Expertise.com
2024

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Best Bankruptcy Attorneys in Santa Monica

Our Recommended Top 11

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 Monica Bankruptcy Attorneys on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

41

Reviewed

29

Curated

11

Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

Website
3500 West Olive Avenue, Burbank, CA 91505
  • Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
  • Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Why choose this provider?

Serving clients in the Santa Monica area, the Law Office of Jonathan Panossian, A PC is a bankruptcy law firm dedicated to helping clients find financial relief from their growing debts. The firm helps clients file for liquidation bankruptcy (chapter 7) and wage earners' plan bankruptcy (chapter 13). The firm also helps debtors slow down or potentially stop foreclosure and settling second mortgages. Aside from debt settlements, the Law Office of Jonathan Panossian, A PC handles IRS tax settlements.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Jonathan Panossian - Owner19 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 (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
15260 Ventura Boulevard, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
  • Debt Settlement
  • IRS Tax Debt

Why choose this provider?

Based near Santa Monica, Burton Law Offices is the practice of bankruptcy attorney Stephen L. Burton, who has more than three decades of experience helping clients in tax resolution, debt settlement, and bankruptcy. Debtors in need of a financial redo can contact Burton Law Offices for assistance with things such as chapter 7, 11, and 13 bankruptcy filing, bank levies and wage garnishments, bankruptcy fraud, lawsuits, liens and their removal, and credit counseling. The practice also offers services in real estate law, family law, estate planning, taxes, and contracts.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Stephen Burton - Principal40 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)

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
12100 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90024
  • Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
  • Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Why choose this provider?

Serving the Santa Monica area, Bereliani Law Firm represents clients facing business and personal bankruptcy, creditor harassment, foreclosure, and wage garnishment. Sanaz Sarah Bereliani, the company's certified bankruptcy specialist, helps clients understand both bankruptcy and non-bankruptcy options. She represents both debtors and creditors in chapter 7 and chapter 13 bankruptcy matters, including litigation. She is a board member of the Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles and a founding member of the Outside Counsel Network. Additionally, she is a member of the James T. King Inn of Court, the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys, and the Central District Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys Association.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Sanaz Bereliani - Principal16 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.
4.9
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (80)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (59)
Facebook
4.6 / 5 (28)

(+1 additional source)

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
506 Santa Monica Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA 90401
  • Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
  • Debt Settlement
  • Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
  • Business Re-organization
  • Bankruptcy Litigation

Why choose this provider?

Leslie Cohen Law PC is a bankruptcy law firm near Santa Monica led by Attorney Leslie Cohen. The firm is dedicated to representing individuals and businesses in bankruptcy and insolvency cases, out-of-court settlements, financial disputes, and reorganization, restructuring, or structuring. Leslie Cohen has worked with individuals and businesses in various industries, such as solar, entertainment, real estate, hospitality, livestock, and manufacturing, helping them with chapters 7 and 11 bankruptcy proceedings. The firm works with debtors, creditors, claimants, parties to contracts, litigation defendants, and plaintiffs.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Leslie Cohen - Owner44 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 (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
16130 Ventura Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 91436
  • Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
  • Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Why choose this provider?

Serving the Santa Monica area, SM Law Group, APC is a boutique bankruptcy law firm that offers client-focused legal assistance in bankruptcy matters. As a smaller firm, SM Law Group, APC's bankruptcy attorneys handle cases directly from start to finish. The firm offers assistance in chapter 7 and chapter 13 bankruptcy filings, creditor abuse, debt negotiation, evictions and foreclosures, wage garnishments, and bank levies. The SM Law Group, APC, whose lawyers can speak Spanish, has recently been featured in The Los Angeles Daily Journal.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Kian Mottahedeh - Founder18 yrs
Kian Mottahedeh - Attorney/Founder18 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 (36)

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
11601 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90025
  • Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
  • Debt Settlement

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Sheila Emaili represents businesses and individuals in bankruptcy cases in Santa Monica. The bankruptcies that the law practice handles include chapters 7, 11, and 13 bankruptcy cases. Its principal lawyer, Sheila Esmaili, is a member of the Central District Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys Association (CDCBAA). The law firm has been in practice for more than four years. The Law Offices of Sheila Emaili's office is located in Los Angeles.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Sheila Esmaili - Principal13 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 (32)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (17)
Google
5.0 / 5 (12)

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
15303 Ventura Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 91403
  • Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
  • Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Why choose this provider?

Netzah & Shem-Tov has been representing businesses and individuals in chapter 7, 11, and 13 bankruptcy cases in Santa Monica since 2005. The law practice also provides adversary proceedings between creditors and debtors. Its team of lawyers is comprised of Raviv Netzah, Esq. and Shalem Shrem-Tov. The law firm also covers intellectual property, real estate law, civil litigation, criminal law, and civil/business law practice areas. Netzah & Shem-Tov's office is located in Sherman Oaks.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Shalem Shem-tov - Partner16 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.
4.8
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (16)
Google
4.2 / 5 (6)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (6)

(+1 additional source)

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.
2.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
10880 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90024
  • Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

Why choose this provider?

Established in 1999, Michelman & Robinson, LLP offers a wide range of legal services for the Santa Monica area including bankruptcy. Its bankruptcy attorneys represent individuals, creditors, landlords, and bankruptcy trustees. They handle various bankruptcy matters such as chapter 7 liquidation cases, chapter 11 reorganization cases, pre-petition planning, and adversary proceedings. Michelman & Robinson, LLP is committed to minimizing its carbon footprint by consulting a green designer when leasing new office spaces and cutting down its team's energy use.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Howard Camhi - Partner34 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
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (3)

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
6167 Bristol Parkway, Culver City, CA 90230
  • Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
  • Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Why choose this provider?

