Costello & Costello P.C. - Oakland, CA

Proven Bankruptcy and Debt Relief Advocacy in Oakland

Operating from 1300 Clay Street in downtown Oakland, Costello and Costello P.C. provides dependable financial counsel to individuals, families, and small business owners throughout Northern California. The practice traces its origins to 1964 when attorney Raymond J. Costello established the law firm with a core concentration on consumer bankruptcy and debt relief. Carrying forward this multi-generational tradition of client advocacy, attorney Steve Costello personally guides debtors through the complexities of federal bankruptcy law and debt reorganizations. When mounting credit card balances, medical expenses, or mortgage defaults become unmanageable, residents seeking to hire a bankruptcy attorney in Oakland turn to Costello and Costello P.C. for a clear, accessible path toward a fresh financial start.

Chapter 7 Liquidation and Immediate Debt Elimination

Unforeseen life challenges such as job loss, divorce, or severe medical illness can lead to catastrophic debt accumulation. Costello and Costello P.C. assists qualifying debtors in filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy, commonly known as straight bankruptcy or liquidation. Filing immediately triggers the federal automatic stay, which instantly halts relentless creditor harassment, wage garnishments, bank levies, and pending collection lawsuits. Steve Costello conducts detailed means testing evaluations and utilizes California statutory exemptions to shield client homes, vehicles, retirement accounts, and personal belongings, allowing clients to discharge unsecured debts while keeping essential property.

Chapter 13 Wage Earner Reorganization and Foreclosure Prevention

For homeowners facing delinquent mortgage payments or wage earners with steady income who do not qualify for Chapter 7, Chapter 13 bankruptcy offers a powerful legal safeguard. Costello and Costello P.C. designs court-approved debt reorganization plans spanning three to five years, allowing debtors to catch up on missed mortgage installments and prevent imminent home foreclosure. Furthermore, Chapter 13 enables individuals to restructure tax liabilities, eliminate underwater secondary mortgages through lien stripping, and consolidate debt into single, manageable monthly payments tailored to household budgets.

Comprehensive Debt Settlement and Creditor Defense

Beyond formal court filings, the firm acts as a federally designated debt relief agency, advising East Bay clients on pre-bankruptcy credit counseling and alternative debt negotiation strategies. The practice aggressively defends consumers against unlawful debt collection practices under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Whether negotiating directly with financial institutions or restructuring small business liabilities, the firm ensures clients understand every available avenue to eliminate debt, restore creditworthiness, and regain long-term financial security.

Why Clients Trust Costello and Costello P.C.

• Six Decades of Legal Heritage: Serving California consumers since 1964 with specialized knowledge of local bankruptcy courts.
• Direct Attorney Access: Clients work directly with lead attorney Steve Costello rather than being handed off to paralegals or caseworkers.
• Free In-Depth Consultations: Providing comprehensive, unhurried initial case evaluations without arbitrary time limitations.
• Bilingual Legal Services: Assisting a diverse California population with consultation support available in English and Spanish.