Recent Blog Posts
Top Causes of Business Debt
Businesses need substantial funds to operate. New businesses, especially, require a lot of investment right away in order to establish the basic structure of the company and for business operations. It’s easy for a new business to incur debt after debt, causing the company’s profits to decline and ultimately leading to bankruptcy. Below, we discuss… Read More »
Can I Convert My Chapter 13 Bankruptcy to a Chapter 7?
Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 are two very different forms of bankruptcy, each with their own requirements, advantages, and disadvantages. Many debtors find that although one form of bankruptcy seemed optimal at the time of filing, changes down the line have created new challenges. Bankruptcy courts allow for the conversion of bankruptcy from one chapter… Read More »
Regular Smog Test vs. STAR Smog Test
California’s Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) licenses automotive repair stations to conduct SMOG tests and repairs. The state also offers special licenses to certain smog check stations that opt to be part of the STAR Program. For vehicle owners, the difference between a smog check and a STAR smog check can be confusing. Below, we… Read More »
Nine Tips to Repairing Bad Credit and Getting Back on Track
Having bad credit can keep you from accomplishing some of your important financial goals, including purchasing a home or a vehicle. Even if you are not looking to make a big purchase, having bad credit can often bring with it a level of stress that only grows over time. If you are dealing with bad… Read More »
How to Avoid Bankruptcy Fraud in CA
Bankruptcy fraud is an incredibly serious allegation. The consequences for bankruptcy fraud can range from simple denial of the bankruptcy discharge all the way to felony criminal charges, depending on the nature and severity of the conduct. If you are planning to file for bankruptcy, it’s important to follow all appropriate steps and adhere to… Read More »
What Not to Do When Filing For Bankruptcy In CA
Bankruptcy is a complex, often overwhelming process. It’s also rife with pitfalls for the unwary. People get bad advice from friends and family about how to protect their assets, which only leads to more debt and more difficulties. Below, we discuss some of the common mistakes we’ve seen debtors make when filing for bankruptcy. If… Read More »
What Can and Can’t Be Repossessed by Creditors
One of the most alarming and disheartening parts of struggling with debt is the fear that your property may be taken from you. Foreclosure of your home and repossession of your personal property adds insult to injury, often making it more challenging to pay down debts on top of how demoralizing and affronting it feels… Read More »
Tips to Avoid Second Bankruptcy
Bankruptcy can work to resolve many of your debt problems, but it doesn’t solve everything. If it’s been a few years since your bankruptcy and debt is starting to creep back up, or if you are fresh from your bankruptcy and you are looking for good habits to avoid debt issues down the line, read… Read More »
Social Security and Bankruptcy
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits and Social Security Disability insurance (SSDI) benefits are generally reserved for people who are unable to pay all of their bills without governmental assistance due to disability, age, or other reasons for limited income. Citizens who have worked for at least 10 years and are at least 62 years old… Read More »
How to Form an LLC in CA
An LLC, or limited liability company, is a standard business structure that affords protection from individual liability for business owners while offering the pass-through taxation enjoyed by sole proprietors or partnerships. It’s the perfect type of entity for many startup companies. To form an LLC, there are a number of legal hoops to jump through…. Read More »