Mario T. LangoneAttorney at Law
Fresno bankruptcy attorney · Since 1997Buried in debt? Let’s talk about a fresh start.
I’m Mario Langone. I help individuals, families and small business owners across the Central Valley get out from under debt through Chapter 7 bankruptcy. When you call, you talk to me — and I personally handle your case from beginning to end.
Free, no-obligation consultation · 2565 E. Perrin Ave., Suite 112, Fresno
- Practicing since 1997Bankruptcy-focused practice
- You work with MarioNot a case manager or call center
- Free consultationNo obligation, honest advice
- Born and educated in FresnoOffice in northeast Fresno
Bankruptcy help for real Valley people
Every situation is different. My practice is focused on consumer and small business bankruptcy, and I’ll help you understand your options before you decide anything.
Chapter 7 for individuals & families
Wipe out most credit card debt, medical bills and personal loans, and stop collection in its tracks.
Learn about Chapter 7 →Chapter 7 for business owners
If you own a small business — or ran one as a sole proprietor — and its debts have landed on you personally, a personal Chapter 7 can help you deal with them.
Help for business owners →When Chapter 7 isn’t the fit
If you don’t qualify for Chapter 7, or need to catch up on a house or car, I also file Chapter 13 repayment plans.
Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13 →
When the business debt becomes your debt
Many owners signed personal guarantees on a lease, a line of credit or equipment — or ran the business in their own name. When the business struggles, those debts follow you home.
I file primarily for the owners: sole proprietors and individuals whose business debts now affect them personally. We’ll look at what you owe, what you can protect, and whether Chapter 7 makes sense for you.
Chapter 7 for business ownersWhen filed properly, bankruptcy can stop:
- Foreclosures & repossessions
- Bank levies
- Wage garnishments
- Creditor harassment
- Lawsuits
- Evictions
- Utility disconnections
- Collections on public-benefit overpayments
- Tax collection*
- Collection calls & letters
*Tax collection may be stopped temporarily or permanently depending on the type of tax. Results depend on your specific situation.
Five steps from first call to fresh start
Bankruptcy is less mysterious than most people fear. Here’s what a typical Chapter 7 case looks like.
Free consultation
Meet with Mario one-on-one, in person at his office or by phone or video. Talk through your debts, income and goals, and get a straight answer on whether Chapter 7 makes sense.
Gather your paperwork
We’ll give you a simple checklist: pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements and a list of what you owe and own. You also take a short credit-counseling course.
We file your case
Mario prepares and files your petition with the bankruptcy court. The “automatic stay” takes effect, which generally stops most collection activity right away.
Meeting of creditors
About a month after filing, you attend a short “341 meeting” with the trustee, currently held by video. Mario prepares you and is with you the whole time.
Your fresh start
After a short financial-management course, the court issues your discharge — often about three to four months after filing.
Timelines are typical, not guaranteed.
Helping good people with bad problems
I was born and educated right here in Fresno, and I’ve practiced law since 1997. My practice is focused on consumer and small business bankruptcy for my Valley neighbors. I meet with every client personally. When you call my office, it will be me you talk to on the phone, and it will be me you meet with at your consultation.
“I want clients to leave my office feeling better than when they walked in.”
The hardest part of filing bankruptcy is often making that first decision to ask for help. You are not alone, and you have legal options.
More about Mario
What clients say
In their own words, from reviews on Google.
“I had never filed for bankruptcy before or hired an attorney for any reason so it was a bit overwhelming. … From the very beginning he put me at ease with not only answering all my questions with patience, but he’s very kind and knowledgeable. … He was always available for questions via phone, emails or text messages.”
“I just have to say if you find yourself in the situation where you need a BK attorney, if you go any place else you will not get the actual one on one constant attorney/client meetings. Mario is the guy! From start to finish he will be there. Very understanding and very helpful.”
“Like anybody who is considering filing a bankruptcy, I had a thousand questions. Mr. Langone was always available to answer them for me. He made the whole process go smoothly for me. … He is so knowledgeable about his field of practice and looks at every angle to make sure you aren’t going to lose anything that might be overlooked.”
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Serving Fresno and the Central Valley
From my office in northeast Fresno, I help clients living in:
- Fresno
- Clovis
- Madera
- Merced
- Sanger
- Selma
- Reedley
- Kingsburg
- Visalia
- Tulare
- …and other Central Valley towns
Office: 2565 E. Perrin Ave., Suite 112, Fresno, CA 93720 · Get directions
Quick answers
Will I lose my house or car?
Not necessarily. California law lets you protect (“exempt”) a certain amount of property, and many Chapter 7 filers keep their home, car and household belongings. Whether you can keep a specific item depends on its value, what you owe on it, and which exemptions apply. We’ll go through this at your free consultation.
Do I need a lawyer to file Chapter 7?
A lawyer isn’t legally required, but it’s not a good idea to do it alone. Even a seemingly simple case can hide complex issues, and mistakes can cost you property or your discharge. Experienced representation helps make sure your property is properly protected.
How much does it cost?
Your first consultation is free. After your consultation, Mario will quote you an exact fee for your case, and payment plans are available. The bankruptcy court also charges a filing fee, currently $338 for Chapter 7.
Ready to talk it through?
Your first consultation is free and there’s no obligation. You’ll speak with Mario himself, in person, by phone or by video.