California Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Guides
Plain-English answers to the Chapter 7 bankruptcy questions we hear most — who qualifies, what you keep, the costs, and what comes next. Written and reviewed by attorney Ron Chini.
Understand bankruptcy before you decide
The Chapter 7 questions we hear most, answered in plain English by a real attorney.
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in California: The Complete Guide
Who qualifies, what debt it wipes out, what you keep, the process, and what it costs — the best place to start.
Read the guide Wage GarnishmentWill Chapter 7 Stop Wage Garnishment in California?
How the automatic stay halts garnishment the moment you file — how fast it works, and the exceptions.
Read the answer EligibilityDo I Qualify? The California Means Test, Simplified
Income below your household's median usually means you qualify. We'll walk through it step by step.
Read the guide GuideWhat Property Can I Keep in a California Chapter 7?
How California's exemptions protect your home, car, retirement, and everyday essentials.
Read the guide CostHow Much Does Chapter 7 Cost in California?
The $338 court fee, the $99 start, required courses, fee waivers, and attorney flat fees — what to actually expect.
Read the guide Life AfterLife After Chapter 7: Rebuilding Your Credit
The real credit-recovery timeline after discharge, plus practical steps to rebuild and when you can finance a car or home.
Read the guide CompareBankruptcy vs. Debt Settlement: Which Is Right?
Cost, speed, credit impact, lawsuits, and the tax trap most settlement ads never mention — and when each option makes sense.
Read the guide CompareChapter 7 vs. Chapter 13: Which Do You Need?
Who qualifies for each, what you keep, how long they take, and when a repayment plan beats Chapter 7 liquidation.
Read the guide TimelineHow Long Does Chapter 7 Take in California?
The step-by-step timeline from filing to discharge — about 3–4 months — and what speeds it up or slows it down.
Read the guide ProcessWhat Happens at the 341 Meeting of Creditors?
The one required hearing, demystified — when it is, who runs it, what to bring, and why it's usually over in minutes.
Read the guide EligibilityWhich Debts Can't Be Wiped Out in Bankruptcy?
The short list that survives a discharge — taxes, support, student loans — and the big list that doesn't.
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Reviewed by a real attorney
These guides aren't anonymous content. Every page is written and reviewed by Ron Chini, who has defended DUI, criminal, and bankruptcy clients from his Irvine office since 2009.
Meet Ron Chini