• Spectacular!

    I liked your fast, friendly service. You were all knowledgeable in the area of bankruptcy. Your treatment of me as a client was spectacular! You were great at promptly responding to my questions and concerns. I loved that you provided courteous and quick responses to all my questions.
    --Donna
  • Highly Recommended!

    I have worked with Seth and he is the utmost professional in how he works with his clients. If you need an attorney you can trust I would highly recommend the Law Office of Seth Hanson.
    --David
  • Very Professional.

    Everyone was very professional and efficient. Seth, and everyone that I had contact with were very knowledgeable. I was very pleased with how we were treated by his staff. My questions were always answered promptly. I was very pleased with the service I received and would not hesitate to refer someone to your firm.
    --Anonymous
  • Non-judgmental.

    You were very open and answered all of my questions. You never made me feel like I was asking a dumb question. I was comfortable with your knowledge of the law. It was hard for me to make this decision to move forward in my life. Everyone was friendly to me and respectful. Non-judgmental. Every question I asked was answered promptly and appropriately. I would recommend you.
    --Anonymous
  • More Than Expected!

    I found the firm's representation to be more than what I expected. I was always kept in the loop, all my questions were answered (whether or not I asked more than once the same question), and I felt completely supported by the firm staff when going through this (at times) scary ordeal. Thank you again.
    --Joanna
  • Very Impressed!

    I liked that you had very friendly, caring staff. You were all very knowledgeable. Your treatment towards me was excellent and you quickly responded to all my concerns. If a friend asked of your overall impression, I would say that we were very impressed and we would recommend you to them.
    --Danielle

What Differences Are There Between Chapter 7 And Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?

Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy both have their pros and cons. In a Chapter 7 bankruptcy your debt is wiped out at the conclusion of your case, but you may have to surrender some of your assets if they are too valuable. And in a Chapter 13 bankruptcy you can keep all of your assets while paying off a portion of your debt over a several year period.

How Long is the Process?

A Chapter 7 bankruptcy generally lasts about three and a half months and is more straightforward than a Chapter 13 bankruptcy which typically lasts 5 years.

What Basic Requirements Are There?

In order to file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, your income generally must be below the state’s median income. In order to file a Chapter 13 you need to show the court you have regular income that will continue for the life of your 5 year bankruptcy. Your payments in a Chapter 13 bankruptcy are usually determined by an affordability calculation—a means test—that is designed to repay creditors as much as you can afford to repay. Your Chapter 13 payment must be approved by the bankruptcy trustee and the court.

How Does Filing Affect My Credit?

A Chapter 7 bankruptcy stays on your credit for 10 years, while a Chapter 13 filing stays on your record for 7 years.  In each case your credit score should recover relatively quickly, typically reaching the 700s by a year or two after you file.

Should I Hire an Attorney?

Because a Chapter 13 bankruptcy is quite complicated, hiring an attorney is highly recommended (less than 1% of self-managed chapter 13’s are successful). People who are detail oriented and have sufficient time to research the specifics of bankruptcy disclosures and exemption statutes can file a Chapter 7 without an attorney, but it may be worth the peace of mind to know your case is being handled properly.  Contact your Yuba City bankruptcy attorney at (530) 797-4402 to find out which type of bankruptcy best suits your needs.

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