Located near Santa Monica, Recovery Law Group is a consumer protection law firm with bankruptcy attorneys dedicated to helping debtors find relief from their unsustainable debt. The firm's bankruptcy lawyers help with various financial challenges such as wage garnishment, foreclosure, overwhelming medical bills, and growing credit card debt. Recovery Law Group offers assistance with legal solutions such as automatic stays, and chapter 7 and 13 bankruptcy filing. The firm is available 24/7 for its clients' convenience.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Michael Reid - Partner15 yrs
Nicholas Wajda - Managing Partner7 yrs
Karen Lusis - Senior Associate14 yrs
Dominic Pontello - Senior Associate16 yrs
Anthony Montoya - Associate21 yrs
C. ryan Violette - Associate Attorney15 yrs
Lindsay Kyser - Associate7 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.
4.8
Google
4.8 / 5 (137)
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.
3.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
9454 Wilshire Blvd Penthouse, Penthouse Beverly Hills, CA 90212
  • Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
  • Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Mitchell Reed Sussman & Associates handle bankruptcy cases in Santa Monica. Sussman has been practicing law since 1977. Together with his team of bankruptcy attorneys, they walk clients through a means test to determine eligibility for either a chapter 7 or 13 bankruptcy. A means test looks at the client's debts, income, and current and future living expenses like food and other basic necessities. Other than bankruptcy, they also deal with real estate and construction law.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Mitchell Sussman - Principal47 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.
4.3
Avvo
4.5 / 5 (29)
Google
4.1 / 5 (20)

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
11400 W Olympic Blvd Ste 900 Los Angeles, CA 90064, Los Angeles, CA 90064
  • Debt Settlement

Why choose this provider?

Wolf, Rifkin, Shapiro, Schulman & Rabkin, LLP offers legal assistance throughout Santa Monica and the surrounding areas. Its bankruptcy attorneys are experienced in collateral recovery and disposition, creditor’s rights and remedies, workouts and forbearance agreements, and insolvency litigation. The firm's other areas of practice include estate planning, construction defect, real estate, licensing and merchandising, and employment law. The firm's CEO, Deborah Wasson, has more than 20 years of experience in law firm operations.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Bradley Schrager - Managing Partner18 yrs
Michael Wolf - Founder and Managing Partner48 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 (4)

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
––

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 Monica, California?

    To start the bankruptcy process in Santa Monica, debtors must send their bankruptcy petition and related papers to the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Central District of California, which covers Santa Monica and other parts of Southern California. Filing can be done by mail or in person. In certain districts, like Central, Southern, and Eastern, individuals can also electronically submit some or all of their bankruptcy forms if they are filing without a lawyer.

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

    Most of the forms debtors will need to file bankruptcy are the same forms everyone else uses to file bankruptcy in the country. Santa Monica residents can get these for free as fillable PDFs from the United States Courts website at https://www.uscourts.gov/forms/bankruptcy-forms/. There are also some local forms that are specific to the California district (Northern, Eastern, Central, or Southern) where debtors file their bankruptcy petitions.

  • What happens when a Santa Monica debtor files for Chapter 7 bankruptcy?

    In this particular form of bankruptcy, a Santa Monica debtor will have their non-exempt assets liquidated by a trustee to satisfy their debts to creditors. While some individuals may perceive this option as inconvenient, it serves the purpose of expeditiously repaying debts. However, it is important to note that there are specific properties that debtors are allowed to retain even after their bankruptcy case concludes. These include possessions necessary for daily living, such as one's primary vehicle.

  • Who qualifies for bankruptcy protection under the Small Business Reorganization Act in Santa Monica?

    Santa Monica residents with 50% or more of their debt attributed to business-related matters and a total liquidated debt not exceeding $7.5 million can file for bankruptcy protection under the Small Business Reorganization Act, specifically Subchapter V of the Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Code. This particular bankruptcy process is more cost-effective compared to a standard Chapter 11 case as it eliminates the trustee's quarterly fees and the requirement to file a disclosure statement.

  • Does the act of filing for bankruptcy completely eradicate all debts owed by a debtor in Santa Monica?

    Bankruptcy cannot absolve specific debts, such as alimony, child support, and certain tax liabilities. Consequently, a debtor in Santa Monica will remain obligated to repay these as if the bankruptcy filing had never occurred. However, it is important to note that personal loans, credit card debts, and cash advances can be discharged through bankruptcy proceedings.

  • How much does it cost to hire the services of a Santa Monica bankruptcy attorney?

    In Santa Monica, the expected fees for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer typically range from $900 to $2,000. Meanwhile, the estimated fees for Chapter 13 bankruptcy attorneys range from $3,300 to $4,800. It is worth noting that these fees are generally established uniformly across the district, which means Chapter 13 bankruptcy attorneys within the same district often charge a similar fee.

  • Can Santa Monica debtors choose assets that they can protect or exempt when they file for bankruptcy?

    Yes. Debtors in Santa Monica and throughout the state of California are provided with two distinct lists of assets, each serving as a means to exempt or safeguard certain properties. Consequently, these protected assets stay unaffected and remain in the possession of the debtors both during and after the bankruptcy proceedings. However, it is important to note that it is not permissible for debtors to combine assets from different lists.

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