Ask a Question

Get free answers to your Bankruptcy legal questions from lawyers in your area.

Lawyers, increase your visibility by answering questions and getting points. Answer Questions
California Bankruptcy Questions & Answers
3 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for California on
Q: We are in a chapter 13 bankruptcy. Can we move in with our parents and build up a savings with the rent money not spen

*money not spent on rent.

Theodore Allan Greene
Theodore Allan Greene
answered on Apr 25, 2018

any change in financial position should be reported to the trustee but check with your attorney before you do anything that could jeopardize your case.

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy and Elder Law for California on
Q: My mother, age 84, seems to have outlived the allowable equity LOC on her reverse mortgage. Credit card bills are high.

Her sole source of income is her monthly $1579 Social Security, her minimum pmts on her credit cards is just under $1000. Which doesn't leave enough money for living expenses (utilities, food, etc.). My first inclination is a credit help service but, after researching this, here best case... View More

Theodore Allan Greene
Theodore Allan Greene
answered on Apr 24, 2018

You should consult with a local bankruptcy attorney. Ask them to evaluate if she is "judgement proof" and what they recommend she do.

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Bankruptcy for California on
Q: I failed to get return receipt on my certified letters to creditors to stop calling...should I resend?
David S. Greenberg
PREMIUM
David S. Greenberg
answered on Apr 20, 2018

There are occasions when the creditors fail to honor such a request, whether it's sent certified or otherwise.

In any event, you have nothing to lose by resending the notices, other than the cost of postage.

It should be noted that once you file your bankruptcy petition, the...
View More

3 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for California on
Q: My name is shared on a title & loan for a car that I don't paid for or use. Can I declare chap 7 w/out claiming the car?

My friend took out a loan to get a car to use for his 1099 job. After some time he didn't want to keep paying for it, I had no car, so he added me to the title and the loan so that I could utilize it for the 1099 job myself (Lyft) and take over the payments. After a year, he wanted the car... View More

Timothy Denison
Timothy Denison
answered on Apr 17, 2018

No. You must list all assets and debts. Filing Chapter 7 will get you off the note and car loan. As long as your friend continues to pay the loan, shouldn’t be a problem.

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Bankruptcy for California on
Q: Can I still ask for a to sue a title loan company for sending me emails for payment after my bankruptcy discharged

The title loan sent me payment request by email and it was within the 30 days of my automatic stay. My lawyer says those cases never win so he did not suggest to pursue it. However I was still making payments to the title company because I was trying to hold on to the car, but after my lawyer... View More

Harlene Miller
Harlene Miller
answered on Apr 16, 2018

I urge you to seek advice from an experience bankruptcy attorney. If you are talking about a car loan, the bankruptcy code requires reaffirmation of the loan in order to keep the car. I have not heard of a lender unwilling to accept a reaffirmation agreement - unless perhaps you were very behind... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for California on
Q: Can filing bankruptcy eliminate claims my secured creditors have against me?
David S. Greenberg
PREMIUM
David S. Greenberg
answered on Apr 16, 2018

Secured debts are treated differently in Chapter 7 bankruptcy than other kinds of debts. Although the secured debt itself may be discharged in bankruptcy (and usually is), the creditor may still have a right to take the property back if you default on the payments.

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy and Estate Planning for California on
Q: Debt/death

I'm dying. I've known that for 3+ years. I outlasted the doctors expectations, but it's "going down" now. I have a pile of credit card debt & some decent life insurance policies going to my niece & nephew. Is there any reason for me to go through the hassle of... View More

Harlene Miller
Harlene Miller
answered on Apr 2, 2018

The questions you ask require a confidential discussion with a bankruptcy attorney for specific advice. In general, if the creditors have not sued you and no one has a judgment, you can continue what you are doing. If there is going to be a probate estate due to the size of your estate, then you... View More

View More Answers

3 Answers | Asked in Banking and Bankruptcy for California on
Q: Can I get my judgement paid from someone who filed bankruptcy and was discharged but didn’t list me as a creditor?

I have a judgement. I put a lien against their bank account. The bank was listed in their bankruptcy so they won’t release the money to me. I was notified by the bank there was a bankruptcy. The filer didn’t forget to list me. He filed at the same time he submitted statements to the court in... View More

Leon Bayer
Leon Bayer
answered on Mar 28, 2018

Your debt is considered discharged whether or not the debt was listed, unless you have a legal basis to object to the discharge.

View More Answers

3 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Car Accidents and Collections for California on
Q: Got into an accident. I'm at fault. Now in collections I need the case re-evaluated. Do I need an attorney? Court?

I got in a car accident 7 months ago. I wasn't on the owner's insurance .Denied the claim.I rear-ended another vehicle.(NO INJURIES) Now it went to a collector.They are threatening to suspend my license.The other parties insurance is blaming me for the accident but I have 2 witnesses who... View More

Harlene Miller
Harlene Miller
answered on Mar 27, 2018

Your question was directed to Bankruptcy and I am a bankruptcy attorney. I suggest you find an attorney that handles accident litigation - you need to meet with an attorney to discuss the specifics of your case. Do so as soon as possible. Try contacting the State Bar of California for attorney... View More

View More Answers

3 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for California on
Q: I filed a chapter 7 bankruptcy before getting hired at a new job that pays a lot more. Am I going to get in trouble for

filing or is there a way I can cancel my petition?

