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California Bankruptcy Lawyer

Christopher Donald Hewitt Esq. is a California bankruptcy lawyer serving the Riverside, San Bernardino, and Orange counties Communities. Strategically located offices in Palm Desert, Downtown Riverside, and San Clemente provide effortless access for in-person consultations. What sets the Law Firm of Christopher Hewitt apart from other firms is the team's commitment to their clients. Every week, Chris is available to meet clients in any of the three locations or even at their homes if they require such a service. Chris personally does free consultations on nights and weekends in Spanish and English and will work around your busy schedule when necessary. He has two decades of experience serving the Inland Empire with thousands of successful bankruptcies filed in the Riverside Federal court. His commitment to securing the absolute best results under the law for his clients makes him an exceptional choice if you are considering bankruptcy, facing an upcoming foreclosure, seeking a lawyer for debt settlement, or dealing with wage garnishment by your employer. As a licensed bankruptcy attorney in all four federal districts of California, he can represent clients from any part of the state, provided they have access to a fax or scanner. Post-Covid bankruptcy court proceedings are conducted exclusively via Zoom or phone, allowing the firm to serve clients across California efficiently.

About

For the past two decades, The Law Office of Christopher Hewitt has exclusively practiced bankruptcy, serving consumer and business debtors and meeting creditor needs. Mr. Hewitt is a father of four, a widower, a California bankruptcy lawyer, and a business owner, here to help you without judgment. As an easy-to-talk-to and attentive listener, he dedicates himself to understanding any financial issue you may face and guides you back on track. Fluent in Spanish and welcoming to all, his childhood experiences in the Middle East and extensive travels across Latin America, Asia, and Europe have enriched his global perspective. At the Law Firm of Christopher Hewitt, clients come first, and we all work efficiently to file bankruptcies within days. This law firm utilizes no cookie-cutter approach. Every client's case presents its unique aspect to a legal issue, and the firm will take the time to ensure you understand all your options. There is nothing we cannot overcome together on your path to a new and fresh start.

Bankruptcy

If you've fallen behind on payments and are overwhelmed by debt, bankruptcy might offer a way out. This legal process allows individuals to either wipe out or reorganize their debts, providing a chance to reset financially. It's essential in such situations to understand the different types of bankruptcy, like Chapter 7 and Chapter 13, and how they can impact your assets and future credit. The Law Office of Christopher Hewitt can look at your assets and income, determine whether you pass the means test, and help you decide which kind of bankruptcy may be right for you.

Automatic Stay

If you are facing an imminent foreclosure, wage garnishment, vehicle repossession, or lawsuit, you may be interested in the benefits of an Automatic Stay. An automatic stay, obtained through filing for bankruptcy, acts as a powerful shield for individuals facing financial distress. It immediately halts actions from creditors, such as foreclosures, repossessions, lawsuits, wage garnishments, and incessant debt collection calls. This injunction provides critical breathing space, allowing you time to reorganize your finances without the pressure of immediate property loss or continuous harassment.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

Chapter 7 bankruptcy offers a fresh start for those overwhelmed by financial burdens, mainly by providing a path to eliminate unsecured credit card debt. This form of bankruptcy, often called "liquidation bankruptcy," enables individuals to potentially keep their home and other critical assets through specific exemptions, safeguarding essential personal property and means of transportation. Those who do not own a home can take advantage of California's wildcard exemption, allowing you to exempt a certain amount of whatever you want. It's a viable option for those with varying income levels, designed to relieve the weight of crushing debt and pave the way for rebuilding credit and achieving long-term financial stability. With the proper guidance, Chapter 7 bankruptcy can be a valuable step towards a more secure financial future.

Reaffirmation Agreement

When filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, retaining secured assets such as a vehicle, solar panels, or the shed in your backyard is possible. With the help of your attorney, you can file a reaffirmation agreement with the creditor who owns the asset you want to keep. A reaffirmation agreement is paying for a secured asset outside of your bankruptcy. The only downside is that you now will owe the money and own the asset no matter what happens going forward, as it is outside the scope of your bankruptcy

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Chapter 13 bankruptcy allows debtors who make above the median income to reorganize their debts. It will enable you to create a plan to gradually pay off a portion of your unsecured debt within 3-5 years without the immediate pressure of liquidating assets. This type of bankruptcy is particularly suitable for those with a steady income, as it requires adherence to a structured repayment schedule. Having a knowledgeable California lawyer by your side is crucial in a Chapter 13 bankruptcy. They can help you understand the intricacies of the bankruptcy process, ensure your repayment plan is feasible and in line with legal requirements, and assist in protecting your rights throughout the process. Their expertise is invaluable in helping you make informed decisions and navigate the legal system effectively, ultimately aiding you in achieving a more stable financial future.

