LaVelle Law Offices

10/22/2024

Join us for dinner tomorrow night in Pleasanton to learn about estate planning and how to avoid probate and estate taxes. Sign up using the code on the image or email us to reserve your spot.

08/20/2021

Please educate your children about credit. These buy now pay later apps/offers don't always pull your credit score, so getting into debt is easier than ever. Such "easy credit" offers, often target the very consumers that need to be most careful about spending. Many of these lenders don't report to the credit bureaus, so the consumer isn't even building their actual credit score by using these loans.
https://www.cnbc.com/.../buy-now-pay-later-instalment...

Data is a real-time snapshot *Data is delayed at least 15 minutes. Global Business and Financial News, Stock Quotes, and Market Data and Analysis.

08/18/2021

Meaningful changes are brewing; hoping that this time next year we will be able to help clients discharge their student loan debts.

https://news.yahoo.com/student-loans-bankruptcy-reform-bill-debt-discharge-104831125.html

There's a bipartisan effort underway to overhaul the student loan system by making bankruptcy more accessible for student debtors.

07/21/2021

Please, please, PLEASE do not sign up with a debt settlement/relief company! I have so many clients come to my offices that have paid thousands of dollars to debt settlement/relief companies and they still get sued, actually have worse credit scores and are now realizing bankruptcy is their best option to wipe out debt and get a fresh start for a flat/fixed fee (vs monthly payments to these debt settlement companies.) Please contact a bankruptcy attorney before you sign up for debt relief and receive a free consultation to discuss pros and cons.

If you need help negotiating with creditors, it's usually better to hire a lawyer or do it on your own, rather than hire a debt settlement company.

06/08/2021

A brief overview of how bankruptcy can affect litigation (or potential litigation.)

Bankruptcy impacts litigation both before and after trial. It pays to evaluate possible bankruptcy filing early, whichever side you represent.

06/02/2021

Chapter 13 bankruptcy is a convenient way for homeowners to get caught up on past due mortgage payments. There may also be other options available...

https://www.lavellelawoffices.com/what-to-do-if-you-are-falling-behind-on-your-mortgage

05/26/2021

Have you checked your credit report lately? Here is the website for getting your free credit report (really free, not gimmicky-won't ask you for a credit card) and details on how to dispute any inaccuracies you find. Remember: pulling your own credit report will NOT affect your credit score.

https://www.annualcreditreport.com/filingADispute.action

During the COVID-19 pandemic, accessing your credit is important. That's why Equifax, Experian and TransUnion are continuing to offer free weekly credit reports.

05/25/2021

Do you Owe Back Rent?
You may be able to discharge back rent owed in bankruptcy or there may be other alternatives to stave off eviction. Know your rights and your options...
https://www.lavellelawoffices.com/do-you-owe-back-rent

05/19/2021

If you owe taxes, you may be able to get rid of that debt through filing bankruptcy.

05/12/2021

If you see something erroneous on your credit report you should dispute that entry directly with that creditor as well as the credit bureaus. Follow us for more details and credit tips.
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While negative items on your credit report might feel like a millstone around your neck, the penalty to your score does fade, and the blemishes will disappear from your credit history… eventually. And the good news is that good credit also stays on your report—for up to ten years. Here’s a loo...

05/11/2021

This week's edition of 5 PEOPLE WHO HAVE FILED BANKRUPTCY DURING THEIR LIFETIME: financial guru Dave Ramsey, talk show host Larry King, President Ulysses S. Grant, Hall of Fame footballer Terrell Owens, Oscar winning actor Nicholas Cage.

05/10/2021

Creditors can be very clever; they may offer clients who would otherwise file bankruptcy deferments and forbearance, but the interest, fees and high balances still remain. Filing bankruptcy may not be your ONLY option, but it might be your BEST option.

Despite a pandemic that has upended industries and resulted in massive job losses, bankruptcy filings are down.