Bankruptcy Attorney in Fontana

Hedtke Law Firm is a bankruptcy law firm in Fontana, California. We file Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases for individuals and families across Fontana, Rialto, Colton, Bloomington and Jurupa Valley. Filing stops wage garnishment, halts a scheduled foreclosure sale and ends collection calls — from the day your case is filed. The first consultation is free and there is no obligation.

How We Help

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

Wipes out credit card debt, medical bills, personal loans and most judgments, usually within a few months. California exemptions protect your car, household goods, tools of your trade and a substantial amount of home equity. Most of our clients keep everything they own. More about Chapter 7 →

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

A three-to-five-year repayment plan for people who earn too much to pass the means test, or who need to catch up on mortgage arrears and keep the house. The court confirms the plan — your lender does not have to agree. More about Chapter 13 →

Stop Wage Garnishment

The automatic stay takes effect the moment your case is filed. If your wages are being garnished, the filing date decides which paychecks you keep. Stop a garnishment →

Stop Foreclosure

Filing halts a scheduled trustee’s sale immediately. Chapter 13 then lets you cure the arrears over time. Filing the day before a sale can stop it; filing the day after generally cannot undo it. Save your home →

Debt Relief and Alternatives

Bankruptcy is not always the answer. We will tell you honestly if negotiation or settlement makes more sense in your situation.

The Bankruptcy Process, Step by Step

1. Free consultation. We review your income, debts and assets and tell you which chapter you qualify for and what you would keep.
2. Credit counseling course. A short approved course, completed before filing.
3. We prepare and file. Your petition and schedules are filed in the Riverside Division. The automatic stay begins immediately.
4. 341 meeting of creditors. A short meeting with the trustee. We are there with you.
5. Debtor education course. A second required course after filing.
6. Discharge. The court order eliminating your qualifying debt.

About Your Attorney

Neil R. Hedtke has practiced law in California for 16 years and has filed approximately 3,000 bankruptcy cases. He was admitted to the State Bar of California in 2010 (Bar No. 273319) and earned his law degree at the University of La Verne College of Law. You can verify any California attorney’s license and standing free of charge on the State Bar of California website.

Read more about Neil Hedtke →

What Clients Say

“Hedtke Law made my chapter 7 bankruptcy a breeze.”

— Google review

Rated 4.8 out of 5 across 23 Google reviews. Read more client reviews →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

There are two separate costs: a court filing fee set federally, which is identical no matter which attorney you use, and an attorney fee. Chapter 7 attorney fees are 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. See the full cost breakdown →

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 tools of your trade. Most consumer filers keep everything they own. Which exemption set applies to you depends on your circumstances, which is what the free consultation determines.

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

Eligibility is decided by the means test, which compares your household income to the California median for your household 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 often the most urgent reason people come to see us.

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 — 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 begin rebuilding credit well before that, because the debt-to-income ratio improves once the debt is discharged.

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. See our Colton, Rialto and Bloomington page for details on those areas.

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 papers you have received — that is enough for us to tell you where you stand.

Call (909) 457-0054 Request a Free Consultation

Who You Will Be Working With

Neil R. Hedtke has practiced law in California since 2010 and has filed approximately 3,000 cases. He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of La Verne College of Law and is admitted to the State Bar of California, bar number 273319 — which you can verify yourself at calbar.ca.gov.

You meet with an attorney, not a case manager. The consultation is free, and if bankruptcy is not the right answer for your situation we will tell you so.

Call (909) 457-0054

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.