Debt happens — to good, hardworking people. What matters is what you do next. For over 30 years, Dominic Afzali has helped Los Angeles families stop creditor harassment, save their homes and cars, and start over with a clean slate.
We will never push you into filing. At your free consultation, we look at your full financial picture — income, assets, debts, and goals — and tell you honestly whether Chapter 7, Chapter 13, or a non-bankruptcy alternative is the smartest path. If bankruptcy isn't right for you, we'll say so.
Often called "fresh start" bankruptcy. Chapter 7 can wipe out credit card debt, medical bills, personal loans, and more — usually in 3 to 5 months. It immediately stops garnishments, lawsuits, and collector calls. Qualification is based on your income and assets; most filers keep their car, retirement accounts, and household property under California's generous exemptions.
Find Out If You Qualify →Reorganization bankruptcy lets you catch up on missed mortgage or car payments through an affordable 3-to-5-year repayment plan — while keeping your home and stopping foreclosure. It's often the right tool for homeowners with equity, higher earners who don't qualify for Chapter 7, or anyone behind on secured debts.
See If Chapter 13 Fits →Sometimes debt settlement, creditor negotiation, or a structured repayment arrangement protects you better than filing. We explain the real pros and cons of each option — including the credit impact — so you choose with clear eyes. Many of our best referrals come from people we advised not to file.
Explore Your Options →Filing bankruptcy triggers the automatic stay — a federal court order that immediately requires creditors to stop. Is any of this happening to you?
California's exemption laws are among the most protective in the nation. In most Chapter 7 cases our clients keep their home equity (up to the homestead exemption), their vehicle, retirement accounts, household goods, and personal belongings. At your free consultation we'll map your assets against the exemptions before you decide anything.
We review your income, debts, and assets, and tell you honestly whether Chapter 7, Chapter 13, or an alternative is right — and exactly what it will cost. No surprises, no hidden fees.
We prepare your petition, schedules, and means test, and e-file with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Central District of California. The automatic stay takes effect immediately.
We prepare you thoroughly and appear with you at the trustee meeting — typically a brief, routine proceeding. Our quoted fee includes this appearance.
Your qualifying debts are discharged. Then we guide you on rebuilding your credit — because the fresh start is the whole point.
Usually not. California's exemptions protect substantial home equity, and Chapter 13 exists specifically to stop foreclosure and let you catch up on missed payments. Vehicles are protected up to the exemption limit, and if you're current on a financed car you can typically keep paying and keep the car. We'll review your specific assets at your free consultation.
Chapter 7 commonly discharges credit cards, medical bills, personal loans, payday loans, old utility bills, and many other unsecured debts. Some debts generally survive — most student loans, recent taxes, child and spousal support, and debts from fraud. We'll tell you exactly which of your debts are dischargeable.
No. A Chapter 7 stays on your credit report up to 10 years and a Chapter 13 up to 7 — but most clients' scores begin recovering within a year or two of discharge, because the crushing debt-to-income ratio is gone. Many clients qualify for car loans within months and mortgages within 2–4 years of discharge.
Qualification is determined by the "means test," which compares your household income to the California median and your allowed expenses. If your income is too high for Chapter 7, Chapter 13 is usually available. We run the means test for you at no charge.
Yes. We represent sole proprietors and small business owners, including those who personally guaranteed business debts. The right chapter depends on the structure of the business and the debts involved.
Yes — our office serves clients in English, Persian (Farsi), and Spanish. Every consultation, document review, and court preparation can be handled in the language you're most comfortable in.
Your free consultation costs nothing and obligates you to nothing — but it could be the conversation that changes your family's future.
310.820.3800Tell us briefly about your debts. We'll tell you honestly whether bankruptcy can help — and what it would cost. Phone consultations — no office visit needed — available in English, Persian (Farsi), and Spanish.
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