Bankruptcy Attorney in Azusa, CA
Fast Debt Relief Solutions. Azusa has many younger households and renters, and the debt problems we see there often look alike: credit cards used to cover rent, payday or online installment loans that keep renewing, and student loans on top of everything else. Hedtke Law Group helps Azusa residents understand which of those debts bankruptcy can wipe out, which it cannot, and whether filing is the right move now.
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
Credit cards, payday and online loans
Credit cards, payday loans, online installment loans and personal loans are all unsecured debt. In Chapter 7 they are usually discharged within a few months. If a lender has access to your bank account through automatic withdrawals, we explain how to protect your paycheck before and after filing.
Timing matters. Large charges or cash advances taken shortly before filing can be challenged by a creditor, so we review recent account activity with you before you file.
Student loans: what bankruptcy can and cannot do
Student loans are harder to discharge than other debt. They are not wiped out automatically in Chapter 7 or Chapter 13; you must file a separate proceeding in the bankruptcy case and show that repaying would cause undue hardship. For federal loans, the government adopted a simpler review process in late 2022, and some borrowers have obtained full or partial discharges through it. Whether it is still available and fits your situation depends on current policy and on your income, expenses and outlook, which we check at the consultation.
Even when student loans stay, bankruptcy can still help. Discharging credit cards and other loans often frees up enough of your budget to afford an income-driven student loan payment.
Renters: what happens to your lease
Filing bankruptcy does not mean losing your apartment. If you are current on rent, you can usually keep your lease. Past-due rent owed to a former landlord is generally dischargeable. If an eviction case has already been filed, the rules are more limited, so call us before the court date.
How the process works
- Free consultation by phone or at the Arcadia office. Bring recent pay stubs, a list of debts, and any student loan statements.
- We run the means test, review recent charges and loans, and recommend Chapter 7, Chapter 13, or a non-bankruptcy option.
- You complete credit counseling online, and we file your case. Collection calls, lawsuits and automatic withdrawals by most creditors must stop.
- You attend the meeting of creditors. In a typical Chapter 7 case the discharge follows a few months later, and you can begin rebuilding credit.
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.
Many Azusa clients are filing for the first time and worry about their credit. We explain what a bankruptcy on your report means and the practical steps to rebuild after the discharge.
Questions we hear from Azusa residents
Can bankruptcy discharge my student loans?
Not automatically. You must show undue hardship in a separate proceeding within the bankruptcy case. For federal loans, a simpler review process was introduced in late 2022, and we check whether it is still in use. We can tell you whether your situation is a realistic candidate.
Can bankruptcy stop payday loan withdrawals?
Once the case is filed, most creditors must stop collecting, including automatic withdrawals. We also explain steps to take with your bank before filing so your paycheck is protected.
Will I be evicted if I file bankruptcy?
Not because of the bankruptcy itself. If you are current on rent, you can usually stay. If an eviction case has already been filed, call us right away because the protection is limited.
How long does a bankruptcy stay on my credit report?
A Chapter 7 can be reported for up to 10 years and a Chapter 13 for up to 7 years. Old debts are cleared at discharge, and you can start rebuilding credit right away with on-time payments.
Getting to our office from Azusa
From Azusa, take the 210 Freeway west and exit at Santa Anita Avenue in Arcadia. The drive is usually about 15 to 20 minutes. You can also ride the Metro A Line from Azusa Downtown or APU/Citrus College Station to Arcadia Station, a short walk from the office.
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.
Open in Google Maps
Related help
We also serve nearby Irwindale and Duarte. Read about stopping creditor calls, or start with our main bankruptcy options page.