Cheap Chapter 7 · Malibu
Cheap Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Malibu for Simple Cases
About one in four Malibu households rents. A renter here with little property and a drop in income can fit a simple Chapter 7. A simple Chapter 7 case with us starts at a $1,200 flat fee plus the $338 court fee. Call (310) 362-9071 to see if yours is simple.
- Simple Chapter 7 from $1,200
- About four months, filing to discharge
- No property sold in most simple cases
- Filed in Santa Barbara
Does your Malibu case fit a simple Chapter 7?
Malibu's median household income of $194,421 is above California's median even for a family of four, so many filers here need the full means test, which subtracts real living costs. About 25% of Malibu homes are rented, and renters with little property usually fit the simplest kind of case.
- Your income passes the means test. See the California median income figures.
- Your property fits within California's exemptions. Most renters and people with modest cars do.
- You do not own a business with its own assets or debts.
- You have not moved money or property to family in the last two years.
- You have not had a Chapter 7 discharge in the last eight years.
Simple Chapter 7 cases in Malibu
A simple, low-cost Chapter 7 fits a Malibu renter whose income over the last six months is under California's median, such as $79,253 for one person, and who owns little beyond a car and household goods. Workers in coastal tourism around Malibu Pier and Zuma Beach can fit that picture after a slow season or a lost job. Owners are almost never simple, since Zillow put the typical Malibu home at $3,124,834 in January 2026 and the Census lists the median as $2,000,000 or more. A burned lot still has value, and an insurance payout, a fire lawsuit or a rebuild contract all make a case more complex. We sort out which kind of case you have at the first meeting.
What can make a Chapter 7 cost more
Here is what usually turns a simple case into a bigger one: property the exemptions do not fully cover, business income or debts, a recent large payment to a relative, an older bankruptcy, or a creditor who sues inside the case. You will know before you hire us if any of these apply.
Lowering the $338 court fee
The court fee is the same for every Chapter 7 filer in the country. You can pay it in up to four installments within 120 days, or ask the court to waive it if your household income is under 150% of the federal poverty guideline. Cases from Malibu are filed with the Northern Division in Santa Barbara.
More for Malibu filers
- Bankruptcy attorney for Malibu
- Chapter 7 attorney for Malibu
- Chapter 13 attorney for Malibu
- Cheap bankruptcy in Malibu
- Affordable bankruptcy in Malibu
- Cheap Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Malibu
- Affordable Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Malibu
See every fee in one place on our bankruptcy cost page.
Cheap Chapter 7 questions from Malibu
Does a burned Malibu lot count as property in Chapter 7?
Yes, a burned Malibu lot counts as property in Chapter 7. The land still has value, and it must be listed along with any insurance claims. If the equity is above the homestead exemption, Chapter 13 may be the safer choice.
How can I keep my Chapter 7 cost low in Malibu?
You can keep your Chapter 7 cost low in Malibu by bringing complete paperwork, telling us about all property up front and asking about court fee installments or a waiver. Simple cases start at our $1,200 flat fee.
Can I file Chapter 7 for free in Malibu?
Filing Chapter 7 for free in Malibu is possible only in limited cases. The court can waive its fee for low-income filers, and some nonprofit legal aid groups help people with very low incomes. Most people pay a flat attorney fee.
Free consultation
See if your Malibu Chapter 7 is a simple case
Call (310) 362-9071 or send the form. Bring your last six months of pay stubs.
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.