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California Bankruptcy Questions & Answers
4 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for California on
Q: Can I put my 30% ownership interest in a condo into an LLC in case I go bankrupt in a couple years so it can’t be taken?

Does an LLC make my ownership interest exempt from being taken by creditors?

Ronald Holland
Ronald Holland
answered on Nov 24, 2018

This is the same answer as before. If you are the owner of the LLC, whatever it owns, in net assets, is an asset of yours. Seek legal advice from an experienced bankruptcy attorney. Trying to file bankruptcy by learning a few things online is going to get you into trouble. Hire someone to... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: Should I lower my ownership interest in a condo from 30 to 1 percent if I might go bankrupt? Will creditors catch that?

My parents are scared I might go bankrupt in a couple years. I own 30% of a condo worth 75 grand and have credit card debt of 55 grand. They want me to take my name off the deed in which they own the other 70% and have a side agreement with them. Should I agree to take my name off the deed or lower... View More

Ronald Holland
Ronald Holland
answered on Nov 24, 2018

i see that you have asked this question before in a different way.

All assets that you own or have a right to must be listed in a bankruptcy filing.

Transfer of an interest in property is subject to a trustee recovering (reversing the transaction) for up to (or maybe beyond) 2 years...
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2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy and Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: My commercial tenant filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Do they have to serve us notice?

I was informed by email that Chapter 11 had been filed by our commercial tenant, but they failed to give us any details as to where it was filed. Are they required to officially serve us? I want to get an attorney but don't know what jurisdiction.

Harlene Miller
Harlene Miller
answered on Nov 19, 2018

Notice of a bankruptcy filing is usually not sent by email. What was the source of the notice and what did you receive? I suggest you find a bankruptcy attorney local to you to check the status of the case. Chapter 11 is a very different type of bankruptcy, so it will be important for you to... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy and Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: How can I find a gd Bankruptcy attorney that is experienced working for landlords whose commercial tenant filed CH 11?

My commercial tenant said they just filed CH 11. They are in default of lease for not paying this months rent and other expenses. I believe I need to file a motion for relief of automatic stay. which means I need help to file this motion soon.

Harlene Miller
Harlene Miller
answered on Nov 19, 2018

Check with your state bar association for a list of bankruptcy attorneys that have Chapter 11 experience. Also, you can check online for bankruptcy attorneys in your area - look for attorneys who focus on bankruptcy in their practice - rather than a general practitioner that handles many areas of... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Bankruptcy for California on
Q: Want to file to bankruptcy how can I do this being low income? Is there financial help with filing or a waiver?

Is there any type of pro bono lawyer I can get to help me file for bankruptcy?

Timothy Denison
Timothy Denison
answered on Nov 14, 2018

You may be able to get a reduced rate attorney by contacting your local bar association or legal aid society.

5 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy and Civil Litigation for California on
Q: I want to file for bankruptcy? Can I get help with the fees since I’m low income? How to get a pro bono service help
Peter Maurice Lively
Peter Maurice Lively
answered on Nov 13, 2018

Public Counsel Law Center Los Angeles (213) 385-2977 might be able to help you. Several bankruptcy courts in the Central District of California have self-help desks. Fee waivers and fee payment plans are sometimes available by application to the court at the time you file your petition.

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3 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for California on
Q: I would like to know what to do about a NOTICE OF OBJECTION TO CLAIM? San Bernardino City Bankruptcy

Received from US Bankruptcy Court . Deadline for Opposition Papers must be filed 14 days prior to the hearing date of Nov 28, 2018. This is dated Oct 26, 2018. Notice of Objection and Objection pursuant to section 502 of title 11, US Code (Bankruptcy Code) Rule 3007 of Federal Rules of Bankruptcy... View More

Cristina M. Lipan
Cristina M. Lipan
answered on Nov 11, 2018

They included your claim in the bankruptcy filing as a potential claim - they include every possible claim. They want to completely get rid of this liability and have listed it under expunged claims. If you do nothing, nothing happens, but you also will no longer have any rights to proceed on this... View More

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4 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for California on
Q: What exactly is the "silent exemption" in Chapter 7 bankruptcy in California and how does it work?

I have heard that I may be able to keep my car even though it's worth $2000 more than the $3530 exemption by using the silent exemption but I have no idea what it is and how to use it.

David S. Greenberg
PREMIUM
David S. Greenberg
answered on Nov 4, 2018

You are referring to the wildcard exemption of up to $28,225.00. You can use this exemption for any purpose, includin your $2,000.00 vehicle equity.

You can then use the remaining wildcard exemption of $26,225.00 as needed.

Please note that this is available if you are not using a...
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4 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for California on
Q: If we're already in foreclosure can we file for bankruptcy?
Ronald Holland
Ronald Holland
answered on Oct 31, 2018

Yes! Chapter 13 is used by many people to not only stop the foreclosure, but the repay the past due mortgage while keeping the ongoing mortgage current. If that's your situation, you should talk to an experienced bankruptcy attorney in your area to find out if that would be a good option for... View More

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4 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for California on
Q: How do people pay for bankruptcy attorneys if they're already in so much debt?
Theodore Allan Greene
Theodore Allan Greene
answered on Oct 18, 2018

Some people make payment plans. Like $100 per month until the balance is paid. Others have a family member make the payments. Others stop paying their debts (credit cards) and that frees up some money. Others still use a legal document preparer which is the WORST option as far as I'm... View More

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5 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for California on
Q: I am filing Chapter 7 in CA. My wife has a house since before marriage and we have a prenup. Do I need to disclose?

