In today’s world, debt is a big part of the consumer lifestyle. Debt is how we secure the purchase of our homes, cars, a business, and sometimes the basic necessitates of life. However, life is unpredictable and as a consequence, we can be faced with hard times. We can lose a job, face medical issues, or have some unexpected expense come up, and before we know it your debt can pile up leaving you struggling to climb out of it. We understand that financial problems are common and can make life difficult. However, there are solutions. If you are interested in understanding your legal and financial options, please contact us today.
Bankruptcy is a frightening word and when considering bankruptcy, it can be one of the hardest decisions an individual will face. Moreover, it can be an intimidating process. As a result of filing for bankruptcy, a debtor will likely face some short-term consequences not to mention the emotional toll it can take on the individual and their family. However, the fundamental goal of bankruptcy is to give debtors a “fresh start.” The Supreme Court addressed the purpose of bankruptcy law in a 1934 decision when stating:
[I]t gives to the honest but unfortunate debtor . . . a new opportunity in life and clear field for future effort, unhampered by the pressure and discouragement of preexisting debt.
Local Loan Co. v. Hunt, 292 U.S. 234, 244 (1934). Bankruptcy is a tool for debtors to obtain some financial relief. As the economy has its highs and lows, bankruptcy has become a more common solution.
The first step when facing financial issues is to educate yourself about the bankruptcy process. As such, one should seek the advice of competent legal counsel. Attorney Pauldeep Bains is dedicated in helping individuals and families facing financial difficulties and focus’ primarily on Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases. Mr. Bains offers both in-person and phone consultations in order to accommodate all types of clients and their busy schedules. The free one-hour consultation is intended for you to discuss your individual financial situation with Sacramento Bankruptcy Lawyer Pauldeep Bains and determine if bankruptcy is an appropriate option for you. Mr. Bains is here to listen, help, and educate you on your legal options.
Here at Sacramento Bankruptcy Lawyer, in order to provide you with the highest quality of service, you will always meet directly with Mr. Bains for that consultation. Mr. Bains is here to make that initial step, and each step along the way, as easy and stress-free as possible. Whether you are drowning in credit card debt or are facing a home foreclosure, Mr. Bains will provide experienced counseling and is ready to evaluate your finances with you and establish a creative plan to get you out of the financial struggle you are facing.
Attorney Pauldeep Bains has evaluated Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy options with over 1,000 people here in Sacramento, Roseville, and the surrounding areas. Mr. Bains has filed hundreds of bankruptcy cases and his results are exceptional. If you need to file a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy case because a credit card company is threatening to or has filed a lawsuit against you, is attempting to levy your bank account or garnish your wages, Mr. Bains will be able to quickly and efficiently evaluate your situation and move your case forward without wasting any time. Or if you need to file a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy case to stop your home from foreclosing, Mr. Bains will be ready to begin working on your case immediately and crafting a Chapter 13 plan to tailor your needs. If you are looking for a knowledgeable, experienced, and most importantly, reliable bankruptcy attorney, click here to setup a consultation appointment today!
Once a client hires Sacramento Bankruptcy Lawyer Pauldeep Bains, they will be provided a detailed questionnaire packet which includes a list of financial documents to gather. These financial documents are critical in preparation of your bankruptcy petition. Once you have gathered everything and have completed the questionnaire packet, the next step is to schedule a follow-up appointment (i.e. Document Review Appointment) with Mr. Bains for both you and Mr. Bains to review your financial documents. Mr. Bains will take the information received during this appointment and prepare your personalized petition.
As part of the petition, the debtor is required to list his or her assets and liabilities among other various financial information. These requirements are intended to provide adequate information to the debtor’s creditors and to facilitate the fair and efficient distribution of debtor’s income or assets depending on the type of bankruptcy you claim. The most common bankruptcy cases filed and the types of cases we handle here at Sacramento Bankruptcy Lawyer are Chapter 7 (liquidation proceedings) and Chapter 13 (adjustment of debts of an individual with steady income). Each type of bankruptcy proceeding provides a different set of eligibility requirements. Depending on your individual situation, you may be eligible to file bankruptcy under more than one Chapter. As such, Mr. Bains will help you evaluate which Chapter would be most advantageous in light of your particular financial situation.
If you would like to read more about the differences between a Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy proceedings, please click here!
Once your petition has been filed with the United States Bankruptcy Court, there is meeting of creditors, also referred to as the “341 hearing” (as required by section 341 of the Bankruptcy Code). This meeting is where you meet with the trustee assigned to your case. Creditors are welcome to attend this meeting; however, hardly any appear. The role of the trustee is to administer the bankruptcy estate—in essences, the trustee’s main job is to ensure that your creditors get paid as much as possible according to the specifics of the bankruptcy code. As such, this meeting is intended to ensure that all of the information listed in the petition is an accurate account of your property and income. For this meeting, you are required to bring with you your photo identification and Social Security Card. Mr. Bains attends these hearings regularly and will make sure you are thoroughly prepared for it. In preparation for the 341 hearing, Mr. Bains will review your petition with you and discuss with you some anticipated questions that the trustee could potentially ask you. Therefore, when your hearing comes around, Mr. Bains’ clients are more than prepared. Mr. Bains will do his best to ensure that this hearing goes as smooth as possible for you.
Depending on the type of bankruptcy case you file, this may be the only hearing you are required to attend. If you are filing for Chapter 7 relief, this will likely be the only hearing you attend. If you are filing for Chapter 13 relief, your reorganization plan needs to now be confirmed by the Judge. The main goal, or end result of a bankruptcy case, is to obtain a discharge. The Chapter 7 will provide you that discharge approximately 100 days after you file your case and the Chapter 13 will once you complete your reorganization plan. The discharge provides that you are no longer legally required to pay specific debt listed in your bankruptcy case and those creditors cannot take any further action against you in an attempt to collect on those debts.
Regardless of which route you go, speaking with Attorney Pauldeep Bains is the first step. Please call our office at 916-800-7690 to schedule your consultation! In the alternative, CLICK HERE to schedule your consultation!
