Cheap Chapter 7 · Santa Monica, California
Cheap Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Santa Monica, California for Simple Cases
Santa Monica's rent control generally covers apartments built before April 10, 1979. Long-time tenants in those units often have the simplest Chapter 7 cases. 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 the Los Angeles Division
Does your Santa Monica, California case fit a simple Chapter 7?
Santa Monica, California's median household income of $114,885 falls below California's median for a family of four ($139,071), so larger households here often pass the first step. About 72% of Santa Monica, California 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 Santa Monica, California
A low-cost Chapter 7 is usually simple when you rent, own no real estate, and earn under the California median for your household. The city's typical income, $114,885, falls between the two-person median of $102,797 and the three-person median of $116,541. So a household of three at that income would pass the first step, while a couple might need the full test. Tech jobs can come with stock or bonus pay that has to be counted the right way. Owning any property, even a small share, almost always makes a Santa Monica case more complex.
What can make a Chapter 7 cost more
Some cases take more work. Equity above the exemptions, a business, a creditor lawsuit inside the bankruptcy, recent transfers or a prior case can all add time and cost. If your case needs more, we tell you before you sign, not after.
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 Santa Monica, California are filed with the Los Angeles Division at 255 East Temple Street.
More for Santa Monica, California filers
- Bankruptcy attorney for Santa Monica, California
- Chapter 7 attorney for Santa Monica, California
- Chapter 13 attorney for Santa Monica, California
- Cheap bankruptcy in Santa Monica, California
- Affordable bankruptcy in Santa Monica, California
- Cheap Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Santa Monica, California
- Affordable Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Santa Monica, California
See every fee in one place on our bankruptcy cost page.
Cheap Chapter 7 questions from Santa Monica, California
Can I file a simple Chapter 7 in Santa Monica if I have a 401(k)?
Yes, you can often file a simple Chapter 7 in Santa Monica with a 401(k), because most retirement accounts are protected. You still list the account on your forms. Taking money out of it right before filing can make the case harder.
How can I keep my Chapter 7 cost low in Santa Monica, California?
You can keep your Chapter 7 cost low in Santa Monica, California 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 Santa Monica, California?
Filing Chapter 7 for free in Santa Monica, California 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 Santa Monica, California 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.