Debtor
Representation
Representation for debtors in bankruptcy matters.
CHICO, CALIFORNIA · ATTORNEY
Bankruptcy: Representing Debtors and Creditors
Douglas Jacobs is an attorney in Chico, California, representing debtors and creditors in bankruptcy matters.
Discuss your situation ↗Representation for debtors in bankruptcy matters.
Representation for creditors in bankruptcy matters.

Douglas Jacobs was admitted to the California Bar in 1978 and has practiced law ever since. As house counsel for a franchise corporation, he served on the American Bar Association’s Committee on Bankruptcy and Creditors’ Rights.
He has taught Constitutional Law and Debtor-Creditor and Bankruptcy Law at Cal Northern School of Law continuously since 1988, and has served as Dean of Students there since 1994.
Douglas wrote for the Bankruptcy Law Network, Money Health Central, and the Mortgage Law Network. He authored a chapter in the Aspatore book Chapter 7 Consumer Bankruptcy Strategies and contributed to the Bankruptcy Guide published by the California Bar Association.
National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys
Sacramento Valley Bankruptcy Forum
Butte County Bar Association
Cal Northern School of Law faculty
Every situation is different. These brief answers are general information, not legal advice. Talk with an attorney for advice that applies to your case.
Bankruptcy is a federal legal process designed to give individuals or businesses a fresh start by discharging or reducing debt and creating a structured path forward.
Not necessarily. Exemptions and other legal protections may allow you to keep certain property, but the result depends on your circumstances and the applicable law.
Bankruptcy filings are part of the public court record, so some information may become accessible. The practical effect depends on the case and the way the filing is handled.
A bankruptcy filing can affect credit reports and scores, but the impact varies by person and may improve over time with a disciplined financial plan.
The reporting period depends on the chapter filed and the applicable credit-reporting rules. A lawyer can explain the current timelines and how they apply to your situation.
The timeline and cost depend on the type of case, the complexity of the issues, and the required filings. A consultation should include a clear explanation of fees, deadlines, and expected next steps.
Chapter 7 generally provides a liquidation-based fresh start, while Chapters 11, 12, and 13 offer reorganization options for different circumstances. The right choice depends on income, assets, and your goals.
This page shares general information and does not create an attorney-client relationship. No outcome is guaranteed.
Blog posts will be added here when Douglas has them ready to share.
Contact Douglas’s Chico office to discuss your legal matter and schedule a consultation.
20 Independence Circle
Chico, CA 95973
Monday–Thursday
9:00 am–12:00 pm · 1:00 pm–4:30 pm
Friday
9:00 am–12:00 pm