Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Attorney in Long Beach
Stop the calls, pause the lawsuits and get a fresh financial start — without judgment.
Bankruptcy
How We Help With Bankruptcy
Debt can happen to anyone — a medical emergency, a job loss, a divorce or a business that did not work out. If you are juggling collection calls, watching your paycheck get garnished or losing sleep over credit-card balances, bankruptcy may offer a way forward. It is a legal tool created by federal law to give honest people a fresh start.
Our bankruptcy practice focuses on Chapter 7, which can wipe out many types of unsecured debt such as credit cards, medical bills and personal loans. When a case is filed, an 'automatic stay' goes into effect that stops most collection activity, including calls, lawsuits and many wage garnishments.
Attorney George L. Fernandez will review your income, debts and property, explain whether you are likely to qualify, and walk you through what California's exemptions typically protect. We prepare the petition carefully and get you ready for the meeting of creditors so the process feels manageable.
What We Handle
Chapter 7 Services
- Chapter 7 filings
- Means-test review
- Stopping collection calls and lawsuits
- Wage-garnishment issues
- Credit-card and medical debt
- Meeting of creditors preparation
Debt relief agency disclosure
We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code.
Our Process
What Happens Next
- 1
Free financial review
We look at your income, debts, assets and goals, and explain whether Chapter 7 is a good fit.
- 2
Prepare and file the petition
We gather documents, complete the required credit counseling step, and file your case.
- 3
Creditor meeting and discharge
We attend the meeting of creditors with you and guide you through to discharge.
FAQ
Bankruptcy Questions
Do I qualify for Chapter 7?
Eligibility depends largely on the 'means test,' which compares your household income to the median income for a household of your size in California and, if needed, looks at your expenses. We review your numbers during the free consultation.
What debts are discharged?
Chapter 7 typically discharges unsecured debts like credit cards, medical bills, personal loans and many past-due utility bills. Some debts usually are not discharged, including child support, alimony, most student loans, recent taxes and debts from fraud.
Will I lose my home or car?
Many people keep their home and car. California exemptions protect certain amounts of equity in a home, a vehicle, household goods, retirement accounts and other property. Whether your property is fully protected depends on its value and what you owe on it.
How long does it take?
A typical Chapter 7 case takes about three to four months from filing to discharge, assuming there are no complications. The meeting of creditors usually happens about a month or so after filing.
How does it affect my credit?
A Chapter 7 bankruptcy can stay on your credit report for up to 10 years. Many people, however, find they can begin rebuilding credit soon after discharge because their debt load is much lower.
What does it cost?
There is a court filing fee plus the attorney's fee. We will explain all costs clearly, in writing, during your free consultation before you decide to move forward.
Client Reviews
What Our Clients Say on Google
“My husband and I are very thankful for all of the help that Mr. Fernandez gave us with representing my husband in a case where he was innocent. We live in GA but the case was in LA and Mr. Fernandez helped ease our mind that our case could very easily be handled. He was very professional, his team was always there to help guide us and answer our questions during the process of this very stressful time for us.”
Sarah SalazarGoogle review · “Attorney George Fernandez returned my phone call promptly and represented me in court on short notice. He did a 5-star stellar job on a complicated case. I will definitely retain him in the future. I'm very grateful to Attorney Fernandez for his expertise and willingness to represent me on such short notice, and with such a positive outcome.”
gina joeGoogle review · “Attorney George L Fernandez has helped I and my family tremendously with our eviction case. He is a very professional and great attorney it was a pleasure doing business with him. I would definitely recommend attorney George Fernandez to anyone in need.”
william washingtonGoogle review ·
Reviews reflect individual experiences; prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Talk to a Lawyer About Your Situation
Your first consultation is free. Call or book online and we will review your options with you in plain English — en español también.