Can anyone file bankruptcy?

Anyone can file bankruptcy, but there are limitations regarding which form of bankruptcy is permissible. Qualifying for Chapter 7 requires a means test that evaluates income, debt levels, and income left over each month after paying basic obligations. Income over the median set by the court and monthly income that allows meaningful payments toward unsecured debt can disqualify filers from Chapter 7, which is generally the preferred form of bankruptcy due to the possibility of a full discharge. Anyone can file Chapter 13 bankruptcy, but the terms are less favorable. In most cases, some debts must be repaid following a successful filing. Chapter 13 is also more likely to result in asset forfeiture.

How bad is it to file bankruptcy twice?

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;margin-top:9pt;margin-bottom:9pt;">Although possible, due to the damaging nature of bankruptcy, filing bankruptcy more than once isn't recommended. Filing multiple times puts a serious burden on one's credit report, making it harder to get a loan, buy a house, buy a car, or even open credit cards.</p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;margin-top:9pt;margin-bottom:9pt;">Note that filing for bankruptcy isn't something that can be done at a filer's leisure. There are time limits following bankruptcy cases that dictate when it's permissible to file again. For example, after Chapter 7 bankruptcy, filers must wait at least eight years before filing Chapter 7 again or four years before filing Chapter 13.</p>

Can they take my car in Chapter 7 bankruptcy?

In many cases, it's possible to keep a vehicle following Chapter 7 bankruptcy. The Chapter 7 Motor Vehicle Exemption allows filers who own their vehicles outright or who are up to date with payments to keep their cars. However, those behind on making car payments are required to arrange a repayment plan. Otherwise, the vehicle may be repossessed as a part of the proceedings.

6 Best Alameda Bankruptcy Attorneys

Kornfield, Nyberg, Bendes, Kuhner & Little P.C.

1970 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612

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Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
Credit Card Debt

The bankruptcy law firm of Kornfield, Nyberg, Bendes, Kuhner & Little P.C. serves individuals and businesses in Almeda. For more than 30 years, the firm has helped its clients file for bankruptcy. For individuals, it provides legal representation in cases of chapter 7, 11, and 13 bankruptcy. For businesses, it focuses on business bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, out-of-court workouts, acquisitions, and other related commercial litigation. The firm also provides legal guidance to chapter 7 and 11 bankruptcy trustees.

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Law Office of Jeff D. Hoffman

825 Washington Street, Oakland, CA 94607

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Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Since 2008, the Law Office of Jeff D. Hoffman has represented clients in Alameda facing bankruptcy cases. The firm's bankruptcy services include debt negotiation, wage garnishment, foreclosure defense, and auto repossession. Founding attorney Hoffman represents clients during Chapter 7 and 13 hearings, prepares official forms, handles legal paperwork, and helps debtors avoid harassment from creditors. Hoffman also offers legal assistance in bankruptcy-related matters such as student loans and loan modification.

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Law Offices of Marta M. Guzman

846 Mandana Boulevard, Oakland, CA 94610

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Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

The Law Offices of Marta M. Guzman represents both debtors and creditors in bankruptcy cases in the Berkeley and Alameda areas. The bankruptcy law firm initially conducts a debt analysis to determine the debt level of its clients. It also determines the type of bankruptcy applicable to the client, whether it's chapter 7, chapter 11, or chapter 13. The firm advocates for the creditors' right to be repaid in bankruptcy cases.

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Law Offices of Steven A. Wolvek

1300 Clay Street, Oakland, CA 94612

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Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
Debt Settlement

The Law Offices of Steven A. Wolvek has a strong focus on professional service and a passion for success when assisting its clients with their legal issues. Established in 1990, it offers legal services in the Simi Valley and Alameda areas, including chapter 7 and chapter 13 bankruptcies. The bankruptcy law firm has been helping clients file for bankruptcy for more than two decades, giving its clients debt relief as they move forward in life.

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The Cline Law Group

1970 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612

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Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

The Cline Law Group is a bankruptcy law firm serving Alameda and the surrounding areas. Its bankruptcy attorneys provide legal representation in the filing of chapter 7 and chapter 13 bankruptcy. These attorneys are committed to providing debt relief solutions that protect the interests of their clients. They have experience handling cases involving foreclosures, repossessions, bank levies, tax issues, and wage garnishments. They strive to protect clients from creditor harassment in the form of phone calls and visits.

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The Fuller Law Firm, PC

300 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, Oakland, CA 94612

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Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

The Fuller Law Firm, PC, has been assisting clients in the San Jose, Salinas, Oakland, and Alameda areas in dealing with bankruptcy issues since 1990. The bankruptcy law firm helps clients take control of their assets while stopping garnishments and lawsuits. It also advises clients on when they should consider filing for bankruptcy. Additionally, the legal office guides them through chapter 7, chapter 11, and chapter 13 bankruptcies, depending on their situation.

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Best Bankruptcy Attorneys in Alameda

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Bankruptcy Attorneys FAQs

Kornfield, Nyberg, Bendes, Kuhner & Little P.C.

Law Office of Jeff D. Hoffman

Law Offices of Marta M. Guzman

Law Offices of Steven A. Wolvek

The Cline Law Group

The Fuller Law Firm, PC

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can anyone file bankruptcy?

Q: How bad is it to file bankruptcy twice?

Q: Can they take my car in Chapter 7 bankruptcy?

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