We were both living overseas, something many San Diegans can appreciate being a Military Town, when the economy fell out in the US in 2009. We felt the pinch of the US Dollar drop so dramatically, I was personally losing 55% of my salary just in the overseas market exchange rate. We were losing financial ground quickly. Then, when my work visa was revoked (because I was an immigrant worker, obviously) we lost our footing completely and had to come back to the United States. Upon our arrival here, the economy was even worse than it was overseas. We drained our savings while looking for work. The situation was becoming desperate, then dire. We had little choice; we could not lose our car or our housing so after much debate we decided bankruptcy was our only option. We had all our original expenses plus 1/4 of the income we were making just 8 months prior. It happened that fast, like it was an overnight catastrophy. We were at a laundr-o-mat and we were flipping through the Reader. There were dozens of ads for attorneys and bankruptcy options. It felt over-whelming and embarrassing at the same time. "How could we be reduced to this" was our repetitive, silent monologue. Truthfully, I do not recall what made me choose Shanner and Assoc.'s to look up online. But, that is what we did and the thing that immediately put me at ease, was that Toby went to my high school here in San Diego, where my father was also an administrator. All of sudden, it felt like I was going to a friend, someone who knew my family name and was from San Diego. It was with great effort that pride was swallowed and we made an appointment for an initial consultation. From the moment we came in, and from the moment we made the first call, the professionalism in which things were handled was stellar. When a company knows their business, when they have it 'down to a science', that confidence echos throughout the establishment. This bankruptcy was a new, embarrassing and a difficult situation for us, but we could tell this is what Shanner and Assoc does EVERY day. To put it into our terms, we fly routinely, so much so in fact we have multiple frequent flier accounts with multiple airlines. The things that make most people nervous at an airport (security, parking, transfers, delays, lost luggage, etc) we handle with such ease and experience, that anytime a problem arises, we shrug it off and smile like we KNEW it was going to happen. That's a confidence you can not fully appreciate until you see someone else struggle with the same issues to the point of bringing them to tears. THIS is how it felt at Shanner and Assoc. The confidence in their own abilities, the pinpoint accurate answers to anything we asked, the patience with novices like ourselves and the deft expertise in paperwork is enough to amaze any logistical military commander. We could not have felt more at home, more relaxed or more trusting if we tried. And this feeling was not just from Toby, but from the entire staff as it was a trickle-down effect we saw time and again when ever we had to come into the office or make a phone call. This bankruptcy could have devastated our lives, our families and our relationship with each other. Instead, we felt secure in knowing we were not the only ones, but in fact, it was 1000's of people out there just like us and hundred's of business's going through the same financial hardship. The weight and burden of this proceeding was lifted seemingly effortlessly by Shanner and Assoc. We literally started to be able to sleep again. We can only say thank you to them so many times before it's sincerity loses luster. However, we can can never show how truly grateful we are for how well they have put us back on track. We have pinched, saved, sacrificed and forged ahead with great hope to finally see not only light at the end of the tunnel, but blue sky and green grass...and money being restored to our savings account. To celebrate, we went and bought a new sofa this month with cash. THAT was a proud moment. I think if I had to say one thing only about Shanner and Assoc.'s it would be "They don't just solve financial problems, they restore financial confidence; they restore people's confidence in themselves." Thank you again to Toby and Sasha Shanner, and their entire staff, for all your hard work and expertise. You have certainly made a huge and positive difference in our lives. Cheers! read more

What a great law firm to work with. The thought of having to seek out an lawyer for anything is one of those aspects in life that makes many a little uneasy. I spoke to four different law firms prior to Shanner & Associates. What I received with Shanner & Associates: 1.) Candid conversation about the bankruptcy process, time frames, and expectations. 2.) Intelligent down to earth "non-sales" staff. The message and the solution/options were cut and dry. 3.) The consultation to determine the path my case would take. 4.) The fee for their services at the first meeting and the payment options available. 5.) Communication regarding updates of my case was consistent and available by phone, email, or face to face---the choice was mine. I think it is most notable that I NEVER had to leave a voice mail with my point of contact. A client could not have asked for better service. Shanner & Associates was one of those places where you go and realize they are big enough with years of experience to handle your case with complete professionalism, but yet small enough to really know your case and recognize you as an individual. Obviously they have a business to run and fees to collect for their services, but I always felt like they were overly appreciative of my business. I also had they feeling they were being honest with me at all times---I know that sounds simplistic, but I did not get tht feeling with the other firms I spoke to. Toby, Sasha, and Tyler did a wonderful job with my case. As a consumer you realize after talking to a few law firms that the legal process is going to be similar regardless of where you go, but it is the attention to detail in getting to that stage they all exuded that makes the difference. While I was waiting to attend my hearing with Toby I noticed some people looking at their watches, stepping out to call and find their attorney, or attorneys who were showing up literally meeting their client for the first time! How embarassing for these people who paid money for legal services and didn't meet their attorney or discuss their case until the day of the case?!?! From the first day I walked into Shanner and Associates, I met with Sasha and Toby Shanner as well as Tyler who assisted with my case; these were not courtesy invites there was substantial discussion and questions from all of them gathing the details of my case. There was NEVER a situation of even having to say my last name let alone refresh their memory of my case when talking on the phone. The service was just THAT good. The process went exactly as they had indicated. Time frames were consistent and the proposed outcome was achieved. They made the experience completely painless and were great to work with. After seeing a sample of what is out there in the way of law firms from my own interviewing and then at my hearing, I can honestly say choosing Shanner and Associates was an awesome decision. read more

