Chapter 7

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Attorney in Burbank

Certified Bankruptcy Specialist & CPA Serving Burbank Since 1990

If credit card debt, medical bills, or wage garnishment have become unmanageable, Chapter 7 bankruptcy can stop collection actions immediately and may eliminate most unsecured debt. Law Offices Of Hagen & Hagen represents Burbank residents and the broader San Fernando Valley in Chapter 7 filings under the Central District of California. Before recommending any course of action, we evaluate both bankruptcy and non-bankruptcy alternatives for every client.

Why Burbank Clients Work With Law Offices Of Hagen & Hagen

Jeff Hagen holds dual credentials uncommon in this market: certified as a bankruptcy law specialist by both the State Bar of California and the American Bankruptcy Board of Certification since 1994, and a licensed CPA. That combination means the financial accounting analysis underlying your filing recommendation comes from the same attorney who prepares your petition and represents you at the 341(a) meeting of creditors. Jeff has practiced bankruptcy law since 1990 and personally handles every case from the first phone call through discharge.

Local Court Knowledge That Shapes Every Filing

Jeff’s long tenure in the Central District of California has given him direct working knowledge of the judges, bankruptcy trustees, and creditor attorneys active in this district. That familiarity shapes how each case is prepared and what to anticipate at every stage.

What You Receive After the Consultation

After your no-charge consultation, Jeff emails you a written summary that includes his recommendation, a suggested strategy, a firm fee quote, a document checklist, and a full timeline of every step ahead. The fee quote covers all services and the court filing fee with no hidden charges. Jeff answers questions throughout the process without per-question billing, so you’re encouraged to ask rather than guess. Both the initial consultation and the follow-up paperwork meeting are available by Zoom, phone, email, fax, or mail for Burbank clients who prefer remote access.

Schedule a no-charge initial consultation with a chapter 7 bankruptcy attorney in Burbank residents trust. Call (818) 217-8781 or reach us through our online contact form.

What Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Does for Burbank Debtors

Filing Chapter 7 triggers an automatic stay the moment the petition is filed, immediately halting all collection actions: creditor lawsuits, wage garnishments, bank levies, repossessions, and foreclosure proceedings must stop. For many Burbank residents, that immediate halt is the first breathing room they’ve had in months.

The discharge that follows may eliminate credit card bills, personal loans, payday loans, medical bills, unpaid utility bills, and deficiency balances owed to auto or mortgage lenders after a repossession or foreclosure. Once a debt is discharged, the creditor can’t lawfully contact you about it, attempt to collect it, or take adverse action based on it.

Not every debt qualifies. Child support, alimony, most student loans, recent tax obligations, and debts incurred through fraud can’t be discharged in Chapter 7. Part of our initial review with every Burbank client is identifying exactly which debts would and wouldn’t be affected before any filing decision is made.

Chapter 7 Eligibility & the Means Test

Chapter 7 is available to most filers, but eligibility depends on a means test that compares your gross income over the prior six calendar months against the California median income for your household size. Burbank filers whose income falls below that median generally qualify without further calculation.

Earning above the median doesn’t automatically disqualify you. Allowable living expenses and other deductions can reduce disposable income to a level that still permits a Chapter 7 filing. As part of the no-charge consultation, Jeff Hagen conducts a full means test assessment and evaluates all applicable deductions to determine whether Chapter 7 is the right path for your situation. If it isn’t, Jeff can outline alternatives, including Chapter 13 repayment plans or non-bankruptcy options such as negotiated settlements or structured payment arrangements. Burbank residents working with a chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer who also holds a CPA license get that full financial picture before any decision is made.

California Bankruptcy Exemptions for Burbank Filers

California offers two separate exemption systems, and choosing between them before filing is an irrevocable decision. We review each client’s assets and select the system that provides maximum protection for their specific situation.

The protections available under California’s exemptions are substantial:

Home equity: One system protects up to $722,502 in home equity; the other provides up to $38,700 in wildcard exemptions applicable to any owned property
Motor vehicle: Up to $8,625 in vehicle value
Household goods and health aids: Covered under both systems
Work-related tools: Up to $10,950
Bank deposits: Up to $2,325
Retirement and pension accounts: Protected in full
Public benefits: Social Security, workers’ compensation, and similar benefits are exempt

In approximately 95% of Chapter 7 cases, no assets are liquidated because all property falls within exemption limits. Before filing, we review every client’s assets to identify any genuine liquidation risk so you can make a fully informed decision.

