818-305-6200 - Se Habla Español
·
Locations: Burbank-Valencia-Pasadena-Torrance-San Diego-Remote Via Zoom
Free consultations

Blog

Remote “Meeting of Creditors” – 341(a) Hearing Instructions

REMOTE 341(a) MEETING INSTRUCTIONS Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, the “Meeting of Creditors” also known as the section 341(a) hearing, had always required in-person attendance at a select location.   Once the pandemic started, in-person hearings were changed to remote hearings for safety reasons.  There are essentially two different types of remote hearings:...
Read More
San Diego Bankruptcy Lawyers

New San Diego Bankruptcy Office Location Announcement

Over the past several months we extended our bankruptcy service to San Diego County and have seen an enthusiastic reception from the community.  We have represented many clients in bankruptcy in San Diego County.  As such, we are excited to announce that we are opening a new location in San Diego County.  The office will...
Read More
Record High Car Prices

Record High Car Prices and Bankruptcy

New car prices continue to rise as the pandemic comes to an end.  The average new car price has hit a new record of $50,000.  Just a few years ago, it was very uncommon to see clients have car loans that approached and exceeded $100,000.  Now these types of car loans are becoming more common...
Read More

Be Honest With Your Lawyer

The Importance of Being Honest With Your Lawyer The title may seem like common sense to everyone, however, there is always that 1 out of 1000 cases who think that they will benefit from withholding information from their bankruptcy lawyer.  The reasons debtors mislead their lawyers are varied.  Many people don’t think it a “big...
Read More
Lose House In Bankruptcy?

Will I Lose My House If I File Bankruptcy?

Will I Lose My House If I File Bankruptcy? One of the most stressful questions when considering bankruptcy is whether or not you will lose your home in a bankruptcy case.  In order to answer this question properly, it is important to distinguish between the main two types of bankruptcy cases for consumer debtors. Chapter...
Read More
How Much Does It Cost to File Bankruptcy?

How Much Does It Cost To File Bankruptcy?

How Much Does It Cost To File Bankruptcy? There are two main chapters of bankruptcy that people file under, chapter 7 and chapter 13 bankruptcy. The fees for bankruptcy vary depending on the kind of bankruptcy case that you file. So let’s take each kind of bankruptcy and address the fees separately. How Much Does...
Read More
What to Do After Bankruptcy

What Should I Do After My Bankruptcy Discharge?

The bankruptcy case is now finished and your debt has been discharged.  Is there anything left to do?  Although the case is done and 99% of the work has been completed, there are some things you should do after your case. 1.) Pull your credit report after your bankruptcy discharge. You should do this about...
Read More
Dont Do This

Top 5 Mistakes Before Filing Bankruptcy

TOP 5 MISTAKES TO AVOID BEFORE FILING BANKRUPTCY Once you decide to file bankruptcy it is important that you avoid certain actions.  Here are the TOP 5 Mistakes to Avoid Before Bankruptcy 1.) DO NOT TRANSFER PROPERTY INTO OR OUT OF YOUR NAME  Most people understand that it is not a good idea to transfer...
Read More

What Do “I” have to AFTER the Meeting of Creditors?

After you worked diligently with our office to get your bankruptcy case filed, you completed your debtor education class and attended your meeting of creditors.  But what happens after the meeting of creditors?  In short, not much…but there is a couple of things to consider. 1.) Reaffirmation Agreement for Car Loans. If you have a...
Read More

What do “I” have to do AFTER my bankruptcy case is filed?

You have worked diligently to get your case filed with our firm.  But then, now what?  After your case is filed, you must complete the following steps: 1.) Once your case is filed, you will receive an email from our office.  The email will give you a case number and remind you to complete your...
Read More

Debt Settlement and Fear of Bankruptcy

The Use of Fear of Bankruptcy by Debt Settlement Companies Most people are worried about bankruptcy and its effect on your credit. In fact people have a strong fear and repulsion to bankruptcy from the social conditioning we all receive.  Bankruptcy is associated with failure, is shameful and for some immoral.  No one wants to...
Read More

Another Debt Consolidation Failure Story

Although we’ve written about it in our past blog posts (here), it’s still heartbreaking to listen to new clients tell their stories with debt consolidation/settlement companies.  Just recently, we took on another client who was in a debt consolidation (with a national company that advertises relentlessly) plan for about 1.5 years.  He paid them more...
Read More

Top 3 Reasons Why Bankruptcy Is the Right Choice

There are many reasons to why bankruptcy is the best choice to deal with your debt issues.  Here are the top 3. 1.) Filing bankruptcy is the fastest way to get all of your creditors instantly off your back. There is no faster way to stop the lawsuits, harassing calls and threatening letters than to...
Read More

What Do “I” Have To Do In Order To Get My Bankruptcy Case Filed?

