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California Bankruptcy Lawyer

I am a California bankruptcy lawyer serving the Riverside, San Bernardino, and Orange counties Communities. Strategically located offices located in Palm Desert, Downtown Riverside, and San Clemente provide effortless access for in person consultations. If travel is an issue, my office is equipped to hand consultations by electronic means including Zoom or FaceTime. My exclusive focus is on bankruptcy law, but I also handle debt settlement and FDCPA cases, all of which pertain to debtor's legal matters. As a licensed bankruptcy attorney in all four federal districts of California, I am capable of representing clients from any part of the state, provided they have access to a fax or scanner. Notably, post-Covid bankruptcy court proceedings are conducted exclusively via Zoom or phone, allowing me to efficiently serve clients all across California.

About

The Law Office of Christopher Hewitt has been exclusively engaged in practicing bankruptcy for the past 15 years serving consumer and business debtors as well as creditor needs. I am 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, I am dedicated to getting to the bottom of any financial issue you may be facing and guiding you back on track. Fluent in Spanish and welcoming to all, my experiences in the Middle East and extensive travels across Latin America, Asia, and Europe have enriched my perspective. When you call my office, I personally handle the initial calls, and if for some reason I am unable to, my associates will ensure that you have the opportunity to speak with me directly. At my law firm, clients come first, and I work efficiently to file bankruptcies within days. No cookie cutter approach is utilized in my office. Every client’s case presents its own unique aspect to a legal issue, and I will take the time to make sure you understand all your available options. Together, there is nothing that we cannot overcome together on your path to a new and fresh start.

Chapter 7

In times of overwhelming financial burden, bankruptcy can offer a fresh start and pave the way to restore financial stability. A Chapter 7 bankruptcy, often known as a "liquidation bankruptcy," presents an opportunity to eliminate all unsecured credit card debt, granting individuals a chance to regain control of their financial future. The advantages of Chapter 7 are further amplified by the possibility of retaining one's home, provided that the equity falls below the median home price in the county. For instance, in Riverside County, where the current median home price stands at approximately $650,000, homeowners can secure their property if their equity remains lower than this benchmark and they can remain up-to-date on mortgage payments.

Chapter 7 bankruptcy also offers additional benefits in the form of exemptions that safeguard certain assets from liquidation. A wildcard exemption of up to $35,000 ensures protection of specific personal property, while a car exemption of $7,500 preserves one's means of transportation. These exemptions can make the bankruptcy process less daunting, allowing individuals to retain essential assets while eliminating burdensome debts.

Moreover, Chapter 7 bankruptcy is accessible to those with salaries under $72,000 “as a single person”, providing an inclusive solution for individuals struggling with varying income levels. By opting for this bankruptcy chapter, individuals can initiate a journey towards a more secure financial future, unburdened by crushing debt and with the potential to rebuild their credit over time.

In summary, a Chapter 7 bankruptcy is a promising avenue for individuals seeking financial relief, offering a clean slate for those facing overwhelming unsecured credit card debt. By carefully navigating through the process and understanding the specific exemptions available, individuals can retain essential assets and embrace a new beginning while steadily rebuilding their credit and achieving long-term financial stability.

Chapter 13

When considering your bankruptcy options, Chapter 13 offers a strategic avenue for those whose circumstances don't align with Chapter 7. If your income surpasses Chapter 7 eligibility under California’s laws or you have arrears on your home, Chapter 13 bankruptcy can provide an effective solution. This approach allows you to reorganize your debts and create a structured repayment plan that spans 3 to 5 years, enabling you to gradually settle your obligations to creditors.

For individuals who lack equity in a home or do not own one, Chapter 13 presents an opportunity to utilize an additional exemption of $34,000 beyond other allowances. This safeguard helps protect assets such as cash, extra vehicles, motorcycles, and other items that might not typically be exempted. This provision can be crucial in providing financial security while navigating the bankruptcy process.

Understanding your financial situation, your stance on the means test, as well as your financial goals and concerns, empowers me to provide tailored advice on how best to proceed with Chapter 13 bankruptcy. By taking these factors into account, you are able to utilize a lawyer’s 18 years of experience in bankruptcy throughout California to guide you towards a strategy that aligns with your unique circumstances and objectives.

The means test plays a vital role in determining your eligibility for Chapter 13 bankruptcy. This assessment gauges your ability to repay your debts and plays a significant role in the decision to pursue Chapter 13 reorganization. Despite misconceptions stemming from the 2005 legal changes, which aimed to direct more individuals toward Chapter 13, bankruptcy relief remains accessible for many. While the process has become more intricate, enlisting an experienced Palm Springs bankruptcy attorney can help navigate these complexities effectively.

Bankruptcy is often misconstrued, which is why I provide comprehensive information to demystify the process. California's generous bankruptcy exemptions offer most individuals the ability to retain their assets while discharging unsecured debts like medical bills and credit card balances. For clients in Riverside or San Bernardino County, trustee hearings are typically held at the Riverside courthouse. Attending the meeting of creditors alongside you, I ensure that you're fully prepared for the process.

Call Now

In California, I am a reputable bankruptcy lawyer 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 like a viable option and or if you simply 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. I firmly believe that engaging a lawyer should empower your journey to reclaim control, without burdening you further financially.

Meet the Attorney
Picture of Christopher Hewitt
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.

Riverside County Bankruptcy Lawyer Blog
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.
Contact Us
  1. 1Free Initial Consultation
  2. 2Over 3,000 Bankruptcy Cases Filed
  3. 3Over 18 of Years Experience

Fill out the contact form or call us at 760-459-2438 or 949-503-1304 to schedule your free initial consultation.