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Los Angeles Bankruptcy Lawyer: Eligibility For Bankruptcy

Author: State Bar Approved Lawyer Referrals

The bankruptcy laws in earlier times used to affect the debtor harshly as the creditors used legal and physical methods to get back their credits. But as time changed, new bankruptcy laws evolved as well as older ones were amended to make the laws more permanent and beneficial for both the debtors and creditors.

If you are facing a financial crisis then you should get the help of a bankruptcy lawyer that can help you understand the complexities of chapter 7 and chapter 13 and other procedures related to it.

About Chapter 7 Bankruptcy:
Chapter 7 bankruptcy: otherwise known as liquidation is most common and is proposed for the discharging of the unsecured debts such as medical bills, credit card debt, and unsecured personal loans. These types of bankruptcy can be completed within a period of months. It gives trustees, the ability to pay creditors by liquidating the non-exempt assets, although due to problem of absence of non-exempt assets among people who are filing the chapter 7 bankruptcy, the trustees are able to keep their property and can easily eliminate the debts which are unsecured.

Eligibility

The qualification for being eligible to file a chapter 7 bankruptcy is the debtor must be an individual, a corporation, a partnership or any other business entity. The first thing that will be done to check your eligibility is that your average income for 6 months earlier to the filling date and comparing it with the median earnings of the state in which you reside if your average income is below that median income then you are eligible to apply.

One another important eligibility criteria is to be able to discharge your non-exempt debts you should have unsecured debts such as consumer debts, medical bills, or payday loans.

There are certain conditions that make you ineligible and you should take care about these:

1. If you have enough disposable income to repay your debts , after cutting the allowed expenses and important debt payments for repaying small portion of the unsecured debts on a five-year repayment phase 2. If you have already attained a chapter 7 bankruptcy earlier within a time period of the last eight years prior to the time of filing.

Proceedings and working:
The chapter 7 bankruptcy works on the concept that any of the secured assets a petitioner has will be handed over to an estate which is a legal that becomes the temporary owner of all secured assets and the creditor has no right to liquidate these assets until the case is over.

To find a Pre-Screened Lawyer in your area, please call our 24Hr Unbiased Lawyer Referral Hotline at 661-310-7999.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/bankruptcy-articles/los-angeles-bankruptcy-lawyer-eligibility-for-bankruptcy-1057930.html

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To find pre-screened and monitored attorneys in the Los Angeles Metro area please call 661-310-7999.

Certified by the California Bar Association (Certification # 0128), 1000Attorneys.com is a single point of contact to find pre-screened attorneys in Los Angeles, California. The lawyer referral program complies with rules and regulations set forth by the Bar and the Supreme Court to provide unbiased lawyer referrals to Los Angeles residents



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New Bankruptcy Laws for Los Angeles Residents

Author: State Bar Approved Lawyer Referrals

Many Los Angeles Residents are filing bankruptcy in hopes of eliminating debts or saving their home from foreclosure. While it is true bankruptcy can offer a fresh financial start, undergoing the process is no easy task. New bankruptcy laws, enacted in 2005, have made filing bankruptcy complicated and confusing.

For most people filing bankruptcy requires legal assistance. When possible, it is a good idea to find Pre-Screened bankruptcy lawyers. Most law firms offer affordable fees to review financial information and provide advice. Filing bankruptcy can be an emotionally-charged experience, so it is important to work with a lawyer whose personality is complimentary to yours.

Prior to or during the bankruptcy process, debtors are required to undergo credit counseling. The Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act requires consumers to obtain counseling through a U.S. Trustee Program agency. Credit counseling must take place a maximum of 180 days prior to filing.

Debtors must also undergo the "means" test to determine if they are eligible to file for personal bankruptcy protection. A provision of BAPCPA requires consumers must pay a portion of their debts if possible. The means test is used to determine how much debt will be repaid.

