As the coronavirus pandemic goes on, a bankruptcy attorney in Santa Clarita is offering tips on how to approach negotiating with creditors for debt relief.

Louis Esbin of The Law Offices of Louis J. Esbin advises clients to reach out to their creditors directly to explain their unique situation, during the pandemic or other time of crisis which causes financial hardship.

Before doing so, Esbin suggested creating a list of every line of credit currently held, being sure to include the creditor’s name and contact information, along with the account number. Keeping this information in a single document makes it easier to contact each lender, according to Esbin.

Then Santa Clarita residents can contact each creditor and explain how the coronavirus pandemic has impacted their finances.

“Are you furloughed? Have you been laid off? Or are you a small business owner who is in a nonessential business, and therefore your business (has not been) open?” asked Esbin.

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If a person can answer “yes” to any of these questions, it is a topic that should be discussed with the creditor, according to Esbin.

“Ask for an email. Ask for a fax number. When you are done with the conversation, send an email or send a fax confirming the conversation,” the Santa Clarita bankruptcy attorney advised.

In doing so, debtors are creating a record of their conversations with their creditors, which Esbin noted should include the details of the conversation and any modifications the creditor agreed to regarding debt repayment.

Also vital is being sure to write down the date, time and name of the employee who took the call, which can be presented in court later if a dispute arises, Esbin added.

Lastly, Esbin encouraged those with concerns about their personal or business finances to reach out to his office for individual help, which can be provided via online Zoom teleconferencing software.

“If you believe that your financial situation may be in peril — if you believe that you are going to lose any sleep, please contact our office,” Esbin said. “We are here to help you. We’ve always been here to help this community.”

Louis Esbin of the Law Offices of Louis J. Esbin is an attorney in Santa Clarita and Canyon Country, Valencia, Saugus, Stevenson Ranch, Newhall and Castaic neighborhoods who specializes in bankruptcy law, business law and consumer protection. The motto of his firm is, “When experience counts, count on experience,” and Esbin has been practicing law locally since 1993. His experience in Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York also enables him to pledge to provide his clients with high quality, big-city legal services as a Santa Clarita attorney. In addition, the bankruptcy attorney in Santa Clarita is founding treasurer of the Santa Clarita Valley Bar Association, a founding member of the Central District Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys Association and a member of the Financial Lawyers Conference and California Bankruptcy Forum. Those searching for the best attorney in Santa Clarita or an “attorney near me,” can contact the Law Offices of Louis J. Esbin today for more information. 

The Law Offices of Louis J. Esbin

27451 Tourney Road, Suite 120

Valencia, CA 91355-6304

661-254-5050