Clients who file bankruptcy have different understandings of what their role is in the bankruptcy process.  This blog post will attempt to clarify the bankruptcy filer’s role in getting their bankruptcy case filed.  Over the years, we have encountered a few people who were surprised by the amount of “work” required to file a bankruptcy...
Read More

Can I Buy A House After Bankruptcy?

Can I buy a house after bankruptcy? One of the most common fears relating to filing bankruptcy is that if you file bankruptcy, you will never be able to buy a house….or will have to wait 10 years in order to do so. This is one of the most commonly misunderstood aspects of bankruptcy.  A...
Read More

AB 1885 California’s Bankruptcy Homestead Exemptions Set to Dramatically Increase

In September 2020, the State of California passed AB 1885. The new law will finally update California’s bankruptcy homestead exemptions. The new law will set homestead exemptions between $300,000 to $600,000. AB 1885 would increase that to the greater of $300,000 or the countywide median sale price of a single-family home in the calendar year...
Read More

AB 3088 Tenant, Homeowner and Small Landlord Relief and Stabilization Act of 2020

  On August 31, 2020 California passed Assembly Bill 3088 to help the millions of people in California struggling to pay rent as a result of Covid-19.  Based upon the new law, a tenant cannot be evicted for unpaid rent from March 4 to August 31, 2020.  Moreover, a tenant that only paid 25% of...
Read More

Is Covid-19 Your One Opportunity to File Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?

There have been many ways that Covid-19 has impacted our lives.  From wearing masks for office visits, having more phone and video conference appointments, and to the different ways in that it has impacted bankruptcy filings.  One of the more interesting aspects to Covid-19 is that it has allowed individuals who otherwise would not qualify...
Read More
Losing a House in Bankruptcy

Renting After Bankruptcy

One of the most common questions I receive is related to, “renting after bankruptcy” The short answer to this question is, “well, it depends…”. This usually means the answer is long and somewhat complicated. Filing for bankruptcy can impact many things and the ability to rent a new apartment after your bankruptcy case is one...
Read More

Can I Keep a Credit Card Out of Bankruptcy?

It is common for a person filing for bankruptcy to have many different credit cards. There is a belief in the public that they can “keep” a credit card through their bankruptcy case. During most consultations, the question often arises, “Can I keep one of my credit cards out of bankruptcy?”  A fundamental rule in...
Read More

Will I Regret Filing For Bankruptcy?

Will I regret filing bankruptcy? There are many considerations prior to filing for bankruptcy.  In most cases, the debate rages inside a person’s head for many months or even years.  It is normal to want to avoid filing for bankruptcy at all costs.  People always think that filing for bankruptcy will be the biggest mistake...
Read More

Benefits of Filing Bankruptcy During Corona Virus

The Corona Virus has changed the way we all do business and socially interact with one another.  In some ways, it has resulted in people placing their lives on hold and waiting until the end of Corona Virus to resume regular, normal life.  An example of this “freeze” on regular life has been in bankruptcy...
Read More

SCAM ALERT! – “Creditors” Collecting Debt After Bankruptcy

I have recently  been alerted by several previous clients of a certain scam.  The sad truth is that scams are everywhere, especially scams through the phone,…so everyone has to be on high alert.  Several of my previous clients from years ago, have informed me that they have been contacted by people over the phone wherein...
Read More

How To Rebuild Credit After Bankruptcy

You have received your discharge and your bankruptcy case was a success. Now, your focus should be to rebuild credit after bankruptcy. Many people file for bankruptcy, receive a successful discharge, and neglect to take positive action to rebuild their credit.  But neglecting to rebuild your credit after bankruptcy will in essence be throwing away...
Read More

The Debt Consolidation Quagmire: Digging a Bigger Hole

Over the past 5 years, debt consolidation companies have exploded in popularity. One of the most common questions we receive during consultations is, “Why should I file for bankruptcy when I can do debt consolidation?” First, it is important to clarify what kind of programs constitute debt consolidation. For us, debt consolidation companies are usually...
Read More

What Happens At A Bankruptcy Meeting of Creditors?

