Chapter 7

San Diego Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Solutions for a Fresh Start

Eliminate Unsecured Debt: From Credit Cards to Medical Bills

The term “bankruptcy” can sound like a terrifying phrase to many who do not know the deeper purpose behind it, but in reality, bankruptcy can offer a profound solution of a fresh start to you and your family. Chapter 7 bankruptcy is an extremely helpful way of erasing mountains of debt. However, the process of filing for it can be admittedly quite complex if you are attempting to do it on your own. Being able to carefully keep track of every single deadline for required paperwork, making sure you have turned in the right documents at the right time, and arranging necessary meetings with your trustee is both exhausting and almost impossible to do independently.

Moreover, if you are unable to satisfy each of these mandatory procedures, your case could be simply dropped, and the pile of debts will come flowing back. This is why it is crucial that you are supported by dedicated Chapter 7 lawyers in San Diego. You can count on Debt Relief Legal Clinic to safely navigate you through the arduous Chapter 7 bankruptcy process.

Call (619) 639-9228 or send us a message online to learn more from an experienced Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer near you.

Comprehensive Overview of Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in San Diego

Other common names for Chapter 7 bankruptcy include the terms “straight bankruptcy” as well as “liquidation.” For any unfortunate individuals or businesses who have been negatively affected by external pressures and are no longer able to repay their huge mountain of debts, Chapter 7 is often the appropriate solution.

If you currently have any possessions available to be used, these items can be liquidated into monetary values that will then pay back a great deal of your debt. Whatever debts are remaining will then be completely forgiven and discharged. In the event that you do not have any valuable possessions, the debts will still be wiped out completely. While such discharge is only available for individuals rather than businesses, even business debtors have the great benefit of liquidating assets and property, which they often could not use anyways. The cash from these assets can greatly decrease the amount of remaining debt.

Am I Eligible for Chapter 7? Understanding the Means Test

Not everyone will be able to file for Chapter 7, as there are restrictions on who can file based on income. Typically, Chapter 7 is reserved for those with lower incomes, while Chapter 13 is for high wage earners.

In order to qualify for Chapter 7, you must pass the means test, which measures your income against the median income of your state:

  • If your current monthly income is less than your state's median income based on your household size, then you pass the means test.

If your monthly income exceeds the state's median, then you do not pass the means test. However, you may be able to delay filing until you can pass the means test or consider filing for Chapter 13 instead. Consult a bankruptcy attorney to help you determine if you are eligible.

Types of Debts Discharged in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

Many of our clients are surprised and encouraged by the sheer number and categories of debts that can be discharged through Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

This list of dischargeable debts includes:

  • Personal loans
  • Credit cards
  • Leases
  • Debts made on account of business
  • Guaranties
  • Medical bills
  • Claims for negligence
  • Remaining funds for repossession claims
  • Judgments
  • Claims for accidents from automobiles
  • Certain claims on taxes

Act Now: The Urgency of Timely Chapter 7 Filing

For Chapter 7 bankruptcy cases, the faster you get your application in, the more likely you are to succeed in winning it. Delays only complicate your case, and they also allow your creditors more time to keep harassing you, or even make a move on foreclosing your house or repossessing your car. The sooner you start the process, the sooner our Chapter 7 Attorneys in San Diego can direct you to discover all the exemptions and discharges you can receive to finally give you a fresh start.

Contact Our San Diego Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Lawyers for Assistance

If you are overwhelmed by debt and are seeking financial freedom, get in touch with our Chapter 7 Bankruptcy attorneys at the Debt Relief Legal Clinic to get the peace of mind you deserve.

Visit our lawyer reviews to read why our clients choose our California law firm when they need the best bankruptcy lawyer near them.

Contact our San Diego Chapter 7 bankruptcy attorneys at (619) 639-9228 so that Debt Relief Legal Clinic can aid you in wiping your financial slate clean.

Why Choose Debt Relief Legal Clinic?

  • Certified Bankruptcy Specialist
    Attorney John C. Colwell has been recognized by the State Bar of California as one of 12 certified legal specialists in San Diego County for Bankruptcy Law.
  • Experienced
    Our attorney has over 35 years of experience and has dedicated the firm to consumer bankruptcy.
  • Bilingual
    Our legal team is bilingual and serve our clients in English and Spanish.
  • Immediate Past President of NACBA
    John C. Colwell has been a member of NACBA for 25 years and is the Immediate Past President.
  • Personal Approach
    We are a family-oriented business, committed to helping you get relief from debt.
  • Affordable

    We offer free consultations and take online payments for your convenience.

