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California homeowners may be able to keep their house when they file Chapter 7 bankruptcy, but the answer depends on the home’s equity, available exemption protection, and mortgage status. A homeowner with protected equity and...

Choosing between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when seeking debt relief. Chapter 7 eliminates most unsecured debt quickly, usually in three to six months, while...

After a court judgment is entered against you, the creditor gains the legal right to pursue collection. Wage garnishment is one collection method a judgment creditor may use in California, but money is not withheld...

Most people filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy in California are eligible to keep the majority of their property under the exemptions. California offers two separate exemption systems, known as System 703 and System 704, that protect...

When credit card payments stop, the consequences can build in stages, from late fees and credit damage to collection activity, charge-offs, lawsuits, and possible post-judgment collection. In California, creditors and debt buyers have legal collection...

Several actions can create fraud problems in a bankruptcy case, including hiding assets, making false statements under oath, transferring property to keep it away from creditors, and running up debt with no intent to repay....

The means test is a federal formula that determines whether your income is low enough to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy in California. If your household income falls at or below the state median, you automatically...

Chapter 7 bankruptcy clears a lot of debt, but federal law prevents you from erasing everything. Debts you cannot discharge include child support, alimony, some student loans, recent income taxes, criminal fines, and debts caused...

Chapter 7 bankruptcy is often faster and more protective than debt settlement for people who are dealing with unsecured debt. Settlement usually works only if you can come up with real money to offer, and...

Yes, certain tax debts can be discharged in bankruptcy under federal law. Income taxes owed to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or the California Franchise Tax Board (FTB) may qualify for discharge under Chapter 7...