Bankruptcy and Finance Law

Members of the Howett Isaza Law Group offer expertise in dealing with complex financial matters. We assist businesses and individuals with credit management, debt collection, loan work-outs, and foreclosures. Our firm counsels and represents creditors and debtors in bankruptcy proceedings. We have a team of competent, honest, fair, and aggressive lawyers with offices in Los Angeles and Orange County.

What Services Should I Expect From My Lawyer?
At Howett Isaza, we provide a comprehensive financial analysis for every one of our clients in order to determine which option is best for each particular situation. The most important goal when assisting clients facing financial hardship is to help them regain control of their financial life. We believe that this can only be achieved through a careful and individualized process.

Should I File For Bankruptcy?
Although the goal is always the same, there are many tools available to debtors. For example, a bankruptcy filing is not the best option when the debt burden is not significant or dischargeable; in this case, a direct and aggressive negotiation with the creditors may render better results. Bankruptcy, however, is the ultimate tool that can give an honest debtor a clean start. Most people suffering financial hardship have acquired their debts over long periods of time. While most debtors intend to repay their debts, they sometimes find themselves unable to do so because of unexpected changes in circumstances such as health or family problems, job losses or failed businesses. Any of these circumstances, combined with various penalty fees and extraordinarily high interest rates that creditors now charge can result in insurmountable debt, and bankruptcy in this case is the only way to a fresh start.

What Should I Do if a Debtor to My Business Files for Bankruptcy?
The bankruptcy process can be just as daunting for the creditors. Howett Isaza can guide business owners through creditor hearings, lifting of the stay in bankruptcy, and even bankruptcy litigation to challenge the discharge of certain debts. Howett Isaza is equipped to help business owners navigate the complex process of such bankruptcy proceedings.

Should I File Bankruptcy with an Attorney?
Filing for bankruptcy is not as easy as some people think. Bankruptcy is a highly technical and at times confusing area of law. Business owners and consumers are often misinformed about the legal process and repercussions of the filing. A good bankruptcy lawyer spends a great deal of time preparing and reviewing your case to avoid unpleasant surprises during the process.

What is the Difference Between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13?
Chapter 7 bankruptcy is a liquidation proceeding. The debtor turns over all non-exempt property to the bankruptcy trustee, who then converts it to cash for distribution to the creditors. The debtor usually receives a discharge of all dischargeable debts within four months. In the vast majority of cases, all of the debtor’s assets are protected, so Chapter 7 would give that person a relatively quick "fresh start."

Conversely, Chapter 13 Bankruptcy is filed by individuals who want to pay off their debts over a period of three to five years. This type of bankruptcy appeals to individuals who have non-exempt property that they want to keep. It is also only an option for individuals who have predictable income and whose income is sufficient to pay their reasonable expenses with some amount left over to pay off their debts.

How Much Will My Bankruptcy Cost?
At Howett Isaza, we believe that one of our duties as bankruptcy lawyers is to set reasonable fees that our clients can afford, and to tell them upfront exactly how much they will spend. Our clients never have to worry about hidden fees. Likewise, we offer competitive pricing to assist creditors in their collection efforts and in navigating the bankruptcy waters.