Local Bankruptcy Lawyer In Fontana

Q: How much income can I earn and still qualify for Chapter 7?

Eligibility is decided by the means test, which compares household income against the California median for a household of that size. Earning above the median does not automatically disqualify you, because a second stage accounts for actual expenses.

Q: Will filing bankruptcy stop a wage garnishment?

Yes. The automatic stay takes effect the moment the case is filed and requires creditors to stop garnishing wages.

Q: Do they freeze your bank account when you file Chapter 7?

Filing does not freeze an account, but a creditor holding a pre-filing judgment may already have levied it. The automatic stay stops further levies.

Our experienced team of bankruptcy lawyer in fontana is here to guide you through every step — from filing to financial freedom. Whether you’re facing foreclosure, wage garnishment, or overwhelming credit card debt, we deliver fast, effective solutions tailored to your situation. Need help from bankruptcy lawyers near you? Contact us today and get a free quote from us

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Our Bankruptcy & Other Services in Fontana

Hedtke Law Firm provides legal guidance for bankruptcy, debt relief, estate planning, probate, and related legal matters for clients in Fontana and surrounding communities.

Bankruptcy

Experienced bankruptcy attorneys helping clients in Fontana, Colton, Rialto, and surrounding areas with Chapter 7, Chapter 13, debt relief, and financial fresh starts. Call Hedtke Law Firm to discuss your options.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

Chapter 7 bankruptcy services may provide debt relief and help protect eligible assets. Our Fontana bankruptcy attorney assists clients throughout Fontana, Rialto, Slover Avenue, Bloomington, and surrounding communities.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Chapter 13 bankruptcy can provide a structured repayment plan for qualifying individuals. Our Fontana attorney helps clients understand their options and work toward a fresh financial start.

Foreclosure

Foreclosure legal guidance for homeowners in Fontana, Southridge Village, Bloomington, Crestmore, and nearby communities. Learn about available options for addressing foreclosure and protecting your home.

Wage Garnishment

Wage garnishment protection for individuals dealing with creditor collection actions. Our team helps clients in Fontana, South Fontana, Crestmore, and surrounding areas understand their legal options.

Estate Planning

Estate planning services for residents of Fontana, Crestmore, Bloomington, and surrounding communities, including wills, trusts, and planning for the future of your assets and family.

Wills & Trusts

Wills and trusts services for drafting, updating, and administering estate planning documents. Hedtke Law Firm helps clients in Fontana, Colton, Rialto, and nearby areas protect their families and assets.

Probate

Probate legal services for managing estates, administering wills, and handling the legal process after a loved one's passing. Serving Fontana and surrounding communities.

Social Security Disability Attorney Fontana

Social Security Disability (SSDI)

Social Security Disability assistance for Fontana residents seeking federal disability benefits. Contact Hedtke Law Firm to discuss eligibility, applications, and available legal guidance.

What Our Clients Say

    
 
 
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   Sandra Reveles 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. They were so helpful! Easy process and so helpful definitely recommend 10 out of 10!
  
 
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   Armando Payares 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I highly recommend this Law firm   , easy to work with and very reasonable. Very happy with the results.
  
 
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   Gary Podlasek 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Hedtke Law made my chapter 7 bankruptcy a breeze. Neil informed me of all my options before filling for chapter 7. After coming to the conclusion chapter 7 was my best option he explained the whole process answered all my questions promptly. He eliminated the stressful process by handling all the court paper work and informing me of everything I needed to do. Highly recommend this firm!
  
 
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   Claudia Rood 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Hedtke Law group and Neil Hedtke helped us through the mess of a bankruptcy. They answered any questions and explained each step. They got things done in a timely matter. And were just approved!
  
 
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   jesse martinez 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Niel and his team were detailed and helpful throughout the whole process. They were very responsive and I have recommended to multiple friends.
  
 
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   Anthony Audelo 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I couldn’t ask for anything more. Neil thank you very much for doing such a great job. He had me at ease during the whole process. He guided me through the process and finally relieved and starting fresh!
  
 
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   Anthony Esquibel 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Hedtke Law did a great job on my case it was very easy and it went smooth
  
 
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   Ricky Nunez (Team Nunez) 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Simple and Easy Process, my case was handled rapidly.. Thank you Hedtke Law Firm
  
 
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   Ivan Aguilar 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Extremely helpful and friendly. Absolutely recommended. Made the whole process really easy to comprehend.
  
 
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   Eric Halsey 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I was going through a tough time when Neil and his legal team handled my bankruptcy case. It was resolved much quicker than I thought possible. I definitely recommend him and will turn to him for any future legal needs!
  
