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Chapter 7 “straight bankruptcy” is quick and often gives you what you need. But in many situations, Chapter 13 gives you SO much more.

The most common reason for a Chapter 13 “adjustment of debts” is if you have debts that can’t be written off in a “straight” Chapter 7 case.

Most debts are “discharged”—written off—in bankruptcy. But some may not be. Can we know in advance which will and will not be discharged?

Filing a bankruptcy case gets immediate protection for you, for your paycheck, for your home, and for all your possessions. This “automatic stay” provides this kind of protection for you and your property the moment either a Chapter 7 “straight bankruptcy” case or a Chapter 13 “adjustment of debts” case is filed.

What makes it illegal for your creditor to pursue a discharged debt? What penalties may get awarded to you if a creditor breaks the law?

My law firm represents landlords in unlawful detainers.  An “unlawful detainer” is the legal name for the law suit in which a landlord sues to evict a tenant who isn’t paying rent or is otherwise in breach of the lease.  Normally, they are fairly routine.

Here are 3 common scenarios. When is Chapter 7 “straight bankruptcy” enough, and when do you need Chapter 13 “adjustment of debts”?

If you owe a debt on a vehicle, Chapter 7 gives you a narrow choice: keep it and pay on the contract, or surrender it and owe nothing.

How does a Chapter 13 “adjustment of debts” protect what you may otherwise lose in a Chapter 7 “straight bankruptcy”?

Can you really keep everything you own if you file bankruptcy? The Answer: Usually Yes.