Santa Ana Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Attorney
Assisting Clients With Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Matters in Orange County
If you are overwhelmed by debt, harassed by creditors, or unable to keep up with monthly payments, filing for bankruptcy may provide the financial relief you need. At Fitzgerald & Campbell, we understand that filing for bankruptcy is a significant decision that requires careful consideration and guidance.
Our Chapter 7 bankruptcy attorney in Santa Ana is committed to providing personalized assistance to individuals and small businesses facing financial distress. With over 30 years of experience, we know how to navigate the complexities of the bankruptcy process and are dedicated to helping you achieve a fresh financial start.
Debt doesn’t have to control your life. If you are considering bankruptcy, let our team help you explore your options and take the first step toward financial freedom. We proudly serve individuals and families throughout Santa Ana and Orange County.
Call Fitzgerald & Campbell today at (844) 431-3851 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our Chapter 7 bankruptcy attorney in Santa Ana.
What is Bankruptcy?
Bankruptcy is a legal process that allows people or businesses struggling with debt to find relief under federal law. When you file for bankruptcy, the court grants protection from creditors while your financial situation is reviewed. Depending on the type of bankruptcy, you may either restructure your debts (Chapter 13) or discharge them entirely (Chapter 7).
Bankruptcy is not meant to punish you—it exists to give honest people a second chance when debt becomes unmanageable. For many in Santa Ana, Chapter 7 bankruptcy is the best option to wipe out unsecured debts such as:
- Credit card debt
- Medical bills
- Personal loans
- Utility bills
- Certain judgments
By filing Chapter 7, you can stop collection lawsuits, wage garnishments, and endless creditor phone calls.
How Chapter 7 Works
Chapter 7 is often called “liquidation bankruptcy,” but in most cases, debtors keep all or most of their property thanks to California’s bankruptcy exemptions. Here’s how the process works:
Eligibility Through the Means Test
You must pass a means test, which compares your income to the California median. If your income is too high, you may need to file under Chapter 13 instead.
Filing the Petition
Your bankruptcy lawyer prepares and files the necessary documents with the bankruptcy court. Once filed, an automatic stay goes into effect, immediately stopping creditors from contacting you or taking collection actions.
Appointment of a Trustee
A court-appointed trustee reviews your case, verifies your information, and determines if any non-exempt assets can be sold to pay creditors. In most cases, individuals filing in Santa Ana keep all of their assets.
Meeting of Creditors (341 Hearing)
About a month after filing, you will attend a brief hearing with your trustee. Creditors can attend, but they rarely do.
Discharge of Debts
If everything is in order, the court discharges your qualifying debts in about 3–4 months. This means you are no longer legally obligated to pay them.
Chapter 7 provides fast and effective relief. Many clients walk away with a clean financial slate in just a few months.
Benefits of Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Working with a Santa Ana Chapter 7 bankruptcy attorney from Fitzgerald & Campbell can help you:
- Erase most unsecured debt
- Stop wage garnishment and lawsuits
- End creditor harassment immediately
- Protect exempt assets such as your home, vehicle, retirement accounts, and household goods
- Rebuild your credit with a fresh start
While bankruptcy may affect your credit score temporarily, many clients see their scores begin to recover within a year or two after discharge.
FAQs About Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
What debts are discharged in Chapter 7?
Chapter 7 bankruptcy typically discharges unsecured debts like credit card bills, medical expenses, and personal loans. However, certain debts, such as student loans, child support, and recent tax obligations, are usually non-dischargeable.
How long does a Chapter 7 bankruptcy take in Santa Ana?
Most Chapter 7 cases are resolved in about 4–6 months from filing to discharge.
Will I lose my house or car?
California exemptions protect many essential assets, including equity in your primary residence and your vehicle. Most Chapter 7 filers keep their property.
Can all debts be discharged?
Not all debts qualify. Chapter 7 usually eliminates unsecured debts like credit cards and medical bills, but certain obligations like child support, alimony, most taxes, and student loans generally cannot be discharged.
How does Chapter 7 affect my credit?
