Filing bankruptcy is an easy decision to make to address your personal financial crisis. This tough decision may come as a result of a loss of employment, divorce or illness. Sometimes it comes as a result of a combination of all of these things. It can be a very complex process and may take a toll on your daily activities. The only way to ensure that bankruptcy is the right option for you is to discuss your situation with a lawyer who specializes in consumer Bankruptcy. Steigerwalt Law Firm is staffed with experienced bankruptcy lawyers, who can help you at every stage of the process, maximize the retention of your assets while reducing your liabilities.
Listed below are some of the indicators that suggest that it’s time for you to file bankruptcy.
• When you owe more debt than your financial ability is capable of addressing.
• You lost your job and meeting the living expenses is becoming a headache.
• You are ill and can’t pay the medical expenses.
• Debt collectors are calling you.
• You are struggling to pay your monthly credit card payments.
• You have to use credit cards to pay for necessities.
• You are falling behind on your mortgage payments.
• Your bank accounts have been frozen or levied upon.
• You have no idea how much actually owe.
• Your creditors have initiated or are about to initiate legal proceedings.
• The mere thought of sorting out your finances makes you feel scared or out of control.
• Your vehicle is about to be repossessed.
• Your home is in foreclosure.
According to “A New Horizon”, record numbers of 1,530,078 personal bankruptcies were completed in 2010 according to a press release , which is an increase of 9% from the year 2009. Experts say that this number might climb 2011. California was one of the hard hit states, with an increase of 25% of bankruptcy filings.
If you are facing any of the above mentioned problems then filing bankruptcy may very well be an option you need to exercise. It’s always beneficial to contact a lawyer early before things get out of hand. Only a qualified bankruptcy lawyer can fully advise you of all your options and formulate a plan that will address your financial goals.
Contact our San Diego Bankruptcy Law Offices to schedule your free debt evaluation. We offer a no-charge, no-pressure initial consultation so that you can decide for yourself which option suits you best. You can call us at (858)-362-3484, where our legal assistants are available to assist you 24/7. We also offer weekend appointments for your convenience.
To Exceed Client Expectations
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Monday, July 18, 2011
Questions to ask your Lawyer
No one ever expects to get in trouble with the law, but if you do what steps would you take to find the best lawyer for you? Here are some pointers on finding a lawyer that is the right fit for you.
In general, the first step most individuals take is online research. You should start by searching for a local law firm and/or lawyer that practices in the area of law that applies to your individual situation. After reviewing the search results narrow the list to two firms and pick the one that you think will be most compatible to your case demands. Take time to review their website and other clients’ feedback.
With the current dawn of social media in almost every domain, it is a good option to scan their online presence. Law firms at times offer certain deals on their social networks like Facebook and Twitter . These social media sites are available for your benefit so take advantage of them.
Once you finalize which law firm/lawyer will suit you best, it is smart to prepare for your meeting. Since time is valuable for both the law firm and you, begin to think about what questions and concerns you may have. The first consultation is the most optimal time to determine if the law firm and you are the right match for your legal matter. Initial consultations generally last from 30 minutes to an hour and you need to be prepared in order to fully benefit from this meeting.
Since many times these meetings are an individual’s first experience with the law and legal matters, it may be hard to even determine what questions you may have. We have created a list below outlining some common questions that will help you gain some insight and allow you to be prepared for your first meeting.
Questions to ask before hiring a lawyer:
1) How long have you been practicing law?
2) Have you had a chance to work on similar cases?
Questions to ask while discussing your financial capabilities:
1) What will be the cost?
2) What if I can’t pay you upfront?
3) Do you have a payment plan?
4) How often and on what dates will you bill me?
Questions to ask while discussing your case:
1) What is the status of my case? Is it complex or pretty straight forward?
2) What are the possible outcomes of my case?
3) What are the procedures involved in my case?
4) How long will it take to have the case resolved completely?
Other general questions:
1) What is the best means of communication when contacting you?
2) Who will be the contact person on my case?
The legal process is complicated and frustrating. Contact our group of experts at Steigerwalt Law Firm for assistance. We offer experienced attorneys with flexible and affordable payment plans. We know that this is a tough time for you and we promise that you will always be treated with respect. You can call us at (858)-362-3484, where our legal assistants are available to assist you 24/7. We also offer weekend appointments for your convenience.
Remember time is of the upmost importance when it comes to legal matters, therefore contact us today. We are here to help.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Bankruptcy Case Result
Steigerwalt Law Firm's mission statement is : "To Exceed Client Expectations". Our team of experts and lawyers strive to give best possible services and results to our clients. We would like to share one of the many such case results.
