Thursday, July 26, 2012
GET YOUR WILL OR TRUST DONE FOR YOUR FAMILY'S SAKE
My wife and I each lost a parent during the past few months. One of our parents had their estate plan (will and trust) complete, everything was in order, and the distribution of assets to children and grandchildren is going smoothly, with no complications. The other parent didn't do it right, and as a result there are problems beyond belief, possible litigation, and animosity among family members.
My office doesn't do these types of matters, and this isn't a solicitation for me to pickup new business. But no one knows what tomorrow will bring. I can't recommend strongly enough that everyone give consideration to at least preparing a will or simple estate plan to make sure that your wishes are carried out, and to save your family from alot of potential grief.
Law Offices of Richard L. Leeds
18321 Ventura Blvd, Suite 900 (East West Bank Building)
Tarzana CA 91356
(818) 654-1900
Fax: (818) 654-1902
Email: Lawyer602@aol.com
website: Rleedslaw.com
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
What Can Bankruptcy Do For Me?
Bankruptcy Law Allows People To Become Debt Free Who Never Thought They’d See A Life Without Overdue Bills … Would YOU Like To Experience The Same Freedom And Peace Of Mind?
For many, a life without the crushing burden of overdue debt has led to a sense of freedom and peace of mind. They’re now back on track, getting mortgages, car loans and new credit – but using it smarter than ever before. Because they realize that just because you’re in debt today doesn’t mean you’re a bad person – and it doesn’t mean you need to be in debt slavery forever.
Bankruptcy can be a new beginning. Over 1.6 million people filed for bankruptcy last year, and California bankruptcy courts have been some of the busiest in the nation. Some of your friends and family members may have filed for bankruptcy, and you may not even know it. You are not alone.
Whether due to job loss, illness, divorce or wages that simply do not keep up with increased cost of living, many individuals and families in New York find themselves in financial distress.
Constant phone calls, lawsuits, judgments, wage and bank account garnishment, calls at work that can threaten your job security, foreclosure and eviction are all problems California individuals and families find themselves in when overwhelmed with unmanageable debt.
Call for your new financial start.
Law Offices of Richard L. Leeds
18321 Ventura Blvd, Suite 900 (East West Bank Building)
Tarzana CA 91356
(818) 654-1900
Fax: (818) 654-1902
Email: Lawyer602@aol.com
website: Rleedslaw.com
For many, a life without the crushing burden of overdue debt has led to a sense of freedom and peace of mind. They’re now back on track, getting mortgages, car loans and new credit – but using it smarter than ever before. Because they realize that just because you’re in debt today doesn’t mean you’re a bad person – and it doesn’t mean you need to be in debt slavery forever.
Bankruptcy can be a new beginning. Over 1.6 million people filed for bankruptcy last year, and California bankruptcy courts have been some of the busiest in the nation. Some of your friends and family members may have filed for bankruptcy, and you may not even know it. You are not alone.
Whether due to job loss, illness, divorce or wages that simply do not keep up with increased cost of living, many individuals and families in New York find themselves in financial distress.
Constant phone calls, lawsuits, judgments, wage and bank account garnishment, calls at work that can threaten your job security, foreclosure and eviction are all problems California individuals and families find themselves in when overwhelmed with unmanageable debt.
Call for your new financial start.
Law Offices of Richard L. Leeds
18321 Ventura Blvd, Suite 900 (East West Bank Building)
Tarzana CA 91356
(818) 654-1900
Fax: (818) 654-1902
Email: Lawyer602@aol.com
website: Rleedslaw.com
Monday, January 23, 2012
Chapter 13 Q & A
What is a Chapter 13 bankruptcy?
--A Chapter 13 bankruptcy consolidates all of your bills into a monthly repayment plan. Each month you will make a payment to the assigned Trustee (known a “Trustee Payment.”)
How long does the Chapter 13 plan last?
--The length of the repayment plan generally runs between 3 and 5 years (“Plan Term.”)
--How much will I pay back?
