California Bankruptcy Law

Considering filing bankruptcy in California? You need to understand California bankruptcy law and exemptions.

As on overview we have listed some of the main exemptions, links to the federal courts serving California, and some filing statistics for California.

California Exemptions

Homestead:
$100,000 for family unit member living with 1 or more non-owner family unit members. $175,000 for person who is 65 or older, disabled, or over 55 with annual gross income of $25,000 or less if single or $35,000 or less if married. $75,000 for any other person
Details:
Homestead exemption. Includes house and outbuildings, land, or mobile home, or boat; and includes proceeds from sale, damage or taking thereof

Motor Vehicle:
$4,080
Details:
1 motor vehicle

Motor Vehicle:
$2,725
Details:
Equity in motor vehicles, including insurance or execution sale proceeds for 90 days under § 704.010


This is just and overview and there is a detailed list of the California Bankruptcy Exemptions.

California Bankruptcy Courts

If you need more information about the California Federal Bankruptcy Courts you can click on the link for your district.

  • California Northern District
  • California Eastern District
  • California Southern District
  • California Central District

    • California Filing Statistics

    Here are the counties in California with the highest amount of bankruptcy filings.

    Year - County
    Total
    Ch7
    Ch13
    2012 LOS ANGELES
    52564
    38409
    13972
    2012 SAN DIEGO
    16048
    12628
    3382
    2012 RIVERSIDE
    15934
    13155
    2759
    2012 ORANGE
    14501
    11353
    3094

    You can see the information for all counties by visiting the California Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy filings by county page.

    Here are the most recently available statistics for monthly bankruptcy filings in California.

    Year - Month
    Total
    Ch7
    Ch13
    2013 6
    10818
    8586
    2189
    2013 5
    13172
    10073
    3069
    2013 4
    12905
    10298
    2572
    2013 3
    13401
    10716
    2654
    2013 2
    11357
    8936
    2391
    2013 1
    11840
    8883
    2918


    You can see more data by visiting the California Personal Bankruptcy Filing Statistics page.

    If you have question about filing bankruptcy please visit our Frequently Asked Questions Page or schedule a free consultation with a local attorney.