General FAQs
Q: Where is your firm located?
A: Our office is located at 331 J Street, Suite 200, Sacramento, CA 95814 in the Imperial Tower (on J Street in between 3rd and 4th). The firm can be reached at (916) 277-8407.
Q: I don't live near your office - is it still possible to work together?
A: Absolutely. We serve clients in the Eastern, Northern and Central Districts of California. We will work with you to establish a mutually convenient means of communication - be it at a common meeting place, email, over the phone or via Zoom - we want to be accessible to you.
Q: I haven't had the best experience with attorneys in the past - how are you different?
A: First things first, you should start by looking us up on the California State Bar's website. You can see that we are both duly licensed to practice in California, and we are both in good standing with the Bar. Here's a link to Tom's profile, and here is the profile for Thomas. In fact. you should always look at the State Bar's website before you hire any attorney! Looking for more reviews? Then check us out on our Yelp! page.
But how are we different? The biggest difference you will see with us is our client-based approach. You'll always work with us - never a legal assistant or paralegal - so that you will know us and we will know your case. There won't be any worries that when you show up to court, you'll be looking for some attorney that you have never met.
The other difference that you will see right away is our responsiveness. We will return your phone calls and emails promptly - you won't be stuck calling us for weeks before you get a call back. Clients will get access to our cell phone numbers and we make it a point to be personally available to you.
Q: How much does it cost to file a Chapter {7, 12, or 13]? Are there any other hidden costs?
A: Every case is different, but we're happy to give you a general idea of fees. As of December 1, 2020, the current filing fees for each chapter (that we practice) is as follows:
Chapter 7: $338.00
Chapter 12: $278.00
Chapter 13: $313.00
Generally speaking, legal fees in a Chapter 7 case (which don't include the filing fee) might run from $900 - $2,000. Obviously, a lot of that is dependent on the specifics of your case, so give us a call at (916) 277-8407 and we'll give you an immediate price quote. As we mentioned, you will always work with a Sacramento bankruptcy attorney.
Chapter 13 legal fees typically range from $4,000 to $6,000, but that does not all need to be paid before the case is filed. We are very flexible in the amount that you need to pay before a case is filed, so call us and we'll happily discuss your situation.
Chapter 12 legal fees are typically similar to Chapter 13 fees. Call us regarding your specific situation and we will provide you with an immediate price quote.
No hidden fees - just your legal fees and filing fees!
Q: How long will a bankruptcy appear on my credit report?
A: The general rule of thumb is that a bankruptcy will be visible in the “public record section” of your credit report for 10 years after you file.
Q: Can you help me if someone has recorded a judgment against my property?
A: Of course. In the event that someone has recorded what is called an "abstract of judgment" against you in your local County Recorder's office, it is possible that we can have this lien avoided.
Q: I just received a notice that my wages are being garnished - what should I do?
A: Give us a call. There are remedies available to you if a creditor has initiated a wage garnishment or a bank levy. Make sure to act quickly, as time is of the essence in these situations.
Q: Do you accept any forms of legal insurance?
A: We currently accept ARAG Legal Insurance from all of our California clients.
Q: Am I eligible to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy?
A: This is a very common question and that requires a bit more information in order to answer. To qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, a potential debtor must complete "the means test," which is a formulaic test that looks at your income relative to the median income in your area. To make matters even more complicated, the means test then requires potential debtors to complete an exhaustive list of allowed expenses and other deductions. This can be quite challenging, which is why Sacramento Bankruptcy Attorney Tom Amberg can help you determine whether or not you qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy relief. Give him a call at (916) 277-8407 and he can help determine your eligibility to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy.