Riverside Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Lawyers

Certified Business Bankruptcy Specialists

At The Turoci Bankruptcy Firm, our team of dedicated attorneys is here to assist clients throughout the greater Riverside area who need relief from burdensome debt. If you are struggling to pay off your debts and are tired of dealing with creditors and debt collectors, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us to learn more about the comprehensive Chapter 7 bankruptcy services we offer at our firm.

Benefits of Filing Chapter 7

Although not everyone will qualify for Chapter 7, those who are eligible can benefit in a variety of ways:

• It is a quicker process compared to Chapter 13. Chapter 7 can be completed within four to six months.
• It is possible to keep essential property such as your home, vehicle, and other assets through exemptions.
• You can put a stop to debt collection, such as foreclosure, repossession, wage garnishments, etc. while you sort out your finances.

Chapter 7 may not be the right option for everyone, so discuss your situation with an attorney at The Turoci Bankruptcy Firm. We can review your eligibility and determine whether you should file for Chapter 7, or if you are better off with Chapter 13.

Will I Lose All My Assets & Properties in Chapter 7?

There is a common misconception that when you file for Chapter 7, you end up losing everything you own to creditors. This is not the case. In fact, many debtors are able to keep most of their everyday items and even protect some of their assets such as vehicles.

Some of the assets that are exempt in bankruptcy (meaning they will not be taken by creditors):

• Retirement assets, such as stock and brokerage accounts
• Clothing
• Household appliances and furnishings
• Pensions
• Tools necessary for your profession
• Public benefits
• Your primary home (if covered by the homestead exemption)
• Your vehicle, up to a certain value

Our bankruptcy attorneys have experience helping our clients maximize their exemptions so that they can keep as much as possible.

What Are the Eligibility Requirements for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?

Before you can petition for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you must meet the following requirements:

• You must be an individual, a registered corporation, a partnership, or any other business entity.
• You must attend a pre-filing debt management counseling session with a licensed agency.
• You must agree to halt business completely. If you want to continue business activities and avoid liquidation, then you can file a petition for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
• You must pass the Means Test to determine whether you are within the income limits.

The Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Process

Chapter 7 bankruptcy works by allowing you to liquidate your assets or possessions to your creditors in order to get rid of your debts. Here is what you can expect if you file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy:

• Means Test: You must take a bankruptcy means test to determine if your income is low enough for you to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. The means test ducts specific monthly expenses from your current monthly income to determine how much disposable income you have. If you have too much disposable income, you won’t be eligible for Chapter 7 bankruptcy and must file a Chapter 13.
• Petition: When you file your bankruptcy petition, it will include all the objects you currently own, as well as a list of all the debts that you need to pay off. The petition also shows which of your possessions are exempt and what you can discharge off your debt-pile.
• Automatic Stay: After you file the bankruptcy petition, the federal court will inform all of your creditors that they cannot continue repossessing your property and funds. All collection actions and foreclosure on your home must cease once the automatic stay is issued.
• Creditor Meeting: A trustee will review and discuss your financial activities in detail at the first court hearing with your creditors. During the creditor meetings, the defendant can usually protect a portion of their property from being liquidated.
• Discharge: After the court hearing takes place, you can receive a final bankruptcy discharge within the next three months. Once the bankruptcy is discharged you no longer have to pay your owed bills. Additionally, personal liability can be removed with a discharge and your creditors will be barred from returning to collect any more of your assets.

Types of Debts That Can Be Discharged in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

The following debts can be discharged under a Chapter 7 bankruptcy:

• Medical Bills
• Credit Card Debts
• Collection Agency Accounts
• Past Utility Bills
• Past Rent Owed Under Lease Agreements
• Civil Court Judgments, Except Fraud
• Personal Loans

The following types of debts can’t be discharged under a Chapter 7 bankruptcy:

• Government Fines or Penalties
• Certain Types of Tax Debt
• Child Support
• Alimony Payments
• Debts from Fraudulent Acts
• Debts for Personal Injury or Death Caused by DUI
• Any Debts That Weren’t Included in Your Bankruptcy Filing

Discuss Your Debt Situation with a Bankruptcy Lawyer Today

If you are planning to file for bankruptcy in Riverside to take control of your debt, then you will need to consult with an experienced attorney for guidance regarding the petition. The Chapter 7 bankruptcy application can be very complicated, but with assistance from our talented legal team at The Turoci Bankruptcy Firm, you can trust that your best interests are protected. We have one of the few Certified Business Bankruptcy Specialists in the Central District and the only one in the Inland Empire, as Designated by the American Board of Certification.

For personalized attention and top-notch legal services, please give us a call at 951-784-1678 to request a free case consultation. We proudly offer bilingual services as well. Call today to learn more.