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Los Angeles Chapter 20 Bankruptcy Attorneys

Providing Quality Debt Relief Services Throughout Southern California

There is not actually a Chapter 20 bankruptcy in the bankruptcy code. It is a term used to describe filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy first and then filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy — 7 + 13 = 20. While Chapter 20 bankruptcies are not as common as they once were, they can still provide significant benefits to people in certain circumstances. If you are considering filing for bankruptcy and have questions, our Chapter 20 bankruptcy lawyers in Los Angeles are here to help. RHM LAW LLP provides experienced bankruptcy counsel for clients throughout the Los Angeles area.

Call us at (213) 344-0043 for a 30-minute complimentary consultation with our Los Angeles chapter 20 bankruptcy attorney. It could be your first step on the road to debt relief.

What is Chapter 20 Bankruptcy?

The aim of a Chapter 20 bankruptcy is to eliminate as much debt as possible in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy and then restructure remaining debt into a manageable payment plan through Chapter 13. You can even remove liens that were not discharged in a prior bankruptcy.

Chapter 20 bankruptcies can provide multiple layers of debt protection, as there are certain types of debt that can only be discharged in a Chapter 13 case.

When to Consider Chapter 20 Bankruptcy?

Understanding when to file for Chapter 20 bankruptcy can significantly impact your financial future. Chapter 7 bankruptcy, the first step in a Chapter 20 strategy, allows individuals to discharge most of their unsecured debts. However, it doesn't offer protection against foreclosure or help with catching up on missed mortgage payments. Once your unsecured debts are wiped out through Chapter 7, filing for Chapter 13 can help you manage and catch up on secured debts. This combination can be especially beneficial for those who need to keep their home or car but couldn't effectively do so through Chapter 7 alone.

You might consider Chapter 20 bankruptcy if:

  • You have significant unsecured debt that you need to discharge.
  • You are facing foreclosure or repossession and need a manageable repayment plan.
  • You do not qualify for Chapter 13 initially due to a high debt load, but after discharging unsecured debts through Chapter 7, Chapter 13 becomes a viable option.
  • You need to strip off a second mortgage or junior lien on your home, which is sometimes possible under Chapter 13 after a Chapter 7 discharge.

What are Chapter 20 Bankruptcy Pitfalls

There are impediments to Chapter 20 bankruptcy, mainly due to the time restrictions for subsequent bankruptcy filings. Bankruptcy law requires that you wait four years after completion of a Chapter 7 bankruptcy before filing for a Chapter 13.

There is also a tendency among judges to view Chapter 20 bankruptcies with skepticism. For a judge to allow subsequent bankruptcy filings, he or she may need to be convinced that you are acting in good faith.

Our attorneys have extensive experience handling both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies and can help you understand if filing for Chapter 20 is right for you.

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Client Reviews

What Clients Say About Working With Us
    "Was very impressed with the comprehensive professionalism of the firm..."

    Was very impressed with the comprehensive professionalism of the firm, especially Matthew Resnik... I had suffered through the incompetence of two previous bk lawyers not to mention fees far greater than anticipated, without resolution. Having never gone through bk before, I did not realize how difficult it could be...then, my case was turned over to Mr. Resnik...almost immediately there was a marked positive difference. Where there was little to no communication, all of a sudden I am getting updates...regularly. Further, my case was finally discharged...yet, Mr. Resnik continues to communicate, offer assistance...and, has NEVER asked for additional fees, which I am sure he could have justified...much unlike the two previous attorneys with which I was dealing. I have no reservations, whatsoever, referring and recommending Matthew Resnik for any and all business or personal bk issues...or, other wise. I have no doubt that he will be transparent on helping you regardless of the problem. Good guy.. good firm... a wonderful experience!

