Law office of joseph collier
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Attorney
Clear Fixed Fees
$1,500 for an individual Chapter 7 case and $2,000 for a joint case. The $338 Bankruptcy Court filing fee is included
Direct Attorney Representation
I personally handle your Chapter 7 case from start to finish — no assistants or paralegals
Fee Refund Policy
If you fulfill your responsibilities under our agreement but the Bankruptcy Court does not grant you a Chapter 7 discharge, I will refund 100% of the flat fee you paid me
A Fresh Financial Start Through Chapter 7
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Simplified. It's Easy As 123
1
Free Consultation
Start with a free 30-minute Chapter 7 phone consultation with me. We will discuss your financial situation, including your income, property and debts, and whether Chapter 7 appears to be a good option for you. You do not need to send me any documents before our consultation. If you decide you would like to move forward afterward, I will explain the next steps.
2
Prepare and File
When you are ready to proceed, call or text me to schedule your bankruptcy preparation appointment. You do not need to have every document before scheduling. After the appointment is scheduled, I will send you the exact six-month income period I need, your final document checklist, credit-counseling instructions, instructions for sending everything, and the deadline. I will prepare your bankruptcy documents, review them with you, make any necessary corrections, and obtain your approval and signatures. I do not accept payment toward my flat fee until after your bankruptcy documents have been prepared, reviewed with you, and signed. Unless we agree otherwise in writing, payment is due before I electronically file your bankruptcy petition. Once everything is complete, I will electronically file your Chapter 7 case with the Bankruptcy Court.
3
Complete Your Case
After filing, you will complete the second required bankruptcy course and attend a brief Meeting of Creditors with the bankruptcy trustee. I will prepare you for the meeting beforehand and appear with you. Many routine Chapter 7 cases reach discharge roughly three to four months after filing, although timing can vary. I will monitor your case and keep you informed through completion
Joseph Collier
My name is Joseph Collier. I graduated from UCLA School of Law in 2000 and have practiced law in California for more than 25 years. My bankruptcy practice is focused on Chapter 7, and I have helped hundreds of clients through the Chapter 7 process.
If you hire me, you work directly with me. I personally review your financial situation, prepare and explain your bankruptcy documents, answer your questions, prepare you for your Meeting of Creditors, appear with you at the meeting, and monitor your case through completion.
I know that calling a bankruptcy attorney is not something most people look forward to. You may have questions about what will happen, what you may lose, whether you qualify, and whether bankruptcy is the right decision for you. My goal is to make the process understandable and manageable and to make sure you know what is happening and what comes next.
Joseph Collier
My name is Joseph Collier. I graduated from UCLA School of Law in 2000 and have practiced law in California for more than 25 years. My bankruptcy practice is focused on Chapter 7, and I have helped hundreds of clients through the Chapter 7 process.
If you hire me, you work directly with me. I personally review your financial situation, prepare and explain your bankruptcy documents, answer your questions, prepare you for your Meeting of Creditors, appear with you at the meeting, and monitor your case through completion.
I know that calling a bankruptcy attorney is not something most people look forward to. You may have questions about what will happen, what you may lose, whether you qualify, and whether bankruptcy is the right decision for you. My goal is to make the process understandable and manageable and to make sure you know what is happening and what comes next.
areas served
Chapter 7 representation
across seven counties
I represent Chapter 7 clients throughout Los Angeles County, Orange County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, Santa Barbara County, Ventura County, and San Luis Obispo County.
Free consultations are by phone. Bankruptcy preparation appointments are available by phone or in person at my Los Angeles office.
LOS ANGELES │ ORANGE │ RIVERSIDE │ SAN BERNARDINO │ SANTA BARBARA │ VENTURA │ SAN LUIS OBISPO
Clear, Fixed Chapter 7 Fees
INDIVIDUAL CHAPTER 7 CASE — $1,500 TOTAL
JOINT CHAPTER 7 CASE — $2,000 TOTAL
The current $338 Bankruptcy Court filing fee is included in the flat fee. Clients separately pay the small fees charged by approved providers for the two bankruptcy courses required during a Chapter 7 case.
I do not accept payment toward my flat fee until after your bankruptcy documents have been prepared, reviewed with you, and signed. Unless we agree otherwise in writing, payment is due before I electronically file your bankruptcy petition.
A payment plan is available if needed.
