Bankruptcy Attorney San Diego
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Bankruptcy Law
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: Restructuring Your Debt
Restructure your secured debts and pay what you can afford to your unsecured creditors.
Chapter 13 bankruptcy enables individuals with regular income to propose a 3-5-year repayment plan. This option is ideal for San Diego homeowners facing foreclosure, as it stops the process and provides time to catch up on mortgage payments.
Contact us to determine eligibility. Your repayment amount depends on your disposable income, property value, and priority debts. The benefit includes the potential reduction of unsecured debt payments while retaining ownership of your assets. After completing your payment plan, the remaining qualifying debts are discharged.
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy: A Fresh Financial Start
Take a breath, reduce your stress, and get a fresh start to your financial life.
Chapter 7 bankruptcy allows qualifying individuals to eliminate most unsecured debt. Eligibility depends upon a number of factors including passing the “means test,” which compares your income to San Diego’s median income. Rely on our experience to get you the best possible result for your circumstances.
The process begins with a quick and productive over-the-phone consultation with Rich or Steve. Call now and get rid of your worries.
Military Bankruptcy in San Diego
We proudly serve our military heroes and their families. Military service members in San Diego face unique circumstances when dealing with bankruptcy. California’s bankruptcy exemption system offers protection for military housing and property, which is crucial in San Diego’s expensive housing market. This allows many service members to protect their homes while eliminating unsecured debt.
For military personnel, working with a San Diego bankruptcy lawyer familiar with both bankruptcy law and military-specific issues is essential for navigating these special considerations effectively.
Experienced And Qualified Representation
At the law office of Chang & Diamond, APC, our bankruptcy attorneys provide legal advice and representation in matters related to Bankruptcy, foreclosure, and workouts. Located in San Diego and Riverside County, California, our firm focuses solely on helping clients achieve freedom from debt through planning, creditor debt negotiation, and personal BK filings.
Contact Chang & Diamond, APC, today to schedule a free initial consultation. Learn how filing for bankruptcy protection will protect your assets and give you a fresh start.
LAWYERS
San Diego’s Bankruptcy Attorneys You Can Trust
Richard E. Chang graduated from DePaul Law School in 1994 and has over a decade of experience helping people in dire financial circumstances. Mr. Chang lives in San Diego with his wife, two children, and their cats Peanut and Jelly. In his off time, he enjoys being the personal chauffeur to his son and daughter taking them to their various activities.
Steven J. Diamond graduated from John Marshall Law School in 1992 and has since dedicated his practice to protecting consumers and their rights. He resides in San Diego with his wife, three kids, two dogs and one cat.
Why Choose Our Bankruptcy Lawyers in San Diego?
When you are facing overwhelming debt, you don’t need an automated phone system or a legal assistant who can only “take a message.” You need an experienced advocate who will pick up the phone. At Chang & Diamond, APC, we do things differently.
Direct Attorney Access: When you work with us, you deal directly with Richard Chang or Steven Diamond. You get direct access to seasoned partners who genuinely care about your future, ensuring your case never gets passed off to a paralegal.
Over 30 Years of Trusted Experience: Since the early 1990s, our legal team has focused exclusively on bankruptcy law, debt negotiation, and asset protection. We’ve guided thousands of Southern California families through the exact challenges you are facing.
Deep Local & Military Knowledge: San Diego has a unique real estate market and a massive military presence. We practice California bankruptcy exemptions to help local homeowners protect their equity, and we navigate the specific complexities of military bankruptcy to safeguard our service members’ allowances and careers.
A Stress-Free, Compassionate Environment: We understand the stigma and anxiety surrounding financial hardship. Our clients consistently highlight our ability to turn a terrifying process into a manageable, transparent, and completely dignified journey toward a fresh start.
How Our San Diego Bankruptcy Lawyers Can Help
Stop Creditor Harassment: The moment you retain our firm, and we file your petition, the court issues an “Automatic Stay.” This legally bars creditors, collection agencies, and banks from calling you, suing you, or attempting to garnish your wages.
Determine Your Best Path (Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13): We run a comprehensive evaluation of your income, debt, and assets. We walk you through the California “means test” to see if you qualify to liquidate unsecured debt under Chapter 7, or structure a manageable 3-to-5-year repayment plan under Chapter 13 to save your home from foreclosure.
Maximize Asset Protection: Our deep familiarity with California’s unique exemption systems allows us to strategically protect your property. In most cases, our clients are able to keep their homes, vehicles, retirement accounts, and personal belongings while still wiping out 100% of their qualifying medical bills, credit card debts, and personal loans.
Handle All Legal Complexities and Paperwork: From analyzing pay stubs and tax returns to representing you at the mandatory Meeting of Creditors (341 meeting), we manage every legal hurdle. We ensure your documentation is flawless, preventing costly delays and maximizing your chances of a successful debt discharge.
We Help You Achieve Freedom From Debt!
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Areas Served
Clairemont Mesa
East Lake
El Cajon
Imperial Beach
La Mesa
Mira Mesa
Oceanside
Poway
Rancho Bernardo
Carlsbad
La Jolla
Santee
Frequently Asked Questions
Do You Need To File For Bankruptcy?
While you may have been led to believe that bankruptcy is bad, it can actually solve your financial problems and help you start fresh. Here are some of the signs you should consider hiring a bankruptcy attorney:
- You have to borrow money from your friends and family.
- You can’t keep up with your bills.
- It’s becoming hard to afford basic necessities.
- You’re deep in credit card debt.
- Creditors are harassing you.
- You might be facing foreclosure and wage garnishments.
The United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of California serves San Diego County from its downtown location at 325 West F Street. Filing bankruptcy in San Diego requires specific documentation and adherence to local procedures. Most filings are submitted electronically through the court’s CM/ECF system, though paper filings are accepted at the clerk’s office. First-time filers must complete credit counseling with an approved agency before filing and provide certification to the court.
Can You File For Bankruptcy Without An Attorney?
What Are The Benefits Of Filing For Bankruptcy?
- Regaining financial freedom.
- Getting rid of debt.
- Preventing property repossession.
- Stopping collection actions.
- Handling creditors.
- Keeping your assets.
How Long Do Bankruptcy Cases Last?
The exact time frame varies on a case-by-case basis and depends on the Chapter you file. If you file Chapter 7, it may last four to five months. On the other hand, Chapter 13 typically lasts as long as it’s necessary to pay off the debt, which could be several years. Reach out to our seasoned bankruptcy attorneys in San Diego, and they’ll give you more precise information during your free initial consultation.
What Can A Bankruptcy Lawyer Do For You?
- Explain the entire bankruptcy process to you.
- Answer any questions you might have.
- Provide you with professional legal representation from start to finish.
- Handle your creditors instead of you.
- Make sure your claim is filed in a correct and timely manner.
How Do You Find The Best Bankruptcy Attorney?
- Having extensive experience.
- Specializing in bankruptcy.
- Positive reviews and client testimonials.
- Being familiar with local bankruptcy rules and procedures in San Diego.
Which Bankruptcy Lawyer in San Diego & the Surrounding Area Should You Hire?
At Chang & Diamond, APC, our expert bankruptcy attorneys are there for you every step of the way. From the no-charge initial consultation to the filings and proceeding and the very end when you get your fresh start, you’ll get our undivided attention and expertise for whatever you need. Give us a call, schedule your appointment, and let us take you to a debt-free future.