Modesto Bankruptcy Lawyer

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy - Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

Phone: 209.576.8404

Conveniently located in Modesto, the bankruptcy lawyer at the Law Office of Robert L. Buchler assists consumers throughout the California Central Valley and San Joaquin Valley determine if bankruptcy is appropriate for them, and if so, then assist clients through the bankruptcy process.

There are several types of bankruptcy that may allow a person or business to discharge debts and start over. The type of bankruptcy that you should use depends on the kind of debts you owe, the amounts owed, and your future financial plans.

Experienced Modesto Bankruptcy Lawyer

If you are considering bankruptcy, you need to be guided through the process by an experienced bankruptcy lawyer who has the wisdom to choose the right type of bankruptcy for you, and not simply the technical knowledge to help you file. Our office can perform any type of bankruptcy for you. Two types of bankruptcy that we particularly focus on include:

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

This is called “straight liquidation bankruptcy”. It involves liquidating all of your non-exempt property and using the proceeds to pay creditors as much of the debts they are owed as possible. It is especially useful for people that do not have many assets, or owe a large amount of money on their assets.

Some examples of dischargeable debts include:

• Credit Card Debt
• Medical Bills
• Business Debt
• Unsecured Loans

In Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, none of your exempt property can be liquidated to pay your debts. Exempt property is statutorily defined property that includes your house (up to a certain value) specific personal items, and pension and retirement benefits.

To assist you in determining your exempt property, contact an experienced Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

This type of bankruptcy is particularly useful for preventing mortgage foreclosures and protecting your assets. In a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you are given an opportunity to formulate a debt relief plan that allows you to pay off your debts over a period of time. This type of bankruptcy essentially gives you a reprieve from all debt collection efforts during the time period outlined in the plan, and can often eliminate or lower interest rates.

To assist you in filing a Chapter 13 wage earner plan, contact an experienced Chapter 13 bankruptcy lawyer.

Non-Dischargeable Debts

Certain debts such as child support, tax debts, student loans, and other specified debts are not discharged in any type of bankruptcy.

Changes in Bankruptcy Law

The government has passed laws that will make the most significant changes to bankruptcy since 1978. In essence, the changes will make bankruptcy laws more creditor-friendly. The new laws are in effect now.

Credit counseling is now required prior to filing a Petition for Bankruptcy and debtor education is required before the debtor will be discharged. In order to file a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, the debtor's gross income must not exceed the median family income.  Additional information can be found at the U.S. Bankruptcy Court Eastern District of California  website.

Contact a Modesto Bankruptcy Lawyer

For more information about consumer bankruptcy, or to discuss whether Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy may be right for you, please schedule a confidential consultation with an experienced Modesto bankruptcy lawyer by calling us at 209.576.8404, e-mailing us, or filling out our intake form on the Contact Us page.

* We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code.