2026 LAW UPDATE
💼 Bankruptcy Law — Elk Grove, CA

Stop the Calls.
Stop the Garnishments.
Get a Fresh Start.

Clifford Chigbu has helped hundreds of Elk Grove families eliminate crushing debt and reclaim their financial future. Free consultation. Affordable fees. Bilingual service.

Free Bankruptcy Evaluation Call 916-230-6381

Is Bankruptcy Right for You?

If you're drowning in credit card debt, medical bills, or facing foreclosure, bankruptcy may be the legal tool that gives you a genuine fresh start. Despite the stigma, bankruptcy is a federal right — it exists precisely for situations like yours. Clifford Chigbu will give you an honest assessment of whether bankruptcy is your best option, and if so, which type.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy — Debt Elimination

Chapter 7 is the most common form of bankruptcy. It eliminates most unsecured debts — credit cards, medical bills, personal loans, utility arrears — typically within 3 to 6 months. You may keep exempt property including your home (up to the homestead exemption), car, retirement accounts, and household goods.

2026 Update: Federal bankruptcy exemptions have been updated. California residents can choose between two exemption systems — Clifford will help you select the one that protects the most assets for your situation.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy — Reorganization & Home Saving

Chapter 13 allows you to keep all your assets while repaying debts over a 3–5 year plan. It's particularly powerful for homeowners facing foreclosure — you can catch up on missed mortgage payments through the plan while keeping your home.

What Bankruptcy Cannot Eliminate

Bankruptcy does not discharge student loans (in most cases), recent tax debts, child support, alimony, criminal fines, or debts from fraud. Clifford will give you a clear picture of what will and won't be eliminated in your specific situation.

Life After Bankruptcy

Many clients are surprised to find that their credit score begins improving within months of discharge. With proper credit rebuilding strategies — secured credit cards, on-time payments, responsible credit utilization — many former bankruptcy filers qualify for mortgages within 2–4 years. Clifford will provide guidance on rebuilding your financial life after bankruptcy.

Areas We Serve

Bankruptcy clients throughout Northern California — in-person and virtual consultations available

Elk GroveSacramento Co.
SacramentoSacramento Co.
StocktonSan Joaquin Co.
HaywardAlameda Co.
FairfieldSolano Co.
RosevillePlacer Co.
LodiSan Joaquin Co.
FolsomSacramento Co.
Rancho CordovaSacramento Co.
Citrus HeightsSacramento Co.
ModestoStanislaus Co.
San DiegoSan Diego Co.

Free Bankruptcy Evaluation

Answer a few questions so Clifford can review your situation before your call. 100% confidential.

Bankruptcy FAQ

Chapter 7 is a liquidation bankruptcy that eliminates most unsecured debts within 3–6 months. You must pass a means test to qualify. Chapter 13 is a reorganization where you repay debts over 3–5 years while keeping your assets — ideal for homeowners who want to stop foreclosure and catch up on missed payments.
Yes. Filing bankruptcy triggers an automatic stay that immediately stops foreclosure proceedings, wage garnishments, bank levies, and all creditor collection activity. Chapter 13 can allow you to catch up on missed mortgage payments over time and save your home from foreclosure.
Chapter 7 stays on your credit report for 10 years; Chapter 13 for 7 years. However, many clients begin rebuilding credit within 1–2 years of filing. With proper credit rebuilding strategies, many former bankruptcy filers qualify for car loans within 1 year and mortgages within 2–4 years after discharge.
In most cases, yes. California's bankruptcy exemptions protect your home equity (up to the homestead exemption amount), your car (up to the motor vehicle exemption), retirement accounts, household goods, and more. Clifford will help you maximize the exemptions available to you.
Bankruptcy generally cannot eliminate: student loans (with rare hardship exceptions), recent income tax debts, child support and alimony, criminal fines and restitution, and debts incurred through fraud. Clifford will give you a clear picture of exactly what will and won't be discharged in your case.