Get a Fresh Start with a Trusted, Local Attorney Who Has Helped Over 2,500 Families Eliminate Debt — Hablamos Español
Edgar P. Lombera
Bankruptcy Attorney · 15+ Years
When you're facing financial hardship, you need a bankruptcy lawyer who understands San Bernardino. Our law office, located in Redlands just 10 minutes from downtown San Bernardino via the I-10, has helped 2,500+ families and businesses find relief from overwhelming debt.
With 230+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating, we've earned the trust of San Bernardino County residents for over 15 years. Attorney Edgar P. Lombera and our team are bilingual—we serve Spanish-speaking clients throughout the Inland Empire with the same professionalism and care we bring to every bankruptcy lawyer consultation.
Our Redlands office location: 2068 Orange Tree Lane, Suite 220, Redlands, CA 92374. Just minutes from San Bernardino, Colton, Loma Linda, and surrounding communities.
Whether you're dealing with wage garnishment, foreclosure, credit card debt, or medical debt, our law firm provides comprehensive bankruptcy services and debt relief strategies tailored to your situation.
San Bernardino is the county seat of San Bernardino County—the largest county by area in the continental United States. Located at the junction of the I-215 and I-10 freeways, San Bernardino serves as the gateway between Los Angeles and the Inland Empire, making it a logistics and distribution hub for major companies like Amazon, BNSF Railway, and Stater Bros.
The city has faced significant economic challenges. San Bernardino filed for municipal bankruptcy in 2012, a Chapter 9 filing that highlighted the financial struggles many residents still experience today. With a high poverty rate and a population that is approximately 66% Hispanic or Latino, San Bernardino residents understand hardship and the need for fresh financial starts.
Common debt challenges in San Bernardino:
Our bankruptcy lawyer team understands these pressures and provides legal solutions designed for San Bernardino families. Whether you need Chapter 7 bankruptcy to discharge debts, Chapter 13 bankruptcy to restructure payments, or foreclosure defense to save your home, we're here to help.
Struggling with debt in San Bernardino? Schedule your free bankruptcy lawyer consultation today.
Call (909) 915-0181Chapter 7 bankruptcy is a liquidation bankruptcy that discharges most unsecured debts within 3-6 months. If you earn below California's median income, you likely qualify. Our bankruptcy lawyer will review whether Chapter 7 is right for you.
When you file Chapter 7 bankruptcy, an automatic stay immediately stops wage garnishment, creditor calls, lawsuits, and foreclosure proceedings. A bankruptcy trustee is appointed to review your assets and income. Non-exempt property may be liquidated to pay creditors, but California exemptions protect a significant amount of home equity, vehicle equity, and personal property.
Chapter 7 bankruptcy typically takes 3-6 months from filing to discharge. The filing fee is set by the court—our law firm charges a flat fee for Chapter 7 bankruptcy that includes all attorney work, and we offer payment plans to make this affordable.
Not all debts discharge—child support, alimony, recent taxes, and student loans generally cannot be eliminated. Our bankruptcy lawyer explains which of your debts qualify for discharge.
Chapter 13 bankruptcy creates a 3-5 year repayment plan that allows you to keep your home, car, and other property while reorganizing your debts. It's ideal if you have regular income and want to catch up on missed mortgage or car payments.
Chapter 13 is powerful for homeowners facing foreclosure in San Bernardino. The automatic stay stops the foreclosure immediately, and your repayment plan allows you to cure the mortgage arrearage over time—meaning you can keep your house. This protection extends to car loans, allowing you to catch up on vehicle payments while protecting your equity.
Your Chapter 13 repayment plan is based on your income, debts, and assets. Typically, you make one monthly payment to a Chapter 13 trustee, who distributes funds to creditors according to the plan. Unsecured debts often receive little to nothing, and the remainder is discharged after the plan completes.
