BANKRUPTCY :: PERSONAL

Are you facing a debt crisis and considering bankruptcy?  If so, now is the time to seek advice from a qualified, knowledgeable and experienced attorney in bankruptcy law.

A bankruptcy can have serious monetary and emotional impacts which could last for years to come.  An experienced bankruptcy lawyer can properly assist you in making the right decisions based on your specific needs.  It is critical that you understand how bankruptcy works, what options are available, and how you should proceed each step along the way.

Credentials

At Barnett & Rubin, we have over 30 years of experience advising and representing individuals in bankruptcy filings.

Richard Barnett, partner, is a California State Bar Certified Bankruptcy Law Specialist; less than 150 lawyers statewide have achieved this special certification.  Mr. Barnett also serves as a court-appointed mediator for the local Bankruptcy Courts which enables him to further expand his conflict management skills to assist individuals seeking alternative dispute resolutions.  He is among the most respected attorneys in his field and has been rated “AV Preeminent®“ by Martindale-Hubbell, which is a significant rating accomplishment and is a testament to the fact that his peers rank him at the highest level of professional excellence.   He has personally helped hundreds of clients with their bankruptcy cases – and he can help you as well.

Our Client Service Philosophy

The best way for an individual to evaluate options regarding bankruptcy or other forms of relief is to arrange a meeting with an experienced bankruptcy attorney.   Our attorneys understand that every situation is different, requiring a unique strategy for the proper solution.

We always hope that clients will seek our assistance early, before problems escalate, but this isn’t always the case.  If a client decides to file for bankruptcy, our goal is to relieve the financial pressure and position him or her for long-term financial freedom.  We recommend what we believe is the best solution for you, providing the expert guidance that you need during this difficult time.

Competent advice requires significant attention from experienced counsel.  Our office generally charges a fee for consultations.  If the client retains our office we generally give the client credit for the time spent on the consultation.  We do recognize that other law firms give “free consultations”; you should be aware that such “advice” may be tainted by the lawyer’s need to be retained in order to be paid for his or her “free” services.

How We Help

Barnett & Rubin will:

• Evaluate your circumstances
• Determine if bankruptcy is available or appropriate
• Assist you in Planning an effective bankruptcy or non-bankruptcy strategy to protect your assets
  • Workouts
  • Assignments
  • Reorganizations
  • Liquidations
• Assist you in structuring and implementing  your strategy

Because we are highly experienced, our advice can go far beyond merely helping you file for bankruptcy.  We counsel you on the best methods to handle your debts, bankruptcy or otherwise, and maximizing the benefit of a bankruptcy discharge of indebtedness.  We can also help you to understand how to protect important personal and household assets.

Bankruptcy Options

Bankruptcy is governed by Federal Law contained in the United States Bankruptcy Code. The various types of Bankruptcy proceedings are governed by different Chapters within the Bankruptcy Code.  The forms that apply to individuals are Chapters 7, 11 and Chapter 13.

Chapter 7 is designed for debtors who do not have the ability to pay existing debts.  A trustee takes legal possession of all of your property. Some of your property is exempt from seizure under either the existing laws of your state or under federal law, so it is important to discuss this with your attorney.

Chapter 11 provides for reorganization of individuals and businesses.  This is a flexible but more costly process that is best suited for individuals with significant debt who seek to preserve their assets through a reorganization plan.

Chapter 13 is designed for individuals with regular income who are temporarily unable to pay their debts but would like to pay in installments over a period of time.  You are only eligible for Chapter 13 relief if your debts do not exceed certain dollar amounts provided in the Bankruptcy Code.  You must file a plan with the court to repay your creditors all or part of the money owed, using your future earnings.  If you are not repaying 100% of your debts, payments are to be made over a minimum of three years but no more than five years.  This process generally requires that you remain in bankruptcy for three to five years.

TESTIMONIALS