Over the past 4 years the economy of the United States has been reeling as unemployment numbers have soared and the housing market has been saturated with foreclosures. Among the hardest hit areas of the country has been southern California that has seen home values dropping by as much as 33% and unemployment spike to levels above 10%. Unable to pay the mortgage or maintain the lifestyle that they were once accustomed to a number of homeowners have sought out the services of attorneys that handle bankruptcy. Murrieta, Temecula and Riverside lawyers are busily filling out evaluation worksheets that qualify an individual for either a chapter 7 or chapter 13 Bankruptcy.

Before filing for a dismissal of debts a person that is working with a bankruptcy attorney in Riverside must report all of the income to the household as well as all of the expenses that they owe each month. In some cases there are people that qualify for chapter 7 Bankruptcy that allows them to completely walk away from their debts if there is proof that little or no income exists. Writing off credit cards and loans that are outstanding a person that has lost a job and cannot afford their home or cars can walk away from their debts under chapter 7. However, they must surrender their property and
automobiles to the banks as their debts are erased.

Under chapter 13 Bankruptcy Temecula residents file for a restructuring of their debts and arrange through their attorney to make scheduled payments to their creditors. Collected through the attorney office the single monthly payment is distributed to the creditors until the balance is paid off. After negotiating for a lowered principal and having the interest stopped from being added to the debt the individual can typically schedule their payments so that they can be debt free in 3 to 5 years. Working with lawyers that are able to meet with creditors and put a stop to calls from bill collectors people that have been hurt by the economy can find a solution to their personal financial crisis and make reparations that will allow them to restructure their bills so that they can afford to live on what they are bringing in.

With a steady income, even a reduced one, individuals that are able to pay something to their creditors can file a chapter 13 Bankruptcy and pay off their debts. Although the bankruptcy will stay on their credit report for 10 years the price of financial freedom is worth the ding on a credit score that is dropping with each late payment and interest penalty that is being added to their mounting pile of debt before they contact a bankruptcy attorney in Riverside, Temecula or Murrieta.