San Francisco Bankruptcy Lawyers

Chart Your Course to a Debt-Free Future Now!

Find serenity with our expert Bankruptcy Lawyers in San Francisco, California. Our dedicated team is here to assist you in navigating the bankruptcy journey, ensuring financial liberation, and opening doors to a brighter and debt-free tomorrow.

Embark on the path to financial freedom through Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Our seasoned San Francisco attorneys offer expert guidance to eliminate debt and regain your financial footing.

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Revitalize your business with expert guidance. Our San Francisco attorneys ensure a secure future for your company through adept handling of Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings.

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Regain financial control and shape a brighter future with our San Francisco attorneys. Develop a personalized repayment plan within the Chapter 13 bankruptcy process.

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Protect your home in the Bay Area. Our adept San Francisco attorneys specialize in foreclosure defense, offering strategic guidance to help you keep your home and navigate the complexities of the process, securing your peace of mind.

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Secure your assets in San Francisco. Our knowledgeable attorneys provide tailored solutions to prevent repossession, guiding you through legal avenues to retain your possessions and regain financial stability in challenging times.

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Every year, millions of Americans grapple with the stress of unpaid bills and debts. Many feel bewildered and uncertain about the options available to them.

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Our San Francisco Bankruptcy Attorneys Can Help

Get Legal Representation from a Certified Bankruptcy Specialist

Kostopoulos Bankruptcy Law is here to help people who are struggling with unmanageable debt. We understand that no one can underestimate the power of having unpaid bills, snowballing debt, and a quickly declining credit score. Such dire financial circumstances can cause incredible amounts of stress and too many sleepless nights. Such stress can also impact many aspects of your personal and family life. We’re here to find viable solutions that can turn a bad situation around for the better.

Types of Bankruptcy We Handle

Our San Francisco bankruptcy lawyers can help clients determine which form of bankruptcy they qualify for.

The different types of bankruptcies are:

To find the right bankruptcy for you, get in touch with our bankruptcy lawyers in SF.

Our San Francisco Bankruptcy Services

We offer a variety of services that can help alleviate debt relief and offer solutions to an already overwhelming situation.

Some of the services our bankruptcy attorneys in SF offer are:

The different types of bankruptcies are:

At Kostopoulos Bankruptcy Law, our San Francisco bankruptcy attorneys have helped thousands of people get out of debt and achieve a financial fresh start. We have helped clients discharge thousands in medical bills and credit card debt, have helped clients save their cars from repossession and their homes from foreclosure, have helped people eliminate tax debts, and have helped lower clients’ monthly obligations to a payment they could realistically and comfortably afford. With a certified bankruptcy specialist on our team, you are in very good hands.

Embark on Your San Francisco Bankruptcy Journey To a Debt Free Life!

Explore Options, Advantages, Misconceptions, and Begin Your Journey

What Sets Our San Francisco Bankruptcy
Law Firm Apart from the Rest?

Our firm is a seasoned bankruptcy law firm in San Francisco dedicated to finding real, workable solutions that give clients The second chance they need so much. There are many advantages of filing for bankruptcy. We take pride in helping individuals and families find the debt relief they need and deserve.

Our Bankruptcy Law Firm in San Francisco is Nationally Recognized

Our team members at Kostopoulos Bankruptcy Law are proud members of numerous legal organizations, including the following:

The Consumer Bankruptcy Association

The Hellenic Bar Association

Should you go with Kostopoulos Bankruptcy Law, you can take comfort in the fact that within just a few short months, you and your family can be headed towards financial recovery! Hear what our clients have to say by reading our client testimonials!

Why Choose Us

File From The Comfort of Your Home.
We are Fluent in Various Languages, including English, Spanish, Greek, Arabic & Mandarin.
We Offer Flexible Payment Plans, Starting With Only $100 Down.
We have helped 10,000+ clients across the nation.
One of the Top 100 Firms by the Debt Education and Certification Foundation.

