Bankruptcy

Consumers, Businesses, Creditors Chapter 7 Trustees and Chapter 13 Trustees.

• Chapter 13
• Chapter 7
• Collections & Repossessions
• Credit Disputes
• Garnishments
• Chapter 11
• Business Bankruptcy
• Credit Repair
• Creditor Harassment
• Family Farmer Bankruptcy Chapter 12
• Municipality Bankruptcy Chapter 9
• Personal Bankruptcy
• Foreclosures

CA, Jul 1983
Bar Number: 109010

All Courts for the State of California, U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeal, U.S. District Courts for the Northern and Eastern District of California.

State Bar of California, National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys and American Immigration Lawyers Association.

My continuing legal education requirements are fulfilled and exceeded primarily by focusing on areas of bankruptcy and business. I have also lectured at consumer bankruptcy seminars which provided continuing legal education credit.

I published an article in the National Association of Chapter 13 Trustees Journal in 1997 addressing the errors of interpretation of compensation for attorneys and bankruptcy trustees. I am the author of several consumer bankruptcy pamphlets which were distributed as educational materials for events at which I lectured.

Example 1: Sole Proprietor focusing on Video Publication and Development suffered a catastrophic loss due to a fire. Successfully obtained a reorganization allowing the owner to continue business and reorganize and significantly reduce his debts. Client has since successfully recovered financially due to the relief afforded under the bankruptcy code.

Example 2: Consumer clients (Husband and Wife), with 3 children, were facing foreclosure owing on both a first and a second mortgage. Successfully reorganized allowing the clients to retain their home, overcome the foreclosure, and successfully lien-strip the second mortgage, providing them affordable and manageable payments on both the mortgage and credit card debts.

1

California

For over 25 years I have concentrated my practice in the areas of Bankruptcy and Business law and litigation. I have represented thousands of consumers, businesses, creditors and I have represented several Chapter 7 Trustees and Chapter 13 Trustees. Currently my practice is focused on representing consumers and small business debtors.
My current firm of Bonney & Associates was established in 2004 during which I decided to focus my practice on representing exclusively individuals and small businesses. I have been licensed to practice law since 1983.

My prior employment started as an associate and then a principal of the Law Office of Max Cline, followed by being an owner of Taylor, West & Bonney. This was followed by my becoming General Counsel for Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Trustee Duncan H. Kester, followed by being Senior Managing Attorney for Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Trustee Devin Derham Burk.

I am the recipient of several of the Bar Association of San Francisco Pro Bono Awards for community legal services to consumers. I have lectured before peer professionals, consumer and creditor bankruptcy seminars, government agencies, consumer groups and at San Francisco State University.

(415) 236-6479

Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Other hours and Saturdays by special appointment.

Yes

Yes, working knowledge of Spanish.

All consumer bankruptcy cases are accepted on a flat-fee basis. Once I understand the type and complexities of the case, I will provide a clear quote for my services. Chapter 7 fees are competitive with all bankruptcy attorneys that practice in the SF Bay Area. Chapter 13 fees are set by the courts and can be found under the specific court's website under "Fee Guidelines." Nolo referral clients can ask for a discount of $50 if an individual and $75 if a couple.

Hourly rate is $300 per hour, however, in consumer bankruptcy cases I do not charge hourly except in unusual circumstances, but the client will know this before my firm is hired. I generally find that consumers cannot afford hourly rates in bankruptcy cases and I try to accommodate this by flat rates and payment plans.

My consultation fee is a reasonable $100 which is credited towards total fees if the client decides to hire my firm within 30 days after the initial consultation.

Typical retainers start at $500 to commence a case, with total legal fees generally starting at $1,200 and up depending upon complexity of the case.