Credit card debt relief · Beverly Hills
Credit Card Debt Relief in Beverly Hills Through Bankruptcy
Credit card debt relief in Beverly Hills through bankruptcy can wipe out card balances in Chapter 7 or cut them down in Chapter 13. If you are paying only minimums and the balances keep growing, call (310) 362-9071 for a free consultation, in person or by video.
- Chapter 7: card balances are usually wiped out
- Chapter 13: cards get a share of a plan, the rest is discharged
- Debt settlement: no court protection, and forgiven amounts may be taxed
Signs it is time to look at bankruptcy
- You pay the minimums and the balances still do not go down
- You use one card to pay another
- Accounts are charged off and sold to debt buyers
- A card company has sued you or won a judgment
- You are dipping into retirement to keep up
How we handle credit card debt, step by step
- List every card. Including store cards, closed accounts and debts sold to collectors.
- Review recent use. We look at large purchases, cash advances and balance transfers in the last few months, because creditors can challenge those.
- Run the means test. This decides between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13.
- Protect co-signers. If someone co-signed or shares an account, we plan for them, since their liability does not end with your case.
- File and stop collection. Card companies and collectors must stop calling and suing.
- Discharge. Qualifying card balances are discharged at the end of the case.
Cost and timeline
Our flat fees start at $1,200 plus the court filing fee, with payment plans. You get the exact fee in writing at the consultation.
In Chapter 7, card balances are usually discharged about four months after filing. In Chapter 13, they receive their share over 3 to 5 years and the rest is discharged when the plan ends.
Credit card cases in Los Angeles
Card lawsuits against Beverly Hills residents are usually filed in the Los Angeles County Superior Court. Your bankruptcy is filed in the Los Angeles Division of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Central District of California, at 255 East Temple Street, which stops those lawsuits.
Card companies rarely object in bankruptcy, but they can challenge recent charges. Federal law presumes some luxury purchases and cash advances made shortly before filing were not meant to be repaid. We check the timing so you can avoid that problem.
Mistakes to avoid
- Taking a cash advance to pay bills right before filing. It may not be discharged.
- Using retirement money to pay cards. Retirement is usually protected; card debt usually is not.
- Paying a debt settlement company for months. Accounts can be sued while you save.
- Paying back a family member's card first. The trustee can take that payment back.
Related services
Most clients with card debt also have medical debt or payday loan debt to deal with. If collectors are calling, see how to stop creditor harassment in Beverly Hills.
Credit card debt questions
Can bankruptcy wipe out all my credit card debt?
Yes, bankruptcy can usually wipe out all your credit card debt in Chapter 7. Charges made with no intent to repay, such as large luxury purchases right before filing, can be challenged.
Can I keep one credit card if I file bankruptcy?
You must list every credit card in your bankruptcy, even one with a zero balance. Some issuers close cards after a filing. Many people get a new secured card soon after their case ends.
Is bankruptcy better than debt settlement for credit cards?
Bankruptcy is often better than debt settlement for large card balances. Bankruptcy stops lawsuits right away and does not create taxable forgiven debt. Settlement can work for one or two cards when you have cash to pay lump sums.
What happens to an authorized user on my card?
An authorized user on your card usually is not liable for the balance. A joint account holder or co-signer is liable and may be contacted by the creditor after your case.
Free consultation
Find out how much card debt you can wipe out
Call (310) 362-9071 or send the form. A recent statement for each card helps.
Law Offices of John Asuncion9454 Wilshire Blvd., Penthouse Floor
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
(310) 362-9071
Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.