Your Rights in the Event of a Vehicle Repossession

Your Rights in the Event of a Vehicle Repossession2023-10-17T11:25:42-07:00

Falling behind on a car loan can result in the lender repossessing the vehicle. While it is possible to stop repossession by filing for personal bankruptcy, protecting a car from the creditor may only be temporary. It is important to understand the rights a creditor has to repossess a car during a Chapter 13 bankruptcy and a Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

Consumer assets that are not protected by state or federal law are sold in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy to repay creditors. Lenders of auto loans usually file liens against the vehicles. This makes them secured lenders and gives them rights to the vehicle that supersede those of other creditors when the court releases the vehicle from the automatic stay.  If the time comes that your vehicle is in jeopardy of being repossessed, do not panic, you still have rights.  Repo men must follow the law when taking your personal property.

Repo men have many tricks in locating your vehicle but generally are not allowed to use force when doing so.  Typically, repo men will wait until you have gone asleep or have left your vehicle for an extended period of time.  Regardless, they are not allowed to “breach the peace,” a term that is defined broadly.  Hotwiring vehicles or using duplicate keys are usually legal.  Further, courts have found it to be legal to repossess cars in open garages (door is up), or carports.  However, if the garage door is down or there are locks, the courts will likely find it to be illegal.

If you ever happen to catch a repo man in action, make sure you object or someone else (family, friend) at that time.  Repo men do not have all encompassing power.  Once there is an objection the repo man must stop, or it will be a breach of peace.  With that said, do not act in a way that will put yourself or others in harm’s way.  However, the repo man can try again another day.

Also, you should be aware that the repossession company is not entitled to your personal property found inside your vehicle.  The creditor must use reasonable care to make sure your personal items are not lost or damaged.  If your creditor can’t account for articles left in your vehicle, you may want to speak to an attorney about your right to compensation.

Finally and perhaps most important, you may still be able to get your repossessed vehicle returned to you by filing a Chapter 13 bankruptcy.  In order to accomplish this, you need to contact a Chapter 13 bankruptcy attorney AS SOON as possible after the actual repossession to learn about your options.

8 Key Ways A Lawyer Can Help With Bankruptcy

Our dedicated Prescott, AZ bankruptcy lawyers have helped countless individuals and businesses regain their financial footing. If you’re facing financial distress and considering bankruptcy in Prescott, Arizona, the experienced team at Wright Law Offices is here to guide you through this challenging time. In this listicle, we’ll explore the crucial roles a bankruptcy lawyer plays in your journey to financial recovery.

1. Assessing Your Financial Situation

Before any legal action is taken, your Prescott bankruptcy lawyer will thoroughly evaluate your financial status. This assessment helps determine whether bankruptcy is the right option for you and which chapter to file under (Chapter 7, 11, or 13).

2. Providing Expert Advice

Your attorney will offer expert guidance tailored to your specific circumstances. They will explain the potential consequences and benefits of bankruptcy, ensuring you make informed decisions every step of the way.

3. Filing The Bankruptcy Petition

Your lawyer will take charge of filing your bankruptcy petition. They ensure all paperwork is precise, complete, and compliant with the latest bankruptcy laws. Your attorney’s attention to detail minimizes potential complications, streamlining the bankruptcy process for a smoother resolution.

4. Automatic Stay Protection

When you file for bankruptcy, an automatic stay is triggered, putting a halt to creditor collection actions. Your Prescott bankruptcy lawyer plays a crucial role in securing this protection. They work diligently to ensure the automatic stay is in place promptly, providing you with immediate relief from the stress of creditor harassment and legal actions.

5. Asset Protection

Your bankruptcy lawyer will work to protect your valuable assets. They’ll explore exemptions and legal strategies to safeguard assets such as your home, car, and personal belongings from being liquidated in the bankruptcy process.

6. Representing You In Court

If your case requires a court appearance, your bankruptcy lawyer will represent you diligently. They will handle all legal proceedings, making the process as stress-free as possible.

7. Negotiating With Creditors

Your attorney will negotiate with creditors to reach favorable settlement agreements, potentially reducing the amount you owe or adjusting repayment terms.

