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California Bankruptcy Questions & Answers
3 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for California on
Q: My credit card debt cuts into the food budget. How do I know if I should join a consolidation program or file bankruptcy

My credit debt payments are cutting into the food budget and rent just went up again. I have not missed a single credit card payment. My total debt is $23,232.54 and my monthly income is between $2500 to $2900. I currently hold 2 part time, minimum wage jobs and am enrolled as a full time student... View More

W. J. Winterstein Jr.
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W. J. Winterstein Jr.
answered on Oct 3, 2024

I've had scores of bankruptcy clients who have voiced deep regrets about debt consolidation groups.

Only a federal bankruptcy court, not any state court and certainly no debt consolidation group can provide a legal discharge of debt.

And with certain limited exceptions, no...
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3 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: My house is in pre-foreclosure. What are our options?

We got a second mortgage from Specialized Loan Servicing (SLS) in 11/2006. Now our house is in pre-foreclosure by a company called Real Time Resolutions (RTR).

In 2011, my wife and I filed bankruptcy (Ch 7). After our bankruptcy, we thought that debt was discharged. We never received any... View More

James Clifton
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James Clifton
answered on Sep 30, 2024

You are not alone. Real Time Resolutions is currently holding many very old loans that are severely delinquent and is putting many unsuspecting homeowners into foreclosure.

Whenever there is a pending foreclosure, you have many options. You can request a loan modification, refinance the...
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3 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: My house is in pre-foreclosure. What are our options?

We got a second mortgage from Specialized Loan Servicing (SLS) in 11/2006. Now our house is in pre-foreclosure by a company called Real Time Resolutions (RTR).

In 2011, my wife and I filed bankruptcy (Ch 7). After our bankruptcy, we thought that debt was discharged. We never received any... View More

W. J. Winterstein Jr.
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W. J. Winterstein Jr.
answered on Sep 30, 2024

With certain exceptions under the Bankruptcy Code, which must be initiated by the debtor, perfected liens against your residence are not discharged.

You either should have known that much or asked your bankruptcy attorney in 2011 while your case was open.

Assignments of Mortgage...
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3 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy and Tax Law for California on
Q: I have $330k CDTFA tax debt on failed during COVID S Corp. Am I personally responsible?

My wife and I were 25% each and my sister 50% owner's and officer's. Couldn't afford business BK, filed personal CH 7. CDTFA is liening my home for the debt.

Jorge Alesna Jr.
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answered on Sep 19, 2024

You can be held liable for the tax debt, and it appears that the CDTFA may have already made a dual determination if they placed a lien on your house.

A dual determination holds a person liable for a tax obligation shared with another, here, the corporation.

Under Revenue and...
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3 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy and Tax Law for California on
Q: I have $330k CDTFA tax debt on failed during COVID S Corp. Am I personally responsible?

My wife and I were 25% each and my sister 50% owner's and officer's. Couldn't afford business BK, filed personal CH 7. CDTFA is liening my home for the debt.

David S. Greenberg
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David S. Greenberg
answered on Sep 19, 2024

A person may be held personally liable for a business’ unpaid sales tax if the elements of California Revenue & Taxation Code (RTC) § 6829 and Regulation § 1702 are met. Section 6829 requires that the person subject to dual responsibility for the taxes is both a “responsible person” and... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Banking, Bankruptcy, Personal Injury and Civil Rights for California on
Q: How do I sew the court for litigation abuse syndrome regarding the PG&E Camp Fire Case?

I am a victim of the 2018 Camp Fire. Multiple times the court abused my civil rights. The judge refused to let speak on my behalf, lawyers voted for me with out being a client, bullied by the Tort lawyers, during litigation, and I was forced to represent my self because the lawyers refused to... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 28, 2024

I'm really sorry to hear about your experiences with the PG&E Camp Fire litigation. Under California law, you have the right to file a complaint if you believe your civil rights were violated during the legal process. To start, you'll need to document all instances of perceived abuse... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Bankruptcy for California on
Q: Can I file motion from relief of stay from Chapter 7 bankruptcy to foreclose on property since my loan is secured?

