Expertise.com
2024

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Best Bankruptcy Attorneys in Santa Barbara

Our Recommended Top 10

We did the research for you!

  • Licensing
  • User Reviews
  • Mystery Shopping Calls

Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Santa Barbara Bankruptcy Attorneys on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

40

Reviewed

28

Curated

10

Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

Website
351 Paseo Nuevo -2nd Floor, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
  • Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
  • Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Why choose this provider?

Law Office of Susan J. Salehi is a legal firm with offices in Santa Barbara, Ventura, Bakersfield, and Westlake Village, providing debt relief services for individuals and married couples. Its attorney files bankruptcy documents in the federal court covering Ventura, Santa Barbara, Kern, and Los Angeles County. The legal team helps clients understand their options and responsibilities under chapters 7 and 13 bankruptcy, including which debts are dischargeable under liquidation, and assists with payment plan approval with chapter 13 filings.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Susan Salehi - Principal33 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (15)
Google
5.0 / 5 (5)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
3463 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
  • Credit Card Debt
  • Debt Settlement
  • Student Loan Debt

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Kenneth M. Hallum is a bankruptcy law firm that provides legal counsel to businesses and individuals alike in the Santa Barbara metro area. Bankruptcy lawyer Kenneth M. Hallum started his career in 2004, offering representation to clients struggling with medical bills, student loans, credit card debt, or the potential loss of assets and earnings. Phone consultations are made available, providing comfort and convenience to his clients while educating and guiding them through their cases.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Kenneth Hallum - Principal20 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (48)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (36)
Google
2.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
924 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
  • Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

Why choose this provider?

Founded in 1993, The Law Offices of Karen L. Grant provide legal services for individuals, families, and businesses in Santa Barbara and all surrounding communities. Its attorney helps clients find debt relief solutions through bankruptcy. The legal team assists with chapter 7 liquidation to clear most unsecured debts, such as credit card balances and medical bills. It also assists with chapters 13 and 11 that allow debtors to pay off balances through three- to five-year payment plans.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Karen Grant - Founder39 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (19)
Google
5.0 / 5 (17)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
801 Garden Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
  • Debt Settlement

Why choose this provider?

Keller Rohrback L.L.P. is a Santa Barbara full-service firm that was founded in 1919 by sole practitioner George Kahin. The firm works on a variety of practice areas, one of which is bankruptcy. Its team of bankruptcy lawyers, led by Gary Gotto and Chris Graver, represents debtors, creditors, trustees, committees, and purchasers. They have extensive experience with bankruptcy litigation, appeals, financial workouts, and debt restructuring. Keller Rohrback has almost 70 lawyers and five more offices located in Missoula, New York, Oakland, Phoenix, and Seattle.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Lynn Sarko - Managing Partner38 yrs
Alison Chase - Partner21 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.7
Facebook
4.3 / 5 (6)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (6)
Google
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.3
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
1114 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
  • Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
  • Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
  • Debt Settlement
  • Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
  • Creditor Representation

Why choose this provider?

Beall & Burkhardt is a small law firm in Santa Barbara that practices bankruptcy law. Its attorneys have many years of experience representing clients in matters concerning Chapters 7, 13, 11, and 12 bankruptcy. Its clients have included individuals, couples, small businesses, corporations, farmers, and fishermen. Additionally, its attorneys represent creditors who require legal advice and representation to reclaim monies from debtors. Beall & Burkhardt also practices estate planning, real estate, and mediation.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
William Beall - Founding Partner43 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.0
Yelp
4.0 / 5 (5)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
827 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
  • Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
  • Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
  • Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

Why choose this provider?

Founded in 2009, Rounds & Sutter LLP is a law firm in Santa Barbara helping people in need throughout Southern California and the Central Coast. The debt relief agency works with individuals, families, and businesses to determine the best solution to their financial problems. Its attorneys guide clients through chapters 7, 11, and 13 bankruptcy proceedings to stop collection actions, such as creditors' calls, home foreclosure, and vehicle repossession. Other practice areas include business, real estate, and employment law.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
John Rounds - Founding Partner18 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (4)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (2)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
8 East Figueroa Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
  • Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
  • Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

Why choose this provider?

