W. DEREK MAY

 In the majority of cases, you will not lose your car if you file bankruptcy. 

If you don't still have car payments...

If you own your car free and clear of any loans against it, you can likely protect it by an exemption.  Exemptions are usually provided by state l...

 I hear this question a surprising number of times when I have initial client consultations.  The answer is no.  The idea of going to jail for generally failing to pay your creditors is a part of history.  Up until the mid-1800's there were debtor's prisons.  The devel...

I wanted to write an article on this topic because it is a common idea among potential clients when at our initial meeting. 

Usually, it starts with a question, "Should I transfer __________ to my relative for free so that I don't lose it in the bankruptcy?"  My answer...

Being sued by a creditor is a serious event and there are real consequences to ignoring a lawsuit.

If you wait long enough after you stop paying your credit cards, chances are fairly high that one or more of your creditors or a collection agency will file a lawsuit agai...

Effective July 1, 2017, the California Board of Legal Specialization certified me as a specialist in Bankruptcy Law. 

To become a bankruptcy specialist, you need to pass a specialist examination that is offered every two years in October.  My employer at the time, Steph...

Currently, the volume of bankruptcy filings in Southern California has significantly decreased.  This gives both the judges, trustees, and trustee's attorneys additional time to scrutinize every bankruptcy filing.  Moreover, due to the decrease in filings and correlati...

What is the Meeting of Creditors or 341(a) Meeting?

If you file a bankruptcy, you are required Section 341 of the Bankruptcy Code to attend a meeting of creditors.  Do not be alarmed. I assure you this will not be your day of reckoning where all of your creditors show u...

Yes, my office will file plenty of bankruptcies.  However, practically anyone can file a bankruptcy.  People file without attorneys all the time.  "Hey," you might say, "I am filing bankruptcy I can't afford an attorney!"   To the skeptics out there, here is what I can...

After much deliberation and a push from my long time mentor and employer, Stephen R. Wade, I have decided to open up my own law office.  I had been an employee of Mr. Wade for almost 12 years and have amassed a great deal of experience in bankruptcy and litigation.  I...