Contact Us Today

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Hear From Our Happy Clients

At Debt Relief Legal Clinic, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

    “It is truly a "bankruptcy miracle", and you can have one, too. I can't say enough about DRLC!”
    Unfortunately, I had to file BK 13; but luckily, I found Debt Relief Legal Clinic. It was recommended by a friend who was worried about me because I originally filed pro se (without an attorney). I can't even imagine what would have happened if I had continued pro se. (Well, actually I do know: the case would've been dismissed immediately, and I would've been screwed) But the brilliance of this team has kept my case alive for over a year now, and I can't thank them enough! It is truly a "bankruptcy miracle", and you can have one, too. I can't say enough about DRLC, but let me put it simply, You're CRAZY if you use anyone else or represent yourself! ;)
    - Nadine B.
    “Mr. Colwell goes the extra mile for his clients! I really appreciated his time and extra time for a zoom meeting during covid-19 pandemic to answer my additional questions prior to discharge!”

    Mr. John Colwell and his team helped me get through chapter 7 without a glitch! I'm so thankful for the support I received over the past year. I had lots of life changes this past year and I knew what I needed to do financially and who to call. I met Mr. Colwell in 2002 when I needed support and a chapter 7. He also helped my husband with his chapter 13. I was so happy he was still in downtown SD all these years later and available to meet with me when I was ready. Mr. Colwell goes the extra mile for his clients! I really appreciated his time and extra time for a zoom mtg. during covid-19 pandemic to answer my additional questions prior to discharge! Financial Freedom is an awesome feeling! I'm looking forward to what comes next in life!! Won't be making the same mistakes. Live and learn! I recommend it! Thank you so much! Stay safe!   

    - Lori Kalman Adkins
    “I can't say enough about how wonderful the staff and the attorneys are to work with through the process.”
    I want to recommend the Debt Relief Clinic for their wonderful service and knowledge, which you need when you're at a tough time in your life. I can't say enough about how wonderful the staff and the attorneys are to work with through the process. They give wonderful advice and always answer any questions very quickly. I really recommend this law firm.
    - Laura M.
    “He basically held our hands throughout the whole process and made it much less stressful for us.”
    Mr. Colwell is an excellent attorney.  Thanks to him, my husband and I have a new start without being mired in credit card debt.  He basically held our hands throughout the whole process and made it much less stressful for us. Thank you, Mr. Colwell!
    - Chris A.
    “John Colwell and Daniel Wiedecker handled our bankruptcy very professionally and we are very pleased with their legal services.”
    John Colwell and Daniel Wiedecker handled our bankruptcy very professionally and we are very pleased with their legal services, attention to our questions and knowledge in their field of law.  We would recommend anyone to this law firm.  They are specialists and you are in good hands with this talented group of professionals.
    - Allie F.
    “We were nervous about the whole process but they put us at ease.”
    Dan and the DRLC staff are very friendly, efficient, and professional. They helped us with our chapter 7 in a quick and almost painless manner. We were nervous about the whole process but they put us at ease. I highly recommend them.
    - Jerry Q.
    “Even better, he seems to honestly care about the law he practices, and the people that these laws affect.”
    I can only give a review of the half-hour I spent with Mr. Colwell, but it was a half-hour very well spent. He seems like a stand-up guy with a lot of integrity. I went into his office fully expecting to be filing bankruptcy, but instead, he talked me out of it. I was prepared to defend a hard sell, and I didn't get that at all, it was a relaxed conversation, like two people chatting over a beer. It's obvious he knows what he's talking about and is able to put the law into language that even a layperson like me can understand. Even better, he seems to honestly care about the law he practices, and the people that these laws affect. While his services weren't right for my situation, I will definitely be recommending him to anyone who might end up needing a bankruptcy lawyer.
    - Jeffrey B.
    “They were prompt and reminded me often of what the next requirements were so that I never skipped a beat.”
    Mr. Colwell and his team were awesome in assisting me through what started as a Chapter 13 and converted to a Chapter 7. They were prompt and reminded me often of what the next requirements were so that I never skipped a beat. The courts know his team and work with them to see to it that matters get resolved quickly. I would encourage anyone considering bankruptcy to contact DRLC first!
    - Lisa H.