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Burl S. Polon

Burl S. Polon

Law Offices Burl S. Polon
123 Jewel St.
Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Phone: (831) 454-9496  |  Fax: (831) 457-4544
http://www.santacruzbankruptcy.com

Contact Burl S. Polon

TAX & DEBT PROBLEMS SOLVED. BOARD CERTIFIED SPECIALIST.

Legal Topic

Bankruptcy

Preferred New Clients

I prefer working with debtors and helping them with tax and debt related problems. I also enjoy helping clients resolve problems and obtain releases of tax levies by the tax authorities, doing offers in compromise and related tax functions.

Sub-Categories

Bankruptcy
  • Chapter 13
  • Chapter 7
  • Collections & Repossessions
  • Debt Relief
  • Garnishments

Bar Admissions

CA, Dec 1980
Bar Number: 94688

Specialty Certifications

Board Certified, Bankruptcy Law, California Board of Legal Specialization

http://www.californiaspecialist.org

Other Court Admissions

All California State Courts, U.S. Federal Court, Northern District Court, Eastern District Court, Central District Court

Association Memberships

Santa Cruz County Bar Association

Continuing Education

Over 100 hours of education in tax collection and bankruptcy over the past 4 years.

Example Cases

A. I represented a couple in a case that no other attorney was willing to take. They had a problem getting their mobile home to be exempt because they were not residing in it as it was being constructed. They did, however, invest a very large amount of money into the mobile home. I resolved this issue so that the couple could keep their house. In addition, they had over $150,000 in taxes due to the IRS. I analyzed the discharge ability of the taxes and ultimately wiped out the taxes and had them discharged.

B. I helped a business out of complicated bankruptcy litigation which threatened its future existence. There was pre-filing litigation in State Court. I prevented the State Court case from continuing by defeating a relief from stay motion. I then successfully defended the debtor in bankruptcy litigation and ultimately reorganized the debtor's business.

Education

Degree:

J.D.

School:

Loyola Law School

City:

Los Angeles

State:

CA

Year:

1980

Honors:

Dean's List

 

Degree:

B.A.

School:

California State University, Northridge

City:

Northridge

State:

CA

Year:

1976

Honors:

Magna Cum Laude

Focus and Accomplishments:

Economics

Number of Attorneys

1

State Licensed In

California

Firm Focus and History

My office, focusing on debt and tax problems, was established in 1993 in order to provide quality tax problem resolution and insolvency representation for the Santa Cruz County area.

I presently focus on tax problem resolution and bankruptcy. I have represented hundreds of people and entities with tax and debt problems. In addition I engage in litigation in these areas. I have broad based experience, in addition to the areas in which I now focus. This is what makes my firm such an asset.

Previous Employment Summary

I began working at a firm which represented banks, construction companies and other commercial entities. I did some bankruptcy work on behalf of creditors. I also worked for a boutique law firm that specialized in large Chapter 11 bankruptcy cases representing debtors. I then branched off on my own and began to specialize in representing small business and individuals with tax and debt problems and related litigation. I ultimately became Board Certified by the California Board of Legal Specialization as a specialist in Bankruptcy Law.

Activities and Awards

National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys, Santa Clara County Chapter 13 Committee

What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?

It is always better to know more about the legal issues involved; education is encouraged. In bankruptcy, however, one should be careful because the new law was paid for by the banks and is designed to have traps. The new law is complicated even for attorneys. That is why using a Certified Specialist is advised.

I also solve tax collection problems outside of bankruptcy. This also is complicated. However, self-education is encouraged.

Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?

This is determined on a case by case basis and depends on the issues involved.

Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?

In general this is difficult, especially under the new law which is extremely complex and a trap for unwary persons. One resolved issue leads to another one that necessitates professional help; this makes this type of semi-representation difficult. The new law has created a new world of difficulties. All parties concerned--judges, trustees, attorneys, creditors and debtors-do not like the new law. In addition, there are insurance and State Bar issues. Even though such an approach makes sense, and philosophically I like the approach because it has an economic appeal, there are forces here beyond my control.

Why did you decide to be a lawyer?

I work well with people and I am sympathetic to their problems. I am analytical and enjoy problem solving.

What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?

I have many years of state court litigation experience and have been involved in cases large and small. I have represented creditors and financial institutions as well as individuals on both sides of the debtor-creditor relationship. Accordingly, I know the field from both the debtor and creditor side. The client benefits from my broad experience. I have studied economics and accounting.

Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?

I have worked on both sides of the debtor-creditor matrix. This experience inures to the benefit of my clients. Solving tax problems and bankruptcy problems work well together. Most lawyers practice in only one of these areas. By knowing both areas, I can keep people out of bankruptcy who do not need it by solving their tax problems outside of bankruptcy, for example by doing an offer in compromise or tax levy releases. On the other hand, sometimes debt problems, including tax problems, can be resolved in bankruptcy. I try to avoid bankruptcy if possible.

I enjoy the personal contact and the challenge of helping people to recover financially and to get a fresh start in life. Bankruptcy is complicated. Most lawyers know little if nothing about the dynamics of bankruptcy, especially under the new law. Bankruptcy is not new; its is in our constitution and its foundation goes back to the Bible in Leviticus: Every seven years debts are discharged, and people are freed from being slaves to their debt so they can continue to function constructively in life.

What do you like best about your career?

I enjoy helping people through difficult areas and guiding them to a fresh start with hope for the future.

Tell us about your law firm:

I am in constant contact with a broad range of lawyers both locally and across the entire country, and work in a collaborative environment, to ensure that the latest trends in the law are pursued. I have an assistant who works with me.

What are your strengths and style?

I have broad based experience in many aspects of law, including very substantial state court litigation experience in construction, real estate and commercial litigation. I know both sides of the bankruptcy equation, creditor and debtor. I know cost-effective techniques to achieve desired results, including avoiding bankruptcy. (Bankruptcy is usually the last alternative.) I am honest and experienced.

I am comprehensive and thorough. It is less expensive to do the project correct from the beginning than to make corrections later.

Every client gets individualized treatment.

Personal Interests:

Hiking, nature, language, travel, music.

Office Manager/Assistant

Sharon

Fax

(831) 457-4544

Office Hours

Monday through Friday
8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Emergency After Hours

Yes

Foreign Languages

Spanish (Staff)

Fixed-Price Services and Fees

Generally a Chapter 7 can be a fixed price for a fixed set of services. A Chapter 13 is priced according to a local fee schedule as a floor, subject to the ultimate time involved.

Hourly Rates

Please call for details.

Free Initial Consultation?

Yes.

Typical Retainer

Depends on the type of case.

Understanding Fees

Nolo's Licensing Check

Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the applicable bar associations upon joining the directory.

Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any bar association.