types of Bankruptcy in West Covina, California

In West Covina, 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 West Covina, 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. Varied 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 West Covina 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 contracts 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 executed, this plan must be approved by a majority vote of participating creditors.

While going through Chapter 11 bankruptcy, a business can continue operating, and its stock can continue to be traded.

How Can a West Covina Bankruptcy Lawyer Help?

Filing for bankrtuptcy in West Covina is a huge decision with costs and benefits that must be weighed carefully. Before filing, it would be a good idea to speak with a seasoned West Covina bankruptcy attorney.

Talk to a Bankruptcy & Finances Law Attorney now!

Life in West Covina

West Covina, California is a city in Los Angeles County, California. It has a population of about 106,000 people.

West Covina, California was incorporated in 1923, mainly to prevent the city of Covina from building a sewage treatment plant on the land West Covina now occupies. Modernly, West Covina, California is largely a bedroom community, with many of its residents commuting to Los Angeles and other larger nearby cities for their jobs. This is common practice among middle-class professionals, such as attorneys.

These professionals and attorneys are drawn to West Covina in part because of its large country club, known as South Hills.

If you live in West Covina, California and need legal help, there's almost certainly a West Covina attorney who can help. West Covina, California lawyers are skilled in a wide range of legal practice areas, and can probably advise you on whatever legal issue you're facing.