William Howell | La Quinta Bankruptcy Lawyer

William J Howell

William J Howell

Representation of debtors in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13

Experience: 49 years
Language(s): English

Main Office

78060 Calle Estado
La Quinta, CA 92253

Other Locations

Serving La Quinta, CA and the surrounding area.

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About William

I have been admitted to practice in California since 1976. During that time I have been a sole practitioner, primarily engaged in representing debtors in the Central and Southern Districts of the United States Bankruptcy Court. Over the years I have successfully represented thousands of debtors in Chapter 13 and Chapter 7 proceedings. I personally interview each prospective client and obtain all pertinent client information. Based on the client’s needs, desires and qualifications, I determine whether, when and under which chapter to file in the Bankruptcy Court. In doing so, I apply Bankruptcy law and procedure as well as Federal and State tax law, California non-judicial foreclosure law, debt collections law and other law as applicable. I oversee the preparation and filing of all petitions, schedules, Chapter 13 plans and other documents. I personally represent the debtor at all required trustee meetings and court hearings. I personally determine the appropriate exemption scheme for the debtor’s assets. I personally prepare and file reaffirmation agreements and applications as needed. I personally prepare and file motions for avoidance of liens on household goods. By agreement with the debtor, I personally represent the debtor in Chapter 13 "lien-strip" actions, dischargeability actions, judicial lien avoidances, relief from stay actions and any other adversary proceeding. I excel in the effective filing in Bankruptcy Court to avoid foreclosure, whether temporarily or to permanently reinstate defaulted mortgages. In hundreds of cases I have been able to help debtors successfully reinstate their mortgages through completion of their Chapter 13 Plan. In approximately 31 Chapter 7 cases, I have been able to procure Orders for the Sale Free and Clear of Liens of the debtor’s defaulted, exempt real property. In each situation, the debtor was able to sell the property, recover and retain the exempt proceeds. I maintain skill in timing filings so as to obtain the discharge of dischargeable Federal and State taxes, and procure Abatement Letters from IRS and FTB for discharged taxes.

Call today to schedule your initial free consultation.

Experience

Attorney

William J. Howell, APC

Present

Admission

Verified California

1976

Education

California State University, Long Beach

B.A.

1970

Recognitions & Achievements

Associations
  • Member, California State Bar

Questions & Answers

Please describe a case in the last year or two where you made a big difference.

A sampling of cases I have concluded with spectacular results: Chapter 7 discharge of $150,000 unsecured debt while preserving a $650,000 IRA; discharge of over $500,000 in taxes and penalties in two separate chapter 7 cases; stopping foreclosure in several chapter 13 cases.

How did you build a successful practice?

Bankruptcy law is increasingly complex and ever-changing. That law comprises "the tools of the trade." I have been successful by "keeping my head in the game," learning, adapting and applying those tools to the particular needs of each client.

What should clients look for in a lawyer?

The client must be aware that the more complex his or her situation is, the more education, training and experience the lawyer must possess. Equally important is that the client can "believe in" the lawyer - that the lawyer is ready, willing and able to solve the client's problem.

What information can you provide in a free phone consultation?

My initial consultation is no-charge, no-obligation, whether by phone or in-office. It is designed to determine whether, when, and what chapter a client could benefit from filing in the United States Bankruptcy Court. To answer those questions I must conduct an in-depth inquiry into the nature of the client's assets, liabilities, income and expenses. I also inquire into problem areas such as pending foreclosures, repossessions, judgments, garnishments, levies and tax liens. At the end of the interview, a fee is set, and the client can decide whether or not they wish to retain me. (I also reserve the right to decline the client's case, which I have done on rare occasions.)

What differentiates you from other lawyers in your community?

My practice is limited to the representation of debtors in the United States Bankruptcy Court. That's my only focus. I have represented literally thousands of debtors over the years. Bankruptcy law is statutory in nature, making the outcome of the case highly predictable, so long as complete, true and correct case information has been elicited from the debtor. I excel in obtaining and matching the debtor's case information with the law.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

I am goal-oriented - love to win, hate to lose. But the most rewarding aspect of my job is the joy and relief my clients experience when their burden of debt has been swept away, their stress has disappeared, and they realize they are moving forward to a brighter day.

Founded 1976

William J Howell APC Highlights

Bankruptcy

Firm Size: 1
Firm Locations: 1
Languages: English