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Bankruptcy

California
Bankruptcy Law

Largest California Cities

  1. Los Angeles - 3,792,621
  2. San Diego - 2,259,481
  3. San Jose - 1,661,105
  4. Sacramento - 1,072,790
  5. San Bernardino - 807,147
  6. San Francisco - 805,235
  7. Fresno - 664,000
  8. Ontario - 615,598
  9. Long Beach - 462,257
  10. Riverside - 456,130
  11. Oakland - 411,480
  12. Bakersfield - 393,778
  13. Inglewood - 369,694
  14. Hayward - 366,577
  15. Stockton - 343,203
  16. Compton - 342,576

Filing Bankruptcy In California

Welcome!

Since 2006, more than 10 million consumers have come to this website figure out where they stand in relation to the 2005 (BAPCPA) bankruptcy law, and the  bankruptcy means test. 

Seventeen years later, the Means Test Calculator is still free, and we've updated it to use the latest applicable income and expense standards, for cases filed on or after May 15, 2023.

Local Forms & Instructions

Court Info for California

How Bankruptcy Handles Property

California Bankruptcy Exemptions

How Bankruptcy Handles Debt

Debts You CAN Discharge

  • Credit Card Debt,
  • Medical Debt
  • Lawsuit Liability (if not from fraud or willful or malicious injury), 
  • Personal Loans

Debts You Can Discharge Only In Special Cases

Debts You CAN NOT Discharge

What Happens To Secured Debts?

How Bankruptcy Affects Debt Co-Signers

    • Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
    • Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy Lawyers Near Me

Note: This website is updated as time permits. It is up to you to contact your local court and confirm and update any information you need. Information is not advice. Consult with a bankruptcy lawyer for advice about how the law relates to your exact situation.

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Bankruptcy Means Test Calculator for Every California County

Automatically apply the California median income standards and county expense standards your means test calculation.

Bankruptcy Courts for Every California County

Bankruptcy Courts Serving California

California Bankruptcy Exemption Laws

Automatically apply the California median income standards and county expense standards your means test calculation.

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Free Bankruptcy Case Evaluation For California

Do you have questions about filing bankruptcy in California? Use the form below to connect with a lawyer through the Nolo / Martindale network of bankruptcy lawyers For California.
SPONSORED FORM - Nolo/Martindale Attorney Network
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Means Test Calculator for Your County, For Cases Filed on or after April 1, 2023

The free bankruptcy means test calculator is a free, automated version of the official Means Test Form you must file with the court.

This free automated version:

...to help you determine whether you pass the "means test" for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

more...  

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California Bankruptcy Exemptions - All Categories

California Exemptions Summary:

Homestead

$313,200 to $626,400 depending on the county, and the median sale price for a home in prior calendar year.

2023 California Homestead Calculator (by County)

Vehicle Exemption

Motor vehicles to $3,825, or $3,825 in auto insurance for loss or damages (husband and wife may not double)

Personal Property

Jewelry, heirlooms & art to $9,525 total (husband and wife may not double)Health aids
Building materials to repair or improve home to $3,825 (husband and wife may not double)
Tools, implements, materials, instruments, uniforms, books, furnishings, & equipment to $9,525 total ($19,050 total if used by both spouses in same occupation); amount of exemption for commercial motor vehicle not to exceed $4,850 ($9,700 if used by debtor and spouse in same trade)
Deposit accounts  to $1,826 (as of July 2021 MBSAC for family of 4)

Wild Card

None (use federal non-bankruptcy wage exemption)

Deposit Accounts  to amount "necessary for the support of the judgment debtor, as well as the judgment debtor’s spouse and dependents"(CCP 704.225.) Using this exemption, a family living paycheck to paycheck could likely exempt an entire account balance; however, courts have yet to weigh in on the new law. A debtor must assert this exemption for it to apply.

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