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Chapter 13 clients file a repayment plan to address unsecured debt in 2008. The clients made every payment then, unexpectedly one of the clients is diagnosed with esophageal cancer and becomes disable. Client only has a 30-40% survival rate. Client undergoes several operations and begins chemotherapy. With the loss of income, clients can no longer maintain the debt payment and their mortgage payment, and still meet all the out of pocket expenses for medicines and deductibles.
The Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Team of Katie Parker, Krystle DeRocco and D.J. Rausa gather all the necessary documents and files a Motion in the Bankruptcy Court for a Hardship Discharge. The Discharge will enable this family to remain in their home. Chapter 13 trustee objects to Motion for Hardship Discharge. The Bankruptcy Team files additional statements with the Court in an attempt to convince the Chapter 13 Trustee that a Discharge is warranted. The case is heard in Court before the Bankruptcy Judge.
Lead Bankruptcy Attorney D.J. Rausa, argues the case. The attorney for the Chapter 13 Trustee states his position. After a very long and detailed analysis of the issue presented, the Court rules that sufficient evidence was presented by Mr. Rausa. The Court found that the facts and circumstances were compelling and ruled in favor of the debtors. The request for the Hardship Discharge was granted.
The clients were hoping for this result and were very happy. When asked how much the fees were for the excellent work done by the Bankruptcy Team, they were informed that all fees were waived. It was decided that under these circumstances, the great result was payment enough.
......................................................................................................................................................
If you are wondering if bankruptcy could save your home and protect your family from the hardship of foreclosure, please call us at Steigerwalt Law Firm for your free consultation. We take appointments on short notice. We are not judgmental, and you will be treated with kindness and respect at all times.
Contact us :
SD Defense lawyers
SD Bankruptcy
Call us:
(858) 362-3484.
Actual case history:
The Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Team of Katie Parker, Krystle DeRocco and D.J. Rausa gather all the necessary documents and files a Motion in the Bankruptcy Court for a Hardship Discharge. The Discharge will enable this family to remain in their home. Chapter 13 trustee objects to Motion for Hardship Discharge. The Bankruptcy Team files additional statements with the Court in an attempt to convince the Chapter 13 Trustee that a Discharge is warranted. The case is heard in Court before the Bankruptcy Judge.
Lead Bankruptcy Attorney D.J. Rausa, argues the case. The attorney for the Chapter 13 Trustee states his position. After a very long and detailed analysis of the issue presented, the Court rules that sufficient evidence was presented by Mr. Rausa. The Court found that the facts and circumstances were compelling and ruled in favor of the debtors. The request for the Hardship Discharge was granted.
The clients were hoping for this result and were very happy. When asked how much the fees were for the excellent work done by the Bankruptcy Team, they were informed that all fees were waived. It was decided that under these circumstances, the great result was payment enough.
......................................................................................................................................................
If you are wondering if bankruptcy could save your home and protect your family from the hardship of foreclosure, please call us at Steigerwalt Law Firm for your free consultation. We take appointments on short notice. We are not judgmental, and you will be treated with kindness and respect at all times.
Contact us :
SD Defense lawyers
SD Bankruptcy
Call us:
(858) 362-3484.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Student Loans
Graduation has come and gone, now what?
In 6 months or so, recently graduated college students will have to face the prospect of paying on the student loans incurred while in college. For some, this will be a nightmare for some as the job marked is tough. The Department of Education is not going to wait for payment. So here are a couple of helpful hints.
Check into other programs that may assist you, such as an income based repayment plan at http://www.ibrinfo.org/what.vp.html
You may be able to consolidate all of your loans into one lower interest rate loan. For more information http://loanconsolidation.ed.gov/
As a Bankruptcy Lawyer of over 18 years, let me give you some advice. DO NOT IGNORE THEM! They will never go away!
For more information visit our website : http://www.sd-bankruptcy.com/ or call (858) 362-3484. Contact our San Diego bankruptcy law offices to schedule your free debt evaluation.
In 6 months or so, recently graduated college students will have to face the prospect of paying on the student loans incurred while in college. For some, this will be a nightmare for some as the job marked is tough. The Department of Education is not going to wait for payment. So here are a couple of helpful hints.
- Ascertain the balances of all your student loans, track them down through the National Student Loan Data System. www.nslds.ed.gov.
- If there are private loans out there, get all that information as well.
