Trusted Bankruptcy Attorney Serving Hemet Families — Chapter 7 & Chapter 13 Debt Relief · Tax Debt · Personal Injury · Hablamos Español
Edgar P. Lombera
Bankruptcy Attorney · 15+ Years
When debt becomes unmanageable, you need a bankruptcy lawyer who understands your situation and treats you with respect — not judgment. Attorney Edgar P. Lombera has spent over 15 years helping families across Hemet, San Jacinto, and Riverside County find real debt relief through Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy. As a member of the State Bar of California with deep knowledge of bankruptcy law, he has guided more than 2,500 debtors through the process at our top rated law firm.
Our law office serves clients throughout the Inland Empire, with lawyers, paralegals, and associates who understand the financial pressures facing Hemet residents. Whether you're dealing with wage garnishment, a debt collection lawsuit, bank account levies, foreclosure threats, overwhelming tax debt, or credit card debt, our bankruptcy lawyer provides experienced legal advice and representation. Every debtor who contacts our top rated firm receives personal attention from our lawyers and paralegal team — from the initial free consultation through final discharge.
Hemet is located in the San Jacinto Valley in western Riverside County, with a population of over 90,000. The city has a unique demographic profile: a large retiree community living in Sun City and Four Seasons senior communities, alongside growing working-class families. Many residents face financial pressure from fixed incomes, rising healthcare costs, and persistent tax debt. Hemet Valley Medical Center, Hemet Global Medical Center, and Mt. San Jacinto College are major local institutions.
Many Hemet retirees on fixed income face tax debt from retirement account withdrawals and Social Security taxation issues. The local economy includes agriculture, retail along Florida Avenue, and healthcare services. Between fixed-income constraints, medical bills, and property tax obligations on Hemet real estate, many families reach a breaking point. Bankruptcy in the United States exists precisely for these situations — it's a legal right, not a failure. For retirees facing tax debt, bankruptcy can discharge qualifying income tax and offer property tax relief through proper tax planning.
Free, No-Obligation Consultation
Talk to attorney Edgar Lombera today. Get honest answers about your money situation — in English or Spanish.
Call (909) 915-0181 NowChapter 7 bankruptcy is the most common form of debt relief filed in Hemet and throughout Southern California. Sometimes called "liquidation" bankruptcy, Chapter 7 eliminates most unsecured debt in approximately three to four months. A court-appointed trustee reviews your financial situation, but the vast majority of Chapter 7 cases filed through our firm are "no-asset" cases — the trustee finds nothing to liquidate, meaning our clients keep everything they own while their qualifying debts are wiped out. Our bankruptcy lawyer guides you through every step, from the initial credit counseling requirement through the trustee meeting (also called the 341 meeting of creditors) and final discharge.
To file Chapter 7, you must pass the means test. If your household income falls below the California median for your family size, you automatically qualify. Even if your income is above the median, you may still qualify after deducting allowable expenses for housing, transportation, and healthcare. You must also complete a credit counseling course from an approved agency before filing. Our lawyers run this means test evaluation for every debtor during the initial free consultation — many people who assume they earn too much are surprised to learn they qualify.
Certain debts cannot be discharged, including most student loans, child support, alimony, and recent back taxes. During your free consultation, our bankruptcy lawyer will review your specific debts, confirm you've completed the required credit counseling, and provide clear legal advice about what can be eliminated.
Chapter 13 bankruptcy allows you to reorganize your debts into a manageable repayment plan over three to five years while keeping your home, vehicles, and other property. This is often the right choice for Hemet homeowners facing foreclosure, those with bank account levies, or anyone whose income is too high for Chapter 7.
Under Chapter 13, you make a single monthly payment to a bankruptcy trustee based on your disposable income. The trustee distributes the money to your creditors according to a court-approved plan. The trustee oversees your plan, verifies your income, and ensures creditors receive their designated share. Unlike Chapter 7 where the trustee may sell non-exempt assets, a Chapter 13 trustee manages the repayment process while you keep all your property. At the end of the plan, any remaining qualifying unsecured debt is discharged. California's homestead exemption protects significant home equity, making Chapter 13 a powerful tool for protecting real estate, bank accounts, and other assets.
