Serving All of California

A fresh start
is within reach.

When debt becomes overwhelming, the law provides a path forward. Lauren Ross has helped California families and individuals reclaim their financial lives for decades.

Your Fresh-Start Snapshot

Chapter 7 Discharge most debt
Chapter 13 Keep assets & repay
Free Initial consultation
(818) 847-0211 Call now — speak directly with Lauren
California State Bar · No. 106225
Central District Consumer Bankruptcy Attorney Association
National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys

What we can do for you

Whether you're facing creditor harassment, mounting medical bills, or the threat of losing your home, bankruptcy law offers real solutions. Here's how the law can help.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

Discharge unsecured debts — credit cards, medical bills, personal loans — in as little as 3–4 months. The fastest path to a clean financial slate for qualifying individuals.

Chapter 13 Reorganization

Keep your home and valuable assets while repaying creditors on an affordable 3–5 year plan. Ideal if you have regular income and want to stop a foreclosure.

Stop Creditor Calls

Filing for bankruptcy triggers an automatic stay — a federal court order that immediately halts all collection calls, lawsuits, garnishments, and repossessions.

Debt Relief Strategy

Not sure if bankruptcy is right for you? We'll review your full financial picture — including taxes, spousal support, and student loans — and outline every option available.

Credit Card & Consumer Debt

Overwhelmed by high-interest credit card balances? We'll explain how bankruptcy handles unsecured debt, what's dischargeable, and how to rebuild credit afterward.

Emergency Filings

Facing an imminent foreclosure, wage garnishment, or repossession? We can prepare and file an emergency petition to trigger the automatic stay immediately.

From first call to fresh start

We make the process as straightforward as possible. Most clients go from initial consultation to filed petition in just a few weeks.

1
Free Consultation

Call or email to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation office meeting. We'll review your situation and explain your legal options plainly.

2
Gather Documents

We'll provide an intake checklist — income, debts, assets, and recent tax returns. Our team guides you through every step.

3
File Your Petition

We prepare and file your petition with the federal bankruptcy court. The automatic stay goes into effect immediately upon filing.

4
Fresh Start

After your case is processed — typically 3–6 months — eligible debts are discharged and you begin rebuilding on solid footing.

Bankruptcy, answered honestly.

The questions people ask most — answered without the legal jargon. If you don't see yours here, explore our Q&A page.

Bankruptcy does appear on your credit report — Chapter 7 for up to 10 years, Chapter 13 for 7. But most people filing have already suffered significant credit damage from missed payments and collections. Bankruptcy stops that damage and lets you start rebuilding immediately. Many clients see real credit score improvement within 12–24 months of filing.
Often, yes. California exemption laws protect significant equity in your home and vehicle. Chapter 13 in particular is designed to let you keep assets while catching up on mortgage arrears. We'll analyze your equity, your loan status, and which chapter best protects what matters most to you.
Chapter 7 is a liquidation — most unsecured debts are discharged in 3–4 months, but you must qualify based on income. Chapter 13 is a reorganization — you keep your assets and repay some or all debt over 3–5 years under a court-approved plan. The right chapter depends on your income, assets, and goals. We'll help you choose.
The moment a bankruptcy petition is filed, federal law imposes an automatic stay — a court injunction that stops all collection activity, lawsuits, wage garnishments, repossessions, and foreclosure proceedings. Creditors who violate the stay face court sanctions. The calls stop immediately.
These are "priority" or "non-dischargeable" debts in most cases. Student loans generally cannot be discharged except in rare hardship circumstances. Child and spousal support obligations survive bankruptcy. Most recent tax debts cannot be discharged, though some older tax debts may qualify. We'll review your specific obligations in detail during your consultation.
No. Federal law prohibits private and government employers from terminating, demoting, or discriminating against an employee solely because they filed for bankruptcy. Your employment is protected.
You can begin rebuilding credit immediately after discharge. Secured credit cards and credit-builder loans are excellent first steps. Many clients qualify for an auto loan within 1–2 years, and an FHA mortgage within 2–4 years after a Chapter 7. Chapter 13 filers may qualify for an FHA loan while the plan is still active. We'll point you to solid resources for rebuilding.
Yes, with certain waiting periods. If you received a Chapter 7 discharge, you must wait 8 years to file Chapter 7 again, or 4 years before filing Chapter 13. If you had a Chapter 13, the wait is 6 years for Chapter 7 or 2 years for another Chapter 13. Let us review your prior filing date to confirm your eligibility.

Attorney at Law

Lauren Ross

2550 N. Hollywood Way, Suite 404
Burbank, California 91505-5046
California State Bar No. 106225

Decades of experience.
One focus: your relief.

The Law Offices of Lauren Ross has been serving individuals, families, and small business owners in California through financial hardship for years. Lauren Ross focuses exclusively on consumer and small business bankruptcy, both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13.

Every client gets direct access to Lauren, not a paralegal or junior associate. She understands that the people who walk through her door are often dealing with the most stressful period of their financial lives, and she approaches each case with both legal rigor and genuine compassion.

As a federally designated debt relief agency under Title 11 of the U.S. Code, the firm provides legal assistance to consumers seeking relief under the Bankruptcy Code — with a commitment to accurate information so every client can make a truly informed choice.

Central District Consumer Bankruptcy Attorney Association National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys

Your free consultation is one call away.

Lauren Ross offers a free, confidential consultation to get a clear picture of your legal options — with no obligation to proceed. Serving all of California.

(818) 847-0211
Toll-free: 1-877-469-3737
2550 N. Hollywood Way, Suite 404
Burbank, California 91505-5046

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© 2026 Law Offices of Lauren Ross · California State Bar No. 106225 · Serving All of California · 2550 N. Hollywood Way, Suite 404, Burbank, CA 91505 · (818) 847-0211