I have a secured loan and the debtor filed chapter 7 bankruptcy and it has been discharged but two people have filed adversary proceedings.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 29, 2024

To address your question, let's break down the key points and considerations:

1. Secured loan: You have a valid secured loan on the property.

2. Chapter 7 bankruptcy: The debtor has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, which has been discharged.

3. Automatic stay: The...
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1 Answer | Asked in Bankruptcy and Employment Law for California on
Q: Forms to respond to a Trustee's First and Final Application to approve Chapter 7 compensation to Trustee's Counsel.

My employer owes me over $300,000 for back wages. I won this lawsuit with the Labor Department in California. My employer filed for Chapter 7 and the Trustee didn't take into consideration all the assets my employer has and settled for $140,000 of which he will be collecting over $48,000 for... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 27, 2024

I understand you're in a difficult situation regarding your employer's Chapter 7 bankruptcy and the Trustee's handling of your wage claim. Here's some guidance on how you might proceed:

1. Forms to respond:

There isn't a specific standardized form for...
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1 Answer | Asked in Bankruptcy and Employment Law for California on
Q: Forms to respond to a Trustee's First and Final Application to approve Chapter 7 compensation to Trustee's Counsel.

My employer owes me over $300,000 for back wages. I won this lawsuit with the Labor Department in California. My employer filed for Chapter 7 and the Trustee didn't take into consideration all the assets my employer has and settled for $140,000 of which he will be collecting over $48,000 for... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 27, 2024

I understand you're in a difficult situation regarding your employer's Chapter 7 bankruptcy and the Trustee's handling of your wage claim. Here's some guidance on how to respond:

1. Forms to use:

The primary form you'll likely need is:

- Form B210A:...
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2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy and Business Law for California on
Q: Does my ex-contractor have a case against me for debt he said will be due when goods are sold (and its still not)

My company is being sued by an ex-contractor for an alleged debt. We had no contract per se and the debt is for goods his factory custom made for us but were delivered late, at which point majority of our retailers cancelled and I didn't want to accept the shipment at all. Eventually I did... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 21, 2024

This is a complex situation that involves several legal considerations. Here's a breakdown of the key issues and potential options:

1. Contract validity:

- Even without a formal written contract, your email communications may constitute a legally binding agreement.

-...
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1 Answer | Asked in Bankruptcy, Contracts and Business Law for California on
Q: Trying to figure out if a lawsuit is forth to try and fight against or file bankruptcy.

My company is being sued by ex-contractor for an alleged debt. The debt is over stock that's been overproduced and delivered late which they initially begged us to keep the goods with no payment and pay when it sells. While we paid part of the total, at some point they decided we can't... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 20, 2024

Thank you for sharing your situation. Based on the information provided, here's an overview of your options and some factors to consider:

1. Evaluating the lawsuit:

- Review the contract terms with the ex-contractor

- Assess the evidence supporting your position (e.g.,...
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1 Answer | Asked in Bankruptcy for California on
Q: Spousal waiver of exemptions for non-filing spouse

I have self-filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in the California Northern District Bankruptcy Court. The trustee has listed "Spousal waiver of exemptions for non-filing spouse" in the list of documents for the 341 meeting. Is this waiver mandatory since we don't have any assets to... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 17, 2024

Under California law, the "Spousal Waiver of Exemptions for Non-Filing Spouse" is a document that may be required when one spouse files for bankruptcy and the other does not. This waiver is designed to ensure that the non-filing spouse understands and agrees to the potential loss of... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Bankruptcy for California on
Q: My bankruptcy trustee filed an adversary case against my spouse to take possession & take over joint ownership of home

This was a chapter 7 asset case $40k in debt and $350k in home equity. Spouse never followed through with buying me out in family law causing me to file bankruptcy.

The judge ordered, adjudged, and decree the judgement.

