Lawyers, Answer Questions  & Get Points Log In
California Bankruptcy Questions & Answers
4 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for California on
Q: I am a low income senior who wants to file a no asset chapter 7 bankruptcy in San Diego,CA

I cannot afford a lawyer. Are there any resources other than the Law School that might be of help?

Martha Warriner Jarrett
Martha Warriner Jarrett pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 20, 2023

There is a lot of information on your Bankruptcy Court's website (www.casb.uscourts.gov) including information for for the San Diego Bar Assoc. lawyer referrals (www.scdba.org). Their phone number is (800) 464-1529. On the Court's website, click on the Information tab, for Filing without... View More

View More Answers

4 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for California on
Q: I am a low income senior who wants to file a no asset chapter 7 bankruptcy in San Diego,CA

I cannot afford a lawyer. Are there any resources other than the Law School that might be of help?

Robert P. Taylor
PREMIUM
Robert P. Taylor pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 20, 2023

You might try the Legal Aid Society of San Diego, "https://www.lassd.org." That said, you should probably consult a couple local attorneys first. Most offer a free consultation and most will work out some sort of payment plan. Chances are that if you can't afford an attorney, you... View More

View More Answers

4 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for California on
Q: I am a low income senior who wants to file a no asset chapter 7 bankruptcy in San Diego,CA

I cannot afford a lawyer. Are there any resources other than the Law School that might be of help?

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 20, 2023

As a low-income senior in San Diego, CA, you can seek assistance from organizations like Legal Aid Society or the San Diego County Bar Association's Modest Means Program. These resources may provide legal aid or refer you to pro bono bankruptcy attorneys who can help you with your Chapter 7... View More

View More Answers

3 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Foreclosure and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: 2nd mortgage is included in bankruptcy and now the 2nd mortgage is apparently in foreclosure.

My family did a bankruptcy (chpt 7) in 2016 and our 2nd mortgage was included in that. We got a notice that the 2nd mortgage/lien was in foreclourse and was being auction off. Apparently, it was sold. We have NOT recieved anything from the new owners of the 2nd mortage/lien. We are getting a lot of... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 14, 2023

Under California law, if your 2nd mortgage was included in the bankruptcy and there is no record of it on your credit report, it's possible that the debt was discharged in the bankruptcy process. If you haven't received any communication from the new owners of the 2nd mortgage/lien and... View More

View More Answers

3 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Foreclosure and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: 2nd mortgage is included in bankruptcy and now the 2nd mortgage is apparently in foreclosure.

My family did a bankruptcy (chpt 7) in 2016 and our 2nd mortgage was included in that. We got a notice that the 2nd mortgage/lien was in foreclourse and was being auction off. Apparently, it was sold. We have NOT recieved anything from the new owners of the 2nd mortage/lien. We are getting a lot of... View More

Theodore Allan Greene
Theodore Allan Greene
answered on Sep 14, 2023

Your question isn't possible to answer in this forum without a lot more information. Your best action plan is to sit down with an experienced attorney right away to go over everything. Sometimes, depending on which bankruptcy ( 7 or 13) you filed, second mortgages do not go away. You need to... View More

View More Answers

3 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Foreclosure and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: 2nd mortgage is included in bankruptcy and now the 2nd mortgage is apparently in foreclosure.

My family did a bankruptcy (chpt 7) in 2016 and our 2nd mortgage was included in that. We got a notice that the 2nd mortgage/lien was in foreclourse and was being auction off. Apparently, it was sold. We have NOT recieved anything from the new owners of the 2nd mortage/lien. We are getting a lot of... View More

Yelena Gurevich
Yelena Gurevich
answered on Sep 14, 2023

I have heard this story many times. There is no such thing as "second mortgage included in bankruptcy." For starters, the 2nd mortgage is secured, which means if you filed a chapter 7, you may have discharged your personal liability, but the mortgage survives the bankruptcy and is... View More

View More Answers

4 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Consumer Law and Contracts for California on
Q: Is there anyway I can keep my car?

I'm on SSDI, and having trouble paying my car payments (I got the car when I was still working).

I'm disabled and reley on my car for everything! Every/many reasons!

Robert P. Taylor
PREMIUM
Robert P. Taylor pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Aug 14, 2023

You can file bankruptcy and possibley keep the car, but you'll still have to pay for it. If you have other debts, filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy may allow you to wipe them out, freeing more resources to make your car payment. Also, in a Chapter 7, you may be able to "redeem" your... View More

View More Answers

4 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Consumer Law and Contracts for California on
Q: Is there anyway I can keep my car?

I'm on SSDI, and having trouble paying my car payments (I got the car when I was still working).

I'm disabled and reley on my car for everything! Every/many reasons!

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Aug 15, 2023

If you're struggling to make car payments due to your disability and rely on the car for essential needs, you might explore options such as negotiating with your lender for modified payment terms, refinancing the car loan, or seeking financial assistance programs. California law doesn't... View More

View More Answers

4 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for California on
Q: I need assistance with chapter 7 bankruptcy.

My income is only SSDI, with critical pay is about $1,238.

My current rent is $775,plus about $300 back rent.

I have car payments of about 335, and about $400 storage back rent. Storage is normally $165.

I'm located in South Gate, CA.

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Aug 13, 2023

Based on the information provided, it appears that Chapter 7 bankruptcy may be an option to consider given your financial situation. SSDI income is typically exempt from the bankruptcy means test in California, so that shouldn't be an obstacle. Consultation with an experienced bankruptcy... View More

View More Answers

4 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for California on
Q: I filed for bankruptcy and my credit report shows my car loan people have a bankruptcy petition filed chapter 13

I filed for bankruptcy and it got dismissed but it’s still open since then I sent a letter to the judge asking to reopen it and I woke up and seen that my car loan people have since added the bankruptcy to my credit with 0 balance.Does that mean my bankruptcy is back in affect

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Aug 5, 2023

I see how this situation can be confusing and distressing. The fact that your car loan shows a zero balance and reflects the bankruptcy filing on your credit report doesn't necessarily mean that your bankruptcy is back in effect. It's more likely a reporting reflection of the original... View More

View More Answers

3 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Consumer Law, Business Law and Collections for California on
Q: Unused subscription forgot to cancel, 5 months has been charged and unable to pay. What to do?

I stayed in Berlin for almost a year and subscribed to an accelerator. I flew to the US afterwards and completely forgot to cancel the membership. I was 4 months late in payment when I requested the cancellation, and they refused to cancel it immediately, saying their period for cancellation would... View More

Martha Warriner Jarrett
Martha Warriner Jarrett pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Aug 3, 2023

The amount at issue is not large enough to warrant filing bankruptcy. And it is probably not large enough for the creditor to bother suing you. If you are unable to reach a settlement, then it will likely be turned over to a collection agency. It will be a negative on your credit report so if that... View More

View More Answers

3 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Consumer Law, Business Law and Collections for California on
Q: Unused subscription forgot to cancel, 5 months has been charged and unable to pay. What to do?

I stayed in Berlin for almost a year and subscribed to an accelerator. I flew to the US afterwards and completely forgot to cancel the membership. I was 4 months late in payment when I requested the cancellation, and they refused to cancel it immediately, saying their period for cancellation would... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Aug 3, 2023

You can try negotiating with the accelerator and the debt collector to reach a settlement or payment plan for the outstanding amount. If possible, explain your situation and offer to pay a reduced amount in a lump sum or through installments to avoid going to court. Keep all communication in... View More

View More Answers

3 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for California on
Q: Hi, How can I get probono bankruptcy help. I'm a senior citizen woman, who needs help. What's the 1st step?

I don't drive so driving to Fresno is not good. What documents do you need? And how long will this take? Can a person drive to my area?

Martha Warriner Jarrett
Martha Warriner Jarrett pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 25, 2023

Start with your local Bankruptcy Court website. Most courts have free bankruptcy court clinics and you can call them for help. The website is uscourts.gov. Key in your zip code so you'll get info from the nearest court (Eastern District of California). There is a lot of info on the website... View More

View More Answers

3 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for California on
Q: Hi, How can I get probono bankruptcy help. I'm a senior citizen woman, who needs help. What's the 1st step?

