Find Bankruptcy Lawyers Near You in Glendale, CA

The cost of hiring a bankruptcy lawyer in Glendale, California, varies based on the complexity of your case and the chapter you file. For a straightforward Chapter 7 case, attorney fees typically range from $1,500 to $3,500, while Chapter 13 cases, which require more extensive paperwork and court oversight, generally cost between $3,000 and $6,000. These fees are in addition to the non-refundable court filing fees of $338 for Chapter 7 and $313 for Chapter 13. Many attorneys offer flexible payment plans, allowing you to pay the full fee before filing in installments. For Chapter 13, attorney fees can be included in the repayment plan and paid over time. Some low-income individuals may qualify for pro bono services through organizations like the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles, though availability is limited.

This information is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Bankruptcy laws and fees are subject to change, and individual circumstances vary significantly. You should consult with a qualified bankruptcy attorney in Glendale to receive advice tailored to your specific financial situation.

For residents and business owners in Glendale, California, facing overwhelming debt can feel like an impossible situation. Bankruptcy law offers a legal path to financial relief, and understanding the distinctions between the primary chapters is the first step. Chapter 7 bankruptcy, often called liquidation, is designed for individuals and businesses with limited income who cannot repay their debts. Under Chapter 7, a trustee may sell non-exempt assets to pay creditors, and most remaining unsecured debts are discharged. Chapter 13 bankruptcy, known as reorganization, is for individuals with a regular income who can commit to a three-to-five-year repayment plan to catch up on mortgages, car loans, and other debts. Chapter 11 bankruptcy is typically used by businesses, including those in Glendale, to restructure debts while continuing operations, though high-income individuals may also qualify. Choosing the right chapter depends on your income, asset levels, and long-term financial goals; a consultation with a qualified attorney can clarify which path aligns with your circumstances.

California has its own set of bankruptcy exemption laws that differ significantly from federal exemptions. Residents of Glendale must use California state exemptions rather than the federal system, as the state has opted out of the federal exemption scheme. The California homestead exemption is particularly important for homeowners, protecting up to $300,000 of equity for individuals who meet certain criteria, such as being over 65, disabled, or low-income, with a base exemption of $75,000 for others. The vehicle exemption allows you to protect up to $3,325 in equity in one motor vehicle, though this amount can be doubled for married couples filing jointly. California also offers a wildcard exemption under Code of Civil Procedure Section 704.730, which allows you to protect up to $1,550 of any personal property, plus up to $25,575 of unused homestead exemption for other assets. Other key exemptions include household goods, tools of the trade up to $8,725, and retirement accounts, which are generally fully protected. These exemptions are codified in California Code of Civil Procedure Sections 703.010 through 704.995, and they are adjusted periodically for inflation.

The means test is a critical hurdle for anyone considering Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Glendale. This test compares your household income to the median income for a similar-sized household in California. As of 2025, the median annual income for a single-person household in California is approximately $82,000, while a family of four has a median of about $115,000. If your income is below the median, you automatically qualify for Chapter 7. If your income exceeds the median, you must complete a detailed calculation of your monthly disposable income after allowed expenses. If this disposable income is less than $100 per month, you pass the means test; if it is between $100 and $200, you must compare it to 25 percent of your non-priority unsecured debt. If it exceeds $200 per month, you generally cannot file Chapter 7 and must consider Chapter 13 instead. The means test uses IRS national and local standards for expenses, including housing, transportation, and food, which are specific to the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale metropolitan area. This test ensures that Chapter 7 is reserved for those who genuinely cannot repay their debts.

Filing for bankruptcy in Glendale triggers an automatic stay, which is one of the most powerful protections available. The automatic stay immediately stops all collection activities, including phone calls from creditors, wage garnishments, foreclosure proceedings, repossession efforts, and lawsuits. This stay takes effect the moment your case is filed with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Central District of California, which serves Glendale. The timeline from filing to discharge varies by chapter. For a Chapter 7 case, the process typically takes three to five months, with a meeting of creditors (also called a 341 meeting) scheduled about 30 days after filing. For Chapter 13, the repayment plan lasts three to five years, and the discharge is granted upon successful completion of the plan. Before filing, you must complete a mandatory credit counseling course from an approved agency, and after filing but before discharge, you must complete a debtor education course. Both courses are typically available online for a fee of $10 to $50 each. Failure to complete these courses can result in your case being dismissed.

The costs associated with bankruptcy in Glendale are regulated but can vary. The federal filing fee for Chapter 7 is $338, while Chapter 13 has a filing fee of $313, as of 2025. These fees are paid to the court and are non-refundable. Attorney fees for Chapter 7 in the Glendale area typically range from $1,500 to $3,500, depending on the complexity of your case, including whether you have significant assets or business interests. Chapter 13 attorney fees are higher, usually ranging from $3,000 to $6,000, because of the longer duration and more complex plan administration. Many attorneys offer payment plans, allowing you to pay fees in installments before filing. For Chapter 13, attorney fees can be paid through the repayment plan itself. For individuals with very low income, pro bono resources may be available through organizations such as the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles, though eligibility is limited. It is important to note that you cannot pay attorney fees with credit cards if you intend to discharge that debt.

Life after bankruptcy requires patience and strategic planning. A Chapter 7 discharge remains on your credit report for ten years from the filing date, while a Chapter 13 discharge stays for seven years. During this time, you can begin rebuilding your credit by obtaining a secured credit card, making small purchases, and paying the balance in full each month. You should also ensure that all discharged debts are reported correctly by obtaining a free credit report from each of the three major bureaus annually. Some debts survive bankruptcy, including most student loans (unless you can prove undue hardship in an adversary proceeding), recent income taxes (less than three years old), child support, alimony, and debts arising from fraud or intentional harm. Secured debts, such as car loans or mortgages, are not automatically discharged unless you surrender the property or reaffirm the debt. After bankruptcy, you may also be eligible for a new mortgage or auto loan within two to four years, though interest rates may be higher. With consistent effort, many Glendale residents achieve a stable financial footing within a few years of their discharge.