Law Office of James L. Keenan
Help when you need it
Personal service since 1995
Debt can be dealt with in many ways. Bankruptcy is an option, but is likely not a first alternative. Read the Federal Trade Commissions thoughts on coping with debt. Though initial options to resolve your debt, such as consolidation and refinancing, may
Bankruptcy prevents creditors from coming after you. That includes stopping lawsuits, letters, levies, liens, garnishments, phone calls, or anything creditors attempt to pursue a debt owed. As soon as a bankruptcy is filed
Filing bankruptcy in Sacramento, or anywhere, is a process. Preparation, strategy and timing are often key elements in processing a bankruptcy filing. How, then, to begin?
For starters, find whether bankruptcy is your best option. Often when
Filing bankruptcy can be a daunting decision. But often times it is worth it. Assessing whether a bankruptcy is worthwhile is essentially a cost-benefit evaluation. Is the cost of filing bankruptcy worth the benefit of eliminating your debt? Most
Medical bills are some of the some of the most common debts prompting consumer bankruptcies. Though the amount of such debts are often overwhelming, they are dischargeable through bankruptcy proceedings!
Almost always are retirement accounts and pensions protected in a bankruptcy filing. This means that retirement accounts and pensions can be kept even though the debt can be eliminated through the bankruptcy.
Every case is different. But by the time potential clients consider filing bankruptcy, their credit is already shot. By eliminating your debt through a bankruptcy, your debt-to-income ratio improves dramatically and instantly and, thus, improving your
No matter the cost of a client’s bankruptcy, payment plans are welcome. There is no interest, late fees or minimum amounts due. Pay what you can, when you can, no matter the time it takes. Bankruptcy attorneys cannot be owed money by clients when filing their cases so, whatever
A title, or pink slip, loan is a loan taken on your vehicle after it is already paid for (or close to it). Typically these loans are secured, meaning they have to be repaid even if you file for bankruptcy. But since such loans are taken out after you bought
10 years ago the bankruptcy laws changed and, when they did, they imposed limits–and penalties–on refiling bankruptcy cases. It is vital your bankruptcy filing is prepared, filed and prosecuted properly. Make a mistake and you may not be able to file again with full bankruptcy
This is a common question clients ask. The answer is yes. Though you can file another bankruptcy any time after your prior bankruptcy case is closed, your bankruptcy protection ability to eliminate your debt may be limited. An 8 year span between filings offers the most
Yes. But be careful. Refiling a bankruptcy case is tricky whether a prior case was dismissed or completed successfully. The number of prior filed case, when they were filed and what type of bankruptcy is being filed are all factors affecting your
In 2014 there were more than 20,000 bankruptcy filings in Sacramento. You’re not alone!
Bankruptcy stops all creditors in their tracks immediately upon the filing of a bankruptcy. This includes mortgage and trustee sale companies. If your home, or any property you own, is in foreclosure, bankruptcy can stop the sale!
Yes. But the vast majority of cases you should only have to appear at an informal hearing in front of a bankruptcy trustee–and I’ll be there with you. Though the hearing is located at the courthouse, you likely won’t have to appear before a
Yes. Filing bankruptcy prevents creditors from suing you and, if you have already been sued, causes any cases against you to be dismissed.
Lines of credit can be eliminated, or discharged, through a bankruptcy filing. Lines of credit are often unsecured and can be eliminated entirely through a bankruptcy. Unsecured lines of credit are like credit card debt–minus
Before filing bankruptcy, it is best to plan for your filing. Ensuring your eligibility, protecting your property and making sure your debts will be discharged are all considerations in evaluating the type and timing of your bankruptcy.
For best results: consult a bankruptcy
Yes, you can file bankruptcy without your spouse if married. Often one spouse does not want to file for a variety of potential reasons. Though most married couples file bankruptcy here in Sacramento together, they don’t have to.
If one spouse doesn’t file
No, you don’t have to pull a credit report before filing bankruptcy. You are required to disclose all your debts, but a credit report is not required to do that. Typically debtors know who they owe and don’t need a credit report to remind them.
Often times
WE ARE OPEN DURING COVID-19
My office remains open during the pandemic. Remote consultations and personal (socially-distanced) meetings are available. I am able to meet in person, over the phone, FaceTime, Zoom or any other remote application