Simi Valley Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy Attorney in Simi Valley

Dual-Certified. Personally Managed. Jeff Hagen Has Handled Every Case Since 1990.

When debt becomes unmanageable, the decisions you make early matter. At Law Offices Of Hagen & Hagen, we help Simi Valley residents understand their options and take action. That may mean filing for bankruptcy or pursuing an alternative path. Jeff Hagen personally handles every case from the first call through the final discharge. No staff handoffs. No paralegal management. Just direct, experienced counsel from start to finish.

We evaluate both bankruptcy and non-bankruptcy solutions for every client, so the recommendation you receive is based on your actual financial picture, not a one-size-fits-all approach. Consultations are available in person, by Zoom, by phone, or by email. A free initial consultation is offered to every prospective client.

Ready to understand your options? Call our Simi Valley bankruptcy attorneys today at (818) 217-8781 to schedule your free consultation.

The Credentials Behind Every Case

Jeff Hagen has practiced bankruptcy law since 1990. He holds dual certification as a bankruptcy specialist from both the State Bar of California and the American Bankruptcy Board of Certification. He’s maintained those credentials since 1994. Few attorneys in Ventura County can say the same.

Before entering private practice, Jeff worked as a Bankruptcy Analyst at the Office of the United States Trustee in Los Angeles. That experience means he understands precisely how trustees evaluate filings and what raises red flags at a 341(a) meeting of creditors. He’s also a licensed CPA, which gives him the financial analysis depth to assess your full debt picture alongside the legal strategy.

Jeff knows the bankruptcy judges, trustees, and adversary attorneys in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Central District of California. That familiarity can translate into better-prepared filings and fewer surprises for clients. Pricing is transparent and fair, with no hidden fees. The quoted price includes the court’s filing fee.

Bankruptcy Services for Simi Valley Residents

We handle Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases for individuals throughout Simi Valley and the surrounding area. We also work with clients facing wage garnishment, reviewing whether bankruptcy or a non-bankruptcy remedy offers the faster, more effective resolution. If a foreclosure is in progress, Jeff evaluates how an automatic stay or a Chapter 13 plan might affect that timeline. The goal is a complete picture before any decision is made.

After consultations, Jeff emails clients a written summary that includes his notes, his recommendation, the suggested strategy, a services quote, a document checklist, and a step-by-step timeline. It provides a reference point you can return to throughout the process.

How the Process Works for Simi Valley Filers

Simi Valley falls under the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Central District of California. Jeff guides clients through every requirement that court imposes, beginning with pre-filing credit counseling and document gathering. If you have a pending lawsuit in Ventura County Superior Court or an active wage garnishment, those situations can be reviewed during your initial consultation so you have a full picture of your legal exposure before deciding whether to file.

Filing triggers an automatic stay, which can halt most collection actions, including wage garnishments, creditor calls, and foreclosure proceedings. The 341(a) meeting of creditors is the one court-related appearance most clients need to make. It occurs approximately 30 days after filing and is currently conducted by Zoom. Jeff prepares clients with detailed instructions on what questions to expect, which documents to bring, and what happens next.

California offers two sets of exemptions that can protect certain assets during a bankruptcy case, including home equity, a vehicle, and household goods up to specified values. Choosing between the two systems can affect how much property you keep, and it’s a decision Jeff walks through carefully with each client.

Schedule a Free Consultation with Law Offices Of Hagen & Hagen

If you’re dealing with creditor calls, garnished wages, or debt you can’t see a way out of, the first step is a conversation. Jeff Hagen responds to emails promptly, often within minutes, and consultations are available by phone, Zoom, or online contact form. Call our Simi Valley bankruptcy lawyers at (818) 217-8781 to get started today.

Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13: What’s the Difference?

The two most common forms of personal bankruptcy serve different situations. Understanding the basics helps you arrive at your consultation with the right questions.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Chapter 7 can discharge eligible unsecured debts, including credit card balances, medical bills, and personal loans, after a trustee reviews the filer’s non-exempt assets. It doesn’t allow a filer to catch up on missed mortgage payments, so it isn’t the right tool for stopping a foreclosure while keeping a home. Eligibility requires passing the means test, which compares your average monthly income to the California median income for a household of your size. Filers whose income exceeds the median may still qualify based on allowable expense deductions. A Chapter 7 filing stays on a credit report for 10 years.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
Chapter 13 is designed for filers with regular income who want to restructure rather than liquidate. A court-approved repayment plan runs three to five years and can stop a foreclosure while allowing the filer to catch up on mortgage arrears over the plan period. Because it requires an active repayment commitment, consistent income throughout the plan is essential. A Chapter 13 filing remains on a credit report for seven years. Rebuilding credit after either chapter is possible, and often faster than filers expect.

Debts That Can’t Be Discharged
Neither chapter eliminates every type of debt. Most student loans, recent income taxes, domestic support obligations such as child support and alimony, and debts arising from fraud aren’t dischargeable under Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. Knowing which of your debts fall into these categories before filing affects the overall strategy, and it’s part of what Jeff reviews during your consultation.

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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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