Lawyer in the Hayward-Castro Valley Area in California
An Overview of Our Personal Bankruptcy Practice
If you are struggling or cannot meet your monthly obligations, the federal bankruptcy system can provide relief from creditor letters and phone calls. Because there are various types of bankruptcy with different requirements, you want an experienced bankruptcy attorney to work with you, one with a comprehensive understanding of the different options available to you.
At the Law Offices of Matthew M. Spielberg, with offices in Castro Valley and Twain Harte, we offer over 22 years of practical experience to clients throughout the East Bay and the Tri-Valley area. We have focused our representation exclusively on bankruptcy and bankruptcy-related matters since 1990 and have been certified as a bankruptcy specialist by the California Board of Legal Specialization since 1997. Contact our office or call us at the numbers listed below to arrange a confidential consultation.
Our Bankruptcy Practice
We handle all matters related to personal or consumer bankruptcy filing, including:
- Chapter 7 Bankruptcy. We will help you determine if you qualify to discharge your debts through Chapter 7. If so, we will help you identify those obligations that can be discharged and protect those assets that are exempt from sale.
- Chapter 12 Bankruptcy. If you are a family farmer or a family fisherman, we can help you get protection under Chapter 12 of the federal bankruptcy laws.
- Chapter 13 Bankruptcy. If you fail to qualify for Chapter 7 protection or desire to repay your creditors, we will help you file for reorganization of your debt under Chapter 13. We will help you put together a plan for reorganization and will review any proposed repayment plans submitted by your creditors.
We do not personally handle Chapter 11 bankruptcy matters, which are designed to facilitate the reorganization of businesses, but will refer you to qualified counsel if you need that advice.
Though we focus our practice on bankruptcy options, we will also examine alternatives to bankruptcy with you, so that we can determine if there are more effective and/or less expensive options that will meet your objectives.
Our Approach to Bankruptcy
Our principal goals in a bankruptcy filing are twofold: the elimination of as much debt as possible, and the preservation of as many assets as possible. Though the bankruptcy law identifies exempt and non-exempt assets, you can still choose your exemptions. Non-exempt property may also be converted to exempt property. Because of our attorney's skill and experience, we can help you maximize your exemptions, so that you keep as much property as possible.
To be as comprehensive as possible, clients need to give the following materials to us:
- A complete list of all your creditors
- A comprehensive account of all the debts you owe
- A full accounting of your assets
- Your complete honesty throughout the process
Bankruptcy is not about getting away with something; it is about helping you get a fresh start.
To set up a meeting to discuss your bankruptcy needs or alternatives to bankruptcy, contact us or call our office at 510-886-5751 (in Castro Valley) or 209-586-0250 (in Twain Harte). We keep flexible hours at our Castro Valley office and schedule weekend appointments at our Twain Harte office.