Toby, Sasha, William, and the rest of the Shanner team were honestly the best. We could not have asked for a better team to represent us. We had several consultations before we choose Toby and his team. Everyone else we spoke to felt rushed and not willing to do the research we needed for our specific case. We are a military family and needed a lawyer who had experience using the exemption that is available to certain military members/veterans. We had a hard time finding anyone with experience and almost nobody wanted to do the research to help us. Toby and his team took on that challenge and everything worked out perfectly. I am the type of person who likes to analyze everything....I ask way to many questions and I have a hard time trusting. Even with all my crazy questions/concerns they were always patient and willing to entertain my questions. Trust me....if you need assistance RUN don't walk to Shanner & Associates. Your only regret will be that you didn't contact them sooner. And in regards to them offering a SB card for a good review...it may be true but its definitely not necessary...I am confident that they are deserving of every 5 star review they have. read more

Hands down the best decision we made was to connect with Toby, Sasha & Associates. They made us feel as though they truly cared about our financial situation and reassured us through each step that we were on track making progress. They consistently made themselves available for questions as they came up. To take it a step further, one of our mortgage lenders was reporting our loan status incorrectly after our discharge causing us to lose an opportunity to buy a new home that we had fallen in love with. I reached out to Toby and he immediately offered his assistance with getting this item fixed on my credit. He even took the time to check in with me throughout the process to make sure I knew that he had not forgotten about our process and my specific timelines. This definitely went above and beyond my expectations. I am forever grateful for his courtesy, his professionalism, and above all...his service quality. I have already referred many potential clients over to Shanner & Associates and I will continue to do so! read more

I just would like to truly say thank you Attorney Toby Shanner, I called you inquiring about my issues with my only vehicle mechanical and repair issues. I was in need of another vehicle, but due to my active chapter 13 I was stuck, I couldn't just go get another vehicle, I needed help and guidance to obtain approval from the court trustee. Well I just made 1 call to you and everything was put you in motion, I didn't have to take off from work, I didn't have to go to court, all I had to do is provide the documents you requested and you took over the rest. Toby Shanner that was over and above my expectations and I received the approval faster than I ever thought was going to happen, and now here I standing less then 30days later with another vehicle and a brand new 2017 car at that. I am so thankful to have gotten an attorney who is about going the extra mile in order to have a positive outcome for his clients, God bless you in your business, thank you Attorney Toby. SINCERELY, DIANA WALTON read more

I highly recommend Shanner and Associates. My husband and I always had A+ credit until he lost his job and was out of work for a year. We were in such a scary place...this was the first time we defaulted on any credit cards but the helpful team at Shanner & Associates made us feel at ease about the whole process. They were always available to answer all of our questions either by phone or by email. I never thought we'd dig ourselves out of this mess we were in but thanks to Toby and the his courteous and helpful staff, our chapter 13 was granted and we got a lien strip on our 2nd mortgage. We got a fresh start and the whole process was painless compared to other horror stories we have heard. We've recommend Toby to another family member and she also had a successful and stress-free experience. read more

I suddenly came in need of a lawyer to assist me with some issues I was having with one of my debtors. I live in Chula Vista, Cal. I was having sleepless nights and a wife that was getting herself quite upset with this situation. I was referred to Shanner and Associates and they really put my wife and I at ease. I actually slept well the next night as Mr. Shanner and his team took control and got things sorted out with my debts and the one debtor in particular. I had to go in front of a trustee about a month later and Mr. Shanner was there and made that whole process as palatable as it can be and my situation at present in 99 % better. I would recommend Shanner and Associates to anyone who needs Chapter 13 protection. read more

BEWARE! Toby and his wife Sasha conduct illegal and fraudulent business practices. They have zero when it comes to morals and will do anything to fatten their pockets. Do not trust them with your bankruptcy as they will leave you penniless and without a roof over your head. Its a shame that they feel the need to squeeze every penny out of someone even if they only have a nickel to their name. They also deal in sketchy Real Estate so if I were you, I would look for someone who actually cares about their clients and has their best interest at heart. Side note: All the other reviews on this page were written by their colleagues and friends, do not trust any of the other reviews. read more

