
Los Angeles Repossession Lawyers
Avoiding Vehicle Repossession & Foreclosure
If you live in Los Angeles, chances are you know just how important it is to have a car. But what if that car was repossessed? How would you get around? How would you get to your job? And what can you do if you’re facing repossession? If your lender is threatening repossession because you are behind on your car loan, or if you are late with your mortgage and concerned about foreclosure, you may be able to find relief through bankruptcy.
At RHM LAW LLP, we take pride in helping clients throughout Southern California keep the property they worked so hard to obtain. By filing Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you can put an immediate stop to repossession and foreclosure actions. Our attorneys welcome the opportunity to meet with you during a 30-minute complimentary consultation and explain how the bankruptcy process works.
Contact our car repossession attorneys in Los Angeles at (213) 344-0043 to schedule your appointment.
What is Repossession?
Repossession is when a creditor decides to take your property without first suing you. The main form of repossession is car repossession, but many other things can be repossessed, including household appliances, large screen TVs, or any other item of your property that can serve as security for a loan
This property will serve as collateral for the loan or other debt that you owe to the creditor. Typically, defaulting on a loan means that you have not made your monthly payments in full and on time. But you can also default on your loan if you do not maintain other areas of your property. For example, you do not maintain insurance coverage on a car you financed.
There are strict rules that cover what and what cannot be repossessed by a creditor if you default on a loan.
How Repossession Works
Repossession is as a process triggered when a creditor reclaims an asset, commonly an automobile, due to a borrower's inability to meet scheduled payments.
Upon financing or leasing a vehicle, you enter into a legal contract with the lender, delineating your responsibility to fulfill regular loan payments. Failing to honor these commitments may grant the lender the legal right to initiate the repossession process.
The process starts with the lender issuing a default notice, emphasizing missed payments, and offering an avenue to rectify the situation. If a resolution is not reached, the lender may proceed with repossessing the vehicle. This repossession can happen in several ways, ranging from dispatching a repossession agent for physical retrieval to towing the vehicle from your premises.
After repossession, the lender often auctions off the vehicle to recover their losses. In instances where the auction proceeds fall short of settling the debt, you might remain accountable for the residual amount, termed a deficiency.
Navigating repossession and its legal implications can be challenging, but you don't have to face it alone. Our team of certified bankruptcy specialists at RHM LAW LLP is here to offer you a 30-minute complimentary consultation. With our extensive experience in handling thousands of bankruptcy cases and our team of top-rated attorneys, we are dedicated to providing you with comprehensive guidance and effective solutions. Speak with a Los Angeles repossession attorney at (213) 344-0043.
What Can Be Repossessed?
A number of things can be repossessed if you default on a loan, including:
- Your home. When your home is repossessed it is called a foreclosure. This is when you default on your home loan and cannot make your mortgage payments. The lender evicts you and then sells the property in order to recover as much of the outstanding loan as possible.
- Your car. Most auto loans allow a creditor to repossess the car if you do not pay the loan and default on payments. The car is then sold to help the lender recover the money. There are a number of things that can be done in this situation. Read on to learn about your options.
- Rent-to-own items. These items include: furniture, electronics, appliances, and anything else you rent with the option of purchasing.
- Any property used as collateral. A debt is secured can be secured by offering up another piece of property (called collateral) as a guarantee of repayment of the debt. If the debt is not repaid, then a creditor is allowed to take that property through repossession.
A credit agreement will detail what “default” on that specific loan means. This can be for a number of things, including being behind on payments or not maintaining proper insurance, as with a car.
Can My Car Be Repossessed If I Make Partial Payments?
Navigating the car repossession in response to partial payments is anything but easy. The outcome depends on a number of conditions -- a simple "yes" or "no" doesn’t quite cut it. To get the best idea on the fate of your car after partial payments, it’s best to speak with a professional, reputable Los Angeles repossession attorney at RHM LAW LLP. We have years of experience helping clients dealing with significant debt and we can provide you informed advice based on your situation.

RHM LAW LLP
Meet Our Los Angeles Bankruptcy Specialists
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M. Jonathan Hayes Senior Counsel
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Matt D. Resnik | Managing Partner Certified Bankruptcy Specialist
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Roksana D. Moradi-Brovia | Partner Certified Bankruptcy Specialist
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W. Sloan Youkstetter | Associate Attorney Certified Bankruptcy Specialist
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Russell J. Stong III | Associate Attorney Certified Bankruptcy Specialist
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David M. Kritzer Associate Attorney

Client Reviews
What Clients Say About Working With Us
Serving Encino, Since 2018
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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.
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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.
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Where to begin? I had a vile evil credit union repo my car over a misunderstanding, they wouldn't work with me even when I offered full payment plus repo fees (this was my first repo!) so I didn't know what to do. I met with a few lawyers but when I met with Simon he broke things down and gave me my options. I needed a car - so I filed BK and included the car to get it back. The evil credit union fought and Simon GOT ME MY CAR BACK!!! His team is amazing!!!! Maria Donna etc!!! These are top-notch pros that'll have your back. I cannot recommend them highly enough. Sincerely they saved my life. LA with no car!? ARGH!!!!!! *THANX ALL!!!!- Tim C.
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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 -
Matt and his team are the best!! They were thorough, extremely knowledgeable, wonderful to deal with, thoughtful, and really helped guide me through what was one of the toughest times in my life. I never felt judged or looked down on. They were efficient and really were lifesavers during this tough time. I can not recommend them highly enough!!!!- Rusty H.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.

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