8. Long-Term Financial Planning

Beyond bankruptcy, your lawyer can help you develop a long-term financial plan to rebuild your credit and achieve financial stability.

Contact Wright Law Offices Today

At Wright Law Offices, we understand the challenges you’re facing. Our Prescott bankruptcy specialists have the knowledge and experience to guide you through these difficult times. Don’t let financial burdens overwhelm you. Reach out to us today for a confidential consultation.

Whether you’re a resident of Prescott or a business owner facing financial turmoil, our team is here to provide the legal support you need. We pride ourselves on delivering professional and compassionate service to our clients.

Bankruptcy may be a challenging path, but with the right Prescott bankruptcy lawyer by your side, you can regain control of your financial future. Let Wright Law Offices be your trusted partner in this journey towards financial recovery.

Don’t wait any longer. Contact Wright Law Offices today for expert bankruptcy assistance tailored to your unique situation. Take the first step toward a brighter financial future with us.

Read more about our bankruptcy services…

 


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"Benjamin Wright with Wright Law Office made a very difficult time for us much easier. We were struggling and did not know what our options were. He explained all our options and helped us to make the best financial decision. They made things easy and were always available to answer any questions we had. I would definitely recommend him."
Carlos Aguirre
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Why should you hire our firm to represent you in bankruptcy?

Great question. Here are a few reasons:

  • 1. Bankruptcy is our sole area of practice. Attorney Wright has over 10 years of experience in the field of bankruptcy and has helped over 1000 people successfully file.
  • 2. Attorney Wright has an accounting background that is useful in analyzing complex financial documents. Prior to law school he obtained a degree in accounting from the University of Wisconsin School of Business. He exercised his strong numerical aptitude in the field of accounting, including several years with The Kohler Co., before ultimately deciding to pursue a law degree.
  • 3. New clients meet with an attorney during their first visit. We understand your time is valuable. It is important your questions are answered quickly and accurately so you can take appropriate steps to secure a better financial future and eliminate fear and stress.
  • 4. In business, referrals are the highest form of professional compliment. We frequently receive referrals from other lawyers and previous clients.
  • 5. Our firm is small which enables us to focus on quality over quantity. We don’t have billboards on the I-10 or banners affixed to public transportation. Our approach is a bit more understated. We care about people and doing things right and it shows in our low employee turnover and positive reviews.
  • 6. Perhaps the most important consideration is the cost of filing bankruptcy. We continuously assess our fees to ensure we offer fair and competitive pricing. We want to offer you a deal without sacrificing the quality of your experience.
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    TOP Rated PHOENIX BANKRUPTCY ATTORNEY

    Mr. Wright and his staff were amazing. They made a negative situation a lot better and turned it into a positive. Could really tell they care helping people and I will refer their Phoenix Bankruptcy Attorney firm to friends and family. Thanks again.

    Tara
    TOP Rated PHOENIX BANKRUPTCY ATTORNEY

    I called around looking for the right bankruptcy lawyer and came across Benjamin Wright. He personally called me for the consultation seeing how I live in Kingman AZ. He was very helpful from the start and his staff was very friendly and explained any questions I had, sorry for all the questions. I would definitely recommend Wright law offices, and I do!! Thanks for everything, you made what seemed like a hard thing to do simple!! You guys rock!!!

    Steffanie
    TOP Rated PHOENIX BANKRUPTCY ATTORNEY

    Great lawyer, he really helped my mother out of a jam. She was totally new to bankruptcy and he talked with us for about an hour and a half to make sure she wouldn’t be worried.

    Damian
    TOP Rated PHOENIX BANKRUPTCY ATTORNEY

    Ben is a kind and down to earth attorney. He worked around my busy schedule as a single mom (school, full-time job, and daycare pick up and drop off times). He explained absolutely everything to me and was good about e-mailing. I am writing this review as a THANK YOU.

    Shannon
    TOP Rated PHOENIX BANKRUPTCY ATTORNEY

    I had a very positive experience with Attorney Wright. He or his staff returned my e-mails and calls promptly (even after business hours occasionally). His fees were reasonable. He was patient with me when I showed up in court missing an important document. He is aggressive, but fair and nice.

    Jenna


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