Married for 3 years and we do not live in that house, I rent.

Timothy Denison
Timothy Denison
answered on Oct 1, 2018

Yes. Full disclosure to protect you both.

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4 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for California on
Q: why didn't my California bankruptcy attorney list all of my creditors that I gave him

I gave him a stack of creditor addresses and names all three of my credit reports and he didn't list them in the schedule when he filed for bankruptcy chapter 7

Timothy Denison
Timothy Denison
answered on Sep 29, 2018

Maybe he overlooked them. You can always reopen (if closed) and add them after the fact.

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1 Answer | Asked in Bankruptcy, Contracts, Collections and Domestic Violence for California on
Q: Can a company thats not listed as the lienholder with DMV repo my car from my private garage?

The car dealership put the wrong name down on the DMV paperwork and a bunch of other shady things. Now the company that NOT listed as the lien holder repossed my car from my garage. The reason I couldn't deal with this is because I'm experiencing domestic violence issues and was not... View More

Timothy Denison
Timothy Denison
answered on Sep 24, 2018

You may sue for wrongful repossession of the car. Likely will not get the car back.

4 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for California on
Q: What are the options and requirements for reinvesting Homestead Exemption funds while in Chapter 7 bankruptcy?

I am in active bankruptcy (not yet discharged) My home was sold to satisfy claims. The Trustee issued me $75K for my Homestead Exemption and said it should be reinvested in a primary residence within 150 days. What are my options (i.e., rent? motorhome? co-invest?)?

Peter Maurice Lively
Peter Maurice Lively
answered on Sep 21, 2018

California Code of Civil Procedure Section 704.710 provides the definition of a dwelling and the types of dwellings which may your homestead which include a house, a mobile home, a boat, etc.

If you don't reinvest the homestead funds within the six months deadline, the trustee will...
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3 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: ch13 debtor filed objection to my class7 claim (civil suit) for complete discharge. what do I file in reply?

I sued my landlord for illegal eviction in San Jose, CA. 1 day b4 settlement conference (not trial yet), landlord offered 15k and filed ch13 next day. 2 parties filed claims – IRS for $436 and me 400k. ch13 plan offers class7 13.6K over 5 yrs. my lawyer doesnt think worth it because landlord... View More

Ronald Holland
Ronald Holland
answered on Sep 11, 2018

If you don't have an attorney, you need one now. Find an experienced bankruptcy attorney that handles litigation.

An objection to proof of claim like this will be resolved in litigation over whether the other party has a claim. This isn't about whether the claim is...
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5 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Estate Planning and Family Law for California on
Q: Husband accumulates debt with payday loans and other forms without my knowledge. How to protect my assets. Can I?

He has filed bankruptcy 3 times. I was on the bankruptcy the last 2 times but don't ever want to be involved with one again.

I will be inheriting someday and wonder if his creditors will go after the estate.

Harlene Miller
Harlene Miller
answered on Sep 11, 2018

This is not a question that can be answered through this site. There are too many facts and issues that need to be discussed. If you think your husband is planning to file bankruptcy again, seek advice from an attorney that specializes in bankruptcy law to analyze the potential impact of a... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for California on
Q: If I back out of a chapter 13 before it is confirmed can I get the public record off my credit?

I filed, but plan hasnt been confirmed. I am in position now to pay my creditors like before.

Timothy Denison
Timothy Denison
answered on Sep 9, 2018

Your record will still reflect the filing as well as the voluntary dismissal.

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3 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for California on
Q: Will my car be taken away if I file for bankruptcy? I don't want to take public transportation.
Ronald Holland
Ronald Holland
answered on Aug 24, 2018

You should always at least consult with an experienced bankruptcy attorney before filing bankruptcy. I also recommend hiring one that you like to represent you. It is well worth it for the peace of mind knowing that your case was properly handled.

The answer to your question is "it...
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4 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy and Collections for California on
Q: Can a judgment against me garnish my SSDI (Disability), my old VW Bug that's worth less than $3,000, my furniture?

Was served on August 8, 2018. My husband was ill with terminal cancer & couldn't work. I live in Northern California, El Dorado County, I'm 56 years old & became disabled & couldn't work. Took a long time to get our disability & went through our savings & had to... View More

Timothy Denison
Timothy Denison
answered on Aug 8, 2018

They cannot garnish your ssi and you probably have enough exemptions to protect the property you described. You can probably get a free consultation with a bankruptcy attorney who can give you some help

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1 Answer | Asked in Identity Theft, Bankruptcy, Foreclosure and Probate for California on
Q: Grantor 1)RUFFIN, AUSTIN2)RUFFIN, PARIS M W3)WILLIAMS, PARIS MGrantee BANK OF AMER normal or i have a case?

I think stole property thats mine by heir. Although I haven't seen what's written inside these documents, I notice ReContrust Co. is an affiliate & i learned theyre notorious for scamming foreclosures. I need these documents examined for fraudulence. This leads me to a recent public... View More

Bahram Madaen
Bahram Madaen
answered on Aug 4, 2018

Send me a copy of the loan docs and the notices. I had almost exact issue with BoA couple years ago. The bank was really slow to respond and we had to bring a lawsuit. It took a year to get rid of the loans.

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