We offer flexible payment plans for Chapter 13 attorney fees, so you can begin your case even without the full fee upfront. Call (909) 915-0181 to schedule a free consultation and learn whether Chapter 13 fits your financial situation.
| Feature | Chapter 7 | Chapter 13 |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Eliminate most unsecured debt entirely | Reorganize debts into a repayment plan |
| Timeline | 3-4 months to discharge | 3-5 year repayment plan |
| Means Test | Must pass (income below median or qualifying deductions) | Must have regular income for plan payments |
| Property | Non-exempt asset may be sold (most cases are no-asset) | Keep all your property |
| Foreclosure | Temporarily stops foreclosure via automatic stay | Stops foreclosure and cures mortgage arrears |
| Garnishment | Immediately stops wage garnishment | Immediately stops wage garnishment |
| Credit Report | Remains for 10 years | Remains for 7 years |
| Attorney Fee | Flat fee — paid before filing | Flexible payment plans available |
| Best For | Lower-income individuals wanting a fast fresh start | Homeowners and those with property to protect |
Tax debt is a critical issue for many Hemet residents, particularly retirees on fixed income. Income tax debt, state tax debt, and property tax obligations can create serious financial hardship when combined with other unsecured debt. The good news: bankruptcy can address qualifying tax debt, and our law firm specializes in helping Hemet families navigate the intersection of tax planning and bankruptcy relief.
Federal income tax debt and state income tax debt can be discharged in bankruptcy if the tax debt meets the three-year rule. Specifically, for income tax debt to be dischargeable in Chapter 7 or Chapter 13, the tax return must have been due more than three years ago, you must have filed the tax return more than two years ago, and the tax assessment must have been made more than 240 days ago. Many Hemet retirees facing income tax from retirement account withdrawals or Social Security taxation qualify for tax debt discharge. Our bankruptcy lawyer evaluates your tax situation during every free consultation.
Property tax debt creates tax liens on your Hemet real estate, which can complicate your financial situation. Unlike federal income tax, property tax is a priority debt in bankruptcy — meaning it must be paid in full in Chapter 13. However, Chapter 13 bankruptcy allows you to address property tax debt through your repayment plan while protecting your home from foreclosure. Many Hemet residents use Chapter 13 to manage both property tax liens and other debts while maintaining home ownership.
Many people consider debt settlement or debt relief programs to address tax debt, but these options create tax consequences. When a creditor forgives debt through debt settlement, the forgiven amount is treated as taxable income, creating additional tax liability. Bankruptcy, by contrast, provides tax-free debt discharge — the IRS does not treat discharged tax debt or other discharged debt as taxable income. This is one major advantage of bankruptcy over debt settlement for addressing overwhelming tax debt.
For complex tax situations, our bankruptcy attorney works closely with tax professionals and tax accountants to ensure your tax planning aligns with your bankruptcy strategy. Tax returns, tax preparation, and prior tax refunds may be at risk if not properly managed during bankruptcy. A coordinated approach between bankruptcy counsel and your tax professional protects your rights and maximizes your tax-free debt discharge benefits.
IRS tax debt (federal income tax) is treated differently than state income tax debt and property tax in bankruptcy. Federal tax debt is generally dischargeable under the three-year rule, while state tax obligations follow similar rules but may have different enforcement mechanisms. Property tax on Hemet real estate creates tax liens that must be handled carefully. Income tax from all sources — federal, state, and local — must be evaluated individually. Our law office has extensive experience addressing all types of tax debt in bankruptcy cases throughout Hemet and Riverside County.
When you file bankruptcy, the court issues an automatic stay that immediately stops creditors from taking further collection action. A bankruptcy lawyer can file your petition the same day in urgent cases.
The automatic stay is one of the most powerful protections available under bankruptcy law. The moment your petition is filed with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Riverside Division, all debt collection must stop — wage garnishment, bank levies, creditor lawsuits, personal injury judgments, foreclosure sales, and repossession. The bankruptcy trustee and the court enforce this protection. If a creditor violates the automatic stay, they can face court sanctions. For Hemet residents facing an active garnishment or foreclosure sale date, our lawyer can file your petition quickly to stop the collection action as fast as possible.
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) is a federal law that protects you from abusive debt collection tactics. Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, debt collectors cannot call before 8 AM or after 9 PM, use threats or harassment, publish your name as a debtor, or make false claims about amounts owed. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act also prohibits debt collection agencies from contacting your workplace if your employer objects. If debt collectors have violated the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you may be entitled to damages up to $1,000 per violation. Our lawyer can evaluate potential fair debt collection claims during your free consultation.
Need immediate relief from debt collection? We can help.
