Chapter 7

When credit card debt, medical bills, utility bills, a mortgage and other financial obligations spiral out of control, you may be able to find relief through Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Under Chapter 7, eligible individuals can discharge most unsecured debts while keeping most, if not all, of their household possessions. In addition, small-business owners may be eligible to file for Chapter 7 and stay in business or close up shop. Our lawyers understand the issues business owners face, and we can provide informed guidance tailored to meet your needs and goals.

At The Cline Law Group, our Oakland Chapter 7 bankruptcy attorneys are committed to helping people throughout California get the debt relief they need. Our firm has been helping individuals for 40 years. This established experience provides us with unique insights into your situation. We will evaluate your financial information and other factors to determine the best course of action for your situation.

Getting Immediate Relief From Creditors

Once you file for bankruptcy protection, an automatic stay takes effect, which prohibits creditors from contacting you and stops all legal action against you in the pursuit of collecting debts. In addition to stopping creditor harassment, the automatic stay also puts at least a temporary end to:

The sooner you file for bankruptcy protection, the sooner you can start rebuilding your credit. The bankruptcy process for Chapter 7 typically takes about four months. After your debt has been discharged, you can start over and may begin seeing a marked improvement in your credit score.

Certain Debts May Not Be Discharged Under Chapter 7

While Chapter 7 essentially discharges most, if not all, of your unsecured debt, there are certain debts that cannot be eliminated, including:

  • Most taxes
  • Fraudulent debt
  • Child and spousal support
  • Fines
  • Most student loans
  • Civil judgments
  • Criminal restitution

Our attorneys will discuss the different regulations and exemptions to help you understand your options and possible outcomes. If you do not qualify for Chapter 7 protection, we can help explore other debt relief options, including Chapter 13 bankruptcy.

Call for a Free Consultation With Our Contra Costa County Debt Relief Attorneys

If you are struggling with crushing debt, relief may be just a phone call away. Contact our Oakland Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyers online or call 510-255-4632 to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your situation. The Cline Law Group is diagonally across from the Paramount Theater and located in the same building as the bankruptcy courts for Alameda and Contra Costa Counties.

We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code.