The Chapter 7 Process: Filing Through Discharge

Burbank filers fall under the jurisdiction of the Central District of California, San Fernando Valley Division. Here is how the process unfolds from start to finish.

Before filing, you must complete a credit counseling course through a court-approved agency. Jeff Hagen guides you through that requirement and prepares all petition documents. Once the petition is filed, the automatic stay takes effect and the trustee schedules your 341(a) meeting of creditors, which typically occurs about 30 days after filing. The 341(a) meeting is currently conducted by Zoom; creditors rarely appear, and Jeff prepares you in advance with detailed guidance on expected questions and required documents.

After the meeting, creditors have 60 days to file objections to the discharge. In a standard no-asset case where all property is exempt, objections are uncommon. Before discharge is entered, you must complete a debtor education course on financial management and file the certificate with the court. From filing through discharge and case closing, a standard no-asset Chapter 7 typically takes approximately three to four months. We also walk clients through practical credit-rebuilding steps once the case concludes.

Ready to find out whether Chapter 7 is the right option for your situation? Call (818) 217-8781 or contact us online to schedule your no-charge consultation with Jeff Hagen.

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Our FAQ

How Can We Help You?

Does my spouse have to file bankruptcy with me?

No. One spouse may file without the other. However, because California is a community property state, all marital community assets and all income earned by both spouses must be disclosed.
Do you offer payment plans for your fees?

Yes and no. For Chapter 7 cases, you may pay in increments, but fees must be paid in full before we file your case with the Court. In most Chapter 13 cases, only a portion of the fee is due before filing; the remaining balance is paid through your Chapter 13 payment plan via the bankruptcy trustee.
How much do you charge for a bankruptcy?

It depends on which chapter is most appropriate for your situation and on the complexity of your case. The simpler your case, the less I charge. At the end of your no-charge initial consultation, I’ll provide a firm written quote for my services.

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How can we help you? The more thorough your description of your financial circumstances, the better I’ll be able to assist you. What is the primary reason you’re considering bankruptcy? Is your home in foreclosure? Is a creditor garnishing your wages? Are credit cards or similar debts becoming unmanageable?
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Our Satisfied Clients

“The best in the business!!!”
We found out about Mr. Hagen through a friend who was a lawyer and had used him for his own case. Mr. Hagen was extremely thorough and patient with us through the entire process. In the consultation he explained everything, gave us our options and walked us through the process one step at a time. He included check lists and he personally followed up with us. I cannot say enough kind words about the great job he did for us. If you want the best bankruptcy attorney then Jeff Hagen is the one to choose.

- Jessica
“He's been a strong blessing in my life.”
I had an amazing experience with Hagen Hagen . A true professional. Strong work ethic. Returned your emails within 10 minutes. Perfectionist, professional, truly cares about his clients. I am 100% satisfied. He's been a strong blessing in my life. Thank you, Jeff.

- Ralph P.
“He is kind, patient, respectful, and most of all knows his stuff!”
Words can hardly express how grateful I am to have met and worked with Jeffrey Hagen. He is kind, patient, respectful, and most of all knows his stuff! I first met with Jeff a couple of years prior to hiring him to represent me. During this period he kept in touch and was always available to answer my questions. Once I was finally ready to move forward he was there for me every step of the way. I couldn't have ask for a more capable and professional advocate. It was a long journey that came to a very successful conclusion. Jeff kept me informed every step of the way and whenever I reached out via email with a question, he would often respond within minutes. Needless to say, I would highly recommend the Law Offices of Hagen & Hagen should you find yourself in need of the services they provide. You won't regret it.

- Michael Q.
“Jeff Hagen is the BEST!!”
Jeff Hagen is extremely knowledgeable, keeps you informed through the process, replies to your questions right away, has excellent communication, and takes really great care of his clients through the process. I am 100% happy, grateful and satisfied with his service!! I highly recommend him!!

- Sara

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