Sacramento Family Law Attorneys

Cases We Handle

We Can Help You Get What You Deserve

Bankruptcy is one of the most powerful forms of relief available to consumers. Submitting a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 petition temporarily stops collection actions through the automatic stay, and completing a filing typically allows you to eliminate unsecured debts. However, our team at Stutz Law Office, P.C. understands that bankruptcy is not right for everyone, and we also regularly help clients pursue non-bankruptcy relief solutions. After thoroughly evaluating your financial circumstances, we will walk you through all available options and advise which approach is likely to achieve the best results. 

Our debt relief services in Sacramento, California include assistance with:

• Chapter 7 Bankruptcy. If you have limited current income, this type of bankruptcy can help you eliminate debt and obtain a fresh start. The Chapter 7 process is relatively swift and can often be completed within several months. Nonexempt assets will be liquidated to partially repay creditors, but you can protect many (if not all) of your most important assets. We can help you take advantage of the state’s exemptions to ensure you lose as little as possible. 
• Chapter 13 Bankruptcy. If you still have reliable income but cannot keep up with your obligations, Chapter 13 bankruptcy can allow you to repay some of your debts over an extended period of time. You will propose a plan that reorganizes all of your debts into a single monthly payment. The amount of this payment is tied to your current disposable income, or what you can afford to pay after expenses. You will need to make this payment for three to five years, and your plan must address priority debt – including tax debt and mortgage arrears – before unsecured debt and student loan debt. Our team can develop a plan that meets all legal requirements and strategically maximizes relief.
• Debt Negotiation and Reorganization. Many creditors will refuse to consider a settlement when approached by an individual debtor, but some will be willing to negotiate with a seasoned lawyer. Our team knows how to effectively communicate with creditors, debt collectors, and collection agencies. We can work on your behalf to pursue a variety of debt settlement, consolidation, and reorganization solutions.
• Creditor Harassment. Debt collectors and collection agencies will resort to all sorts of tactics to compel you to pay what you owe. Some of these methods may be against the law, especially if they are designed to aggravate, embarrass, or intimidate you. As a debtor, you have rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), and California’s Rosenthal Act. Our firm can enforce your rights under these laws and hold debt collectors accountable for illicit conduct.
• Back Taxes. You do not have to face the IRS alone. If you are the subject of an audit or owe considerable back taxes you cannot afford to repay, our team can provide the advice and advocacy you need to negotiate an offer in compromise and/or tax penalty abatements.
• Credit Repair. Filing for bankruptcy will inevitably lower your credit score in the short term. However, bankruptcy can be used to manage and/or eliminate debt that may be doing greater damage over time. We can help you take steps to efficiently restore your credit post-bankruptcy.