Chapter 13 · Los Angeles, California
Chapter 13 Attorney for Los Angeles, California Homeowners and Families
Los Angeles homeowners often have a lot of equity, and a missed mortgage payment can put all of it at risk. Chapter 13 stops a foreclosure or repossession and lets you catch up over 3 to 5 years. Call (310) 362-9071 for a free consultation.
- Median owner home value: $921,200
- Stop a foreclosure or repossession
- Catch up over 3 to 5 years
- Meet in Beverly Hills or by video
Saving a home in Los Angeles, California
About 36% of homes in Los Angeles, California are lived in by their owners, and the median owner-occupied home is valued at $921,200. 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.
With homes in Los Angeles worth around $920,000 on average, a long-time owner can have more equity than the homestead exemption protects. Chapter 13 lets you keep the house, stop a foreclosure sale and catch up over time.
How long a Los Angeles, California Chapter 13 plan runs
Because half of Los Angeles, California households earn less than $81,939, many filers here are below the state median for their household size. Below-median filers can often use a 3-year plan instead of 5.
Your plan payment is based on your income after reasonable costs. Median rent in Los Angeles, California is $1,933 a month. A year of that rent equals about 28% 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. Those housing costs count when we build your budget.
When Chapter 13 fits Los Angeles, California filers
- You are behind on a mortgage. Past-due payments are spread over the plan while the sale stays on hold. See stop foreclosure.
- You have more equity than the exemptions protect. With home values in Los Angeles, California at $921,200, this is common. Chapter 13 lets you keep the property and pay creditors over time.
- You pass the means test but need more time. Many Los Angeles, California filers qualify for Chapter 7, yet choose Chapter 13 to catch up on a house or car they want to keep.
- You own one of the few owner-occupied homes in Los Angeles, California. Only about 36% of homes here are lived in by owners, so protecting one is worth planning for.
- You need to keep a car. Some older car loans can be cut to the car's value.
We also see Chapter 13 used by Los Angeles families who earn too much for Chapter 7, and by people who are behind on a car they need to get across the city to work.
Where a Los Angeles, California Chapter 13 case is heard
Bankruptcy cases from most of Los Angeles, California, including the Westside, Hollywood, downtown and South Los Angeles, 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. Cases from many San Fernando Valley ZIP codes go to the San Fernando Valley Division of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Central District of California, at 21041 Burbank Boulevard in Woodland Hills.
After filing, you make plan payments to the Chapter 13 trustee, and a judge confirms the plan at a hearing.
Related pages
If your debts are mostly credit cards and medical bills, a Chapter 7 attorney for Los Angeles, California may be the faster path. See bankruptcy attorney for Los Angeles, California for both options, or read our main Chapter 13 bankruptcy page.
Chapter 13 questions from Los Angeles, California
Can Chapter 13 stop a foreclosure on my Los Angeles, California home?
Yes, Chapter 13 can stop a foreclosure if it is filed before the sale. The missed payments are then paid over the plan while you keep making current payments.
Will I keep my Los Angeles, California home in Chapter 13?
Yes, you usually keep your home in Chapter 13 if you make the plan payments and stay current on the mortgage after filing. That matters in Los Angeles, California, where many homes are worth more than the homestead exemption protects.
Can Chapter 13 help if my Los Angeles home has a second mortgage?
Chapter 13 may help with a second mortgage on a Los Angeles home. If the home is worth less than the first loan, the second loan can sometimes be treated as unsecured debt. We check the value first.
Free consultation
Protect your Los Angeles, California home or car
Call (310) 362-9071 or send the form. Have any sale date or notice ready.
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.