Chapter 13

West Los Angeles Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Attorneys

Knowledgeable Legal Representation in Southern California

Not being able to keep up with your bills can be dispiriting, especially as debt begins to mount, eventually becoming insurmountable. You work hard for a living, and although your debt may be suffocating you, relief options are available. 

Chapter 13 bankruptcy can help you restructure your debt and protect you from damaging collection actions. 

Our team at Ghanooni Law Firm understands that filing for bankruptcy is no one’s first choice, and we are compassionate to the financial difficulties you and your family are experiencing. Our West Los Angeles Chapter 13 bankruptcy lawyers can help you navigate the reorganization process as efficiently and painlessly as possible. 

We have helped thousands of clients reclaim their integrity and financial security through bankruptcy and can leverage our knowledge and resources to benefit your case. We will work closely with you throughout our handling of your case and are committed to helping lift the burden of debt off your shoulders. 


Explore whether Chapter 13 bankruptcy is right for you by contacting us online or calling (213) 429-7749. We provide our legal services in English, Spanish, and Farsi.


“Eliza is not only super knowledgeable on all legal issues, but she is also very good at negotiating with creditors to settling any outstanding debts.”

Is Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Right for Me?

Chapter 13 bankruptcy is not necessarily right for everyone. The process is designed for people with some means to partially repay what they owe. This type of bankruptcy will not necessarily be appropriate for someone with little to no current income, for example.

There are four common questions we ask our prospective clients when they are considering Chapter 13 bankruptcy:

  • Are you behind on your mortgage, or have you received a notice of default or foreclosure?
  • Are you behind on your income taxes and need help avoiding a possible wage garnishment?
  • Do you need help protecting your assets from liquidation?
  • Do you not qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy due to your current level of disposable income?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, Chapter 13 bankruptcy may be right for you

Chapter 13 vs. Chapter 7

Chapter 7 bankruptcy may be a better choice for you if you have little to no means of repaying your debts. In order to be eligible, your current average income for the preceding six months must be less than California’s current average median income for your household size, or you must have sufficiently low disposable income after accounting for qualifying expenses. 

Chapter 7 bankruptcy comes with its own caveats, however, including the liquidation process. Non-exempt assets will be liquidated in exchange for a debt discharge. Chapter 13 bankruptcy will make more sense if you do not qualify as a result of your income or you have non-exempt assets you wish to protect. Filing for Chapter 13 relief can be extremely useful if you wish to avoid foreclosure and keep your home, for example.

Our Los Angeles Chapter 13 bankruptcy attorneys will carefully evaluate your circumstances and advise what type of bankruptcy is right for your situation. We will give you the information you need to make an informed decision and can help you understand what to expect if you choose to file.

How Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Works

Chapter 13 bankruptcy is a form of debt reorganization, so it is important that your finances be succinctly and accurately presented to the court. We will provide these services as part of our representation and will complete all accompanying paperwork in full on your behalf. 

As soon as you file your petition, you will be protected by bankruptcy’s automatic stay. This court order keeps creditors from initiating or continuing damaging collections against you, and in most circumstances, the automatic stay will protect you for the duration of your bankruptcy case. 

As a result, you will be potentially protected from foreclosure, repossession, collection lawsuits, and wage garnishments. You will also be safe from creditor harassment, as debt collectors are prohibited from contacting you once you file. 

When you file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you propose and commit to a debt restructuring plan that lasts between three and five years. All of your outstanding obligations will be consolidated into a single monthly payment. These payments will work to address all of your debts, and you will only be required to pay what you can currently afford. 

So long as you continue to make your court-approved payments, your assets will be safe from repossession. 

What Types of Debt Can Be Eliminated?

Upon completing your Chapter 13 plan, you will generally be allowed to discharge – or eliminate – any remaining unsecured debts. This means that any remaining credit card debt, medical bills, personal loans, or unpaid utility bills will be forgiven.

Certain types of debt cannot be discharged through Chapter 13 bankruptcy, including most types of tax debt, student loans, and missed spousal support payments. Mortgage arrears and some types of tax debt must also be paid in full over the course of your plan. 

At Ghanooni Law Firm, our Los Angeles Chapter 13 lawyers are familiar with the intricacies of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code and can work with you to develop a plan that meets all requirements while maximizing available relief. 

Call (213) 429-7749 or contact us online to learn more about your options.

  • Boutique Law Firm
    Our boutique law firm has been open for over a decade, providing clients with strategic solutions for their unique bankruptcy situation.
  • Hands On Service
    We are available to answer questions for our clients and we believe in constant communication throughout the duration of the case.
  • Judgement Free Space
    We want to provide our clients with a comfortable judgement-free space. Bankruptcy can affect everyone and we want to help you find the peace of mind that everyone deserves.
  • Language
    Our team can help you in English, Spanish and Farsi. Do not allow a language barrier to stop you from pursuing financial peace.

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