In cases where debtors fall significantly below the median income level of their state, they may be allowed to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Chapter 7 involves liquidation of assets and discharge of debts. Otherwise, debtors will be required to file Chapter 13 bankruptcy and repay debts over an extended period of time.

In order to file bankruptcy, debtors must petition the bankruptcy court in the judicial district where they reside. A creditor meeting will be arranged and a repayment plan submitted to the court. BAPCPA requires debtors to pay a substantial amount of disposable income toward repayment of debts. If the debtor is unable to adhere to the repayment plan, they will fail out of bankruptcy and lose protection of the court. Failing out of bankruptcy means creditors can proceed with collection actions including initiating foreclosure.

When homeowners file bankruptcy to stop foreclosure, it is crucial they understand the consequences of failing out of bankruptcy. Mortgage lenders can commence the foreclosure process where it left off when bankruptcy was filed. In many instances, homeowners are only days away from eviction when they file. If they fail out of bankruptcy, the lender can foreclose in a matter of days.

Filing bankruptcy has far-reaching effects and should only be considered when all other debt elimination plans have failed. These might include debt settlement, debt consolidation or credit counseling. Take time to become educated about bankruptcy and fully understand the pros and cons. Look for alternatives that can yield the same results without being as detrimental to your credit.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/bankruptcy-articles/new-bankruptcy-laws-for-los-angeles-residents-1057808.html

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To find pre-screened attorneys in the Los Angeles area call 661-310-7999.

Certified by the California Bar Association (Certification # 0128), 1000Attorneys.com is a single point of contact to find pre-screened attorneys in Los Angeles, California. The lawyer referral program complies with rules and regulations set forth by the Bar and the Supreme Court to provide unbiased lawyer referrals to Los Angeles residents


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Be Aware of Unethical Bankruptcy Attorneys & Lawyers in Los Angeles

Author: JC Serrano

To find pre-screened bankruptcy lawyers call 1000Attorneys.com at 661-310-7999

A former associate at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati in Palo Alto was arrested late last month in connection with allegations that he was not licensed to practice law and had attempted to falsify credentials.

Steven Young Lee, 31, who had worked in the prestigious law firm’s securities litigation division since last August, was fired last month when the firm found out that the Boston College law graduate had lied about being licensed to practice law in California or anywhere else.

Lee’s attorney, Lucy McAllister, did not return phone calls, and when reached Monday, Lee himself said “I don’t want to comment.”

After his arrest April 29, Lee was charged with felony grand theft and the unlawful practice of law. If convicted of both charges, Lee faces up to five years behind bars, according to Santa Clara County Assistant District Attorney Al Weger.

While at Wilson, Sonsini, Lee conducted interviews, took depositions, gave legal advice and made court appearance in L.A., San Francisco and San Mateo. The firm has returned to clients a total of 9,865.95 that was billed for Lee’s work, and it brought the matter to prosecutors’ attention, Weger said.

“The work he did seemed adequate,” said Wilson, Sonsini lawyer Timothy Scott, chair of the firm’s litigation department. “The other lawyers seemed to have liked him.”

According to a report by District Attorney Investigator Gary Medlin, the allegations unfolded April 13 when partner Leo Cunningham overheard his secretary talking to someone from the State Bar, which grants individuals licenses to practice the profession. The secretary, according to the report, was doing a routine verification to make sure Lee was in good standing with the bar. (To practice law in California, an individual must pass a bar exam and an ethics review.)

The bar, however, told the secretary that the number she provided did not belong to Lee. Cunningham then confronted the associate, according to the report, and Lee said that he must have incorrectly written the number down. He said he would check his bar card and give the correct number to Cunningham, the report said.

Lee later provided Cunningham with another number, which state bar records showed was registered to a Steve Y.C. Lee who lived in Sacramento. Steven Y. Lee finally admitted he was not licensed in any state, the report said. He was immediately suspended, and on that day sent a change of address form to the California State bar, requesting a duplicate bar card belonging to Steve Y.C. Lee, listing Wilson as his new employer. Less than a week after he was fired, Lee submitted a resume to an executive legal search firm to find new work as a lawyer, the report said.