- Inform all student loans of your present mailing address and keep them informed of your current contact information
- Begin paying on them as soon as possible
- Pay the largest balances first as these loans have a percentage of interest which will accumulate.
- Compare the interest rates of these loans and pay the highest interest rate one first.
Check into other programs that may assist you, such as an income based repayment plan at http://www.ibrinfo.org/what.vp.html
You may be able to consolidate all of your loans into one lower interest rate loan. For more information http://loanconsolidation.ed.gov/
As a Bankruptcy Lawyer of over 18 years, let me give you some advice. DO NOT IGNORE THEM! They will never go away!
For more information visit our website : http://www.sd-bankruptcy.com/ or call (858) 362-3484. Contact our San Diego bankruptcy law offices to schedule your free debt evaluation.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Meet our attorneys!
When asked a question: "Why do you love being a lawyer?" , our attorneys shared below mentioned responses. Check out their replies in their own words.
Jay Finnecy:
Jay S. Finnecy is an attorney for the criminal division of Steigerwalt Law Firm. Mr. Finnecy brings 15 years of experience as a criminal attorney to the benefit of his clients. He has been a featured legal commentator on KOGO AM-600, KFMB AM-760, and Court TV.
In his words:
I like the challenge and reward of helping people through difficult situations. I like working with the client, the prosecution, and the court to reach a reasonable and fair resolution that takes into consideration my client’s unique situation.
Bradley Corbett:
Bradley was hired out of law school by San Diego's largest criminal defense firm where he was entrusted with hundreds of cases. Bradley has taken numerous cases to jury trial and has won Not Guilty verdicts in EVERY courthouse in San Diego County and in Long Beach. He is known in the legal community for being passionate and a tireless worker. Bradley is a "true believer" in the criminal justice system and takes pride in helping his clients take control of their future by fighting back against those who want to see his clients in jail.
In his words:
I like being a lawyer, because I get to help people get second chances. I get to fight for them when nobody else will. It feels good to help be the voice of those who don’t have a voice.
D.J. Rausa:
D.J. Rausa has specialized in consumer bankruptcy since 1994. He has twice served on the Board of Directors for the San Diego Bankruptcy Forum, D.J. has helped thousands of San Diego residents seek debt relief with Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies.
In his words:
I get to obtain instantaneous relief for our clients. Bankruptcy Law is the only area of law where you can obtain a court order that will stop all collection activities immediately. I love the challenge of putting that all together for our clients and enjoy the results just as much as they do. When we stop a foreclosure or get a car returned, that makes my day. When I exceed the expectations of a client, it makes all the hard work so worth it.
Katie Parker:
Katie Parker is an attorney with Steigerwalt Law Firm practicing in the area of consumer bankruptcy. She works on both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases. She is committed to helping clients through difficult financial times by obtaining relief under the bankruptcy code.
In her words:
I enjoy helping our clients get a fresh financial start. People come to us overwhelmed and stressed out because of their finances. Through our work, we’re able to obtain a discharge of debt for the clients. By the time the case is closed, the clients are able to focus on other important parts of their lives, like their families and kids, rather than being constantly worried about finances. It’s great seeing that result over and over again and knowing we’re helping a lot of people.
Jay Finnecy:
In his words:
I like the challenge and reward of helping people through difficult situations. I like working with the client, the prosecution, and the court to reach a reasonable and fair resolution that takes into consideration my client’s unique situation.
Bradley Corbett:
In his words:
I like being a lawyer, because I get to help people get second chances. I get to fight for them when nobody else will. It feels good to help be the voice of those who don’t have a voice.
D.J. Rausa:
In his words:
I get to obtain instantaneous relief for our clients. Bankruptcy Law is the only area of law where you can obtain a court order that will stop all collection activities immediately. I love the challenge of putting that all together for our clients and enjoy the results just as much as they do. When we stop a foreclosure or get a car returned, that makes my day. When I exceed the expectations of a client, it makes all the hard work so worth it.
Katie Parker:
Katie Parker is an attorney with Steigerwalt Law Firm practicing in the area of consumer bankruptcy. She works on both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases. She is committed to helping clients through difficult financial times by obtaining relief under the bankruptcy code.
In her words:
I enjoy helping our clients get a fresh financial start. People come to us overwhelmed and stressed out because of their finances. Through our work, we’re able to obtain a discharge of debt for the clients. By the time the case is closed, the clients are able to focus on other important parts of their lives, like their families and kids, rather than being constantly worried about finances. It’s great seeing that result over and over again and knowing we’re helping a lot of people.
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