Bankruptcy in California
Talk to a Bankruptcy Lawyer
Enter Your Zip Code to Connect with a Lawyer Serving Your Area
Enter Your Zip Code to Connect with a Lawyer Serving Your Area
The bankruptcy system is governed by federal law. However, where you live does play a role in some aspects of bankruptcy. Here you'll find information important to filing for bankruptcy in California, including:
- California Bankruptcy Exemptions. Exemptions play a big role in bankruptcy -- they determine what property you keep in Chapter 7 bankruptcy and influence how much your monthly payment will be in Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
- California Filing Information. If you file in California, it helps to have links to your local bankruptcy courts and know which credit counseling agenies are approved by the bankruptcy trustee. In addition, you'll need to know the state median income to complete the means test (which determines eligibility for Chapter 7 bankruptcy).
Click on the article links below to find California-specific information related to bankruptcy.
California Bankruptcy Information
Filing for Bankruptcy in California
Find out where you should be filing, get information on the means test and counseling requirements.
Find out where you should be filing, get information on the means test and counseling requirements.
California Bankruptcy Exemptions
A complete list of bankruptcy exemptions in California. Find out what property might be at risk in a chapter 7 bankruptcy.
A complete list of bankruptcy exemptions in California. Find out what property might be at risk in a chapter 7 bankruptcy.
Common Questions
What is The Difference Between California Bankruptcy Exemption Systems?
California is the only state that offers two distinct set of bankruptcy exemptions. Find out what the difference is and which is best for your situation.
California is the only state that offers two distinct set of bankruptcy exemptions. Find out what the difference is and which is best for your situation.
Can I keep rental property in a California bankruptcy?
It depends on the type of bankruptcy and your equity in the property. In a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you must give up any equity that you can't protect with an exemption.
It depends on the type of bankruptcy and your equity in the property. In a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you must give up any equity that you can't protect with an exemption.
From Our California Bankruptcy Lawyers
Get information straight from some of our California bankruptcy lawyers.
How Will an Inheritance Affect my California Bankruptcy?
If you've got an inheritance coming your way soon and you're thinking about bankruptcy, it may become part of the bankruptcy estate and could potentially be seized.
If you've got an inheritance coming your way soon and you're thinking about bankruptcy, it may become part of the bankruptcy estate and could potentially be seized.
Using Chapter 13 to Stop a California Foreclosure
Homeowners facing foreclosure in Californian can use Chapter 13 Bankruptcy to stop the foreclosure process and pay delinquent mortgage payments over time.
Homeowners facing foreclosure in Californian can use Chapter 13 Bankruptcy to stop the foreclosure process and pay delinquent mortgage payments over time.
California Bankruptcy and Student Loans
Along with certain tax debts and family support obligations, it is much more difficult to get rid of student loans in a bankruptcy case.
Along with certain tax debts and family support obligations, it is much more difficult to get rid of student loans in a bankruptcy case.
Does Filing Bankruptcy Affect Employment in California?
Federal and State laws protect employees from being fired for filing bankruptcy, and most job applicants are also protected.
Federal and State laws protect employees from being fired for filing bankruptcy, and most job applicants are also protected.
Nolo Bankruptcy Books
The New Bankruptcy: Will It Work for You?
Is bankruptcy the right solution for your overwhelming debts? Pick the best strategies for your situation with the information and practical suggestions in this book by best-selling author Stephen Elias.
Is bankruptcy the right solution for your overwhelming debts? Pick the best strategies for your situation with the information and practical suggestions in this book by best-selling author Stephen Elias.
How to File for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
The reliable, up-to-date information in this best-selling book will help you successfully complete your bankruptcy claim without breaking the bank.
The reliable, up-to-date information in this best-selling book will help you successfully complete your bankruptcy claim without breaking the bank.
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: Keep Your Property & Repay Debts Over Time
This comprehensive guide explains the Chapter 13 process, from start to finish.
This comprehensive guide explains the Chapter 13 process, from start to finish.
Find a California Bankruptcy Attorney
If you're thinking about bankruptcy, you may want to talk to an attorney first. Use the options below to schedule a consultation to get some legal advice regarding your options.
Talk to a Local Bankruptcy Lawyer
Use this to locate bankruptcy attorneys licensed to practice in California and serving your area.
Use this to locate bankruptcy attorneys licensed to practice in California and serving your area.
Browse Nolo's Lawyer Directory
Browse Nolo's bankruptcy lawyer directory to find lawyers in all states and cities.
Browse Nolo's bankruptcy lawyer directory to find lawyers in all states and cities.
Bankruptcy Court Websites
Here are the various district court websites where you can find information on local rules and procedures for a bankruptcy case.