Eranthe Law Firm

With over 20 Years of Successful Experience, the Eranthe Law Firm counsels and represents debtors in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, IRS tax disputes, Debt Settlement, Credit Disputes, Contracts, Student Loans and Business and Consumer Contracts

This lawyer is licensed to practice in California and has no record of discipline from the California bar association.*

Firm Overview

Consumer Bankruptcy and Tax Dispute Resolution

Eranthe Law Firm began in 2008. The previous incarnation was from 1995 to 2005. I worked as an associate attorney for the period in between, which was an interesting experiment.

Example cases

Bankruptcy:
• Chapter 7 filing for a woman who lost her job and despite her best efforts fell behind in credit card payments and medical bills. After a thorough, detailed preparation of her bankruptcy case, she went through a five minute meeting with the trustee, who found she had no available assets for distribution.

• Chapter 7 filing for a couple with three children who had a seriously encumbered house about to go into foreclosure. Wife had fallen ill and husband's job performance dropped as he supported her. They were able to get a few more months in the house and put away money for moving expenses while obtaining relief from extensive credit card and medical debt.

Business Law:
• Small business owner was years behind on filing personal income taxes. The IRS filed returns for him finding that he owed over $600,000 in taxes. Client was busy running his business and did not want to deal with the IRS and also didn't believe that he owed as much as claimed. After collecting financial information, returns were calculated and filed. The end result was only $35,000 was due to the IRS.

• Attorney client went around and around with the IRS. Client claimed $75,000 estate tax was paid. IRS claimed it was not. After a review of the letters and documentation, I was able to correct the IRS error.

Main Office

Main
1050 Northgate Drive
Suite 445
San Rafael CA 94903

Phone

(415) 504-2006

Fax

(415) 789-4484

Websites

Fees

Free Initial Consultation?

Mention Nolo for a one hour confidential consultation at a reduced rate of $150 ($350 value)

Services Offered For Fixed Fees?

Bankruptcy fees are a flat rate and considerably discounted from my hourly fees. Flat rates vary depending on the complexity of the case: I provide an upfront quote after an initial in depth consultation. I provide a high level of service and extensive one on one attorney time.

Tax dispute resolution fees are a flat rate which varies depending on the complexity of the matter: I provide an upfront quote after an initial 30 minute confidential consultation. The flat rate quote includes investigation and the first level of activity.

Hourly Rates

For matters outside the scope of the Bankruptcy agreement, for Federal litigation matters, and for matters outside the scope of the Tax Dispute Resolution agreement, the hourly rate is $350.

Office Information

Office Hours

Office hours are by appointment between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM Monday through Friday.

Office Manager

Lisa

Emergency After Hours

Yes

Languages Spoken

I can bring in an interpreter when required.

Bankruptcy

The Eranthe Law Firm counsels and represents debtors in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy, debt settlement, credit disputes and IRS tax disputes. We understand that these are difficult economic times and asking for help is a big step.

Many different things can contribute to a feeling of financial overwhelm. Perhaps you lost your job, were downsized or became employed part time. Maybe a family member became ill, reducing overall income and adding medical expenses. Or maybe you are juggling payments and borrowing more money to cover the payments on money that you borrowed a year or more ago. Learn the seven signs that you are over your head: http://marin-bankruptcy-law.com/191/7-signs-youre-in-over-your-head/

Catherine Eranthe works out of her San Rafael office and represents Alameda, Marin, San Francisco and Sonoma consumers in their bankruptcy cases and debt settlements. She also counsels and represents individuals and small businesses that owe the IRS over $10,000.

Bankruptcy is Still an Option

Are your credit card debts out-of-control?
Have you taken pay day loans?
Do you have accumulated medical debt?
Is your house scheduled for a foreclosure sale?
Have your bank accounts been levied because of your debts? Have your wages been garnished?
Have your creditors filed a lawsuit or taken a judgment?
Do you want to get out of debt so you can enjoy financial freedom?

We promise prompt relief from creditor harassment.

Bankruptcy is a legal debt relief tool. You may:

Eliminate credit card debt
Stop harassing telephone calls from creditors
Stop a foreclosure or trustee sale
Strip some second mortgages in a Chapter 13
Halt a civil lawsuit
Prevent or stop wage garnishments
Enable a Fresh Start
Begin to rebuild your financial future

How did your firm decide on the primary area of practice(s)?

We live in challenging times and I want to make a positive difference in people's lives. I have experienced firsthand how an illness and reduction in income can impact finances and create stress. Further, there is a lot of misinformation out there about bankruptcy. Many people think it is no longer available or they must be complete failures to even consider it. I want to educate people that it is an option and the laws were written to give them a "fresh start" and renewed vigor. People in the current economy experience job loss and reduced earnings while debt continues to mount. This is unacceptable.

We live in challenging times and I want to make a positive difference in people's lives. I have experienced firsthand the difficulties and the stress of having a dispute with the IRS.

What is your firm's point of view regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?

It is encouraged. I have written blog articles relating to bankruptcy, posted Bankruptcy Basics videos on my website and links to numerous resources relating to bankruptcy. In addition, my two-hour bankruptcy presentation for Legal Aid of Marin goes into detail about the process and answers questions about the considerations of bankruptcy. My clients fully participate in the process of their bankruptcy; we have a partnership.

Is your firm willing to review documents prepared by clients?

I often review letters and other documents prepared by my clients.

Is your firm willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?

This is a difficult area. The bankruptcy process is complex and there are many rules about what attorneys can do, and must disclose. In addition, it is impossible for me to give accurate advice without a complete analysis of each case, which cannot be accomplished in a coaching session. Lastly, people who try to represent themselves, even with assistance, generally get frustrated and have less-than-satisfactory results. So, no, I don't do that. I will provide general information and answer specific questions in an initial consultation.

Catherine Eranthe

• Attorney, Connor & Bishop
• Attorney, Bishop, Barry, Howe, Haney & Ryder

I've experienced many of the same problems as my clients. I became insolvent due to health issues and over reliance on credit while I raised two children on my own, one of whom had special needs. I have been a small business owner for most of my career and early on I experienced some of my own tax disputes with the IRS.

I'm non-judgmental and understand how hard people work to do the "right" thing. I have an eye for detail and provide a thorough workup of each case. I ask the tough questions that need to be asked, and listen between the lines. It is a partnership between my clients and myself as we work together to complete full disclosure; I take the lead through this difficult and often complex experience.

Personal interests:

I love to be outdoors and enjoy walking about this amazing county. I paint and photograph the landscape. I'm planning to take up golf again when I get the time and I've raised two fantastic children. I am the creator of Brain Savers; 10 Tips for Lawyers CDs and seminars and I'm currently practicing laughter yoga.

License

Bar Number: 095962
California , 1980

Education

New College of California, School of Law
Juris Doctorate , 1979
San Francisco, CA
Moot Court
New College of California
Bachelor of Arts , 1979
San Francisco, CA
Economics & Sociology
Foothill College
Associate in Arts , 1974
Los Altos Hills, CA
Accounting

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