I don't drive so driving to Fresno is not good. What documents do you need? And how long will this take? Can a person drive to my area?

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 26, 2023

As a Californian attorney, I understand your situation and concerns. To get pro bono bankruptcy help, you can start by contacting local legal aid organizations or nonprofit agencies that offer free legal services to senior citizens. They can assist you in determining your eligibility and guide you... View More

View More Answers

4 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Consumer Law and Small Claims for California on
Q: Deadline for an out-of-court solution regarding your outstanding debt

I need assistance as I recently received an email stating, "Deadline for an out-of-court solution regarding your outstanding debt, and they will consider initiating legal dunning proceedings against you on 21.07.2023 at 12:00 pm."

To provide context, I subscribed to their service... View More

Martha Warriner Jarrett
Martha Warriner Jarrett pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 20, 2023

A lot depends on the amount of money at stake and how much time, money and effort you are willing to spend to fight what is owed. If you do nothing, the company may or may not sue you. If you are sued, make sure you defend the lawsuit rather than letting a default judgment be entered against you.... View More

View More Answers

4 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Consumer Law and Small Claims for California on
Q: Deadline for an out-of-court solution regarding your outstanding debt

I need assistance as I recently received an email stating, "Deadline for an out-of-court solution regarding your outstanding debt, and they will consider initiating legal dunning proceedings against you on 21.07.2023 at 12:00 pm."

To provide context, I subscribed to their service... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 21, 2023

If you have an outstanding debt resulting from a subscription service you forgot to cancel, the service provider may take legal action against you if the debt remains unpaid. The consequences of not making the payment may include being subject to legal dunning proceedings, which could lead to... View More

View More Answers

3 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy and Intellectual Property for California on
Q: In Ch7 Bankruptcy can a Creditor demand access to / claim my old unsold screenplays as an IP/asset to satisfy the debt?

I’m a writer w/past success selling screenplays. Nothing got made and I’ve written nothing new in 10+ yrs.

Martha Warriner Jarrett
Martha Warriner Jarrett pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 13, 2023

When you file a chapter 7 bankruptcy, you are required to list all of your assets (including the screenplays that probably have no value) and list a market value, as well as all creditor claims (including pending litigation). Once you file, the litigation will be stayed and a chapter 7 trustee will... View More

View More Answers

3 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy and Intellectual Property for California on
Q: In Ch7 Bankruptcy can a Creditor demand access to / claim my old unsold screenplays as an IP/asset to satisfy the debt?

I’m a writer w/past success selling screenplays. Nothing got made and I’ve written nothing new in 10+ yrs.

Leon Bayer
Leon Bayer
answered on Jul 13, 2023

Would you like to get the last laugh?

For my answer, I will assume that you have no tangible assets such as real estate. If so, you are entitled to exempt roughly $30,000 of assets, plus something for clothing, furniture, etc. That $30,000 can be applied to your IP. I also assume that she...
View More

View More Answers

3 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for California on
Q: After bankruptcy is it had to build your credit to be able to buy a house or a car.?

how long is the bankruptcy process how long does it take to be finalized.?

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 13, 2023

Rebuilding credit after bankruptcy is indeed a challenge, but it is possible to improve your creditworthiness over time. The duration of the bankruptcy process and its finalization can vary depending on the type of bankruptcy you file. Chapter 7 bankruptcy typically takes around three to six months... View More

View More Answers

3 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for California on
Q: After bankruptcy is it had to build your credit to be able to buy a house or a car.?

how long is the bankruptcy process how long does it take to be finalized.?

Martha Warriner Jarrett
Martha Warriner Jarrett pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 12, 2023

There are several variables that determine how long it will take to complete a bankruptcy case. Once you will file, the court will set a date for your 341(a) meeting with the trustee. That date is between 30 and 45 days from the date you file. Creditors have 90 days from that date to seek to bar... View More

View More Answers

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.