During the plan term, you will pay your unsecured creditors anywhere between 10 and 100 percent of what you owe the unsecured creditors. We strive to make the percentage as low as possible.
--Why would I have to file a Chapter 13?
Most people file a Chapter 13 (rather than a Chapter 7) for one of four reasons:
1) They are behind on their mortgage payments & they want to save their house,
2) They are behind on their car payments & they want to save their car from repossession,
3) They have an asset that would be placed in jeopardy in a Chapter 7 case, or
4) Their income disqualifies them for filing a successful Chapter 7 case.
--What determines the percentage I pay to the unsecured creditors?
It is determined by a large number of factors – including: the household income, how many dependents you have, what kind of debt you have (secured/unsecured/priority). This is part of what the attorney will analyze during the free, confidential consultation.
--Stripping off the 2nd Mortgage:
This is commonly referred to “Lien Stripping” or “Stripping/Removing the Junior Lien.” If the market value of your residence is valued at LESS THAN the amount owed to your first mortgage holder, you may be a candidate to (a) remove the junior liens from the property and (b) have the lien paid through your monthly repayment/trustee payment (for example at 10 cents on each dollar).
--What if my situation changes during the life of my Chapter 13?
If things change during the course of your case, call us. We will evaluate whether or not you are still a good candidate for a Chapter 13 case or if we can safely convert your case to a Chapter 7 case. If possible and appropriate, we can petition the Bankruptcy Court to lower your monthly payments based on the change in circumstances.
--The Filing Process
Filing Chapter 13 is very simple. After your case is filed with the court, you will go with your attorney to the office of the trustee. This meeting takes place about six weeks after your case is filed and is very informal. The purpose of the meeting is for a trustee to go over your case to make sure the plan that we have filed on your behalf is workable. Assuming that the trustee recommends your plan-and he/she almost always does-your case will be set for confirmation in front of a judge. You do not need to be present in court for your confirmation hearing-we will be there for you. Then, all you need to do a make your monthly payment to your trustee
Please feel free to call if you have any questions. We're here to help.
Law Offices of Richard L. Leeds
18321 Ventura Blvd, Suite 900 (East West Bank Building)
Tarzana CA 91356
(818) 654-1900
Fax: (818) 654-1902
Email: Lawyer602@aol.com
website: Rleedslaw.com
--A Chapter 13 bankruptcy consolidates all of your bills into a monthly repayment plan. Each month you will make a payment to the assigned Trustee (known a “Trustee Payment.”)
How long does the Chapter 13 plan last?
--The length of the repayment plan generally runs between 3 and 5 years (“Plan Term.”)
--How much will I pay back?
During the plan term, you will pay your unsecured creditors anywhere between 10 and 100 percent of what you owe the unsecured creditors. We strive to make the percentage as low as possible.
--Why would I have to file a Chapter 13?
Most people file a Chapter 13 (rather than a Chapter 7) for one of four reasons:
1) They are behind on their mortgage payments & they want to save their house,
2) They are behind on their car payments & they want to save their car from repossession,
3) They have an asset that would be placed in jeopardy in a Chapter 7 case, or
4) Their income disqualifies them for filing a successful Chapter 7 case.
--What determines the percentage I pay to the unsecured creditors?
It is determined by a large number of factors – including: the household income, how many dependents you have, what kind of debt you have (secured/unsecured/priority). This is part of what the attorney will analyze during the free, confidential consultation.
--Stripping off the 2nd Mortgage:
This is commonly referred to “Lien Stripping” or “Stripping/Removing the Junior Lien.” If the market value of your residence is valued at LESS THAN the amount owed to your first mortgage holder, you may be a candidate to (a) remove the junior liens from the property and (b) have the lien paid through your monthly repayment/trustee payment (for example at 10 cents on each dollar).
--What if my situation changes during the life of my Chapter 13?
If things change during the course of your case, call us. We will evaluate whether or not you are still a good candidate for a Chapter 13 case or if we can safely convert your case to a Chapter 7 case. If possible and appropriate, we can petition the Bankruptcy Court to lower your monthly payments based on the change in circumstances.