Shanner & Associates are by far the Special Forces in the bankruptcy field. We first started our bankruptcy with Debt Relief Legal Clinic. Even after paying their fees and starting the case, we were mentally and verbally attacked by the bankruptcy lawyer and decided to cancel right there and then. We then decided to start over with Shanner & Associates, the happiness that is seen in their picture is completely true. Toby and Sasha made us feel so comfortable that we knew we were in the right place from day one. Professional, knowledgeable, experienced, and trustworthy is what this team is about. We would highly recommend Shanner & Associates without a doubt. read more

Shanner & Associates made life much easier. My husband and I were hit hard by the recession. We bought things on credit never thinking that he would be unable to find work as a carpenter to pay them off. Things had been real good, then all of a sudden no work. When there was work the wages were very low. We struggled for a few years until we could no longer pay all the bills. That is when we went to Shanner and Associates. We felt a sense of relief that we hadn't felt in years immediately after the first consultation. They made the bankruptcy process very simple for us. We highly recommend them and thank them for what they have done for our family. read more

Toby Shanner made a terrible situation a lot easier. He is not my original bankruptcy attorney (sadly he is the 3rd one assigned to my case - not of my doing just gets transferred) but I have to say when I reached out to him on Friday he immediately put me at ease. He told me what to do, what he was going to do and that it would all be ok. Lots of e-mails back and forth and I can say i would HIGHLY recommend Shanner & Associates. And today he did what he said he was going to do by filing the needed paperwork and answering my 102 questions... Great job and thank you. Fast response with great information - thank you again Debbie Brown read more

I worked with both attorneys in this office and found them to be professional, considerate and knowledgeable. The retainer was significant, but the work they did in my case was more than worth it. They carefully monitored my case, let me know when I had to act and were great about making sure that all of the court's questions got answered in a timely manner. The outcome of my case was more favorable than I expected and I am happy to recommend them to anyone seeking bankruptcy assistance. P.S. They did not promise me a Starbucks card or anything else in exchange for writing a review. read more

A good friend and his wife referred my wife and I to Shanner & Associates a few years after their bankruptcy. I met with Toby and his staff and I was immediately impressed. They all were very kind and supportive through the entire process and always on top of things. My wife was impressed as well. I have recommended Shanner & Associates to many friends and family, and they all had just as good an experience with them. My own mother said she wanted to adopt them as her children. Shanner and Associates represents what all law firms should be; professional and compassionate. read more

From the very first conversation on the phone, Shanner and Associates have gone above and beyond to help us. Toby and William are both so kind and compassionate towards your situation. They are extremely knowledgeable and had answers to all of our questions. We felt such comfort and relief knowing that they were taking care of everything. Anything that has to do with the Law can seem scary and overwhelming, however with Toby and William on your side you have nothing to worry about. We are forever greatful for Shanner and Associates!!!! read more

Toby Shanner helped me tremendously as my lawyer with my bankruptcy case. He was always available when needed, he was knowledgeable, and he was just extremely helpful. I honestly felt that he cared for the well being of me as his client. He worked long and hard for my case to end on a successful and positive note. He was very personable and I had no difficulty in communicating with him. I would definitely recommend him as the lawyer to help out anyone who is in need of an outstanding attorney. Respectfully, Tandy Ward read more

My husband and I reached out to Toby to get help with our credit reports. He was very helpful and told me all of our options to fix our credit. He also got me connected with another helpful lawyer who specializes in credit report disputes. All in all it was a simple and helpful process. I can tell that Toby really cares about his clients. That is important when dealing with a lawyer and I would refer anyone looking to file Bankruptcy or get help with their credit to go to Shanner & Associates. read more

When I first contacted Shanner & Associates, I was extremelu stressed out about my financial situation. The first phone call was the start to stress free days, nights, and the beginning of my financial freedom. Toby, Sasha, and Jess were great to work with and they have helped me every step of the way. I am very happy with my decision and would recommend Shanner & Associates to anyone needing help with financial issues. Thank you so much for all you help...Toby, Sasha, and Jess! read more

Shanner & Associates really impressed me...I went in for my consultation and was totally expecting them to be like used car salesmen...haha! I was so stressed out and Toby and Sasha really calmed me down. It's no simple thing...the whole bankruptcy experience...but they made it as painless as it could possibly be. They explained EVERYTHING (I was so freaked out) and really made me feel like this could be a new beginning rather than the end of the world. read more

From our very first consultation, Toby and his team at Shanner & Associates were amazing. They took the time to really understand our situation & how they can best help us. Throughout the entire process they were informative and always around to answer any questions. We never felt pressured to make a decision we weren't ready for and we were well informed of every step in the process. Would definitely Recommend! Thank you all so much! read more