Call (909) 915-0181 — Available 24/7Beyond bankruptcy, the Law Offices of Edgar P. Lombera provides comprehensive legal services to protect Hemet families. Our personal injury lawyer handles auto accident cases, slip-and-fall injuries, workplace injury claims, and wrongful death throughout Hemet and the Inland Empire. If you've been hurt due to someone else's negligence, our personal injury lawyers can help you recover compensation while simultaneously addressing any debt concerns through bankruptcy. Many personal injury clients also face medical debt and financial hardship, making our combined personal injury and bankruptcy practice areas uniquely valuable.
Hemet's busy roads — including Florida Avenue, State Street, and the 74 Highway — see frequent personal injury accidents. Our personal injury lawyer represents Hemet families in car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle collisions, pedestrian injuries, and premises liability claims. When a personal injury leaves you unable to work, mounting medical debt can compound your financial stress. Our firm provides both personal injury representation to recover money from the at-fault party and bankruptcy lawyer services to address existing debt. This full-service approach is why Hemet families choose our practice areas for both personal injury and debt relief.
Personal injury settlements and judgments are generally protected in bankruptcy, meaning you can pursue your personal injury case while also filing for bankruptcy relief. Our lawyer coordinates both matters to maximize your recovery and protect your financial future. For personal injury cases, call our Hemet lawyer at (760) 835-9353 or (909) 915-0181.
Whether your legal needs involve personal injury, debt settlement negotiation, bankruptcy, or tax debt resolution, our law office provides the legal aid and information you need to make informed decisions about your finances and your future. As a top rated Hemet lawyer, Edgar Lombera and our lawyers have the knowledge and experience to handle the practice areas that affect your financial well-being.
Many Hemet residents hesitate to file because they worry about credit damage. The truth is that if you're already carrying unmanageable debt, your credit score is likely suffering from late payments, collection accounts, and high utilization. Bankruptcy in the United States often provides a faster path to credit recovery than years of struggling with debt settlement or minimum payments.
Bankruptcy in the United States is not the end of your financial life — it's the beginning of a new chapter. We provide every client with guidance on rebuilding credit after discharge.
Not sure if bankruptcy is right for you? We'll tell you — for free.
Call (760) 835-9353 — Palm Springs OfficeOur law offices serve bankruptcy clients across Riverside County, San Bernardino County, and the broader Southern California region. Hemet residents file bankruptcy at the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Riverside Division (3420 Twelfth St, Riverside) — approximately 35 minutes from Hemet. The Riverside County Superior Court — Hemet Courthouse (880 N State St) handles related civil matters. Hemet is equidistant from both our Redlands office (approximately 35 minutes) and our Palm Springs office (approximately 45 minutes).
En la oficina legal de Edgar P. Lombera, entendemos que enfrentar problemas financieros es difícil — y es aún más difícil cuando no puede comunicarse cómodamente con su abogado. Por eso nuestro equipo completo habla español. Hemet tiene una comunidad hispana vibrante, y estamos orgullosos de servir a nuestras familias en su idioma.
Ofrecemos consultas gratuitas, representación completa en Capítulo 7 y Capítulo 13, defensa contra embargos de salario, ejecuciones hipotecarias, y resolución de deuda fiscal — todo en español.
Llame hoy para una consulta gratuita y confidencial:
I was a retiree in Sun City facing $35,000 in medical and credit card debt, plus qualifying tax debt. Edgar filed my Chapter 7, and within four months, all the debt was discharged, including the income tax debt. I finally feel like I can live on my fixed income again and enjoy my retirement.
Hemet, CA
We were about to lose our home to foreclosure in San Jacinto. Attorney Lombera filed Chapter 13 and saved our house with a manageable payment plan. We're on a fixed income and the plan fits our budget. The whole team speaks Spanish, which made my wife feel comfortable through the entire process.
San Jacinto, CA
My wages were being garnished and I didn't know what to do. I called Lombera Law in Menifee, and within days of filing, the garnishment stopped. They were compassionate, explained everything clearly, and I'm now building my financial life back. I wish I had called sooner.
Menifee, CA
Edgar P. Lombera founded his law firm with a simple mission: give hardworking families a genuine second chance. As a bankruptcy lawyer with over 15 years of experience, he has helped more than 2,500 families across the Inland Empire eliminate debt, save homes from foreclosure, stop wage garnishment, resolve tax debt, and rebuild their financial lives. He is a licensed member of the State Bar of California and practices in the Central District of California. Our lawyers and paralegals work as a team to deliver personal service to every client.
