Colby LaVelle

Colby Dean LaVelle II proudly manages LaVelle Law Offices with the personal attention of a boutique law firm but with the resources of larger law firms. An honored graduate of Santa Clara University of Law, Mr. LaVelle has dedicated his career to the pursuit of justice. He began his legal career working for the San Francisco District Attorney's Office. Following his success litigating criminal matters, Mr. LaVelle started the LaVelle Law Offices. Now with eight locations across California, The LaVelle Law Offices is an incarnation of Mr. LaVelle's desire to serve the public, as he did so aptly in his role with the District Attorney.

Santa Clara University School of Law

J.D. | Law

Managing Attorney

The LaVelle Law Offices

Current

A Rating & Accredited

Better Business Bureau

California State Bar  # 316277

Current

Alameda County Bar Association

Current

San Francisco Bar Association

Current

National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys (NACBA)

Current

California

• Free Consultation
  We gladly offer a free consultations.
• Credit Cards Accepted
• Rates, Retainers and Additional Information
  Our Chapter 7 attorney fees for a single filer are typically $1195 plus court fees.

Bankruptcy

Chapter 11 Bankruptcy, Chapter 13 Bankruptcy, Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, Debt Relief

Estate Planning

Guardianship & Conservatorship Estate Administration, Health Care Directives, Trusts, Wills

Q. I got served for BofA credit card $24980 debt. I call lawyer who sue me and willing to settle for $14k. Take the deal?

September 24, 2021

A: The offer you state from the lawyer suing you is lower than the offers I typically see...which makes me wonder why the attorney is offering you such a relatively good deal. Once a lawsuit is filed, these debt collectors don't usually make such "generous" offers. I urge you to call an attorney for a consultation. You can discuss your overall finances and see if paying off this debt makes sense or whether it might make more sense to file BK. If you have other creditors and limited resources, you should really consider all your options before writing a check for $14k. If you file bankruptcy you can very likely include a civil collections lawsuit and the lawsuit and debt can be discharged under your bankruptcy filing.

Q. WE'RE PLAINTIFFS IN CIVIL SUPERIOR CASE X 3 YRS AND WANT TO STOP CASE, HOW DO WE MAKE SURE WE WON'T PAY ANYDEFENSE FEES?

September 23, 2021

A: I see you posted this in the Bankruptcy forum, so I will address the Bankruptcy angle. Under Bankruptcy code, there are very specific exceptions to a debt being "dischargeable." The exceptions are listed in the following code/webpage: https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/11/523 If there is not a listed exception, the debt would likely be dischargeable. Judgements can be dischargeable, subject to the aforementioned exceptions listed in the code. This is something you should discuss with an attorney, so they may be able to assess your assets, the type of case you are involved in, whether you or partners are personally responsible for debts etc. It is imperative that you speak with an attorney about your options and pros and cons (risks) before filing bankruptcy based on the facts you have presented.

Q. I have about 15k in debt and another 12k to the IRS ,how much would it cost to file bankruptcy?

July 6, 2021

A: There are two fees to consider: the attorney fees and the court fees. The court fees are $338 and the attorney fees vary widely, but generally the going rate is between $1000 and $2000. Be sure to discuss in detail your IRS debt with your attorney, and whether it will qualify for discharge in bankruptcy or whether you may still be responsible for these taxes even after filing bankruptcy. There are some specific requirements regarding IRS debt you should discuss with an attorney.