Chapter 7 · Burbank, California
Chapter 7 Attorney for Burbank, California Residents
Many Burbank residents work in film and TV, where a strike or a canceled show can stop the paychecks. A Chapter 7 case wipes out most credit card, medical and personal loan debt in about four months. Call (310) 362-9071 for a free consultation to see if you qualify.
- Half of Burbank, California households earn under $97,082
- Flat fees from $1,200 plus the court filing fee
- Payment plans available
- Most cases take about four months
Do Burbank, California households pass the means test?
Half of Burbank, California households earn less than $97,082 a year. That falls between California's medians for one person ($79,253) and two people ($102,797). Many families of two or more pass the first step of the means test on income alone.
| Household size | Median income |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $79,253 |
| 2 people | $102,797 |
| 3 people | $116,541 |
| 4 people | $139,071 |
| Each extra person | add $11,100 |
The test uses your average income for the six months before filing, not your yearly salary. A recent job loss or cut in hours can help you qualify. See our means test evaluation page for how the full test works.
What Burbank, California filers usually keep in Chapter 7
About 56.7% of Burbank, California homes are rented. Renters usually use California's second set of exemptions, which includes a "wildcard" that can protect cash, savings or other property. Your car, household goods, retirement accounts and most of your wages are usually protected too. Filing does not end your lease. Burbank's Tenant Protection Ordinance requires a stated just cause to end most tenancies.
About 43.3% of homes in Burbank, California are lived in by their owners, and the median owner-occupied home is valued at $1,089,100. 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.
Why people in Burbank, California file Chapter 7
After months between projects, many Burbank clients have used credit cards to cover rent and bills. Because the means test looks at the last six months, time out of work can help you qualify for Chapter 7.
About 10.7% of Burbank, California residents live below the poverty line. For people with little property and bills they cannot pay, Chapter 7 is often the fastest fresh start.
The Chapter 7 timeline for a Burbank, California case
Your case starts with a free consultation, in our office or by video. Next comes a short online credit counseling course, and we gather pay stubs, tax returns and bills. The day we file, garnishments, lawsuits and collection calls stop. About a month later, you attend a short meeting with the trustee assigned by the court in downtown Los Angeles. If no one objects, the discharge usually comes about 60 days after that meeting. For most Burbank, California filers, the whole case takes about four months.
Related pages
If you have a house or car you are behind on, read about our Chapter 13 attorney services for Burbank, California. For both options, see bankruptcy attorney for Burbank, California, or read our main Chapter 7 bankruptcy page.
Chapter 7 questions from Burbank, California
How long does Chapter 7 take for Burbank, California residents?
Chapter 7 usually takes about four months for Burbank, California residents, from filing to discharge. Collection stops the day the case is filed.
Do most Burbank, California households qualify for Chapter 7?
Many Burbank, California households can qualify for Chapter 7. Half earn less than $97,082, which is below California's median for a household of two. We run your numbers at the free consultation.
Do union residuals count as income for Chapter 7?
Yes, residuals usually count as income for the Chapter 7 means test in the months you receive them. We look at your actual six-month history.
Free consultation
See if Chapter 7 fits your Burbank, California household
Call (310) 362-9071 or send the form. Have your last six months of pay stubs handy.
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.