Bankruptcy Facts
Helpful bankruptcy facts from our lawyers in Los Angeles and Encino on how to file bankruptcy in California.
You've come to the right place to understand why Bankruptcy is not a one-size-fits-all type of solution. In addition to explaining Chapter 7 Bankruptcy and Chapter 13 Bankruptcy, we can help you explore bankruptcy alternatives, methods for avoiding foreclosure of your home, and even ways to just buy some time. In our experience, simply understanding your options will help ease your stress!
A lawful way to get back on your feet
You may likely be in the toughest stage of your life right now. With more debt than you ever imagined, and no way to realistically pay it off, you may find yourself in this situation for many reasons:
- Medical bills
- Layoffs
- Risky investments that didn't pay off
- IRS debts (Don't apply for "Offer & Compromise" with IRS before consulting us!)
- Dropping home values, negative equity, and potential foreclosure
- A court judgment or wage garnishment
- Outrageous credit card fees and penalties
- Business failure
- Hidden debts by your spouse
- Divorce
- High interest Credit Card Debts
There's only one thing you need to know: regardless of what contributed to your financial problems, bankruptcy is a legal way to get back on your feet. It's one of the few laws remaining in force designed to help consumers, not financial institutions.
Complex new bankruptcy laws
Since the creation of new bankruptcy laws in 2005, it's more important than ever to consult with an attorney who deals exclusively with filing bankruptcy cases. Banks used their powerful lobby to include numerous provisions in the new laws that make it more difficult to file bankruptcy in California, and also limit what debt can be eliminated.
The Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 (BAPCPA) requires a Means Test, Credit Counseling, and Financial Management Certificates to be completed before a discharge of debts can be ordered by the Court. Satisfaction of the Means Test can be a very complex and the most important part of your case.
Bankruptcy - More than just filing forms
Bankruptcy is no longer a simple matter of just filing some forms. Only an experienced Bankruptcy attorney can provide you with all of the answers that you need. The good news is that most people can still be eligible to file for bankruptcy protection without losing their business, home, autos, cash, 401k, and many other assets.
We have helped over a thousand clients either file bankruptcy in California, or avoid bankruptcy altogether, resulting in the discharge of Millions of dollars in debt. Our experience means we can help you assess factors that could affect your bankruptcy filing or prevent you from quickly getting your life back in order. These include:
- Property you have recently given away;
- Large credit card purchases or advances in the prior 6 months;
- Balance transfers onto newly opened credit cards;
- Exaggerated earnings on past credit applications.
Are you ready for peace of mind?
During the time you spend with us our goal is to give you peace of mind -- and there is no obligation to engage our services. You'll immediately understand why any fees you might pay us will be far less than allowing debt to keep accumulating. And we work with you to come up with a payment plan that you can afford.
Contact our bankruptcy attorneys for a free consultation.
Los Angeles Bankruptcy Lawyer Blog - Bankruptcy Statistics
- Los Angeles Bankruptcy Spikes After Tax Refunds A new study conducted by economists at three universities shows that bankruptcy filings in Los Angeles and across the country spike after tax season. ....
- Los Angeles Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Becoming More Popular The United States Bankruptcy Court for the Central District of California, the court that governs Los Angeles, recently released statistics that show ....
- Poverty Rate Increases in Los Angeles, U.S. Due to Overwhelming Debt As the Los Angeles Bankruptcy Lawyer Blog commented on recently, the middle class has become more and more susceptible to falling into debt, which has ....




