Sunrise Bankruptcy

Local Santa Cruz Bankruptcy Attorney

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Firm Overview

Sunrise Bankruptcy represents my efforts to bring the benefits of the bankruptcy code to my community. I offer free face to face consultations with potential clients so that you have the opportunity to ask questions, gain information and meet me prior to making any decisions. Together we will go over your financial situation and figure out if you would be a good candidate for bankruptcy. I will answer all of your questions in a straight forward manner and I will explain the basics of bankruptcy law so that you fully understand why bankruptcy would or would not benefit you. If you decide that bankruptcy is the right path for you to take and you chose to engage my services, I will ask for an upfront fee to represent you in your bankruptcy. As your attorney I will review all of your financial documentation, I will send notice to your creditors, I will prepare your bankruptcy petition and file it with the proper bankruptcy court, I will attend your Meeting of Creditors with you and I will support you throughout the bankruptcy process with promptly returned calls and updates about the status of your case

Example cases

These days many people are filing for bankruptcy because of a life change; such as a job loss, divorce, the darn economy, major injury or foreclosure. After the change occurs they may use their credit cards to survive until things 'pickup'. Unfortunately, often things simply do not 'pickup'. Other people are only marginally aware of their debt load. One day they look at their bills and realize with shock that they are simply paying more than they can afford to service their credit cards or judgments or medical bills. There are thousands of stories but each ends the same; at some point each person simply realizes that it is not working as is and it is time to start over fresh.

Main Office

Main
123 Jewell Street
Santa Cruz  CA  95060

Phone
  • (831) 818-6950

Fees

Free Initial Consultation?

I offer a free, no pressure, initial consultation.

Services Offered For Fixed Fees?

I offer a low fixed price fee for a simple chapter 7 bankruptcy plus costs such as filing fees, credit counseling fees and a credit report. My fixed price will increase with the complexity of your case. My chapter 13 fees are governed by court standards. Please call to obtain information about my fixed fees.

Office Information

Office Hours

Consultations are by appointment only, please do not drop in. My office hours are Monday, Tues, Thursday and Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00pm. Saturday 11:00am — 4:00pm. My office is closed on Wednesday and Sunday.

Office Manager

I do not have an office manager or assistant when you call Sunrise Bankruptcy, you will speak directly with me.

Emergency After Hours

No

Languages Spoken

I speak passable Spanish

What distinguishes your law firm from others?

I spend the time to get to know my clients. I want to make sure that we establish a good relationship early so that you feel comfortable both with talking to me and with the bankruptcy process in general.

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

I believe that every individual involved in any legal proceeding or dispute should educate themselves to some degree about the issues in their case. I also feel that individuals with sufficient time and motivation to fully research law and procedure can go it alone. However, it takes a lot of time and a lot of research to do it right and even then there are issues that an individual may not even know exist that could end up biting them. I guess the best analogy I can give is fixing my car: with a great deal of time and a good do-it-yourself book I might be able to wing fixing it, but I couldn't be sure I did it right and I would just as soon get someone who knows what they are doing to fix it for me. Your bankruptcy is a major life decision and it can get very complicated very fast.

Is your firm willing to review documents prepared by clients?

No — I only practice bankruptcy. Reviewing an individual's bankruptcy petition would require me to review all of the client documents involved in creating the petition (bank records, title records, loan documents). It would also require me to consult with the client about their financial affairs to make sure nothing was missed or put down incorrectly. I prefer to simply represent my clients from the start.

Melia Powell

Melia Powell

Prior to starting Sunrise Bankruptcy, I worked on civil rights cases with the American Civil Liberties Union and protected the rights of migrant workers with California Rural Legal Assistance. I chose to work in bankruptcy because I love the feeling of satisfaction I gain by helping my clients start over.

License
  • Bar Number: 260336
    California , 2008
Education
  • University of California Hastings College of Law
    J.D. , 2008

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