Los Angeles Bankruptcy lawyer

Law Offices of Michael Jay Berger

6320 Canoga Avenue
15th Floor
Woodland Hills, California 91367
USA

(818) 598-1139

www.bankruptcypower.com

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Law Firm Overview Free Consultation

The Law Offices of Michael Jay Berger represents clients in all aspects of bankruptcy law. Mr. Berger is a certified bankruptcy specialist representing debtors and creditors in chapter 7 bankruptcy, chapter 11 bankruptcy and chapter 13 bankruptcy proceedings.

For business owners, bankruptcy can provide protection from creditors while allowing you to reorganize your business. If you have a claim against a business or individual who has filed for bankruptcy, Mr. Berger can assist you in recovering the maximum amount possible on your claim. If you are facing constant calls from creditors, Mr. Berger can assist you in legally erasing your debts and give you a fresh start.

Mr. Berger provides honest, experienced representation in bankruptcy matters. Our office utilizes the latest technology to manage and prepare your case for bankruptcy proceedings, including Best Case Bankruptcy Software, Lexis Nexis Research Software and the United States Bankruptcy Court's Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system. We also use Credit Info Net to instantly obtain your credit records upon your request as an aid in the preparation of your bankruptcy schedules, and to ensure that we have accounted for all of your creditors in the bankruptcy process.

We value maintaining contact with our clients and keeping our clients updated on the progress with their bankruptcy case. Bankruptcy attorney Michael Jay Berger regularly checks his voicemail and email, throughout the day, evening, and on weekends. He takes the time to respond promptly to any client questions and to resolve any issues that might arise. The rules governing bankruptcy have become increasingly more complex; our goal is to simplify the process for you and help you obtain a fresh start.

Mr. Berger also has experience representing a broad range of clients and understands how to effectively serve a diverse set of interests. He has represented doctors, lawyers, accountants, actors, writers, managers, entrepreneurs, advertising agencies, television stations, lenders, teachers, construction workers, insurance sales people, real estate brokers, film companies, manufacturing companies, restaurants, nightclubs, landlords and tenants.

Practice Areas

Litigation

Additional Practice Areas: Chapter 7 Bankruptcy; Chapter 11 Bankruptcy; Chapter 13 Bankruptcy; Adversary Proceedings; Creditor's Rights; Third Parties' Rights; Bankruptcy Planning.

Practice Areas Description

The Law Offices of Michael Jay Berger offers legal services on the following areas of practice:

- Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

Many debtors face overwhelming debt that they cannot pay off, even with debt reorganization and an extended repayment plan. The solution for individuals who cannot pay their debt is Chapter 7 bankruptcy. In Chapter 7, known as liquidation, the debtor's nonexempt property is sold and the proceeds are distributed to creditors. Debtors are discharged from paying most remaining debts. At the Law Offices of Michael Jay Berger, we help clients in need of Chapter 7 bankruptcy. The vast majority of Chapter 7 cases that we file are "no asset cases," meaning all of our client's assets are exempt and clients keep all of their assets.

- Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

Chapter 11 bankruptcy is known as reorganization bankruptcy and is used by businesses, including small businesses, partnerships, sole proprietorships, and corporations, to reorganize their assets to save the business and pay off debts. A Chapter 11 debtor has the exclusive right to file a plan of reorganization with the bankruptcy court for 120 days. This period can be extended by the bankruptcy court but after it expires, creditors or trustees may file separate plans with competing interests. The Los Angeles Chapter 11 bankruptcy lawyers at the Law Offices of Michael Jay Berger help debtors work out a plan of repayment for approval by a bankruptcy court judge.

- Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Chapter 13 is designed for individuals with regular income who do not qualify for chapter 7 bankruptcy and/or homeowners whose mortgages are in default and who want to save their homes from foreclosure. Corporations and partnerships are not eligible to file Chapter 13. To qualify for chapter 13, Debtor's secured debt cannot exceed $1,080,400 and unsecured debt cannot exceed $360,475. These limits are set forth in 11 U.S.C. Section 109 of the Bankruptcy Code. Depending on Debtor's disposable monthly income and the amount of priority debt that must be paid in full within a 3 or 5 year repayment period, our office will prepare a Plan which will need to get approved by a Bankruptcy Judge at the Confirmation hearing.

- Adversary Proceedings

I have successfully represented Plaintiffs and Defendants in more than 60 Adversary Proceedings. In many of these cases, My Senior Associate Attorney Georgeann Nicol and I were able to get the case dismissed by filing one or more Rule 12(b)(6) Motions to Dismiss. We are not afraid to go to trial on Adversary Proceeding Cases.

- Creditor's Rights

In addition to my extensive practice representing Debtors in Chapter 7, 11 and 13 proceedings, I represent creditors in the prosecution of relief from stay actions, the prosecution of actions to determine non-dischargability of debts, and the filing of proofs of claim. I know how to act quickly and effectively to get creditors the maximum possible relief that they are legally entitled to. My 30 years of bankruptcy experience and my familiarity with both the law and the bankruptcy court judges help me to help you.

- Third Parties' Rights

I also represent third parties in all types of bankruptcy proceedings. For example, I represent third parties who are sued by Debtors or by the Bankruptcy Trustee in Adversary Proceedings, including preference, fraudulent transfer and collection Adversary Proceedings. I represent buyers of companies in bankruptcy and buyers of certain assets of companies in bankruptcy. I also have successfully handled appeals before the United States Bankruptcy Appellate Panel of the Ninth Circuit.

- Bankruptcy Planning

Bankruptcy Planning is essential to a successful bankruptcy. People often call me at the last minute. Many times, I have met someone and then, that same day, prepared all of the legal papers needed to save their home from foreclosure, to stop a levy on their bank account, to get a keeper out of their business or to stop a creditor from taking their wages. However, it is always better to consult with me ahead of time. I can help you to be sure that you do not lose money and property that you otherwise could have kept.