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FAQs About Bankruptcy In California

At Bird & Van Dyke, Inc. - A Professional Law Corporation, we have heard many intelligent, thoughtful questions from our clients over the years. Contact us to discuss these or other concerns that you may have about debt relief, bankruptcy and your particular financial woes.

How can I get creditors to stop calling me and harassing me as I struggle with overwhelming debt?

Once you retain our attorneys with a modest down payment on your bankruptcy fees, you can direct your creditors to our law offices. Put an end to creditor harassment. Meanwhile, you can pay us the balance as soon as you are able while you prepare documentation to file Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy. When you file bankruptcy, the automatic stay will go into effect immediately.

What is the “automatic stay”?

As soon as you file bankruptcy, the bankruptcy court will notify your creditors to cease collection efforts. Creditors will not be able to call you, send demand letters, file lawsuits against you, garnish your wages, levy your bank accounts or seize other assets. Once your debts are discharged in bankruptcy, the ban on collecting on those debts will become permanent.

What is “debt discharge”?

At the conclusion of your Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, the court will declare that all debts included in your bankruptcy no longer exist. They will be wiped out.

What is “debt reorganization”?

A Chapter 13 bankruptcy reorganizes your debts on a priority basis, depending on whether they are secured debts or unsecured debts.

Can a small business file bankruptcy?

Yes, and Bird & Van Dyke, Inc. - A Professional Law Corporation can help you.

How do I know if I qualify?

Nearly everyone with an overload of debt qualifies for Chapter 13 or Chapter 7 bankruptcy. A means test as required by law will determine which type of bankruptcy you qualify for.

Will I lose everything I own?

Quite the opposite is true. Most of our bankruptcy clients are able to keep everything they own.

What will life be like after bankruptcy?

A record of your bankruptcy will remain on your credit report for up to 10 years. However, your debts will be gone. You will be free to rebuild your credit from a clean slate. Many of our bankruptcy clients report that within a few months to two years, they are able to open new credit cards, buy cars on credit and obtain market-rate mortgages.

Will I be stigmatized or put to shame if I file bankruptcy?

You can hold your head up, knowing that you have dealt with your debt problem honestly and legally. Although a bankruptcy filing is public record, no one normally knows about your bankruptcy unless you tell them or unless someone performs a thorough background check on you.

Should I file bankruptcy or seek a debt settlement agreement?

Ask an attorney to evaluate your unique financial situation at Bird & Van Dyke, Inc. - A Professional Law Corporation. Contact us to schedule a no-obligation consultation.

We Are Here To  Advise You

For a free consultation with a lawyer about Chapter 7 bankruptcy, Chapter 13 bankruptcy, a home foreclosure action or other debt-related matters, contact us. Our law firm serves clients in Northern California communities such as Lodi, Modesto and Manteca. Credit card debt? Attorneys in our law offices in Stockton and Tracy, California, can help you find the right solution when your consumer debts have become out of your reach to repay with your current income.

To speak with one of our Stockton bankruptcy attorneys about your questions, contact us today. Call 888-915-0422.

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