Debt Collection Defense and Bankruptcy Law

The Voluntary Legal Services Program of Northern California provides services to clients who need assistance with legal problems associated with the collection of debts. Besides providing help with credit card or medical expense-related debt, VLSP also assists clients with such problems as auto repossession, unpaid school loans, home improvement contract disputes, unfair debt collection practices, credit report problems, disputes with insurance companies, wage garnishments, the defense of personal injury or property damage actions and, lastly, bankruptcy.

Eligible clients with these types of problems are first referred to VLSP’s Debt Collection Defense and Bankruptcy Clinic to receive assistance. The Clinic is primarily staffed by attorneys who are able to assist clients through the preparation of court documents, advising the client on whether or not the client should file for bankruptcy, and providing help with resolving credit disputes. Clients intending to file for bankruptcy must first attend the Debt Clinic for an evaluation of his or her financial situation before an appointment will be made for the client to receive help from a bankruptcy attorney. The Clinic’s staff and volunteers do not represent clients in court proceedings. On a limited basis, however, certain clients assisted at the Clinic will then be assigned a volunteer attorney who will represent them throughout their entire case.

The Debt Collection Defense and Bankruptcy Clinic is held every Tuesday evening at 5:00 p.m. by appointment only. Please click here for the location of the Clinic. Clients seeking assistance can call (916) 551-2102.