What happens next to the marital residence. How long will it... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 15, 2024

In a situation where a bankruptcy trustee has filed an adversary case against your spouse to take possession and control of the jointly owned marital residence, the following steps are likely to occur:

1. Transfer of ownership: The court's judgment will likely result in the transfer of...
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3 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for California on
Q: hello, I wanted to know if I file for bankruptcy, will it help forgive past owed rent and help prevent eviction?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 10, 2024

Bankruptcy can provide relief from certain types of debts, including past due rent. However, the specifics depend on the type of bankruptcy you file and your particular situation. Here's some general information:

1. Chapter 7 Bankruptcy: If you qualify for and file Chapter 7...
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3 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for California on
Q: hello, I wanted to know if I file for bankruptcy, will it help forgive past owed rent and help prevent eviction?
Leon Bayer
Leon Bayer
answered on Jun 10, 2024

I assume you do not have the money to cure the rent default.

Filing bankruptcy may delay the eviction for a few weeks. Maybe a little longer. Although you will wind up evicted anyway, but you should be able to discharge all the back rent owed up until the date you file.

After you...
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1 Answer | Asked in Uncategorized, Bankruptcy and Consumer Law for California on
Q: How to recover money for services rendered?

How can I go about recovering money for services rendered in an abandoned RV? It is stored currently in CA but is registered in CT. The owner is also in bankruptcy. The RV isn't worth much ~ so I'm not really interested in taking possession. Is there a other way to recover my money? I... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 8, 2024

To recover money for services rendered in California, you have a few options, but the owner's bankruptcy and out-of-state vehicle registration complicate the situation. Here are some steps you can consider:

1. File a mechanic's lien: In California, you may be able to file a...
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2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for California on
Q: Should I file a Notice of Stay (CM-180) or respond to the lawsuit (PLD-C-010) after filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy?

I am being sued by a credit card company in California Superior Court. Due to my current financial situation, I cannot afford a lawyer, so I am handling everything on my own. After receiving the summons, I decided to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy and have already done so. Now should I file a Notice... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 4, 2024

In this situation, since you have already filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you should file a Notice of Stay of Proceedings (Form CM-180) with the California Superior Court where the lawsuit against you was filed. The automatic stay provision of the bankruptcy code (11 U.S.C. § 362) takes effect... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy and Collections for California on
Q: Should I use affirmative defense or "other" to explain my bankruptcy in PLD-C-010 form?

I am being sued by a credit card company in California Superior Court. Due to my current financial situation, I cannot afford a lawyer, so I am handling everything on my own. After receiving the summons, I decided to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy and have already done so. Now, I need to respond to... View More

W. J. Winterstein Jr.
PREMIUM
W. J. Winterstein Jr.
answered on Jun 3, 2024

I've practiced in several states, from TX and OK, to GA, DE, NJ and PA, and I've always promptly filed a simple Suggestion of Bankruptcy, with the bankruptcy court district and bankruptcy case number, and nothing more. That's always worked.

I recommend it as a show of...
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3 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy and Collections for California on
Q: Should I use affirmative defense or "other" to explain my bankruptcy in PLD-C-010 form?

I am being sued by a credit card company in California Superior Court. Due to my current financial situation, I cannot afford a lawyer, so I am handling everything on my own. After receiving the summons, I decided to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy and have already done so. Now, I need to respond to... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 3, 2024

In this situation, you should use the "Other" box in the PLD-C-010 form to explain that you have filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, rather than using the affirmative defense section. Here's what you can do:

1. In the PLD-C-010 form, check the box for "Other" under the...
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2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for California on
Q: Would a reimbursement trigger a claw back under chapter 7 bankruptcy?

if my roommate pays the rent, then I pay that roommate half for the rent, in reimbursement. Would that trigger a claw back under chapter 7?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 23, 2024

In a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, certain transactions made by the debtor before filing for bankruptcy may be subject to "clawback" or avoidance by the bankruptcy trustee. This is to prevent debtors from unfairly transferring assets or making preferential payments to certain creditors before... View More

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