Top 10 Bankruptcy Lawyers in Riverside, CA

Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13 in Riverside

Chapter 7 is a liquidation. If you pass the California means test, qualifying unsecured debt — credit cards, medical bills, most personal loans — is wiped, usually in three to four months. California's generous exemptions let most filers keep their everyday property.

Chapter 13 is a court-approved repayment plan lasting three to five years. It is the right tool if you earn too much for Chapter 7, are behind on a mortgage and want to keep the house, or need to catch up on car payments. The automatic stay in both chapters stops garnishments, foreclosure, and creditor calls the moment you file.

What does a Riverside bankruptcy lawyer cost?

A straightforward Chapter 7 typically runs a flat $1,500–$3,500 in attorney fees plus the $338 court filing fee. Chapter 13 attorney fees are higher — commonly $3,500–$6,000 — but much of that is built into your plan payments, and the Central District of California sets a presumptively reasonable "no-look" fee that many lawyers charge.

Be cautious of unusually low advertised prices; ask exactly what the fee covers, including the meeting of creditors and any required motions. A clear written fee agreement is standard at every reputable firm.

How to choose a Riverside bankruptcy lawyer

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What is specific about filing in the Inland Empire

Riverside filings go to the Central District of California's Riverside Division, with its own panel of Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 trustees. California also lets filers choose between two exemption systems (the 703 and 704 sets), and picking the right one can decide whether you keep equity in a home or a tax refund. That choice is where local experience pays off.

Before filing, you must complete a credit-counseling course, and before discharge a debtor-education course — both quick and inexpensive. A good lawyer walks you through both and the means test so there are no surprises.

10 questions to ask in your free consultation

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Frequently asked questions

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