--The Filing Process
Filing Chapter 13 is very simple. After your case is filed with the court, you will go with your attorney to the office of the trustee. This meeting takes place about six weeks after your case is filed and is very informal. The purpose of the meeting is for a trustee to go over your case to make sure the plan that we have filed on your behalf is workable. Assuming that the trustee recommends your plan-and he/she almost always does-your case will be set for confirmation in front of a judge. You do not need to be present in court for your confirmation hearing-we will be there for you. Then, all you need to do a make your monthly payment to your trustee
Please feel free to call if you have any questions. We're here to help.
Law Offices of Richard L. Leeds
18321 Ventura Blvd, Suite 900 (East West Bank Building)
Tarzana CA 91356
(818) 654-1900
Fax: (818) 654-1902
Email: Lawyer602@aol.com
website: Rleedslaw.com
DIVORCE? YOU SHOULD CONSIDER MEDIATION!
After a break up, there are many issues to resolve:
* How both of you can remain a vital part of your children's lives;
* When each of you will have time with the children;
* Managing education, extracurricular, and medical costs;
* Resolving difficult parenting issues- such as creating a consistent approach to discipline;
* What to do about a child who is struggling or who has special needs.
And even if you don't have kids together-
*Dividing personal property from a residence that you shared;
*Resolving issues relating to a vehicle you bought together;
*What to do about the house or apartment where you had lived.
MEDIATION CAN BE AN EFFICIENT AND COST EFFECTIVE WAY TO RESOLVE THESE AND MANY OTHER FAMILY ISSUES!
Have you ever stood in court with a lawyer and wished YOU could speak?
Mediation is one way to have your voice heard (either during, after, or without a court process) and to contribute to creating a resolution that can work well for you and your family.
As a mediator I will function as a neutral party to facilitate an agreement BETWEEN THE TWO OF YOU! My fees are reasonable and are generally split between the parties. I am available to assist you days, evenings, and even some weekend hours.
Law Offices of Richard L. Leeds
18321 Ventura Blvd, Suite 900 (East West Bank Building)
Tarzana CA 91356
(818) 654-1900
Fax: (818) 654-1902
Email: Lawyer602@aol.com
website: Rleedslaw.com
* How both of you can remain a vital part of your children's lives;
* When each of you will have time with the children;
* Managing education, extracurricular, and medical costs;
* Resolving difficult parenting issues- such as creating a consistent approach to discipline;
* What to do about a child who is struggling or who has special needs.
And even if you don't have kids together-
*Dividing personal property from a residence that you shared;
*Resolving issues relating to a vehicle you bought together;
*What to do about the house or apartment where you had lived.
MEDIATION CAN BE AN EFFICIENT AND COST EFFECTIVE WAY TO RESOLVE THESE AND MANY OTHER FAMILY ISSUES!
Have you ever stood in court with a lawyer and wished YOU could speak?
Mediation is one way to have your voice heard (either during, after, or without a court process) and to contribute to creating a resolution that can work well for you and your family.
As a mediator I will function as a neutral party to facilitate an agreement BETWEEN THE TWO OF YOU! My fees are reasonable and are generally split between the parties. I am available to assist you days, evenings, and even some weekend hours.
Law Offices of Richard L. Leeds
18321 Ventura Blvd, Suite 900 (East West Bank Building)
Tarzana CA 91356
(818) 654-1900
Fax: (818) 654-1902
Email: Lawyer602@aol.com
website: Rleedslaw.com
Monday, January 16, 2012
What's The Deal With Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy gives you a fresh start by eliminating those debts you cannot afford to pay while allowing you to keep all of your property. Once these debts are wiped out in Chapter 7, you will never have to pay them.
In general a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy will WIPE OUT MOST OF YOUR DEBTS, STOP WAGE GARNISHMENTS, STOP REPOSSESSIONS, STOP HARASSMENT and allow you to control your financial future. Take the first step to financial freedom - CALL The Law Offices of Richard L. Leeds at (818) 654-1900. Our friendly staff will be happy to answer general questions about Bankruptcy or set up your FREE - no obligation - 30 minute consultation with the Attorney.