Your bankruptcy will appear on your credit report for up to 10 years. However, many clients are able to start rebuilding credit soon after discharge and qualify for loans, credit cards, or even mortgages within a few years.
Can bankruptcy stop a lawsuit or wage garnishment?
Yes. Filing Chapter 7 triggers an automatic stay, which immediately halts lawsuits, foreclosures, wage garnishments, and most collection actions.
How do I rebuild credit after Chapter 7?
Rebuilding credit post-bankruptcy involves obtaining a secured credit card, making timely payments, and maintaining a low credit utilization rate. Furthermore, tools such as credit monitoring services can provide insight and help avoid potential pitfalls.
Do I need a lawyer to file?
While it’s technically possible to file on your own, bankruptcy law is complex. Our Santa Ana Chapter 7 bankruptcy attorney can help you maximize exemptions, avoid mistakes, and ensure a smoother process.
Why Choose Fitzgerald & Campbell?
Our firm is recognized for its dedication to consumer protection and a client-focused approach. Led by Greg Fitzgerald, a nationally recognized authority, we provide:
- Personalized Legal Solutions: Tailored strategies that best suit your specific financial situation.
- Experienced Guidance: Over three decades of experience in debtor protection law.
- Technology Integration: Use of the latest technology for efficient case management.
Our approach centers around understanding your unique circumstances and developing a strategic plan aimed at optimizing your financial outcomes. Our team stays abreast of the latest legal developments and trends in the debtor protection landscape, ensuring that our clients benefit from proactive approaches tailored to their needs. We pride ourselves on offering compassionate, effective support and clear communication throughout the bankruptcy process.
Call (844) 431-3851 or contact us online today to let our firm help you obtain a clean financial slate.
Real Client Results
Conquering Your Mountain of Debt Since 1992
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$1,043,087.06 settled for $492,701.56 Individual
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Client Saved $27,433.00! UGH, I LLC.
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$535,175.56 was settled for $375,000.00 Madison 65 Co
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Client’s debt was reduced by $314,811.00! National Continental Insurance Company
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$263,963.17 JUDGMENT VACATED! Los Angeles County Superior Court
Hear From Our Happy Clients
At Fitzgerald & Campbell, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
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"Great help from the start!"Fitzgerald & Campbell were a great help from the start. Seeking their legal help for dealing with debt collectors was the right decision. The process was simple and straightforward, reducing my stress greatly for a reasonable price. Highly recommend!- C.M.
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"Clarity and prompt communication."We were involved in a tricky sister-state judgment case from a vehicle accident in Nevada. Several attorneys were stumped, but Fitzgerald & Campbell provided clarity and prompt communication to vacate the judgment. The case is now dismissed without prejudice. Highly recommended.- E.C.
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"Fitzgerald & Campbell is Truly Praiseworthy"
I was in a difficult and stressful situation. I was sued and served over an old personal loan.
Fitzgerald & Campbell helped me to settle and lowered the judgment amount in less than a month.
This firm is outstanding and they care about their clients.
Thank you, Ms. Patricia Mendez for being so passionate and so helpful about my case.
Now, am stress free.
Fitzgerald & Campbell is a truly praiseworthy and highly recommended firm.
Thank you.- E.A. -
"You Are All Amazing"
Thank you very much, Ma'am for the immediate help.
You are all amazing!🙏🙏🙏
- E.A. -
"Friendly hand to get you out."Dealing with a judgment and wage garnishment, Fitzgerald & Campbell explained my options to settle and guided me through the paperwork. They handled all communication with the creditor, negotiating a settlement I could afford. They extend a friendly hand to get you back on your feet.- S.J.
Contact Our Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Lawyer in Santa Ana Today
Facing bankruptcy alone can be overwhelming. At Fitzgerald & Campbell, we offer the experience and empathy needed to navigate the complexities of Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Santa Ana. Our team is here to provide you with the customized solutions you need to rid yourself of overwhelming debt. Don't wait to take control of your financial future.
Call us today at (844) 431-3851 to schedule your free consultation with our Santa Ana Chapter 7 bankruptcy attorney and start your journey towards financial freedom.
