What will it cost?
Separate the attorney fee, court filing fee and required courses. See the estimated total and when each payment is due.
Bankruptcy costs in SacramentoSacramento bankruptcy attorney
What does your bankruptcy lawyer handle?
- Review of Chapter 7, Chapter 13 and alternatives
- Income, debt and property analysis
- Petition, schedules and exemption planning
- Preparation for and attendance at your trustee meeting
- A written agreement explaining fees and scope
Should I file Chapter 7 or Chapter 13?
Start with your income, property and overdue secured payments. The right chapter depends on all three.
| Question | Chapter 7 | Chapter 13 |
|---|---|---|
| How does it work? | Discharge eligible debts; nonexempt assets may be sold. | Repay through a court-approved plan while retaining property. |
| How long does it take? | A routine discharge often takes about 3–4 months after filing. | Plan payments usually run 3–5 years. |
| What if I am behind on my home? | Does not provide a plan to cure mortgage arrears. | May spread arrears over the plan if ongoing payments are affordable. |
| What are this firm's attorney fees? | $1,500 for a straightforward case. | $2,400; upfront portion quoted at consultation. |
| Where do I start? | Chapter 7 representation | Chapter 13 plans and representation |
General chapter information: U.S. Courts Bankruptcy Basics. Fees depend on case scope; see the complete cost breakdown.
If something is happening this week
Can bankruptcy stop a garnishment or foreclosure?
A bankruptcy filing can pause most collection through the automatic stay. The debt, prior cases and the exact deadline affect your options. Call with any notice you received.
Wages being garnished
Bankruptcy can stop most ordinary debt garnishments.
Bring the withholding order and your next payday. We review the debt and filing history, then coordinate notice to the creditor, levying officer and payroll. Some support collection continues.
Foreclosure sale date set
A bankruptcy filing may pause a pending sale.
Call with the exact sale date and time. We assess whether a stay would apply and whether a Chapter 13 budget could cover arrears and ongoing housing costs.
Car about to be repossessed
A bankruptcy stay can pause a pending repossession.
Whether a stay applies and what happens to a vehicle already taken depend on the loan, prior cases and timing. Bring the loan statement and any repossession notice.
Bank account frozen or levied
A bankruptcy stay can stop further collection levies.
Whether a stay applies and whether funds already taken can be recovered depend on the facts. Bring the levy notice and bank information to a prompt review.
Sued by a creditor
Filing halts most collection lawsuits and judgment enforcement.
This applies whether the case is pending or a judgment has already been entered. Some actions, including support and certain government proceedings, are not stayed.
The automatic stay has exceptions. Some child or spousal support collection continues, and if you had a bankruptcy case dismissed in the previous year the stay may last only 30 days — or not take effect at all — unless the court orders otherwise. Tell us about any prior filing when you call.
What should I know before filing bankruptcy in Sacramento?
Do I meet Chapter 7 requirements?
Review current California income figures, the six-month calculation and the documents needed for an Eastern District filing.
Chapter 7 filing requirementsCan I keep my house?
Look at home equity, missed payments and the household budget together. A worked example shows why the ongoing mortgage matters.
Keeping a home in Chapter 13How do I choose a Sacramento bankruptcy lawyer?
Ask who will handle your case, what the written fee includes, how property risks are assessed and what happens if your circumstances change. Bring the same questions to each consultation so you can compare the answers.
At Law Office of Eric L. Sayre, you meet with Eric L. Sayre to discuss your income, debts and property. If another approach fits better, the consultation is the place to discuss it. A low starting price is only useful when you understand the full scope.
Where is the office, and which communities do you serve?
Our office is at 1451 River Park Dr., Suite 121, Sacramento, CA 95815. We serve Sacramento and the Eastern District, including clients from Elk Grove, Roseville, Citrus Heights and Folsom. These are service areas; our office location is Sacramento.
Office details and consultation preparation · Sacramento bankruptcy court information