Business Details
25 Years
experience
Your Trusted Bankruptcy Law Partner in Whittier, CA
The Law Offices of Nicholas Gebelt provides specialized bankruptcy representation for individuals, families, and businesses throughout Southern California. With decades of experience as a board-certified bankruptcy law specialist by the California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization, our firm combines legal expertise with compassionate client service. We handle Chapter 7, 11, and 13 bankruptcies, tax debt relief, and complex bankruptcy litigation for debtors and creditors.Our attorney's unique background as a mathematics professor enables clear explanations of complex financial matters while maintaining patient, personalized guidance. We prioritize face-to-face client interaction and avoid delegating cases to paralegals, ensuring direct access to experienced legal counsel throughout your case. Our track record includes successful outcomes in adversary proceedings and complex debt reorganization cases.
Services
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
Tax Debt Relief
Homestead Exemption
Details
- Year established: 2001
Highlights and features
- Board-certified bankruptcy law specialist with 20+ years of experience
- Proven track record in complex bankruptcy litigation and reorganization
- Direct attorney access with no paralegal delegation
- Math professor background enabling clear financial explanations
- Personalized debt solutions tailored to individual circumstances
Associations and certifications
- California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization
What people say
Encyclopedic knowledge
Accessible attorney
Meticulous with cases
Quick responses
Patient explanations
Services
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Chapter 7 bankruptcy provides debt elimination for qualifying individuals through asset liquidation. Our firm evaluates your eligibility using the means test and protects exempt assets while discharging unsecured debts. We guide clients through the process of eliminating medical bills, credit card debt, and other obligations while maintaining compliance with California bankruptcy exemptions.
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
Chapter 13 bankruptcy reorganizes debts into manageable repayment plans over 3-5 years. We help clients retain assets while restructuring mortgage arrears, tax debts, and other obligations. Our expertise ensures plans meet the 'best interest of creditors' test while providing realistic payment terms for individuals with regular income.
Tax Debt Relief
Our tax debt relief services address back taxes through installment agreements, offers in compromise, and currently not collectible status. We negotiate with the IRS to reduce liabilities and stop wage garnishments while ensuring compliance with tax code requirements. Our approach combines bankruptcy strategies with tax resolution techniques for comprehensive debt management.
Bankruptcy Litigation
We provide litigation support for bankruptcy-related disputes including dischargeability challenges, lien avoidance, and preference actions. Our services protect client interests in adversary proceedings involving debt discharge challenges, fraudulent transfer claims, and creditor objections while maintaining strict adherence to bankruptcy court procedures.
Homestead Exemption
Our homestead exemption services maximize property equity protection under California law. We advise homeowners on exemption limits up to $600,000 in qualifying counties and strategic timing considerations for bankruptcy filings. Our guidance ensures compliance with federal and state exemption statutes while protecting primary residence equity during bankruptcy proceedings.
People
Nicholas Gebelt
Attorney
Board-certified bankruptcy specialist with 20+ years experience, former math professor, University of Virginia JD, UCLA PhD in Mathematics. Lectures on bankruptcy law and represents debtors/creditors in complex cases.
Questions
What are the key differences between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy?
Chapter 7 eliminates qualifying debts through asset liquidation, while Chapter 13 reorganizes debts into a 3-5 year repayment plan. Eligibility depends on income, debt levels, and financial circumstances.
Can I keep my home during bankruptcy proceedings?
Yes, if you maintain mortgage payments and equity falls within California's homestead exemption limits. We help structure plans to protect primary residences.
How does the homestead exemption protect property equity?
California's homestead exemption protects up to $600,000 in home equity for qualifying primary residences, preventing forced property sales during bankruptcy proceedings.
What tax debts can be discharged through bankruptcy?
Certain back taxes may be dischargeable through Chapter 7 or restructured via Chapter 13. Eligibility depends on tax type, assessment date, and compliance history.
How does bankruptcy affect wage garnishments?
Filing for bankruptcy triggers an automatic stay that immediately stops wage garnishments and collection lawsuits related to dischargeable debts.
Can business owners file personal bankruptcy without affecting their company?
Yes, but business debts require separate evaluation. We help structure solutions that protect business assets while addressing personal liability concerns.