Elevate Your Understanding About San Francisco Bankruptcy

Choosing Between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Bankruptcy in San Francisco

Choosing between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy is a significant decision for San Francisco residents. Kostopolous Bankruptcy Law provides expert guidance in this area. Chapter 7 bankruptcy offers a fresh start by discharging most unsecured debts and is ideal for those with limited income. Kostopolous Law evaluates clients’ financial situations to determine Chapter 7 eligibility, including the means test.

Chapter 13 bankruptcy suits individuals with regular income who prefer to keep their assets and restructure debt into a manageable plan. Kostopolous Law helps clients develop a plan that fits their financial situation, typically over three to five years. Kostopolous Bankruptcy Law ensures clients choose the bankruptcy chapter that best serves their financial recovery, offering personalized advice for each unique situation.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in San Francisco

Chapter 7 bankruptcy, also known as liquidation bankruptcy, offers individuals and businesses a fresh start by discharging most unsecured debts. In San Francisco, eligibility for Chapter 7 is determined through a means test, comparing your income to the median income in California. Our experienced San Francisco bankruptcy lawyers can guide you through this process and help you understand the implications for your specific case.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: Repayment Plan and Protection

Chapter 13 bankruptcy provides a structured repayment plan, allowing individuals with a regular income to repay all or a portion of their debts over three to five years. This option can help you keep valuable assets like your home or car while catching up on missed payments. Understanding the intricacies of Chapter 13 and its benefits is crucial, and our San Francisco bankruptcy attorneys can provide the guidance you need to navigate this process successfully.

Exploring the Role of a San Francisco Bankruptcy Lawyer

In San Francisco, bankruptcy attorneys offer invaluable guidance through Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filings. They help clear debts or devise repayment plans based on clients’ financial abilities, ensuring they understand their options under the law. Their expertise extends to asset liquidation, debt discharge, and confirming sustainable income for repayment plans.

Selecting the Right San Francisco Bankruptcy Attorney

Choosing the right bankruptcy attorney is pivotal to effectively managing the bankruptcy process. Kostopolous Bankruptcy Law, acknowledged for guiding over 10,000 clients and recognized among the Top 100 Firms, exemplifies expertise and success in this domain.

Clients should prioritize attorneys who focus solely on bankruptcy law to ensure specialized attention. Beware of low fees, which may indicate inexperience or inferior service, potentially leading to additional legal issues.

A well-respected lawyer, evidenced by high peer ratings and active involvement in legal organizations, can significantly impact your financial recovery journey.

Embracing New Beginnings:
The Positive Side of Filing for Bankruptcy in San Francisco

Embarking on the journey of filing for bankruptcy might seem daunting, but it's a proactive step toward financial rehabilitation and a brighter future. Key insights to consider include:

Fresh Start

While your credit score will initially dip, this is just the start of a transformative journey towards financial health.

Begin Rebuilding

The mark on your credit report is temporary, lasting 7 to 10 years, and serves as a period of rebuilding and growth.

New Habits

Obtaining new credit lines post-bankruptcy can be a challenge, but also an opportunity to forge a path of responsible financial habits.

Rebuilding Your Life After Bankruptcy in San Francisco

There is a silver lining as you start to rebuild your financial standing after bankruptcy. Typically, within four to five years, you could see significant improvement in your credit score. One of the immediate reliefs that bankruptcy brings is the cessation of wage garnishment, providing much-needed financial breathing room.

The automatic stay triggered by filing for bankruptcy acts as a shield, offering peace. This legal barrier stops creditors from pursuing debt collection, allowing you to focus on restructuring your finances and setting the stage for a fresh economic start without the constant stress of collection activities.

How Bankruptcy Affects Different Types of Debt

Bankruptcy affects different types of debts in varied ways. Unsecured debts such as credit card bills and medical expenses are commonly discharged during bankruptcy proceedings. Conversely, secured debts like mortgages or car loans, student loans, and specific taxes are subject to distinct regulations. Our team will guide you in understanding how the bankruptcy code influences your debt obligations.