“This was an obvious attempt on his part to steal Steve Y.C. Lee’s bar number,” concluded the report. The Sacramento lawyer, meanwhile, said this week that he is considering a negligence suit against Wilson, Sonsini. “At the bare minimum, Wilson was negligent,” said Steve Y.C. Lee. “All it takes is one search. ... What firm doesn’t do a background check?”

Scott defended the firm’s hiring practices, even as he stressed that such an incident would never happen again.

“We check references, and we did so in this case,” he said. The state bar’s Web site, which lists Steve Y.C. Lee’s bar number and that of other lawyers, is accessible to anyone.

Ironically, Steven Y. Lee had gotten over what to most aspiring lawyers are the hardest parts of the process -- getting through law school and passing a required test. Prosecutors said he has passed the bar in at least two states, and in 1993, he graduated from Boston College Law School.

Shortly afterward, though, Lee made what would prove to be a terrible mistake. It wasn’t that he failed the Massachusetts exam (more than half of test-takers do), but that he lied about the results to land a job with a firm in that state, prosecutors said. When the firm found out, it fired Lee.

In 1994, Lee moved to New York and took the bar exam for that state. He passed, but because of the incident in Massachusetts, he was rejected in a review of ethical conduct -- a step almost perfunctory to many lawyers. After that, said prosecutors, he told the law firm of Dickstein, Shapiro, Morin & Oshinsky that he was indeed licensed -- and worked there until his lie was discovered 15 months later, prosecutors said.

In 1997, Lee moved to work at Brian Cave LLP in Los Angeles. He lasted there less than two weeks when the firm found out he didn’t have a license to practice in California, prosecutors said. Last February, Lee passed the California bar exam. But, said the report, “He never followed through with the procedures necessary to become licensed.”

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/law-articles/be-aware-of-unethical-bankruptcy-attorneys-lawyers-in-los-angeles-1051611.html

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To find pre-screened attorneys in the Los Angeles area call 310-310-7999.

Certified by the California Bar Association (Certification # 0128), 1000Attorneys.com is a single point of contact to find pre-screened attorneys in Los Angeles, California. The lawyer referral program complies with rules and regulations set forth by the Bar and the Supreme Court to provide unbiased lawyer referrals to Los Angeles residents



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Bankruptcy in Los Angeles, a serious business

Author: State Bar Approved Lawyer Referrals

The federal government makes available a way for those who are struggling under the weight of impossible debt to have a new start by freeing them of their financial burden. A bankruptcy isn't easy, but can make it possible to live a normal life again, freed of the heavy burden of crushing debt. When you are facing what seems like an intractable fiscal problem, filing bankruptcy might be the answer.

There are any number of reasons why you may find yourself deeply in debt. Some of the most common are losing a job, hospital bills and spending beyond your means, usually with the "assistance" of credit cards. Filing bankruptcy doesn't mean that you are an irresponsible person, simply that circumstances beyond your control have led to an unmanageable level of debt.

Being deeply in debt can be utterly miserable. You begin to fear opening your mailbox and become anxious every time the phone rings. It seems that no matter much you pay on your credit cards, it just isn't enough and the balance keeps growing. Your credit suffers and it seems like there is no way out.

By filing bankruptcy, you gain a chance to get a fresh start by reducing or eliminating your debts. With out of control debt, it becomes impossible even to lead a normal life. However, something which bankruptcy will not permit you to do is to avoid paying debts which you are capable of paying.

This means that some of your money and perhaps property will be handed over to your creditors in a fashion considered fair by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court. The court will decide what you may keep and what will be sold to help settle your debts. You might also have to pay off debts with cash on hand if your liquid assets are over a certain predetermined amount.

Bankruptcies are sorted into types known as chapters. These different chapters are designed to address different situations which are varied enough to justify a different approach. The most common types filed are chapter 7 and chapter 13 bankruptcies.