    - G.L
    "He negotiated on my behalf with a credit card company and was able to settle with them for much lower than I could have on my own."
    I worked with David Kritzer at this firm, and he was great. He negotiated on my behalf with a credit card company and was able to settle with them for much lower than I could have on my own thanks to his knowledge and expertise in the field. If you have a debtor on your back go to him to get it taken care of.
    - Kelly S.
    "As the dank blanket of economic uncertainty continues to depress the hopes of many of us, I keep your business cards and number available for others."
    This is to thank you for the exceptional work of you and your fine staff. In managing my bankruptcy and loan modification, a nearly five-year effort, your performance was stellar. I never felt alone or adrift, key concerns in those circumstances. The outcome was outstanding. As the dank blanket of economic uncertainty continues to depress the hopes of many of us, I keep your business cards and number available for others. Without hyperbole, I can attest that you are present a beacon. Thank you so much.
    - K.C.
    "He not only saved my house but also got rid of all my debt. They are not your typical attorneys and their creativity really allowed me to do things that other attorneys never mentioned in previous consults."
    Fantastic office! I want to thank Matt for taking his time with me and sincere in his assistance. He spent over an hour with me for free during our initial consult. I left knowing exactly what's needed. He not only saved my house but also got rid of all my debt. They are not your typical attorneys and their creativity really allowed me to do things that other attorneys never mentioned in previous consults. Affordable and Outstanding firm and thank you for all you have done! My family thanks you!
    - David K.
    "Matt and his staff conducted themselves with professionalism throughout the whole ordeal."
    I worked with Matt and his team for about a year to get through the paperwork shuffle and my personal experience was nothing short of fantastic. Legal situations have a tendency to get hairy, but Matt and his staff conducted themselves with professionalism throughout the whole ordeal. To keep it short, let's just say he under-promised and over-delivered.  Rarely would I ever say this about an attorney, but overall he was just a great guy. I would not hesitate to have him on my side of the courtroom again. World market is right across the street from his office and I even decided to get his staff a thank you / holiday gift card.  World market has excellent craft beer BTW, try the Einstock White Ale. They also validate parking. That just shows this isn't a fake review.
    - Dean C.
    "I cannot thank them enough for helping save my home. I would recommend them for anyone that is thinking about filing for bankruptcy or foreclosure on their home."
    I needed a bankruptcy attorney in Sherman Oaks and found Matt Resnik on Google. He has one of the best-reviewed bankruptcy law firms on Yelp so I decided to check it out his law firm for myself. I quickly found out that they are foreclosure specialists and they could help me with my issue. They made the process very easy for me and laid out my options for me. I cannot thank them enough for helping save my home. I would recommend them for anyone that is thinking about filing for bankruptcy or foreclosure on their home. They are the best bankruptcy law firm in Sherman Oaks.
    - Joseph R.
    "He made me feel like I had options, all was not lost, and I could rebuild my credit."
    Matt is the best bankruptcy attorney in Sherman Oaks. I consulted with Matt over a chapter 7 bankruptcy. I had issues with overwhelming credit card debt after Chase increased it's APR for no reason. It set off a chain of events that were really hurting me. He made me feel like I had options, all was not lost, and I could rebuild my credit after the 7. I had some concerns about a piece of property I was having issues with and Matt also turned out to be a real estate lawyer as well! I recommend this office to anyone who is unsure of their financial situation. It doesn't hurt to find out your options.
    - Max B.
    "I filed bankruptcy with this firm 3 years ago and found that they are professional, friendly, and compassionate."
    I filed bankruptcy with this firm 3 years ago and found that they are professional, friendly, and compassionate. I also met with their loan modification department. Unfortunately, they were unable to help because of the type of loan that I have. I really appreciated that they did not lie, waste my time, or take my money in an attempt to modify a loan that was not doable. I've since used their firm for a couple of minor issues and found all of the attorneys to be knowledgeable and considerate. Attorneys Simon and Resnik are amazing!
    - Shannon J.
    "Without the support of pro bono attorneys we couldn't do all the work we need to do, and your firm in particular is outstanding."

    Thank you for your great work on behalf of Ms. Johnson. Without the support of pro bono attorneys we couldn't do all the work we need to do, and your firm in particular is outstanding.

    - Skip K.

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