California's Most Dedicated Attorney.
Bankruptcy Law in California
Bankruptcy doesn’t mean failure — it means a fresh start. At the Law Offices of James L. Arrasmith, we help people and businesses across California escape debt, protect assets, and rebuild their financial future.
Whether you’re drowning in credit card bills, facing foreclosure, or need a break from relentless creditors, we guide you through every step of the process, with compassion and legal clarity.
Understanding Bankruptcy
Bankruptcy is a legal tool that allows individuals or businesses to eliminate or repay debts under the protection of the federal bankruptcy court. California residents most often file under one of these chapters:
Chapter 7 – Liquidation Bankruptcy
This is the most common type. It wipes out unsecured debts like credit cards and medical bills, but may require selling non-exempt assets. Many filers, however, keep everything thanks to California’s exemption laws.
Chapter 13 – Repayment Plan
This lets you keep your property while catching up on missed payments over 3 to 5 years. It’s often used to stop foreclosures, repossessions, or IRS collections.
Chapter 11 – Business Reorganization
Chapter 11 is used by businesses or high-income individuals to restructure debts and keep operations going.
Signs You May Need Bankruptcy
- You’re behind on mortgage or car payments
- Credit cards are maxed, and collectors won’t stop calling
- You’re using loans to pay off other loans
- Lawsuits or wage garnishments are in motion
- Medical debt is overwhelming your budget
- Divorce or job loss created long-term instability
Bankruptcy isn’t for everyone, but it’s a strategic move toward stability when done right.
What Bankruptcy Can Do for You
- 🛑 Stop creditor harassment
- 🏠 Halt foreclosure
- 🚫 Prevent utility shut-offs
- 💳 Eliminate credit card and medical debt
- 🛡️ Protect your car, wages, and household goods
Bankruptcy gives you breathing room. The moment you file, the court issues an automatic stay — a legal wall that blocks collection calls, wage garnishment, and even pending lawsuits.
What Bankruptcy Can’t Do
- It won’t wipe out recent taxes (in most cases)
- Child support and alimony can’t be discharged
- Student loans are difficult — but not impossible — to eliminate
- Secured debts (like car loans) may require surrender or continued payments
That’s why it’s essential to talk with a bankruptcy attorney who understands California law and federal exemptions.
California Bankruptcy Exemptions
California offers two exemption systems (703 and 704), and choosing the right one can make the difference between keeping your property or losing it.
We’ll help you decide which works best for your home equity, retirement accounts, vehicles, tools of trade, and more.
Why Clients Choose James L. Arrasmith
- Over 15 years of legal experience in California
- Clear, judgment-free bankruptcy guidance
- Focused on asset protection and long-term financial health
- Deep knowledge of local court practices and trustee expectations
- Available for post-filing strategy — including rebuilding credit
When your financial life feels like it’s collapsing, we help you rebuild — stronger than before.
Bankruptcy FAQ
Will I lose everything if I file for bankruptcy?
No. Most clients keep all their property thanks to legal exemptions.
How long will bankruptcy stay on my credit?
Chapter 7 stays for 10 years; Chapter 13 stays for 7. But many clients see their credit improve faster than expected.
Can bankruptcy stop a foreclosure?
Yes. Filing triggers an automatic stay that pauses the foreclosure process.
How much does it cost to file?
Court fees are around $300–$350. Attorney fees vary by case complexity — we provide clear estimates up front.
Let’s Talk About a Fresh Start
Bankruptcy is not the end — it’s a legal way to begin again. At the Law Offices of James L. Arrasmith, we treat every case with discretion, care, and a focus on real outcomes.
📞 [Schedule your consultation] today. Let’s build your financial reset — together.
Client Reviews
James Arrasmith is one smart attorney! He understood my problem and came up with a great solution right away. I can depend on him to listen and ask the right questions to get straight to my issues. His availability is great and he always responds quickly. His...
Hiring James to handle my eviction / landlord tenant case is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. He assisted me every step of the way and made the process smooth and easy. It was obvious that he truly cared about my case and didn’t just treat me like...
I've had a lot of attorneys in my life, and James is by far the best attorney that I've ever hired. He helped me with my case from start to finish and clearly explained the process to me without making it overly complex. He made a difficult situation easy. I...
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James is an amazing attorney!! I had never hired a lawyer before (and was very nervous), but James took hours of his time to explain the entire procedure to me. He gave me a thorough consultation, and I was so impressed with his explanations that I hired him...
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Mr. Arrasmith was cocounsel on a complex case, but was able persuade a notoriously bad judge to go along with the resolution. He’s a fine lawyer that works hard to make sure he is prepared to win the case. I highly recommend him.
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I had a few questions about my situation, I needed some legal advice so I went ahead and contacted the Arrasmith firm. James was very helpful and polite, I asked him about a dozen questions and will be pursuing llegal action with his firm. Definitely...
I cannot begin to describe how amazing and reassuring it was to have James guide me through the most challenging moment of my life. When my mother let me know she would soon be passing from cancer and wanted to leave her trust to me, I was confused...
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Great consultation, efficient, & positive attorney. I needed possession of my home, Mr. Arrasmith acted swiftly and was able to provide me the information I needed to understand what could have been a lengthy process. Mr. Arrasmith produced results in a timely...
I had a few questions about my situation, I needed some legal advice so I went ahead and contacted the Arrasmith firm. James was very helpful and polite, I asked him about a dozen questions and will be pursuing llegal action with his firm. Definitely recommend...
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Mr. Arrasmith was great, he answered all my questions and was very helpful with my legal matter. Thanks again James.
Mr. Arrasmith was cocounsel on a complex case, but was able persuade a notoriously bad judge to go along with the resolution. He’s a fine lawyer that works hard to make sure he is prepared to win the case. I highly recommend him.
I've had a lot of attorneys in my life, and James is by far the best attorney that I've ever hired. He helped me with my case from start to finish and clearly explained the process to me without making it overly complex. He made a difficult situation easy. I...
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I found James online after an extensive search. He was knowledgeable and worked with me on a payment plan I could afford. I'm happy I picked him for dealing with my awful landlord. He helped me get the settlement I needed to improve my living situation.
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Best lawyer he will get the job done went out of his way totally
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Thank you Mr James for helping me. What a great attorney! If you need help call Mr Arrowsmith!
I give James Arrowsmith Attorney at Law 5 stars not just because he supports and represents CAED (our Non- Profit Organization that works with children ) but also because of how decent a person I've found him to be. He is such a good person that...
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