David Earl Phillips
David Earl Phillips
answered on Mar 24, 2018

It is possible to dismiss a chapter 7, but it must be by motion and is at the discretion of the Judge. You need to see a bankruptcy lawyer near you that will know the local customs of your bankruptcy court. You will not be in trouble for filing the case but, you may no longer need the bankruptcy as... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy and Military Law for California on
Q: If I am Active duty military, am I exempt from the means test for bankruptcy?
David Earl Phillips
David Earl Phillips
answered on Mar 23, 2018

See if Section 707(b)(2)(D) of the Bankruptcy Code applies to your situation. If so, you may avoid the means test. Best to see a bankruptcy lawyer near you as the means test is only part of what the US Trustee looks at when reviewing cases for abuse. Thank you for your service to our country. Hope... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Criminal Law, Business Law and Bankruptcy for California on
Q: Can a company avoid fraud charges and avoid paying back victims by filing for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?

A company named ASAP (American Standard Auto Protection) Auto Warranty was created as a fake company that advertised aftermarket auto warranties. They are filing for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy on April 6, 2018 in Brooklyn NY (not sure if this is the bankruptcy court date). Will the bankruptcy allow them... View More

John Karas
John Karas
answered on Mar 22, 2018

From the information you provided, it appears that the company may be seeking bankruptcy protection for the very reason stated in your question.

However, claims for fraud or other intentional tort claims are NOT dischargeable in BK. What you and others similarly defrauded by this company...
View More

2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Consumer Law and Collections for California on
Q: I'm in LA, CA. Received copy of "Request For Entry Of Default" form for Clerk's Judgment on a debt suit not served. Why?

The debt agency filed suit but I've had NO summons / served papers delivered to me. I just received a copy of the form they filled out seeking entry of default / Clerk's judgment. Are they not following correct procedure?

Theodore Allan Greene
Theodore Allan Greene
answered on Mar 10, 2018

You need to sit down with an attorney immediately and go over your options. It sounds like they are going to allege that they served you. You have options but must get legal advice right away. We can't determine what your options are from this question without much more information. Sitting... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for California on
Q: Are spent winnings that created a tax liability of 100K and 9 years of IRS interest dischargeable in Chapter 7?

I owe 100K for winnings spent due to my mistake in filing. I declared it so it's not criminal. Interest on 100k for 9 years, so I probable own like 200K. I'm retired on $1167 a month Social Security-my sole income. I have no house, car nor any assets except my clothes. I moved to S.E.... View More

Harlene Miller
Harlene Miller
answered on Mar 1, 2018

Gambling winnings are income and taxable. Most income taxes are not dischargeable in chapter 7. There is a limited ability to do so but requires a very detailed and specific analysis which I cannot provide you through this site. I strongly urge you to talk with a CPA and an experienced... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for California on
Q: Took out a loan to pay bills and now having trouble paying loan back, can I file bankruptcy?

Meaning the loan paid off the credit cards plus other things and the cards are now all closed. After about 5 months I am finding it hard to continue to make the payments on the loan. Can I file for bankruptcy?

Leon Bayer
Leon Bayer
answered on Feb 27, 2018

I agree, it's high time to consider bankruptcy. Most BK lawyers will give you a free consultation so you can find out if it's going to be good for you. I suggest that you not hesitate to consult several or more lawyers. You will find there are big differences between lawyers in what they... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for California on
Q: I’m getting a loan to settle my debt, by maybe getting a payoff from the credit cards. But what if in several months

I can not make the monthly loan payment amounts. Meaning the loan paid off the credit cards and the cards are now all closed. After about 5 months I am finding it hard to continue to make the payments on the loan. Can I file for bankruptcy?

Theodore Allan Greene
Theodore Allan Greene
answered on Feb 25, 2018

It's hard to answer your question without more information. If you used the loan to pay off credit cards and then filed bankruptcy they could try to fight it and request the debt not be discharged which would defeat your whole purpose. If you consolidate like you plan just make sure your loan... View More

View More Answers

4 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for California on
Q: If filing chapter 7 and I am a co-signer on an auto loan, the primary person should be able to continue paying the loan?
Stuart Nachbar
PREMIUM
Stuart Nachbar
answered on Feb 25, 2018

Yes, your statement is correct. The primary person would still be eligible to make and obligated to make the payments

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Bankruptcy and Trademark for California on
Q: Hi....I'm filing for chapter 7 bankruptcy. I am a musician.and need to file and intent to use service trademark for my

band's name. Will this trademark be part of the bankruptcy. I was told there are some rules with Trademarks and bankruptcy

Harlene Miller
Harlene Miller
answered on Feb 22, 2018

When filing bankruptcy, you must list all assets you have. This not only includes real property (house), but also personal assets including furnishings, clothing, jewelry, cars, etc. In addition, you must also list any other assets you have an interest in - which would include trademarks,... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy and Gov & Administrative Law for California on
Q: I am a financial advisor and declared bankruptcy Due to a lost court case. Can I still practice in my field afterwards?

Bankruptcy was not due to mismanagement of my own funds, nevertheless still a BK. My financial license is inactive at this time, can I reinstate it once BK is final and still continue to do the only job I know. I stay in California.

Stuart Nachbar
PREMIUM
Stuart Nachbar
answered on Feb 20, 2018

That is a question for the licensing boards. There would be no prohibition resulting from the bankruptcy.

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy for California on
Q: Can I File for bankruptcy to avoid being evicted
Theodore Allan Greene
Theodore Allan Greene
answered on Feb 16, 2018

You need to sit down with a local bankruptcy attorney to discuss all the details of your situation. It's very difficult to answer your question with limited information but a bankruptcy most of the time will not prevent an eviction. It can delay it depending on your unique situation. But you... 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.