Debt Settlement

Debt settlement offers an alternative to bankruptcy for managing debt. Through this process, you can negotiate with creditors to accept a portion of the debt owed instead of pursuing bankruptcy. This option is particularly suitable for those who might not need the comprehensive restructuring offered by Chapter 13 bankruptcy but still seek relief from overwhelming unsecured credit card debt.

Foreclosure

In California, foreclosure typically proceeds without court involvement, using a deed of trust where the lender can sell the property at auction if the borrower defaults. The process involves a Notice of Default, followed by 90 days for the borrower to rectify the default. If unresolved, the trustee sells the property at a public auction. Filing for bankruptcy can offer temporary relief from foreclosure through an automatic stay, giving you time to reorganize your finances and potentially save your home.

Wage Garnishment

Wage garnishment, where creditors take a portion of your wages to cover debts, can significantly strain your finances. In California, creditors can garnish a considerable portion of your paycheck until you fully pay off the debt. Filing for bankruptcy can be a swift solution to halt wage garnishment. It triggers an automatic stay that immediately stops most garnishments, giving you relief and time to reorganize your finances. Both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy can address this issue.

Student Debt

In California, student loan debtors face resumed payments after the expiration of the moratorium, creating financial stress for many. To address this, Californians can explore discharging their student loans through bankruptcy by filing an adversary case against their lenders. The process your attorney will use to determine your possibility to discharge student debt involves assessing personal information, income, expenses, future payment ability, previous repayment efforts, and assets.

Contact Us

I am a reputable bankruptcy lawyer in Orange and Riverside Counties, fighting for my client's rights. If you're experiencing sleepless nights and want the advice of a California bankruptcy lawyer, I'm here to lend an empathetic ear and guide you toward a solution. If bankruptcy seems viable or you have inquiries, don't hesitate to reach out. I'm delighted to address any uncertainties or queries you may have, and your initial consultation comes at no cost. Engaging a lawyer should empower your journey to reclaim control without burdening you further financially.

Meet the Attorney
Christopher Hewitt

I consider myself a debt consultant and file Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy as well as doing debt settlement for individuals and married couples who are experiencing financial difficulties and having a hard time meeting their current debt obligations. I can stop wage garnishments from being enforced against a person who has a default judgment against them. I frequently stop banks from foreclosing on my clients properties so that we can buy some time and potentially put any arrearages into a chapter 13 plan.

Client Reviews
★★★★★
I highly recommend Christopher Hewitt. Chris was doing pretty good job on my case with full support from processing, scheduling and other questions. We are in desperate situation facing foreclosure and credit card debt at that time, he saved us. He has my highest recommendation with regard to his expertise. Rizal H K
★★★★★
We found the law office of Christopher Hewitt to be a pleasant relationship in our legal situation. The law office was always responsive and always treated my questions as important and answered very quickly. The law office always advised me and I got great advise on our situation. I would highly recommend this law office for your legal dilemma. John H
★★★★★
Ibegan a business relationship with the Law Office of Christopher Hewitt and dealt with Mr. Hewitt directly. I utilized his service in debt management and because of him i am debt free within 6 months!!! I cannot thank him enough for all the hard work he did and how effective he was with all my creditors. I definitely could not have been this successful with eradicating my debt if i had not employed Mr. Hewitt's services. I strongly recommend him and his Law Office to anyone looking for legal help. Thank you so much!!! Debra B.
★★★★★
The Law Office of Chris Hewitt was great at handling my debt settlement. I was able to speak directly with the attorney multiple times and he always knew what was going on with my accounts and gave me clear advise. I did not feel like he made any false promises and was very realistic about what the outcomes would be. At the end of the year I was able to pay off all my credit cards at less than 40% of what I owed at the time I hired him. I would highly recommend Chris Hewitt for any one who has debt issues and does not want to file for bankruptcy. Karen H.
★★★★★
Basically, if I could describe my experience with Chris Hewitt in three words they would be, professional, straight-forward, and helpful. Going into filing chapter 7 bankruptcy, I had no clue where to begin. Chris took me where I was at and guided me along a process that proved to be clearing financially and emotionally. Plus, I am quite certain nobody could have done it for a better price. I would recommend his service to anybody. Thank you. Dylan H.
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