Chapter 13 Bankruptcy in California

Reorganize Your Debts — Keep Your Assets

If you have a steady income, own a home or car, and want to repay debt without selling your property, Chapter 13 bankruptcy is a powerful tool. It lets you restructure secured debt arrears and pay off unsecured debts over time under a court-supervised plan.

At Bankruptcy Near Me, we guide clients through every step in the Central District of California, from eligibility and plan drafting to confirmation, modifications, and discharge.

What Is Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?

  • Chapter 13 is sometimes called the “wage earner’s plan” because it is tailored to individuals with regular income.

  • Rather than liquidating assets, you propose a repayment plan lasting 3 to 5 years.

  • You can catch up on delinquent mortgage or vehicle payments while continuing regular payments.

  • At the end of the term, remaining qualifying unsecured debts may be discharged.

  • In some cases, if you are unable to complete the plan due to circumstances beyond your control, you may seek a hardship discharge.

Who Qualifies in the Central District of California?

To be eligible under Chapter 13:

  • You must be an individual (not a corporation) with regular income (wages, pension, business).

  • Your total secured and unsecured debt must not exceed federal limits (these are periodically adjusted).

  • You must file in the proper venue — typically where you live or where your principal assets are located, within the Central District of California.

  • You must complete pre-filing credit counseling (within 180 days before filing) and post-filing debtor education before discharge.

The Chapter 13 Process (Central California)

  1. Credit Counseling
    You must complete a U.S. Trustee–approved credit counseling course before you file your bankruptcy petition.

  2. Filing the Petition and Plan
    You (with your attorney) file the petition, schedules, statement of affairs, and a proposed repayment plan.

  3. Automatic Stay
    Immediately upon filing, creditors must stop collection actions, lawsuits, garnishments, and most foreclosures.

  4. 341 Meeting of Creditors
    About 4–6 weeks after filing, you attend the meeting of creditors (held by the Chapter 13 trustee).

  5. Confirmation Hearing
    The court holds a hearing to confirm the plan after reviewing feasibility, objections by creditors or trustee, and legal compliance.

  6. Making Plan Payments
    Over the life of the plan, you make monthly payments through the trustee. The payments cover arrears, priority debts, and unsecured creditors according to the plan.

  7. Modifications & Adjustments
    If your financial situation changes (job loss, increased expenses), you can ask the court to modify your plan.

  8. Discharge or Hardship Discharge
    After completion, a discharge is granted for remaining qualifying unsecured debts. If you can’t complete the plan, in limited cases a hardship discharge may be possible.

  9. Conversion or Dismissal
    You may convert to Chapter 7 (if eligible) or risk dismissal if you fail to comply.

Central District of California: Judges & Trustees

Bankruptcy Judges — Central District of California

Some of the bankruptcy judges in the Central District include:

  • Albert, T. (Santa Ana)

    Barash, M. (San Fernando Valley, Northern)

    Bason, N. (Los Angeles)

    Bluebond, S. (Los Angeles)

    Brand, J. (Chief Judge) (Los Angeles)

    Clarkson, S. (Riverside, Santa Ana)

    Clifford III, R. (Northern)

    Houle, M. (Santa Ana)

    Kaufman, V. (San Fernando Valley)

    Klein, S. (Los Angeles)

    Kwan, R. (Los Angeles)

    Mund, G. (San Fernando Valley)

    Reyes Bordeaux, M. (Riverside)

    Russell, B. (Los Angeles)

    Saltzman, D. (Los Angeles, Northern)

    Smith, E. (Santa Ana)

    Tighe, M. (San Fernando Valley)

    Yun, S. (Riverside)

    Zive, G. (Los Angeles)

    Zurzolo, V. (Los Angeles)

These judges oversee confirmation hearings, plan disputes, motions, adversary proceedings, and creditor objections related to Chapter 13 cases.

Chapter 13 Trustees in Central District

Why Chapter 13 Might Be the Right Choice in California

  • You can catch up mortgage or car arrears over time instead of losing the property.

  • The automatic stay provides protection against creditor actions.

  • You may discharge certain debts not dischargeable under Chapter 7.

  • The plan framework allows for flexibility or modification as your finances change.

  • Chapter 13 is often better suited if you have property you want to keep or secured debts to manage.

Low-Bono Chapter 13 Representation (California)

At Bankruptcy Near Me, we aim to make excellent bankruptcy representation accessible. In California, we offer low-bono (reduced-fee) Chapter 13 services for eligible clients. Our low-bono program includes:

  • Intake and eligibility review

  • Plan drafting and modifications

  • Representation at 341 meeting and confirmation

  • Motions, objections, and advocacy

  • Personal access to your attorney

If you are in Southern or Central California and want to see if you qualify for low-bono Chapter 13 help, call 714-798-2544 or email info@bankruptcynearme.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long does Chapter 13 take in California?
Between 3 and 5 years, depending on income level and plan structure.

Can Chapter 13 stop foreclosure?
Yes, if timely filed, Chapter 13 can halt a foreclosure and allow you to catch up delinquent payments through the plan.

What if I miss a payment?
The trustee or creditor may move to dismiss, but courts sometimes permit curing the default or modifying the plan.

Can I convert to Chapter 7 during Chapter 13?
Yes, conversion is allowed if you become eligible and meet legal requirements.