Bankruptcy Law Dedicated Personal Advocacy

Honolulu Bankruptcy Lawyers

Helping You File for Bankruptcy

The average Hawaiian pays more than $1,700 per month towards debts. If you're crushed under debts you can't afford to pay, achieving financial stability can feel impossible. However, filing for bankruptcy can help you regain control of your finances and pay off your debts (depending on the kind of bankruptcy you file for).

At the Law Office of Steve Cedillos, our experienced Honolulu bankruptcy lawyers can help you pursue an optimal outcome in your case. To schedule a consultation with our team, contact us online or via phone at (808) 201-0496.

How Does Bankruptcy Work?

Every bankruptcy case looks different. How your bankruptcy case progresses largely depends on the type (or "Chapter") of bankruptcy you choose to file for.

The most common types of bankruptcy are:

  • Chapter 7 bankruptcy (link geo here). Individuals below a certain income limit can file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy and liquidate nonexempt assets to repay their debtors and wipe their debts clean. You can learn more about the Chapter 7 bankruptcy process in depth by visiting our Chapter 7 bankruptcy page.
  • Chapter 13 bankruptcy (link geo here). Individuals who are over the income limit to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy often file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Chapter 13 enables an individual to negotiate more realistic payment plans with their debtors. Our page on Chapter 13 bankruptcy explains the process in more detail.
  • Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Businesses and corporations can file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, enabling them to continue operating while paying off debts. This also often involves a restructuring of the business.
  • Chapter 12 bankruptcy. Chapter 12 bankruptcy is primarily used by individuals who rely on their property for their livelihood, such as farmers and fisherman. Chapter 12 enables these individuals to repay or take care of their debts without having to sell off their land.

Should I File for Bankruptcy?

Before you decide to file for bankruptcy, you should consult a bankruptcy lawyer and a financial professional such as an accountant. These individuals can help you understand whether filing for bankruptcy is the best way for you to regain financial stability, and if so, which Chapter of bankruptcy you should pursue.

As a general rule of thumb, if your debtors refuse to negotiate with you concerning your debts and you have more liabilities than you can feasibly pay off, it may be time to look into bankruptcy as a method of resolving your financial woes.

It is worth noting that filing for bankruptcy can impact your credit score and result in a loss of property (if you file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy). However, for many individuals who own an excessive amount of debt, those tradeoffs are well worth the opportunity to wipe their liabilities clean and regain control of their finances.

How Long Will My Bankruptcy Take?

How long your bankruptcy case takes to finalize also largely depends on the type of bankruptcy you file for.

For example, if you file for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, your case could resolve in a matter of months. However, if you file for a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, your case could hypothetically remain active for years as you pay off your debtors.

If you plan on filing for bankruptcy, you deserve a bankruptcy lawyer you can trust to help you protect your rights and best interests in and out of court.

To schedule a consultation with one of our veteran Honolulu bankruptcy attorneys, contact our office online or via phone at (808) 201-0496.

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Why Choose Law Offices of Steve Cedillos?

  • Tireless Representation
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    Whether negotiating an uncontested divorce or representing clients in court, Steve Cedillos advocates vigorously for his clients' interests to ensure they receive the outcome they deserve.
  • Specialized Military Defense
    Attorney Cedillos specializes in military criminal defense, assisting clients with various proceedings from non-judicial punishment hearings to general courts-martial.
  • Client-Centered Approach
    Mr. Cedillos takes a sincere interest in the success of his clients, prioritizing their needs and goals throughout the legal process.
  • Comprehensive Legal Expertise
    With over 30 years of experience, Steve Cedillos offers expertise in both criminal defense and family law, handling a wide range of cases from DUIs to complex divorce proceedings.
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  • "Would I hire him again? Absolutely."
    I hired Steve for a child custody case in 2021. I see all the reviews that say he is "mean" or "rude" - I would say that he is just blunt and straightforward. He isn't going to get your hopes up just to preserve your feelings. Great guy. he is willing to answer your questions before you even hire him and you can bet that he's honest. Do I think that a 5k retainer was a lot for my case? Yes, but it IS Hawaii and I did hire him 2 months before my actual trial date after going pro-se for a while. Would I hire him again? Absolutely.
    Mica T.
  • "Steve provided me with a potentially painless solution"
    With a ten minute conversation Steve provided me with a potentially painless solution and more importantly - Hope.
    Pete M.
  • "Steve Cedillos is definitely worth it."
    Steve Cedillos is definitely worth it. He’s very straightforward and gets the job done! Helped me get a TRO I probably wouldn’t have been able to do alone. Navigating the justice system isn’t easy, but his help made it so much easier along with a great outcome!! Thankful and grateful I came across him on Google. He was very responsive anytime I needed to reach him. Highly recommended.
    Delaney R.
  • "Thank you very much for your help and honesty."
    Great attorney, helped me out with legal advice. Thank you very much for your help and honesty.
    Alexander L.
  • "I contacted Mr Cedillos for advice on a difficult matter and he was extremely helpful to me."
    I contacted Mr Cedillos for advice on a difficult matter and he was extremely helpful to me.
    Carl C.
  • "Mr. Cedillos was very patient, knowledgeable and extremely helpful."
    I called for a consultation. Mr. Cedillos was very patient, knowledgeable and extremely helpful. I felt heard, understood, and his personable demeanor made my experience so much more pleasant.
    Akasha S.
  • "Would recommend him and his team 10/10. A+"
    Steve was extremely responsive and helpful. Would recommend him and his team 10/10. A++”
    Derrick E.
  • "Steve was very informative and helped me quickly too."
    Steve was very informative and helped me quickly too.
    Ambi L.