Griffith & Thornburgh LLP is a Santa Barbara law firm founded in 1924 that practices bankruptcy law. It handles Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy for debtors, creditors, and trustees. The firm's services include advising clients on their consumer and creditor rights, preventing foreclosure of properties, filing claims for debts unpaid, and negotiating programs to repay debts over a fixed period of time. The firm also practices civil litigation, corporate law, and real estate.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Felicita Torres - Partner10 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.5
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (660)
Facebook
3.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
5266 Hollister Avenue, Goleta, CA 93111
  • Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
  • Debt Settlement

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Reed H. Olmstead is a bankruptcy law firm supporting consumers and businesses in Santa Barbara. Reed Olmstead is a bankruptcy lawyer who can represent creditors and debtors in settling insolvency matters. He can assist clients filing for a chapter 7, chapter 11, or chapter 13 bankruptcy. Olmstead is also equipped to legally advise creditors and trustees. The Law Offices of Reed H. Olmstead is a member of the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Reed Olmstead - Principal14 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (24)
Google
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
15 West Carrillo Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
  • Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
  • Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Gary R. Colegrove in Santa Barbara is a legal firm offering debt relief services. Its attorney guides individuals and married couples through their options for chapters 7 and 13 bankruptcy protections to stop collection actions. Clients that file chapter 7 can discharge most unsecured debts, such as credit cards and medical bills. The practice also assists with chapter 13 repayment plans. Gary R. Colegrove Esq. also represents individuals in divorce cases.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Gary Colegrove - Principal34 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.6
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (7)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (2)
Google
1.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
25 East Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
  • Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
  • Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Christian J. Younger offers bankruptcy law services in Santa Barbara and the surrounding areas. Younger focuses on helping his clients in navigating the chapter 7, chapter 11, or chapter 13 bankruptcy process. He is also skilled in handling cases that involve the IRS option, which involves settling on an agreed repayment amount. The Law Office of Christian J. Younger operates based on the principles of compassion, experience, and integrity.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Christian Younger - Principal22 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Disclaimer:  Consumers utilizing Expertise.com are free to communicate and contract with any lawyer they choose. Expertise.com is not involved in the confidential attorney-client relationship. Featured lawyers pay a reasonable advertising cost to market their legal services withExpertise.com and must meet similar selection criteria as other lawyers. All cases are different. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Where do I file for bankruptcy in Santa Barbara, California?

    You may file your bankruptcy documents at the Central District of California Bankruptcy Court if you reside in Santa Barbara. You may also call (855) 460-96412 for further inquiries.

  • Where can I get bankruptcy forms in Santa Barbara, California?

    You may obtain bankruptcy forms online at https://www.cacb.uscourts.gov/forms

  • Will you be required to go to court if you file for Chapter 7 in Santa Barbara?

    You are not required to go to court if you file for Chapter 7 in Santa Barbara. However, you have to appear in court if you submit an objection in your bankruptcy case. If you file for Chapter 13, you may need to attend a 341 meeting because it will allow creditors to ask about your filing.

  • If you own a business in Santa Barbara, what type of bankruptcy is most suitable to file?

    If you own a business in Santa Barbara and want to file bankruptcy, the most suitable type is Chapter 11. You may be able to reorganize your financial structure and still run the business. You are required to provide the creditors with full disclosure of your financial plan. This plan allows you to reduce your debt by paying a portion or receiving a discharge. However, the bankruptcy court decides whether to approve or reject the reorganization plan.

  • What is the difference between Chapter 7 and Chapter bankruptcies 11 in Santa Barbara?

    Chapter 7 and Chapter 11 are two common types of bankruptcies filed in Santa Barbara and throughout California. Chapter 7 bankruptcy is ideal for businesses closing down and liquidating assets to pay off their debts. On the other hand, Chapter 11 is more of a reorganization of financial plans and will depend on the approval of the court and the creditors.

  • Can you be denied a debt discharge if you do not fully disclose all of your assets in a Santa Barbara bankruptcy filing?

    When you fail to disclose all your assets or hide money in Santa Barbara during a bankruptcy proceeding, the court may deny your debt discharge even if your debts are dischargeable. Another reason for discharge denial is when you have filed too many bankruptcies and have been abusing the system.

  • Can you keep your retirement funds when you file for bankruptcy in Santa Barbara?

    Yes. You can keep your retirement funds when you file for bankruptcy in Santa Barbara. Retirement accounts such as 401(k) and IRAs are protected under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act or ERISA. These assets are exempted from your bankruptcy estate. However, it is recommended to seek the legal advice of a bankruptcy lawyer as there are certain limits in retirement exemptions in each state.

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