Alternatives to Bankruptcy

Prior to opting for bankruptcy, it's crucial to explore alternative solutions such as debt consolidation, debt settlement, or credit counseling. Each option presents its own set of advantages and disadvantages, and the most suitable choice hinges on your individual financial circumstances.

The Role of a San Francisco Bankruptcy Attorney

In San Francisco, bankruptcy attorneys offer invaluable guidance through Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filings. They help clear debts or devise repayment plans based on clients’ financial abilities, ensuring they understand their options under the law. Their expertise extends to asset liquidation, debt discharge, and confirming sustainable income for repayment plans.

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All Consultations Are Free & Confidential

FAQs

There is no legal requirement to hire a lawyer for a bankruptcy case, but you are in a better position to leverage benefits when you have assistance from an attorney. There are specific rules under Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 that will only work in your favor when you get legal help with strategy. Plus, having counsel ensures protection of your rights and financial future, which are at risk if you do not have a legal background.

Bankruptcy is an effective solution for dealing with payday loans and credit card debt, because both are types of unsecured debt. In Chapter 7, you can discharge unsecured debt if you qualify. With Chapter 13, you enter into a debt repayment plan in which you pay back some of what you owe. Medical debt, personal loans, and lines of credit are also types of unsecured debt that can be discharged through bankruptcy in San Francisco.

If you are married, you and your spouse have options for filing bankruptcy. You might consider filing jointly, keeping in mind that you will both go through the process and bear the consequences for your credit score. However, a married person can also file Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy as an individual. There are pros and cons for both strategies, so legal advice is critical for making informed decisions about bankruptcy for married couples.

Under Chapter 7 bankruptcy rules, your income is the key for eligibility. You automatically qualify if your earnings are below the state median income level, but there is another option under the Means Test. Instead of only reviewing your earnings, the Means Test takes into account designated monthly bills. Your expenditures for mortgage, utilities, and other costs of living serve to reduce your income, which enables you to qualify to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

For both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy, there is a mandatory meeting of creditors that filers must attend. With Chapter 7, the process involves discharging debt, but your assets may be subject to liquidation to pay creditors. You can protect assets, including equity in your home, vehicles, and other items, through exemptions. The meeting of creditors aims to confirm the information on eligibility, assets, and exemptions, just as you reported on your bankruptcy petition.

The bankruptcy trustee takes control over your assets when you file your petition, and there are two main objectives for this role. The trustee will assess debts to ensure that they qualify for discharge, since not all unsecured debts can be eliminated. In addition, the trustee will manage the liquidation process, in which your assets may be sold to satisfy the debt to creditors. Typically, the trustee will opt against selling assets that will not bring a solid profit.

Qualifying for Chapter 13 bankruptcy is relatively straightforward. The only criteria is that you must have a job, which is why it is sometimes called the wage earner’s bankruptcy. The reason that employment is so important is that Chapter 13 involves a debt repayment plan to pay back creditors. You need to have a source of income to keep up with the debt repayment plan, but eligible debts are discharged at the end of the Chapter 13 case.

Initially, the first benefit you will notice is the automatic stay on creditor efforts to collect debt. They cannot contact you, threaten or file a lawsuit, garnish wages, or foreclose on your home. During the process, the advantage is that you enter into a debt repayment plan you can afford. Once your case is complete, all eligible unsecured debts are discharged. You get a fresh start and can get started on rebuilding a solid financial future.

With Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you enter into a debt repayment plan to pay back creditors on most unsecured debts. Once you complete the debt repayment plan in 3 to 5 years, eligible debts are eliminated. However, you are not permitted to discharge child support or alimony payments in Chapter 13. There are still benefits to filing, as you do eliminate most other debts and can free up your earnings to pay for these support obligations.