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.

    “He was very helpful in explaining the difference between my options”
    Daniel Wiedecker was extremely helpful. I had a unique situation in that I had two choices at the time of my appointment. One choice would cost me some legal fees the other choice none. He was very helpful in explaining the difference between my options. I will return to utilize his services when my situation changes.
    - Steve M.
    “John C. Colwell makes every effort to get the help you need, with no catch! No hidden fees, costs, or surprises.”

    It it is a tremendous relief, there is such a business as Debt Relief Legal Clinic!! I learned about DRLC from a close friend who had to file chapter 7 some years ago. This place has 30 Years of Bankruptcy Experience and demonstrates a highly proficient and professional approach to personal debt matters. John C. Colwell makes every effort to get the help you need, with no catch! No hidden fees, costs, or surprises. He is very honest and upfront from your initial consultation, about the likelihood of the outcome of your case, and the process- which is simple and very straightforward. His fees are EXTREMELY reasonable considering the professional and efficient service provided- you can even make payments for the fees (worth every penny to walk away debt free!). As part of the process, you will learn, you are required to take a couple of online classes. The classes are designed to educate you, to manage your debt moving forward, and remaining debt-free...avoiding the trouble you got yourself into in the first place. The fact DRLC has a practice that not only eliminates or consolidates your debt (depending on your case), but guides you to to remain debt-free, shows the sign of a company with a true vested interest in your success of becoming (and staying) debt-free! You could not ask for anything more from a firm of this type. I HIGHLY recommend anyone feeling the pains or stress of being in debt to (at the very least), consider a consultation with DRLC. You will forever be grateful for a service of this type, that navigates you through a (seemingly) overwhelming process.

    - CD O.
    “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.
    “They made me feel like family. I could always call them for any questions and they would help me out.”
    I'm so grateful to the Debt Relief Legal Clinic, they are very professional. They made me feel like family. I could always call them for any questions and they would help me out. The process was very easy and I felt very confident that I was in the best hands. The staff was very efficient and professional. Thank you very much to all the staff and to Dan, I could not have made it through this without you. I highly recommend Debt Relief Legal Clinic to anyone in need of their services. Thank you very much.
    - Elizabeth O.
    “We went to DRLC and from start to finish they were our rock. They made everything seem so easy and go so smoothly.”
    Last year after my husband lost his job and we found ourselves in a bit of a financial mess. We went to DRLC and from start to finish they were our rock. They made everything seem so easy and go so smoothly. From the ladies in the office to the lawyers in the back, a special shout out to Daniel Weidecker. He was there for us, went to bat for us when there was a complication and the end result was handled exactly as they said. So if you find yourself needing to get out of debt don't hesitate and call DRLC, they are amazing.
    - Denice M.
    “I would wholeheartedly recommend this business to any of my family and friends.”
    I decided to use this company for help with my business needs. The assistant Vanessa was extremely helpful and easy to work with! I would wholeheartedly recommend this business to any of my family and friends.
    - Vera L.
    “John and his team DELIVERED!”
    John and his team provide top tier services with a price point that will not set you back. The value is unmatched. I knew I found the right place after my first Zoom meeting with John. After dealing with different attorneys in different arenas, I was a skeptic before meeting John face to face. After our initial meeting all my fears were gone. John is very down to earth and very easy to talk to. I did not sense the slightest hint of ego or intimidation that I have seen with other attorneys. John and his team DELIVERED! I felt that with the guidance and information given to me by this company that I had full confidence in this solution to my challenges. Not only did i have confidence in Johns knowledge of his profession, I had full confidence that all of Johns team were there to support me with any questions or concerns. I feel a thousand pounds lighter after this experience with DRLC and i would send my closest friends and family in their direction if ever the situation arose.
    - Matthew 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.