Your bankruptcy case is filed and now you are waiting for your Meeting of Creditors; aka 341(a) hearing.  What happens at the meeting of creditors? The Meeting of Creditors [also known as: section 341(a) meeting] is a requirement in every bankruptcy case.  It’s generally the only hearing that a debtor has to attend during their...
Read More

How Long Does a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Take?

There are two different types of bankruptcy cases that most people (consumers) file for: Liquidation Chapter 7 bankruptcy and Reorganization Chapter 13 Bankruptcy.  Chapter 7 bankruptcy is the most common type of bankruptcy filed in the United States by a very large margin.  A common question we get is, how long does a Chapter 7...
Read More

Will I Lose My Car If I File Bankruptcy ?

Our office conducts many free bankruptcy consultations each day.  By a very large margin, the most common question we get is: “Will I Lose My Car If I File Bankruptcy?”  The short answer is no, you will not lose your car.  In fact, I don’t remember a single case we’ve done where a debtor’s car...
Read More

How Quickly Will My Garnishment Stop After I File Bankruptcy?

How Quickly Will My Garnishment Stop After I File Bankruptcy?  Bankruptcy has the power to stop wage garnishment.  Filing bankruptcy technically stops it immediately upon filing through the Automatic Stay.  However, the practical considerations of stopping a wage garnishment shows us that the process is usually a bit longer.  In most cases, several steps must...
Read More

Domestic Violence Restraining Orders w/o Physical Violence

Disturbing the Peace as the Basis for a Domestic Violence Restraining Order A domestic violence restraining order is an order issued by the court in cases where one person has abused another person with whom he or she has some type of domestic relationship (e.g. the abuser and the victim are or were married or...
Read More

670 Credit Score – 6 Months After Bankruptcy

670 Credit Score 6 Months After Bankruptcy! One of the main issues when considering bankruptcy, is bankruptcy’s effect on your credit score. I have talked to thousands of people over the years and the most commonly held belief is that your credit will be absolutely ruined for 10 years if you file bankruptcy. This is...
Read More

Should I File For Bankruptcy?

Should I File For Bankruptcy? The decision to file bankruptcy is a difficult one.  There is no clear single answer for everyone, as each case must be analyzed on its merits.  However, if the idea of bankruptcy has come up in your mind….then its probably a sign that you should do everything in your power...
Read More

Filing Bankruptcy in Bakersfield

Our law firm has recently extended its bankruptcy services to the great city of Bakersfield.  If you are looking for a Bakersfield bankruptcy lawyer give us a call.  We can perform every step via phone and email.  Of course, we can also meet at one our offices.  The process will be easy.  Moreover, there is...
Read More

New Torrance Office

MacLean Chung Law Firm is proud to announce the opening of our new office in Torrance, California.  The office is a satellite office and will be used to meet with current and prospective clients for all practice areas.  Our Torrance office is located at 21515 Hawthorne Blvd., Suite 200, Torrance, California, 90503.  If you live...
Read More

Santa Clarita Divorce Lawyer

If you live in the Santa Clarita valley and are considering divorce please consider the experienced and knowledgeable family law attorneys at MacLean Chung Law Firm.  We know that you are looking for a compassionate and aggressive attorney to represent you in your divorce case.  Our divorce attorneys represent many people in the Santa Clarita...
Read More

Beware of Low Cost Bankruptcy Attorneys

There are other law firms out there advertising for bankruptcy for less than our lowest fee of $925.00. Some even say that they can file your bankruptcy for as low as $595.00.  But you really need to be careful when you hire a bankruptcy lawyer.  Most of these low fees you see on Google do...
Read More

Process of Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

Process of Bankruptcy: Chapter 7 The following is a list of the most common steps in a typical Chapter 7 Bankruptcy case. Your bankruptcy attorney will notify you if you are required to do anything more than what is listed below. Please use this as a general reference for your case. If you have any...
Read More

