Bankruptcy Attorney in Temple City, CA

Fast Debt Relief Solutions. Temple City is only a few minutes from our Arcadia office, and many of the Temple City residents we help are homeowners who have fallen behind on the mortgage. Hedtke Law Group uses Chapter 13 to stop foreclosure sales and give families time to catch up, and Chapter 7 to clear the other debts that caused the problem.

Call Now: (626) 593-1558 Free Consultation

Attorney Neil R. Hedtke · State Bar of California #273319 · about 3,000 bankruptcy cases filed since 2010 · West Point graduate and U.S. Army veteran · 5-star rated on Google

How foreclosure works in California

Most California home loans are foreclosed without a lawsuit. The lender records a Notice of Default, waits at least three months, then records a Notice of Trustee’s Sale and can sell the home about three weeks later. Each step is a chance to act, but the time goes quickly.

Filing bankruptcy before the sale triggers the automatic stay, which stops the sale. What happens after that depends on the chapter you file. Our foreclosure page has more on the timeline.

Catching up with Chapter 13

Chapter 13 lets you spread missed mortgage payments over a plan of up to five years while you keep making your regular monthly payment. If you have a second mortgage or home equity line and the home is worth less than the first mortgage, it may be possible to remove that second loan in Chapter 13. Credit cards and medical bills are paid a share of what you owe based on your budget.

When Chapter 7 still helps homeowners

If you are current on the mortgage but buried in credit card or medical debt, Chapter 7 can discharge that debt so the mortgage payment becomes manageable again. California’s homestead exemption protects a large amount of equity in Los Angeles County, so many homeowners keep their homes in Chapter 7.

How the process works

Call as soon as you receive a Notice of Default or Notice of Trustee’s Sale. The consultation is free.
We check the sale date, your arrears and your income, and recommend a chapter.
You complete credit counseling and we file before the sale. The automatic stay stops the foreclosure.
In Chapter 13 you begin plan payments and keep paying the regular mortgage. The court confirms the plan after the meeting of creditors.

Your attorney

Neil R. Hedtke graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1992, served five years as a U.S. Army Engineer Officer, and earned his law degree at the University of La Verne College of Law. He was admitted to the California bar in 2010 and has filed about 3,000 bankruptcy cases since. Read more about Mr. Hedtke or verify his license on the State Bar of California website.

If a sale date is already set, call right away. Mr. Hedtke will review the notice and tell you what can be done before that date.

Questions we hear from Temple City residents

Can bankruptcy stop a foreclosure sale in Temple City?

Yes, if the case is filed before the sale. The automatic stay stops the sale. Chapter 13 then lets you catch up on missed payments over time.

How long do I have after a Notice of Default?

California requires at least three months between the Notice of Default and the Notice of Trustee’s Sale, and the sale can happen about three weeks after that. Call as early as possible.

Can I keep my house in Chapter 7?

Often yes, if you are current on the mortgage and your equity is protected by the homestead exemption. Chapter 7 does not help you catch up on missed mortgage payments, which is what Chapter 13 is for.

How close is your office?

Our office at 255 E Santa Clara St in Arcadia is usually a 10-minute drive from Temple City.

Getting to our office from Temple City

From Temple City, take Rosemead Boulevard or Baldwin Avenue north into Arcadia. The office on E Santa Clara Street is usually about 10 minutes away.

Hedtke Law Group
255 E Santa Clara St, Suite 210, Arcadia, CA 91006
Phone: (626) 593-1558
Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
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Related help

We also serve nearby Rosemead and San Marino. See our main bankruptcy options page.