Attorney Lombera understands the stress that comes with financial hardship. As a top rated Hemet lawyer, he treats every client — every debtor who walks through our doors — with the same respect and personal attention, whether the case involves $10,000 in credit card debt or a complex Chapter 13 with real estate, tax debt, and business considerations. His deep knowledge of bankruptcy law, trustee negotiations, tax debt resolution, and personal injury representation makes him the lawyer Hemet families trust with their financial futures.
Understanding your options is the first step toward debt relief. For personalized legal advice about your situation, contact our law office at (909) 915-0181 for a free consultation.
Our law firm offers flat-fee Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing and flexible payment plans for Chapter 13 cases. Court filing fees are $338 for Chapter 7 and $313 for Chapter 13. We provide free consultations so you understand the full cost — including attorney fees and court fees — before making any decisions. Call (909) 915-0181 for a no-obligation evaluation.
Chapter 7 eliminates most unsecured debt (credit card debt, medical bills, personal loans) in 3-4 months through a liquidation process. Chapter 13 creates a 3-5 year repayment plan that lets you keep your property while repaying a portion of your debts. Chapter 13 is often the better choice for homeowners who want to stop foreclosure and catch up on mortgage payments. Our attorney will recommend the right chapter during your free consultation.
You must pass the means test, which compares your household income to the California median. If your income falls below the median for your family size, you automatically qualify. If it exceeds the median, you may still qualify after deducting allowable expenses. Our Hemet bankruptcy lawyer runs this analysis during every free consultation.
Yes. The automatic stay immediately stops wage garnishment, bank levies, and all debt collection actions. Once your petition is filed, creditors must stop all collection activity. If your garnishment is active now, request an urgent appointment — we can file quickly to stop the garnishment as soon as possible.
Yes. The automatic stay halts foreclosure proceedings. Chapter 13 not only stops foreclosure but also allows you to catch up on missed mortgage payments through your repayment plan while you continue living in your home. California's homestead exemption provides additional protection for your home equity.
Yes. Income tax debt that meets the 3-year rule can be discharged in bankruptcy if the tax return was due more than 3 years ago, you filed more than 2 years ago, and the assessment was made more than 240 days ago. Property tax liens on Hemet real estate can be addressed through Chapter 13. Many Hemet retirees qualify for tax debt discharge. Call (909) 915-0181 for a free tax bankruptcy consultation.
Bankruptcy can eliminate credit card debt, medical bills, personal loans, payday loan balances, utility bills, collection accounts, and most unsecured debt. Certain debts survive bankruptcy, including child support, alimony, most student loans, recent back taxes, and debts arising from fraud. Our lawyer will review your specific debts during a free consultation.
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act is a federal law prohibiting debt collectors from using harassment, threats, or deceptive practices. It limits when and how debt collection agencies can contact you. If a debt collector violates the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you may recover damages. Filing bankruptcy provides additional protection by stopping all debt collection through the automatic stay.
Most clients see meaningful credit score improvement within 12-24 months of discharge. By eliminating the delinquent accounts and collection records dragging down your credit, bankruptcy often provides faster credit recovery than continuing to struggle with unmanageable debt. Many former clients purchase vehicles within months and qualify for home loans within 2-3 years.
Hemet residents file at the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Central District of California, Riverside Division (3420 Twelfth St, Riverside). Hemet is roughly equidistant from both our Redlands and Palm Springs offices — both conveniently located to serve you.
No. En la oficina legal de Edgar P. Lombera, todo nuestro equipo habla español. Ofrecemos consultas gratuitas y representación completa en Capítulo 7 y Capítulo 13, todo en español. Llame al (909) 915-0181 para una consulta gratuita.
Your free consultation is completely confidential. We'll review your situation, explain your options, and give you honest advice — with no pressure and no obligation. Consultas disponibles en español.
Call (909) 915-0181Law Offices of Edgar P. Lombera
2068 Orange Tree Lane, Suite 220
Redlands, CA 92374
Phone: (909) 915-0181
Available 24/7 · Free Parking · Hablamos Español
Law Offices of Edgar P. Lombera
1276 N Palm Canyon Dr #107
Palm Springs, CA 92262
Phone: (760) 835-9353
Coachella Valley Location
Debt Relief Disclosure: We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code. The information on this website is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Every situation is different. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. An attorney-client relationship is not formed until a written agreement is signed. Free consultations are available for potential clients to evaluate their legal options.