New Filing Fees For Bankruptcy

The Chapter 7 Filing fee has increased from $306.00 to $335.00 and the Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Fee has also increased from $281.00 to $310.00 in California.  This makes filing for bankruptcy a little more difficult for some people.  However, there are fee wavier applications that can be used to bypass the filing fee.  If you are...
Read More

Stockton, California Closer to Bankruptcy

The recession has affected everyone, from regular people to corporations to cities.  The Los Angeles Times is reporting that Stockton, California is even closer to bankruptcy.  The LA Times reports: The city of Stockton moved a step closer to becoming the nation’s largest city to declare bankruptcy, authorizing the city manager to file for Chapter...
Read More

Legislators Considering Private Student Loans To Be Discharged In Bankruptcy

The Wall Street Journal is reporting talks are under way to allow private student loans to be discharged in a bankruptcy.  Currently all student loans are very difficult to discharge in bankruptcy and only a very few actually qualify for a discharge.  When a person files for bankruptcy, they should be given a clean slate...
Read More

More Are Paying Their Mortgages on Time

March 2012 The economy appears to be in recovery mode.  According to the New York Times more and more people are staring to pay their mortgages on time.  Before the current recession only about 5% of all mortgages were delinquent.  At the height of the recession over 12% of all mortgages were delinquent.  Currently, the...
Read More

A Fresh Start Through Bankruptcy For American Airlines

A few months ago American Airlines filed for bankruptcy.  Many people fear bankruptcy and see it as the death of their financial lives.  What they do not realize is that bankruptcy is the best route to get a fresh start and their finances in order.  American Airlines predicts the same.  The Los Angeles Times reports:...
Read More

Foreclosure is Rescinded and Homeowners Wins Back House…For Now

An article in the Los Angeles Times today told of a San Bernardino family who was able to win back their house. The foreclosure was rescinded.  Now it is up to her and Bank of America to come to a settlement on the loan terms.  Here is an excerpt from the article:   Foreclosure commonly...
Read More

Foreclosure Defense Actions

Did you that foreclosure defense is a big developing area of the law?  But what exactly is foreclosure defense?  Foreclosure defense is essentially fighting every aspect of home foreclosure. It usually begins with a lawsuit filed against the bank that owns the note on your house.  The lawsuit is based upon the contention that the...
Read More

Difference Between Chapter 7 Bankruptcy v. Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Chapter 7 vs Chapter 13 Bankruptcy When you are considering filing for bankruptcy, it is important that you know the difference between chapter 7 vs chapter 13 bankruptcy.  Each has its advantages and disadvantages and each has its requirements for qualification.  A person may qualify for one and not for the other, and in some...
Read More

Dad Gets Restraining Order For Son

Bullying in schools is a big problem.  It was so bad in this case that the father went out and got a restraining order.  Smart move to protect your children in school.  The Los Angeles Times reports: A Riverside County man says he has secured a restraining order against a fourth-grade boy who threatened his...
Read More

What Happens At The 341(a) Meeting – The Meeting of Creditors

What happens at a 341(a) meeting? A 341(a) meeting (also known as the meeting of creditors) is required when you file bankruptcy.  Approximately 4 to 6 weeks after you file bankruptcy, you will be required to attend a 341(a) meeting. In every bankruptcy case, the 341(a) meeting is probably the most stressful event for the...
Read More

Not All Debts Are Discharged In Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy is a powerful tool.  It has the power to discharge most of your debts.  But some debts generally are not discharged.  The most common debts that are not discharged through bankruptcy are domestic support obligations (child support and spousal support-alimony), taxes, student loans, and debts incurred through fraud.  Each has specific rules in bankruptcy....
Read More

Start Your 2012 New Year with a Fresh Start with Bankruptcy

Do you have old debts that have been stalking you for years?  Credit card companies calling you and threatening you?  It is time to put your past behind you and start off 2012 with a fresh start. I know that its hard to even think about filing for bankruptcy.  You are not the only one...
Read More

How to get Spousal Support or Alimony

Los Angeles Alimony Lawyer Spousal support, or Alimony, is an issue that arises during divorce or legal separation matters. If he parties were never married, then this is not an option, no matter how long they lived together. This blog explains how spousal support is determined in California, and what a person needs to do...
Read More

Schedule a Free Consultation

Our Lawyers offer the most informative and stress free consultation in the industry. Contact us to speak with an experienced attorney today.

    [cf7sr-simple-recaptcha]