Since 1973, The Cline Law Group has dedicated its practice exclusively to bankruptcy issues. We are not in business to take advantage of recent economic downturns or housing slumps — we have built a reputation within the California legal community for providing 40 years of debt relief representation. We will thoroughly review your situation to help determine the best course of action.
Comprehensive Debt Relief Representation
Our attorneys are committed to providing comprehensive debt relief representation encompassing a wide range of bankruptcy practice areas, including:
Chapter 7: Under Chapter 7 protection, individuals can discharge most, if not all, of their unsecured debts. Exemptions can enable you to hold onto most of your household possessions.
Chapter 13: Also known as reorganization bankruptcy, Chapter 13 allows you to pay off your debt under an affordable repayment plan over a period of three to five years. At the end of this period, any outstanding debt covered by Chapter 13 will be discharged.
Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13: There are a number of differences between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Most notably, Chapter 7 has an income component to determine eligibility. If you do not qualify for Chapter 7, we can explore whether Chapter 13 is an option for you.
The bankruptcy process: There are a number of different steps involved on the path to debt relief. We can help walk you through the process and explain in-depth what you may expect as you work your way through bankruptcy.
Stopping creditor harassment: One of the most powerful tools offered by a bankruptcy filing is the automatic stay. This puts an immediate stop to harassing phone calls, letters and other collections actions undertaken by creditors, which can give you the room to breathe that you need in order to plan your next move.
Foreclosures: If your home is in danger of foreclosure, filing for bankruptcy protection can put a stop to foreclosure actions. In some cases, a Chapter 13 filing can also “strip” away a second or third mortgage on your home.
Repossessions: If you have been threatened with repossession, filing for debt relief help can put an end to these actions. In some cases, it may even be possible to recover motor vehicles and other items that have already been repossessed.
Wage garnishments: Creditors have the ability to garnish up to 25 percent of your net income from each paycheck until your debt is repaid. This can be devastating when you are trying to live on a budget. Filing for bankruptcy will automatically stop any wage garnishment actions.
Bank levies: Creditors may start taking money out of your bank accounts in order to collect on a debt. This can have a serious impact on your ability to pay rent, bills and other household expenses. We can help put an end to bank levies.
Tax issues: If you have fallen behind on your taxes, the IRS can garnish your wages and your bank accounts like any other creditor. Many people assume that tax debt is not dischargeable. However, this is not the case. A Chapter 13 filing can enable you to repay tax debt over time, with any outstanding debt eventually being discharged.
We understand that deciding to file for bankruptcy can be a difficult choice. We hope that providing you with FAQs about filing for bankruptcy and past client testimonials can help put your mind at ease and get you started on the path to a new financial future.
Call for a Free Consultation With Our Alameda County Foreclosure Attorneys
If you are facing the threat of foreclosure or are struggling with overwhelming debt, there may be options available to help you get the relief you need. Contact our Oakland 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.