Serving Santa Monica, California from Beverly Hills
Bankruptcy Attorney for Santa Monica, California Residents
Santa Monica has some of the highest home values near the beach, and most of its residents rent. Law Offices of John Asuncion is a bankruptcy attorney serving Santa Monica, California from our Beverly Hills office. Call (310) 362-9071 for a free consultation, in person or by video.
- Santa Monica, California bankruptcy cases are heard downtown
- Flat fees from $1,200 plus the court filing fee
- Meet in Beverly Hills or by video
- Emergency filings to stop a garnishment or sale
Santa Monica, California by the numbers
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS 2020-2024 5-year), QuickFacts for Santa Monica, California.
What these numbers mean for a Santa Monica, California bankruptcy
Half of Santa Monica, California households earn less than $114,885 a year. That sits between California's medians for two people ($102,797) and four people ($139,071). Whether you pass depends a lot on how many people live in your home.
About 27.9% of homes in Santa Monica, California are lived in by their owners, and the median owner-occupied home is valued at $1,755,500. At those values, an owner with a small mortgage can have more equity than California's homestead exemption protects. When that is true, Chapter 7 could put the house at risk, and Chapter 13 is often the safer way to keep it. California's homestead exemption rises with inflation each year. In Los Angeles County, owners generally get the top amount, which is about $744,000 in 2026.
Median rent in Santa Monica, California is $2,402 a month. A year of that rent equals about 25% of the city's median household income. Even so, a job loss or medical bill can push rent and other bills onto credit cards fast. Many Santa Monica apartments are covered by the city's rent control law.
Debt and the Santa Monica, California economy
Santa Monica's largest employers in 2024 included the City, Providence Saint John's Health Center, UCLA Medical Center Santa Monica, Amazon, Snap, Hulu and Activision. The economy mixes health care, tech, education and entertainment.
About 72% of Santa Monica homes are rented. Tech layoffs and high living costs near the Pier and Third Street Promenade can push even well-paid workers into debt.
Zillow's typical home value in Santa Monica, California was $1,657,936 in September 2026. The unemployment rate in Santa Monica, California was 4.5% in September 2026, according to preliminary U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics figures.
Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 in Santa Monica, California?
Most Santa Monica renters with credit card or medical debt look at Chapter 7 first. Owners, whose homes have a median value over $1.7 million, often need Chapter 13 to protect their equity.
- Chapter 7 attorney for Santa Monica, California: wipes out most credit card, medical and personal loan debt in about four months.
- Chapter 13 attorney for Santa Monica, California: a 3 to 5 year payment plan that can save a home or car.
Courts that handle Santa Monica, California cases
Bankruptcy cases from Santa Monica, California are assigned to the Los Angeles Division of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Central District of California, at the Roybal Federal Building, 255 East Temple Street, downtown.
If a creditor has already sued you, that lawsuit is usually in Los Angeles Superior Court. Small claims cases from Santa Monica usually go to the Beverly Hills Courthouse. Collection lawsuits under $35,000 are usually filed at the Chatsworth Courthouse. Filing bankruptcy pauses those lawsuits.
Meeting with us from Santa Monica, California
Our only office is at 9454 Wilshire Blvd., Penthouse Floor, in Beverly Hills. From Santa Monica, take Wilshire Boulevard east the whole way, or the 10 and 405 to Santa Monica Boulevard, about 8 miles. If the drive is hard to fit around work, we meet by video, and you can sign most papers online.
Santa Monica, California bankruptcy questions
Do I have to go to Beverly Hills to file bankruptcy from Santa Monica, California?
No, you do not have to come to Beverly Hills to file bankruptcy from Santa Monica, California. We meet by video, and most documents can be signed online. Many clients still like to meet once in person at our Wilshire office.
Which bankruptcy court hears cases from Santa Monica, California?
The Los Angeles Division at 255 East Temple Street hears bankruptcy cases from Santa Monica, California. Your ZIP code decides the division, and we confirm it before filing.
How much does a bankruptcy attorney cost for Santa Monica, California residents?
Our flat fees for Santa Monica, California residents start at $1,200 plus the court filing fee, with payment plans. Chapter 13 fees are different, and you get the fee in writing at your free consultation.
Will filing bankruptcy affect my rent-controlled Santa Monica apartment?
Filing bankruptcy does not end your rent-controlled Santa Monica lease. Keep paying rent on time after you file. If you are behind on rent, tell us before filing so we can plan for it.
Free consultation
Talk to a bankruptcy attorney about your Santa Monica, California case
Call (310) 362-9071 or send the form. We will tell you which chapter fits and what it costs.
Law Offices of John Asuncion9454 Wilshire Blvd., Penthouse Floor
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
(310) 362-9071
Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.