Chapter 7 bankruptcy is called a "straight bankruptcy" and results in all debt which cannot be settles through the sale of your assets being written off. Chapter 13 bankruptcy, by contrast organizes your debts into a payment plan which fits your situation. In either case, the calls and mail stop flooding in and you can breathe easier. Once you notify a court that you intend to file for bankruptcy protection, the calls will stop, as will other collection efforts including legal actions, evictions, foreclosures and repossessions - the relief is almost instant.

Other bankruptcy chapters are target for specific needs, such as chapter 11 for businesses and chapter 12 for farmers. These are aimed to eliminate certain types of debt.

Filing bankruptcy can be complex and is a serious business, You should always work with an attorney who specializes in bankruptcies if you are considering this move.

To find a Pre-Screened Attorney in your area, please call our 24Hr Unbiased Attorney Referral Hotline at 661-310-7999.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/bankruptcy-articles/bankruptcy-in-los-angeles-a-serious-business-1057831.html

About the Author

To find pre-screened attorneys in the Los Angeles area call 661-310-7999.

Certified by the California Bar Association (Certification # 0128), 1000Attorneys.com is a single point of contact to find pre-screened attorneys in Los Angeles, California. The lawyer referral program complies with rules and regulations set forth by the Bar and the Supreme Court to provide unbiased lawyer referrals to Los Angeles residents



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Los Angeles Bankruptcy Lawyer: Bankruptcies on a Credit Record Timeline

Author: State Bar Approved Lawyer Referrals

Bankruptcies on a Credit Record

A Chapter 7 bankrutpcy may display on your credit for 10 years from the date of filing. Chapter 13 may stay for 10 yeas also, but it is customary for those to be removed after 7 years.

Here is more specific advice and input from various FAQ Farmers:

  • Seven to ten years from the date of discharge.
  • All discharged bankruptcies whether a state or federal filing remain on a CR for 10 years. A dismissed chapter 13 remains for 7 years, a dismissed chapter 7 remains for 10 years.
  • Chapt.7-11-12 will remain for ten years. A chapter 13 will remain for seven years if successfully completed, for 10 years if dismissed.
  • Ten (10) years for a discharged chapter 7 or 13. Seven (7) years for a dismissed chapter 13, ten (10) years for a dismissed chapter 7.
  • Although it is true that the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act does provide that bankruptcy entries will remain for 10 years, there are some creditors that will only leave a chapter 13 bankruptcy on your record for 7, rather than 10 years. They do this to encourage people to pay part of their debts rather than discharge it all under a chapter 7. More importantly, the effect of bankruptcy on one's ability to get credit is vastly overstated. The key to getting the credit you need has far more to do with the amount of present income you have rather than any negatives on your credit report. In short, if you have good present income, the creditors will look past your credit report to your wallet in the sense that it is possible, even with a bankruptcy on one's record, to get credit for cars and new credit cards as soon as you are discharged in a chapter 7 (about four months after you file), and after a year or so, you can even get a mortgage on a house. They may not give you the best rate, but if you have good present income, even a person with a bankruptcy on their record can get the credit they want in almost all cases.
  • You will not qualify for a FHA until a chapter 7 has be discharged for 2 years. A chapter 13, you will only have to wait a minimum of 1 year from filing date.

To find a Pre-Screened Lawyer in your area, please call our 24Hr Unbiased Lawyer Referral Hotline at 661-310-7999.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/bankruptcy-articles/los-angeles-bankruptcy-lawyer-bankruptcies-on-a-credit-record-timeline-1057945.html

About the Author

To find pre-screened and monitored attorneys in the Los Angeles Metro area please call 661-310-7999. Certified by the California Bar Association (Certification # 0128), 1000Attorneys.com is a single point of contact to find pre-screened attorneys in Los Angeles, California. The lawyer referral program complies with rules and regulations set forth by the Bar and the Supreme Court to provide unbiased lawyer referrals to Los Angeles residents