Free 30-Minute Chapter 7 Phone Consultation
I offer a free 30-minute phone consultation to discuss your financial situation, whether Chapter 7 appears to be a good option for you, and what you can expect if you decide to move forward.
There is no need to send me documents before the consultation. We will first discuss your situation by phone.
To schedule your free consultation, text or call me at (323) 286-3769.
Free 30-Minute Chapter 7 Phone Consultation
Fee Refund If You Do Not Receive a Discharge
If you fulfill your responsibilities under our agreement but the Bankruptcy Court does not grant you a Chapter 7 discharge, I will refund 100% of the flat fee you paid me.
This policy does not apply if you fail to fulfill your responsibilities under our agreement. Those responsibilities include providing complete and accurate information and requested documents, cooperating in the preparation of your case, attending your Meeting of Creditors, and completing the required bankruptcy courses.
This policy concerns the entry of your Chapter 7 discharge. It does not mean that every particular debt is necessarily dischargeable, because bankruptcy law provides exceptions for certain types of debts.
faq
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions about Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
How much does a Chapter 7 bankruptcy cost?
My flat fee is $1,500 for an individual Chapter 7 case and $2,000 for a joint Chapter 7 case. The current $338 Bankruptcy Court filing fee is included. Clients separately pay the small fees charged by approved providers for the two required bankruptcy courses.
When do I pay the attorney fee?
I do not accept payment toward my flat fee until after your bankruptcy documents have been prepared, reviewed with you, and signed. Unless we agree otherwise in writing, payment is due before I electronically file your bankruptcy petition. A payment plan is available if needed.
Do I need to send documents before my free consultation?
No. There is no need to send documents before the consultation. We will first discuss your situation by phone.
Do I need to have every document before I schedule my bankruptcy appointment?
No. When you are ready to move forward, call or text me to schedule the bankruptcy preparation appointment. After the appointment is scheduled, I will send the final checklist and confirm exactly what I need before we meet.
When should I complete the bankruptcy credit-counseling course?
Please wait until your bankruptcy preparation appointment is scheduled. I will then send you the credit-counseling instructions. The required pre-filing course must be completed before the bankruptcy case is filed.
How long does Chapter 7 take?
Many routine Chapter 7 cases reach discharge roughly three to four months after filing, although the timing can vary depending on the circumstances of the case.
Do I have to go to court?
You must attend a Meeting of Creditors with the bankruptcy trustee. It is not a trial or hearing before a judge. I will prepare you beforehand and appear with you. Other hearings are uncommon in routine Chapter 7 cases but can occur when a particular issue requires one.
Will I lose my house or car if I file Chapter 7?
Not necessarily. The answer depends on factors such as the property’s value, the amount owed against it, available bankruptcy exemptions, and the facts of your case. Protecting property is one of the issues I address during the consultation.
Can a married person file Chapter 7 without their spouse?
Yes, in appropriate circumstances one spouse can file Chapter 7 without the other spouse filing. California community-property rules and the non-filing spouse’s income and assets may affect the analysis, so this needs to be evaluated case by case.
What areas do you serve?
I represent Chapter 7 clients throughout Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Santa Barbara, Ventura, and San Luis Obispo Counties.
testimonials
what clients are saying
real stories from people I have helped through chapter 7 bankruptcy
I have helped hundreds of clients through Chapter 7 bankruptcy. You can read what former clients have said about their experience working with me below and on Yelp, Google, Facebook, and Avvo.
I found Mr. Collier on CraigsList and cautiously hired him for my Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing after also researching his background on an attorney rating site or two. Turned out to be a great choice. He has many years' experience and has also done a lot of pro bono work, with zero sanctions/violations to be found on his professional record. He knows his work inside and out -- a detail freak who leaves no stone unturned. He takes the necessary time to explain and review everything required and then some. Personable, easy to communicate with and generous with his time and efforts, he sincerely goes far above and beyond what's required to be of service. And his fees are reasonable indeed. A rare find. I recommend him wholeheartedly, with zero reservations at all. The best."
Disclaimer
Testimonials and past results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome in any future case. Every case depends on its own facts and applicable law.
Considering Chapter 7?
The first step is a free 30-minute phone consultation. We can discuss your situation, whether Chapter 7 appears to be a good option for you, and what the next steps would be if you decide to proceed. To schedule your free consultation, text or call me at (323) 286-3769.
