Recent Blog Posts
Will Bankruptcy Ruin My Future? A Reality Check on Common Bankruptcy Myths
Filing for bankruptcy is often surrounded by fear, uncertainty, and a long list of myths that discourage people from seeking the relief they genuinely need. Many Californians worry that bankruptcy will ruin their credit forever, stop them from getting an apartment, or hurt their job prospects. Others fear it will leave them unable to… Read More »
How to Protect Your Family from Creditor Harassment in Los Angeles
When aggressive debt collection begins to spill into your daily life, the stress can quickly spread to the people around you. Many families feel overwhelmed when constant calls, intimidating letters, or repeated voicemails interrupt their routines. No one should feel that their home life is disrupted by persistent contact from debt collectors. Understanding your… Read More »
How Bankruptcy Can Simplify Debt Division in Divorce: Realistic Solutions for California Couples
Dividing debt is one of the most stressful parts of ending a marriage. Many California couples carry credit cards, medical bills, personal loans, or tax debt that accumulated over years of shared responsibilities, and disagreements over who should pay what can complicate divorce negotiations. Bankruptcy can provide structure during this time, offering relief from… Read More »
What Happens If One Spouse Files Bankruptcy During Divorce Negotiations in California?
Divorce already brings emotional and financial uncertainty, and adding bankruptcy into the mix can make things even more complicated. When one spouse files for bankruptcy while divorce negotiations are underway, both the timing and the type of bankruptcy can affect how assets and debts are divided. Understanding how these two systems interact is essential… Read More »
Common Mistakes People Make When Completing the Bankruptcy Means Test
The Bankruptcy Means Test is a central part of filing for consumer bankruptcy, and it plays a major role in determining whether you qualify for Chapter 7 or must pursue a Chapter 13 repayment plan. Because the test applies federal rules to California households, where living costs, housing expenses, and childcare needs often exceed… Read More »
How Expenses Are Calculated in the Bankruptcy Means Test: What You Can (and Can’t) Include
Filing for bankruptcy in California involves several important steps, but few are as central as the Bankruptcy Means Test. This calculation determines whether you qualify for Chapter 7 or whether your financial situation suggests a Chapter 13 repayment plan. Because the Means Test applies federal rules to your California household’s income and necessary living… Read More »
Managing Student Loan Debt in Bankruptcy and Divorce: What California Couples Need to Understand
Student loan balances are among the most difficult debts for California couples to manage during and after divorce. When bankruptcy becomes part of the picture, dividing responsibility can be even more complex. Education loans follow strict federal rules, and California’s community property laws create unique challenges for couples trying to rebuild financially after separation…. Read More »
Are You Responsible for a Second Mortgage After Foreclosure in California? The Law May Surprise You
Many homeowners in California assume that once their home is foreclosed, all their mortgage debt disappears. But when a property has both a first and second mortgage, the question of responsibility after foreclosure becomes more complex. Whether you still owe money depends on the type of loans involved, the foreclosure process used, and California’s… Read More »
The Role of the Means Test in Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: Beyond Eligibility
Most people hear about the Means Test in the context of Chapter 7 eligibility. If your income is above the state median, Chapter 7 may not be available. That is only part of the story. Even when you choose Chapter 13, the Means Test still matters because it helps decide how long your plan… Read More »
Behind on Your Second Mortgage? What You Need to Know Before Foreclosure Becomes a Reality
Owning a home in Los Angeles is an incredible accomplishment, but for many homeowners, carrying both a first and second mortgage can create serious financial pressure. When unexpected challenges arise, such as job loss, medical expenses, or inflation-driven cost increases, some borrowers fall behind on their second mortgage while continuing to pay the first…. Read More »