Author Archives: martaguzmanlaw

Health Benefits of Bankruptcy

While you might think running from your creditors would keep you in good shape, the harsh reality is, “you can run, but you can’t hide.” Change your phone number as many times as you want, but you’ll still be looking over your shoulder, waiting to be sued or waking up at 3 in the morning […]

Do You Qualify for a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?

Filing for a chapter 13 bankruptcy is a powerful antidote that can put an end to collector calls, garnishments, lawsuits, repossessions, foreclosures, and more all while protecting your assets. The first step is to determine if you fit the legal requirements to file for a chapter 13. 1. Do You Have a Reliable Source of Income? In order […]

The Importance of Local Bankruptcy Counsel

At a Chapter 13 Confirmation Hearing the other day, an out of area attorney from Fountain Valley was appearing via phone on his Sixth Amended Plan.  You might wonder, “What was an attorney from Southern California doing representing a client in Oakland that he had never met in person”?  I was wondering the same thing… […]

Do I Need A Lawyer To File Bankruptcy?

If your financial struggle is causing you to consider filing for bankruptcy, you might be wondering if you must hire a lawyer to represent you. The Risks While technically there is no requirement to hire a lawyer. It is important to recognize that the rules governing bankruptcy, called the Bankruptcy Code, are extremely complicated. A […]

Do You Qualify for a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?

Filing for a chapter 7 bankruptcy is the best way to get rid of debt when your income to debt ratio is out of proportion. It will help to put an end to all collector calls, garnishments, lawsuits, repossessions, foreclosures, and more without leaving you responsible for payment. It’s not a one-size-fits-all so let’s take a […]

It Pays To Hire a Bankruptcy Attorney

At a Meeting of Creditors today, I heard this all too common refrain from a Trustee to a debtor: “Why didn’t you hire a bankruptcy lawyer to help you with this??!” I don’t know how often I’ve been in that same situation listening to those same words. Unlike Groundhog Day though, there’s no Bill Murray, this is […]