Phoenix Lien Avoidance Attorneys
Call a Phoenix bankruptcy lawyer at Hilltop Law Firm at (602) 466-9631 about lien avoidance if your property is at risk.
Lien Avoidance Lawyers in Phoenix Protect Your Assets
For debtors, lien avoidance is critical to a fresh financial start. It protects essential assets like a primary residence or vehicle. The lien avoidance process is not automatic, and it requires a thorough understanding of federal bankruptcy laws and Arizona state exemptions. Successful lien avoidance allows you to maintain financial stability and retain valuable assets.
If a creditor is attaching a lien to your Phoenix property, it’s in your best interest to speak with an experienced lien avoidance lawyer immediately. For over 10 years, attorney Cy Hainey at Hilltop Law Firm has been helping property owners in Arizona overcome financial challenges. Our firm provides legal and financial assistance to help you eliminate debt and get back on your feet.
Call (602) 466-9631 to schedule a free consultation today.
What Is Lien Avoidance?
A lien is a legal claim against a property that can be used as collateral to repay a debt. More specifically, a lien is a legal right or interest that a creditor has in the debtor’s property, lasting until the debt obligation is satisfied.
Liens can be attached to real property or personal property. For example, if you own a home, your mortgage lender has a lien attached to the property until the balance is paid in full.
Lien avoidance is a legal process that allows debtors to remove liens from their property. In Arizona, lien avoidance is particularly important because it can prevent creditors from seizing assets in the event of bankruptcy.
A creditor that sues a debtor for nonpayment may receive an abstract of judgment, also known as a judgment lien. The creditor can attach the lien to the debtor’s real estate by recording the judgment with the county recorder where the property is located. The judgment lien is valid for 10 years and will remain attached to the property even if owners change. The creditor can renew the judgment indefinitely.
A creditor’s ability to collect is affected by certain factors, including:
- An untouchable amount for a homestead exemption if the property is the debtor’s primary residence
- Other liens that may be attached to the property
- Foreclosure by the mortgage lender
- Bankruptcy proceedings
What Are the Different Lien Avoidance Strategies?
The lien avoidance strategies will depend on the circumstances of your case. They may include:
- Challenging the validity of the lien
- Negotiating a settlement with the creditor
- Filing for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy
A judicial lien can be avoided in bankruptcy if it impairs the value of an exemption to which the debtor is entitled. Examples of such exemptions include equity in a vehicle and property that is the debtor’s primary residence.
What Property Types Are Exempt from Liens in Phoenix?
Arizona’s bankruptcy exemptions include:
- Motor Vehicle Exemption: Up to $15,600 in vehicle equity.
- Homestead Exemption: Up to $414,700 in home equity.
- Savings: This includes 100% from IRAs, 401(k)s, and 529 College Savings Accounts.
- Benefits: This includes 100% of Social Security benefits, Veterans Administration disability benefits, unemployment benefits, and government pensions.
- Personal Property: Up to $15,600 for household goods and furnishings, such as appliances, electronics, furniture, and other personal property for individuals and up to $31,200 for married couples. Clothing is exempt up to $500 for individuals, $1,000 for married couples.
Our experienced Phoenix bankruptcy lawyer is well aware of the exemptions allowed under Arizona bankruptcy law. If you file for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13, we can help protect your exempt property from seizure by creditors.
The Importance of Lien Avoidance
Lien avoidance in Arizona is a powerful tool that facilitates a debtor’s ability to achieve a fresh financial start. By removing liens from exempt property, debtors can retain assets crucial for rebuilding their lives post-bankruptcy. This could include keeping a vehicle for transportation to work or retaining equity in a home.
Lien avoidance is a critical step for debtors seeking financial relief in Arizona. By removing liens from your property, you can protect your assets and potentially qualify for certain types of bankruptcy exemptions. A lien may impact your ability to sell or refinance property, but a successful lien avoidance may prevent the forced sale of your assets by creditors to satisfy debts.
Types of Liens in Phoenix and Arizona
Judicial liens in Arizona are typically the result of a court judgment against a debtor. These liens can be attached to personal property, real estate, or other assets as a way to secure payment of a debt. Regarding lien avoidance, debtors can remove these liens from properties that are considered exempt under Arizona law or federal bankruptcy.
Nonpossessory liens in Arizona are legal claims against property that do not involve possession of the property itself. Unlike a mortgage, where the lender holds the title to the home until the debt is paid off, a nonpossessory lien does not grant the lienholder the right to take control of the property. Instead, it serves as a public record of a debt that must be settled before the owner can sell or refinance the property. Nonpossessory liens can be placed for various reasons, such as unpaid taxes, contractor fees, or court judgments.
Nonpurchase liens are typically associated with credit extended for something other than the purchase of the property itself. This could include liens for services rendered or improvements to the property that enhance its value.
How to File a Motion for Lien Avoidance in Phoenix
Filing a motion for lien avoidance is the critical first legal step in the lien avoidance process. When a debtor decides to avoid a lien in Arizona, you must prepare and file a motion with the bankruptcy court. This motion should clearly outline why the lien should be avoided, referencing specific Arizona statutes that entitle you to exemption rights.
It’s essential that your motion for lien avoidance is detailed and supported by evidence that the lien impairs an exemption. This may include providing financial statements, property valuations, and other relevant documentation. The motion must be served to the creditor holding the lien and other interested parties. The creditor has the opportunity to object to the motion; if they do, the court will schedule a hearing to resolve the matter.
After filing a motion and preparing all necessary documentation, the next phase is the court hearing. This is where the debtor and the creditor present their arguments regarding the lien avoidance. The debtor must be prepared to convincingly demonstrate how the lien infringes upon their exemptions.
If the court decides in favor of the debtor, an order for lien avoidance will be issued. This order legally removes the creditor’s claim on the debtor’s exempt property. It’s important to note that the creditor may appeal the decision, which can extend the timeline before the lien is officially removed.
A Lien Avoidance Attorney Can Help with Your Property
It can be difficult when creditors have obtained judgments against you and attached liens against your property. Not only are you facing the potential loss of the property, but you’re also dealing with the emotional stress of the situation. Our experienced Phoenix lien avoidance lawyer can recommend the best debt relief solutions in your situation and take action on your behalf to implement them.
Having skilled legal representation can mean a better outcome and greater peace of mind. If you need Arizona lien avoidance advice, contact Hilltop Law Firm at (602) 466-9631 to schedule a free consultation today.