 
  
  
 
 
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GET YOUR FREE GUIDE

A Guide to Bankruptcy: Helping People Get Out of Debt: Learn about the types of bankruptcy, how the process works, and how it can give you a fresh start. With the right support and information, getting out of debt is not just possible—it’s your next step to a brighter future.”

16Years in practice

~3,000Cases filed

4.8★Google rating, 24 reviews

$0First consultation

Your Fontana Bankruptcy Attorney

Neil R. Hedtke, bankruptcy attorney at Hedtke Law Firm in Fontana, California

You meet with an attorney, not a case manager

Neil R. Hedtke has practiced law in California since 2010 — 16 years — and has filed approximately 3,000 bankruptcy cases. He earned his Juris Doctor at the University of La Verne College of Law and is admitted to the State Bar of California, bar number 273319. You can verify any California attorney’s licence and standing free of charge at calbar.ca.gov.

The first consultation is free. If bankruptcy is not the right answer for your situation, we will tell you so.

Call (909) 457-0054

Where a Fontana Bankruptcy Case Is Actually Filed

Fontana is in San Bernardino County, so a Fontana bankruptcy is filed in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Central District of California, Riverside Division, at 3420 Twelfth Street, Riverside, CA 92501. The Riverside Division serves both Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.

That is the same court for everyone filing from Fontana, Rialto, Colton, Bloomington, Jurupa Valley, Ontario and Rancho Cucamonga. Your 341 meeting of creditors is scheduled through that division, and we appear with you.

The Bankruptcy Process, Step by Step

Free consultation. We review your income, debts and assets, run the means test, and tell you which chapter you qualify for and what you would keep.
Credit counselling course. A short approved course, completed before filing.
We prepare and file. Your petition and schedules are filed in the Riverside Division. The automatic stay begins the moment the case is filed.
341 meeting of creditors. A short meeting with the trustee, usually about a month after filing. We are there with you.
Debtor education course. A second required course, after filing.
Discharge. The court order eliminating your qualifying debt. In a Chapter 7 this is usually about four months after filing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a bankruptcy lawyer charge for Chapter 7 in California?

There are two separate costs. The court filing fee is set federally and is identical whichever attorney you use. The attorney fee is separate, and for Chapter 7 it is normally a flat amount paid before filing. Our first consultation is free, so you can find out exactly what your case would cost before committing to anything.

Will I lose my house or my car if I file Chapter 7 in California?

Usually not. California exemptions protect a significant amount of home equity, a vehicle, household goods and the tools of your trade. Most consumer filers keep everything they own. Which of California’s two exemption sets works better for you depends on your circumstances, and that is one of the things the free consultation settles.

How much income can I earn and still qualify for Chapter 7?

Eligibility is decided by the means test, which compares your household income against the California median for a household of your size. Earning above the median does not automatically disqualify you — there is a second stage that accounts for your actual expenses.

Will filing bankruptcy stop a wage garnishment?

Yes. The automatic stay takes effect the moment your case is filed and requires creditors to stop garnishing. This is the most urgent reason people come to see us, and the filing date decides which paychecks you keep. More on stopping a garnishment.

Can bankruptcy stop a foreclosure sale on my Fontana home?

Filing halts a scheduled trustee’s sale immediately, and Chapter 13 then lets you cure the arrears over three to five years. Timing is everything here: filing the day before a sale can stop it, while filing the day after generally cannot undo it. If you are holding a Notice of Default or a sale date, call the same day. More on stopping foreclosure.

Do they freeze your bank account when you file Chapter 7?

Filing itself does not freeze your account, but a creditor who obtained a judgment before you filed may already have levied it. The automatic stay stops further levies. If your account has already been frozen, speak to an attorney immediately, because timing matters.

How long does bankruptcy stay on my credit report?

A Chapter 7 remains for up to ten years from filing and a Chapter 13 for up to seven. In practice many people start rebuilding well before that, because the debt-to-income ratio improves as soon as the debt is discharged. No firm can promise you a particular score or timeline.

Visit Our Fontana Office

Hedtke Law Firm
7426 Cherry Ave, Suite 210-312
Fontana, CA 92336
Phone: (909) 457-0054
Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 6:00pm

We serve Fontana, Rialto, Colton, Bloomington and Jurupa Valley.

Rialto · Colton · Jurupa Valley

Talk to a Fontana Bankruptcy Attorney Today

The consultation is free and there is no obligation. Bring six months of pay stubs, a rough list of your debts and any court or collection papers you have received — that is enough for us to tell you where you stand.

Call (909) 457-0054 Request a Free Consultation

This page provides general information about California bankruptcy law and is not legal advice for your specific situation. Contacting Hedtke Law Firm does not create an attorney-client relationship. We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code.

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