Our law office specializes in Chapter 13 for San Bernardino families and business owners. Let our bankruptcy lawyer explain how this option protects your financial future.
| Factor | Chapter 7 Bankruptcy | Chapter 13 Bankruptcy |
|---|---|---|
| Timeline | 3-6 months from filing to discharge | 3-5 year repayment plan, then discharge |
| Income Requirement | Must pass the means test below median income | Regular income needed to make monthly plan payments |
| Debt Discharge | Most unsecured debts eliminated completely | Unsecured debts reduced; remainder discharged after plan |
| Property Protection | Non-exempt assets may be liquidated | All property protected; you keep everything |
| Foreclosure Defense | Automatic stay stops foreclosure temporarily | Automatic stay stops foreclosure; repayment plan saves your home |
| Home & Car | May keep with equity protection under California law | Keep home and car; catch up on payments through plan |
| Credit Report Impact | Stays 10 years on credit report | Stays 7 years on credit report |
Not sure which bankruptcy is right for you? Our bankruptcy lawyer reviews your income, debts, assets, and goals during your free consultation. Call (909) 915-0181 or contact us to schedule with our law firm today.
Ready to explore your bankruptcy options? Free consultations available seven days a week.
Schedule Your Free ConsultationWhen you file bankruptcy, the automatic stay takes effect immediately—stopping wage garnishment, bank levies, foreclosure, and creditor harassment. Our bankruptcy lawyer uses this powerful protection to give you breathing room.
Judgment creditors can garnish up to 25% of your gross wages if they have a judgment against you. The automatic stay in bankruptcy stops this garnishment immediately. Our debt lawyer helps you protect your paycheck and recover funds already garnished in some cases.
If your San Bernardino home is facing foreclosure, Chapter 13 bankruptcy is your best defense. The automatic stay halts the foreclosure sale, and your repayment plan allows you to catch up on mortgage arrears while keeping your home. Chapter 7 may also provide relief depending on your circumstances and California exemptions.
Under Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, creditors cannot call, email, or harass you once bankruptcy is filed. Our law firm handles all creditor communications, preventing further harassment about credit card debt, medical debt, personal loans, and other unsecured debt.
Judgment creditors can levy your bank account or place liens on property. Bankruptcy stops these actions and may recover funds already levied. Our bankruptcy lawyer explains which assets and bank accounts are protected under California law.
Don't delay—creditor actions can escalate quickly. Contact our law office at (909) 915-0181 or send us a message for immediate help.
When facing overwhelming debt, San Bernardino residents often consider debt settlement as an alternative to bankruptcy. While both offer debt relief, they work very differently, and bankruptcy is often the better choice.
Debt settlement involves negotiating with creditors to accept less than you owe—typically 40-60% of the balance. However, debt settlement can take years, and creditors may sue you for the full amount during negotiations. Settled debt may be taxable income. This approach leaves you vulnerable to wage garnishment, lawsuits, and judgment liens.
Understanding bankruptcy as a legal tool: Bankruptcy provides immediate protection through the automatic stay, stops all creditor actions, and often eliminates debt completely rather than just reducing it. Chapter 7 discharges most debts in 3-6 months. Chapter 13 restructures payments and protects your home and assets.
Debt settlement risks: No creditor is required to settle. Creditors often sue, obtaining judgments that allow wage garnishment and bank levies. Settled debt counts as income and may increase your tax liability. The process damages your credit for years.
Our bankruptcy lawyer can explain how Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 protects you better than debt settlement. Schedule your free consultation to compare your options.
Our Redlands office serves San Bernardino and surrounding communities throughout San Bernardino County. Our Palm Springs office extends our reach to Riverside County and the Coachella Valley.
Address: 2068 Orange Tree Lane, Suite 220, Redlands, CA 92374 | Phone: (909) 915-0181
Address: 1276 N. Palm Canyon Dr., Suite 107, Palm Springs, CA 92262 | Phone: (760) 835-9353
If your city isn't listed, call our law office at (909) 915-0181 or (760) 835-9353 to ask if we can serve you.
En Lombera Law entendemos que el proceso de insolvencia puede ser abrumador, especialmente en un idioma que no es el tuyo. Ofrecemos servicios completos de abogado de quiebra en español, incluyendo:
Llama ahora: (909) 915-0181 o (760) 835-9353
"I was facing wage garnishment and didn't know what to do. Edgar's team explained Chapter 7 bankruptcy and stopped my garnishment immediately. I got my paycheck back and eliminated my credit card debt. Highly recommend this law firm."
"My house was going into foreclosure. Edgar explained Chapter 13 and helped me create a plan to save my home. The automatic stay stopped the foreclosure, and now I'm catching up on my mortgage through the bankruptcy court. Life-changing."
"Medical debt from a hospital stay was destroying me. I filed Chapter 7 bankruptcy, and within four months my medical debt was discharged. The law office's staff was professional and compassionate throughout the process."
