An Experienced Consumer Bankruptcy Lawyer
Bankruptcy Counsel for Debtors, Creditors, Individuals, and Businesses
Financial difficulties can affect individuals, families, creditors, and businesses in very different ways.
Bankruptcy attorney Peter C. Wittlin
helps clients understand their rights, responsibilities, and available options under Chapters 7, 11, and 13 of the United States Bankruptcy Code.
Bankruptcy is not the appropriate solution for every financial problem. Peter reviews each client’s debts, assets, income, property, business interests, secured obligations, pending lawsuits, and immediate concerns before discussing possible courses of action.
Understanding the Available Bankruptcy Options
- Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Chapter 7 generally involves the liquidation of nonexempt assets and may provide eligible individuals with a discharge of certain debts. Eligibility, exemptions, secured property, and the possible treatment of assets must be evaluated carefully before filing.
- Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
Chapter 11 is commonly used by businesses seeking to reorganize or adjust their debts, although it may also be available in certain individual cases. A Chapter 11 matter can involve operations, contracts, leases, secured debt, creditor claims, and a proposed plan of reorganization.
- Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
Chapter 13 allows eligible individuals with regular income to propose a court-supervised repayment plan, generally lasting three to five years. Eligibility requirements, income, debt, property, and the ability to make plan payments are important considerations.
Bankruptcy and Non-Bankruptcy Alternatives
Depending on the circumstances, alternatives such as negotiation, restructuring, settlement, asset sales, or other legal strategies may deserve consideration. Peter helps clients compare the potential benefits, risks, costs, and consequences of bankruptcy with available non-bankruptcy approaches.
Representation for Debtors and Creditors
Peter advises both debtors and creditors in bankruptcy-related matters. His broader experience in real estate, commercial leases, business law, and litigation can be particularly valuable when bankruptcy overlaps with property ownership, secured debt, contracts, pending disputes, or business operations.
Direct Attention from Peter
Peter personally reviews and oversees each bankruptcy matter he accepts. Clients communicate directly with the attorney handling their case and receive explanations tailored to their particular financial and legal circumstances.
To discuss a bankruptcy or creditor matter, call
(949) 430-6366
or
contact Peter online.
This information is general and is not legal or financial advice. Bankruptcy eligibility, exemptions, debt limitations, and outcomes depend on the facts of each matter and the law in effect at the time.
Are you seeking an experienced bankruptcy lawyer to help with your situation?
Schedule a consultation with Peter C. Wittlin Attorney at Law by contacting us at (949) 430-6366 or fill out the form below.
Guiding Businesses Back To Financial Stability
Peter Wittlin can provide Chapter 7, Chapter 13 or Chapter 11 bankruptcy services for businesses. Whether you qualify for a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13, both offer ways to help relieve debt and prevent further legal action from creditors.
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Chapter 7 bankruptcy is commonly referred to as the “fresh start” bankruptcy because it a form of debt relief that is intended to reset the finances of individuals and families who have become overwhelmed with piles of debt in areas such as credit cards, personal loans, utility bills, medical bills, and even outstanding debts owed to retailers. The biggest advantage to filing a chapter 7 bankruptcy is that the client can relinquish their debts completely while still being able to hold on to their personal property such as their home, car, and other sentimental valuables.
Chapter 7 bankruptcy can also be seen as waving a white flag to creditors, asking for forgiveness on all unsecured debts. While Chapter 7 offers a wider selection of which debts can be eliminated, it does not protect assets in the same manner that a Chapter 13 bankruptcy claim does.
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
A Chapter 13 bankruptcy essentially means that a debtor is seeking a new payment plan, and as such, property and assets are protected including any savings accounts, home equities, and personal belongings.
Commonly referred to as “reorganization bankruptcy”, Chapter 13 Bankruptcy is a form of debt relief designed for individuals and married couples who are also overwhelmed with outstanding debt, but cannot file for a Chapter 7 because they either make too much money to qualify or have a certain amount of overall equity in real estate. However, filing for a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy can still greatly aid in stopping any further collection efforts such as wage garnishments and threats of foreclosure.
Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
Chapter 11 bankruptcy, in particular, can be particularly complex because it involves a viable reorganization plan that provides for loan modification or business debt consolidation.
Mr. Wittlin understands the benefits that Chapter 11 can provide and can use his experience in bankruptcy law to make sure you understand them too. For example, filing a Chapter 11 bankruptcy can be extremely helpful to businesses that fall behind on payroll taxes or that are seeking a means to escape unfavorable lease terms. His services as a bankruptcy lawyer can help businesses defer payments to secured creditors while preventing repossession. He also helps with pre-petition Chapter 11 planning and creditor acceptance. In many instances, he can provide alternative remedies outside of the business filing bankruptcy.
Over 30 Years of Bankruptcy Law and Debt Consolidation Experience
Not only is bankruptcy a complex and sensitive situation, going to court can also be an incredibly strenuous process. That’s why it is critically important to hire a lawyer with a significant amount of experience as a courtroom litigator who is familiar with court policies and procedures and who can assess the best option for your specific case, be it through a settlement, arbitration, mediation, or litigation. Peter Wittlin can help you determine which bankruptcies you may qualify for and whether or not filing bankruptcy is a suitable option as a fresh start for your personal finances and business. He will also walk you through the logistics of what can occur during and after filing for bankruptcy.
Peter Wittlin’s practice focuses heavily on bankruptcy law. Since 1979, he has represented thousands of clients living in Orange, Riverside, and Los Angeles county get through their most challenging financial troubles by offering diverse options for debt consolidation. With nearly 35 years of experience practicing bankruptcy law in Southern California, Peter Wittlin has seen through many financial storms and understands the distress that comes with struggling to avoid foreclosure and the repossession of other assets.
While the word “bankruptcy” might sound intimidating, it has actually become a hopeful legal strategy for those looking to prevent foreclosures and eliminate their debt, including credit cards, medical bills, personal loans, mortgages, and even IRS back-taxes.
If you currently owe a large sum of debt or have payments that are grossly past due, then you probably have gone through a few of the following issues with your creditors before:
- Non-stop harassing phone calls to your home and cell
- Non-stop collection letters in the mail
- Lawsuits
- Wage Garnishments.
- Bank Attachments.
- Evictions,
- Foreclosures
- Repossessions
Bankruptcy is a legal tool that people and businesses can use to take responsibility for their debt. When an individual is faced with an amount they owe that they simply cannot pay, clearing out any debts by filing for bankruptcy could be the first (and best) step to rebuilding their efforts going forth. By doing so, debtors are putting themselves into a position to save their home or business by getting rid of any lingering credit card debt, personal loans, medical bills, and more. Not sure whether filing bankruptcy is the correct choice at the moment? Get in touch with Peter Wittlin today to find out which debt consolidation options are right for you.
Schedule a Consultation to Discuss Your Bankruptcy Options
Contact Peter Wittlin by filling out the form below with a brief description of your legal issue, or simply call his law firm at (949) 430-6366 to schedule your initial consultation. His law firm is located at 8 Corporate Park Suite 300 in Irvine, California. You can also fill out the form above for more information.