Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Attorney in Folsom, CA
Eliminate Unsecured Debt and Start Fresh
When debt becomes overwhelming and you need immediate relief, Chapter 7 bankruptcy may provide the solution you're looking for. Often referred to as "liquidation bankruptcy" or "straight bankruptcy," Chapter 7 allows eligible individuals to discharge most types of unsecured debt and achieve a fresh financial start in as little as three to four months.
At the Law Office of Tiffany L. Andrews, P.C., our Folsom bankruptcy attorneys have the knowledge and experience to guide you through the Chapter 7 process with confidence and care. Our legal team will provide you with honest and realistic guidance, enabling you to make informed decisions about your financial future.
Wondering if Chapter 7 bankruptcy is right for you? Schedule a consultation with our firm by submitting a contact form or calling (916) 794-4576 today.
What Is Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?
Chapter 7 bankruptcy is designed to give honest debtors relief from overwhelming financial obligations by eliminating most unsecured debts such as credit card balances, medical bills, personal loans, and utility bills. Upon filing, an automatic stay immediately goes into effect, stopping most collection actions, creditor harassment, wage garnishments, and foreclosure proceedings. This immediate relief provides breathing room while your case progresses through the bankruptcy court.
In a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, a court-appointed trustee reviews your assets and determines whether any non-exempt property must be sold to repay creditors. However, California's generous exemption laws allow most filers to protect essential assets.
These may include:
- Home equity
- Vehicles
- Personal belongings
- Retirement accounts
- Other necessary property
Many Chapter 7 cases are "no-asset" cases, meaning the debtor keeps all their property while still receiving a discharge of qualifying debts.
Who Qualifies for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?
To qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you must pass the means test, which compares your income to California's median income levels. If your income falls below the state median for your household size, you generally qualify. If your income exceeds the median, you may still qualify if your disposable income is insufficient to fund a Chapter 13 repayment plan after accounting for allowed expenses and deductions.
Additional requirements include receiving credit counseling from an approved agency within 180 days before filing, not having had a Chapter 7 discharge within the past eight years, and demonstrating that you're filing in good faith without intent to defraud creditors.
The Chapter 7 Process: What to Expect
Immediate Actions
Filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy involves several essential steps. First, we'll work with you to gather comprehensive financial information, including income documentation, tax returns, bank statements, and a complete list of assets and debts. We'll then prepare and file your bankruptcy petition, schedules, and required documents with the bankruptcy court.
30 to 40 Days Later
Approximately 30 to 40 days after filing, you'll attend a Meeting of Creditors, also called a 341 meeting. Despite the name, creditors rarely attend these brief proceedings. The bankruptcy trustee will ask you questions under oath about your financial situation and bankruptcy paperwork. We'll prepare you thoroughly for this meeting and accompany you to ensure the process goes smoothly.
60 to 90 Days Later
After completing a required debtor education course and absent any objections from creditors or the trustee, the court will issue your discharge order, typically within 60 to 90 days after the 341 meeting. This discharge permanently eliminates your obligation to repay qualifying debts, giving you the fresh start you need to rebuild your financial future.
How the Law Office of Tiffany L. Andrews, P.C. Can Help
Chapter 7 bankruptcy involves strict deadlines and detailed legal requirements. Errors in your petition or incomplete asset disclosures can lead to delays, loss of property, or even allegations of bankruptcy fraud. Our firm’s meticulous approach ensures your paperwork is accurate, complete, and strategically prepared to maximize debt relief while safeguarding your assets under California’s exemption laws.
At the Law Office of Tiffany L. Andrews, P.C., we understand that filing for bankruptcy is a significant decision that affects your entire family. That’s why we take the time to answer your questions, address your concerns, and explain every step in clear, straightforward terms. We’re more than document preparers—we’re dedicated advocates committed to securing the financial relief and peace of mind you deserve.
Contact us at (916) 794-4576 or through our online contact form to schedule a consultation with an experienced Chapter 7 bankruptcy attorney in Folsom.
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“I feel blessed to have Ms. Andrews on my side, and I highly recommend her services!”
- CarlosAfter the initial shock of being served divorce papers, I began interviewing attorneys to help me with the legal proceedings. The first couple of attorneys focused on how to address the support and division of property issues included in the papers I was served, without really asking me about my interests in this matter.
After meeting with Ms. Andrews, and ever since that initial interview and consultation, I always felt she had my best interests in mind. She immediately explained what I needed to file and when what to expect going forward and then asked me about my interests. Wow! She was exactly the kind of attorney I was looking for to represent me.
She was always responsive to my questions and requests, no matter how basic, and got back to me in a timely manner… at times outside normal work hours. But, the biggest and most pleasant surprise to me was when she began educating and guiding me through every step in order to achieve my interests and goals -– mainly, my number one priority and “my everything” in this whole process: to retain shared custody and visitation rights with my children. Her guidance and recommendations put me at ease and really helped put my children first.
Her knowledge, honesty, and dedication through numerous and unexpected court hearings involving custody and visitation issues not only resulted in the resolution of such issues in a competent and efficient manner but a resolution that Ms. Andrews knew I wanted.
Not only is Ms. Andrews reliable, helpful and an overall amazing attorney, her office staff is also very courteous, professional and efficient in keeping me apprised of what was needed and the status of the case. Thank you so much, Ms. Andrews… and staff!!
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“Divorce & Separation Advice Session”
She was great, put my mind at ease. I had a few short questions, not enough to warrant a face-to-face with a lawyer at a high price and she took care of them. Precise, knowledgable and friendly too.- Previous Client -
“Great Dependency Lawyer”
Great dependency lawyer. Was able to make strong arguments with very little information. Super sharp.- Previous Client -
“Guardianship”
Ms. Andrews,- Janet
Has guided and helped me thru a very difficult guardianship. I can't express how much I appreciated her expertise as my attorney. Thank you, Ms. Tiffany Andrews. -
“Very Helpful and Knowledgeable”
Tiffany gave me practical advice concerning a child welfare case in Solana County, CA. She understands California dependency law and was available to answer my question on short notice. I highly recommend her.- Christopher -
“Superior Customer Service”
- JetI was very lucky to have found Atty Andrews online because she addressed all of my questions and concerns over the phone for 30 mins without coming across as someone who is only interested in me as a client for money. She went above and beyond the phone consultation and normally there's a $150 consultation fee that she waived.
She was very helpful and honest and I felt that she genuinely had my best interest in mind and not her business for profit. She even recommended for me hire an attorney in Texas vs California because it is the most beneficial for my family and the one that makes sense the most. I would have loved to hire Atty Andrews to represent our family, but we will listen to all of her advice and recommendations. Thank you, Atty Andrews!!!
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“Overall Great Staff”
Tiffany and her team are wonderful! They have great communication skills, within the office and with myself, the client. While communicating via email, my questions and concerns are addressed quickly and thoroughly. Each employee that I have spoken to, ranging from receptionist to office manager, to the attorney, has been incredibly kind. Tiffany is extremely knowledgeable and resourceful. Certainly the type of attorney you want representing you.- Merranda K
I would highly recommend her! -
“Excellent Process and Assistance”
I'd like to thank Tiffany for her advice. I've been divorced for over a year and am still trying to collect on the settlement agreement. I had a question about the legal interest and if it's collectible and she said definitely! as long as the judgment doesn't preclude it. She was extremely helpful - also offering other remedies to assist in the collection of the funds. I would definitely call her again if I need more help.- Previous Client