Stops Creditor Harassment
Once you have filed for protection under the bankruptcy laws, your creditors are required by law to stop all collection activity against you. No more telephone calls demanding payment, no lawsuits, no wage garnishments and best of all, no more debts.
You Do Not Lose Any of Your Property
In 99% of the Chapter 7 cases, the person filing Bankruptcy keeps all of their property. Bankruptcy law is not meant to punish you and allows you to keep your property under what are called "exemptions" (things you get to keep). You keep your car, your house, your jewelry, the boat, your clothing, just about everything!(there are a few very specific exceptions)
Your Bankruptcy Case
A Bankruptcy case is like a lawsuit to get rid of your debts. Once it is filed, your Bankruptcy case will last approximately 4 months. During that time period, the only thing you will need to do is attend one court hearing, approximately 30 days after the case is filed. Our office will explain what happens at that hearing and prepare you for your appearance and examination in court.
Eligibility
If there is any single qualifying factor for filing Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, it is that all of someone’s income is spent on their monthly expenses. As you can imagine, for most people this is not a problem.
Types of Debt
Unsecured debts, such as credit card debt, personal loans, money judgments and certain taxes are wiped out in a Chapter 7. However, certain debts are not dischargeable under Chapter 7 Bankruptcy; these debts include, but are not limited to, most student loans, certain taxes, alimony and child or other court ordered support payments.
This is only an overview; please call us at (818) 654-1900 for a free consultation to have all your questions answered.
Law Offices of Richard L. Leeds
18321 Ventura Blvd, Suite 900 (East West Bank Building)
Tarzana CA 91356
(818) 654-1900
Fax: (818) 654-1902
Email: Lawyer602@aol.com
website: Rleedslaw.com
In general a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy will WIPE OUT MOST OF YOUR DEBTS, STOP WAGE GARNISHMENTS, STOP REPOSSESSIONS, STOP HARASSMENT and allow you to control your financial future. Take the first step to financial freedom - CALL The Law Offices of Richard L. Leeds at (818) 654-1900. Our friendly staff will be happy to answer general questions about Bankruptcy or set up your FREE - no obligation - 30 minute consultation with the Attorney.
Stops Creditor Harassment
Once you have filed for protection under the bankruptcy laws, your creditors are required by law to stop all collection activity against you. No more telephone calls demanding payment, no lawsuits, no wage garnishments and best of all, no more debts.
You Do Not Lose Any of Your Property
In 99% of the Chapter 7 cases, the person filing Bankruptcy keeps all of their property. Bankruptcy law is not meant to punish you and allows you to keep your property under what are called "exemptions" (things you get to keep). You keep your car, your house, your jewelry, the boat, your clothing, just about everything!(there are a few very specific exceptions)
Your Bankruptcy Case
A Bankruptcy case is like a lawsuit to get rid of your debts. Once it is filed, your Bankruptcy case will last approximately 4 months. During that time period, the only thing you will need to do is attend one court hearing, approximately 30 days after the case is filed. Our office will explain what happens at that hearing and prepare you for your appearance and examination in court.
Eligibility
If there is any single qualifying factor for filing Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, it is that all of someone’s income is spent on their monthly expenses. As you can imagine, for most people this is not a problem.
Types of Debt
Unsecured debts, such as credit card debt, personal loans, money judgments and certain taxes are wiped out in a Chapter 7. However, certain debts are not dischargeable under Chapter 7 Bankruptcy; these debts include, but are not limited to, most student loans, certain taxes, alimony and child or other court ordered support payments.
This is only an overview; please call us at (818) 654-1900 for a free consultation to have all your questions answered.
Law Offices of Richard L. Leeds
18321 Ventura Blvd, Suite 900 (East West Bank Building)
Tarzana CA 91356
(818) 654-1900
Fax: (818) 654-1902
Email: Lawyer602@aol.com
website: Rleedslaw.com
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