Our law firm offers free initial consultations to discuss your bankruptcy options. Filing fees are set by the federal bankruptcy court—currently $335 for Chapter 7 and $310 for Chapter 13. Attorney fees vary based on complexity, but we offer flat-fee arrangements and payment plans to make bankruptcy affordable. During your free consultation, our bankruptcy lawyer will explain the total cost and financing options.
Chapter 7 bankruptcy liquidates non-exempt assets to discharge most unsecured debts in 3-6 months. Chapter 13 bankruptcy creates a 3-5 year repayment plan that restructures your debts while protecting your property—especially your home. Chapter 7 is faster; Chapter 13 is better if you want to save your house or have significant non-exempt assets. Our bankruptcy lawyer reviews your situation to recommend the best option.
Chapter 7 eligibility depends on passing the "means test," which compares your income to California's median income. If your income is below the median, you generally qualify for Chapter 7. If it's above, we review expenses to see if you still qualify. Our bankruptcy lawyer performs this analysis free during your initial consultation.
Yes. The automatic stay, which takes effect the moment you file bankruptcy, immediately stops wage garnishment by judgment creditors, bank levies, and creditor lawsuits. This protection allows you to keep your paycheck and regain financial stability. Our bankruptcy lawyer handles all creditor communications to ensure the garnishment stops.
Yes. Chapter 13 bankruptcy is the most powerful foreclosure defense tool available. The automatic stay stops the foreclosure sale immediately, and your repayment plan allows you to catch up on missed mortgage payments over 3-5 years. You keep your home and rebuild equity. Chapter 7 may also protect your home depending on available exemptions and equity. Our bankruptcy lawyer assesses your specific foreclosure situation.
Chapter 7 bankruptcy stays on your credit report for 10 years from the filing date. Chapter 13 bankruptcy stays for 7 years. However, you can begin rebuilding credit immediately after filing—many people qualify for credit cards, auto loans, and mortgages within 2-3 years after discharge. Our law firm provides resources to help rebuild your credit after bankruptcy.
Most unsecured debts can be discharged, but some cannot: student loans (except in rare hardship cases), child support and alimony, recent income taxes, criminal fines, and debts caused by fraud. Our bankruptcy lawyer reviews your specific debts and explains which can be eliminated and which must be paid or restructured through Chapter 13.
Yes. California law provides exemptions that protect significant equity in your home and vehicle. Chapter 7 allows you to keep your home and car as long as you remain current on payments and the equity is protected by exemptions. Chapter 13 is even better for property protection—you keep everything and catch up on mortgage or car payments through your repayment plan. Our bankruptcy lawyer explains which of your assets are protected.
San Bernardino residents file bankruptcy with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Central District of California (Riverside Division). This court serves San Bernardino County and surrounding areas. All Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filings go through federal bankruptcy court, and our bankruptcy lawyer handles all required paperwork, deadlines, and court appearances.
No. En Lombera Law ofrecemos servicios completos de abogado de quiebra completamente en español. Toda la comunicación, documentos, y representación en la corte de quiebras se proporciona en español. Muchas de nuestras familias de San Bernardino hablan principalmente español, y somos expertos en el proceso de bancarrota para clientes hispanohablantes.
Bankruptcy Attorney & Firm Founder
Edgar P. Lombera founded Lombera Law with a mission to provide compassionate, expert bankruptcy representation to families and business owners throughout the Inland Empire. With 15+ years of experience, Edgar has helped 2,500+ clients achieve financial fresh starts through Chapter 7, Chapter 13, and foreclosure defense.
Why clients trust Edgar:
Whether you're facing wage garnishment, foreclosure, credit card debt, or medical debt, Edgar and the team at Lombera Law provide the skilled representation and personal attention you deserve.
Contact our San Bernardino bankruptcy law office for a free, confidential consultation.
Lombera Law
2068 Orange Tree Lane, Suite 220
Redlands, CA 92374
Phone: (909) 915-0181
Email: lomberalaw@gmail.com
Hours: Monday–Friday 9am–5pm | Weekend/Evening by appointment
Just 10 minutes from downtown San Bernardino via the I-10.
Lombera Law
1276 N. Palm Canyon Dr., Suite 107
Palm Springs, CA 92262
Phone: (760) 835-9353
Email: lomberalaw@gmail.com
Hours: Monday–Friday 9am–5pm | Weekend/Evening by appointment
