The Law Offices of Edgar Lombera
Debt Relief. Fresh Start. Real Results.
Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy, foreclosure defense, wage garnishment relief. Free consultation. No judgment — just solutions.
When debt becomes unmanageable — credit card bills piling up, wage garnishment taking money from every paycheck, creditors calling at all hours, or a foreclosure notice on your door — bankruptcy offers a legal path to financial relief and a genuine fresh start. At the Law Offices of Edgar Lombera, our bankruptcy attorneys have helped thousands of families and individuals across the Inland Empire and Coachella Valley regain control of their finances through Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
Filing for bankruptcy in California is a federal legal process governed by the US Bankruptcy Code. Cases in San Bernardino County and Riverside County are filed with the US Bankruptcy Court, Central District of California at 3420 Twelfth Street in Riverside. Whether you live in San Bernardino, Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, Moreno Valley, Palm Springs, Indio, or any city in between, our law offices serve the entire region from two convenient locations.
The two most common forms of consumer bankruptcy are Chapter 7 (liquidation) and Chapter 13 (reorganization). Each chapter serves a different financial situation, and choosing the right one depends on your income, assets, debts, and long-term goals. Our bankruptcy lawyers evaluate every client's unique circumstances before recommending a filing strategy.
| Feature | Chapter 7 | Chapter 13 |
|---|---|---|
| Timeline | 3-4 months to discharge | 3-5 year repayment plan |
| Debt eliminated | Most unsecured debt discharged | Remaining unsecured debt discharged after plan |
| Assets | Non-exempt property may be surrendered | Keep all property |
| Income requirement | Must pass means test | Regular income required |
| Best for | Lower-income filers with unsecured debt | Homeowners, higher earners, catching up on payments |
| Court filing fee | $338 | $313 |
One of the most powerful tools in bankruptcy law is the automatic stay. The moment your bankruptcy petition is filed, the automatic stay goes into effect and immediately stops most collection actions against you. Wage garnishment ceases, foreclosure proceedings halt, bank levies stop, creditor lawsuits are paused, and harassing phone calls must end. The automatic stay provides breathing room so you can work with your bankruptcy attorney to develop a long-term debt relief strategy without the pressure of collection activity.
California provides two sets of bankruptcy exemptions that protect your essential assets during a Chapter 7 filing. Under System 1, homeowners can protect substantial home equity, their vehicle up to a set value, household furnishings, retirement accounts, and tools of their trade. Under System 2, filers who do not own a home can use a larger wildcard exemption to protect cash, bank accounts, and other personal property. Our lawyers carefully analyze your assets and recommend the exemption system that maximizes your protection.
The means test determines whether you are eligible for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. If your household income falls below the California median for your family size, you automatically qualify. If your income exceeds the median, the means test allows deductions for housing, transportation, healthcare, childcare, and other necessary expenses. Many people who initially think they earn too much for Chapter 7 still qualify after these deductions are applied. Our bankruptcy attorneys run the means test during your free consultation so you know your options immediately.
Our law practice provides comprehensive bankruptcy legal services across the Inland Empire and Coachella Valley. Each area of practice addresses specific financial challenges that our clients face.
Chapter 7 bankruptcy is designed for individuals who cannot afford to repay their unsecured debts. The process eliminates credit card debt, medical bills, personal loans, payday loans, and most other unsecured obligations in approximately 3 to 4 months. In exchange, the bankruptcy trustee may liquidate non-exempt assets to repay a portion of your debt — though most Chapter 7 filers in California keep all of their property thanks to generous state exemptions. To qualify, you must pass the means test. Our bankruptcy lawyers handle every step, from the initial filing through the credit counseling requirement and your 341 meeting of creditors.
Chapter 13 bankruptcy allows individuals with regular income to restructure their debts into a manageable 3-to-5-year repayment plan. This chapter is often the best option for homeowners facing foreclosure because it lets you catch up on missed mortgage payments and second mortgage arrears while keeping your home. Chapter 13 can also be used to catch up on car payments, reduce certain secured debts, and stop wage garnishment. At the end of your repayment plan, remaining unsecured debt is discharged. Our attorneys help you build a payment plan that works with your actual income and expenses.
If you have received a notice of default or notice of trustee sale on your home, time is critical. Foreclosure defense through bankruptcy triggers the automatic stay, which immediately halts the foreclosure process. Chapter 13 bankruptcy is particularly effective because it allows you to cure mortgage arrears over a 3-to-5-year plan while maintaining your regular monthly mortgage payment. Chapter 7 can provide temporary relief and time to explore loan modification or other options. Our law office has helped families across Redlands, Fontana, Moreno Valley, Hemet, and throughout the Inland Empire save their homes from foreclosure.
Under California law, creditors with a court judgment can garnish up to 25% of your disposable income — leaving many families unable to cover basic expenses. Filing for bankruptcy stops wage garnishment immediately through the automatic stay. Both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 halt garnishment, and the underlying debt that led to the garnishment may be dischargeable. If your wages are currently being garnished, our bankruptcy attorneys can often file an emergency petition to stop the deduction before your next paycheck.
The bankruptcy process begins with a free consultation at our Redlands or Palm Springs law office, where we review your debts, income, assets, and financial goals. Before filing, you must complete a credit counseling course from an approved provider. We then prepare and file your petition with the US Bankruptcy Court in Riverside. Approximately 30 to 45 days after filing, you attend the 341 meeting of creditors — a brief hearing where the trustee reviews your petition. For Chapter 7 filers, discharge typically comes within 60 days after the meeting. For Chapter 13, your repayment plan must be confirmed by the court before payments begin.
Credit card debt is one of the most common reasons people seek bankruptcy relief. High interest rates, minimum payment traps, and compounding fees can turn a manageable balance into an unsecured debt burden that grows faster than you can pay it down. Both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 address credit card debt — Chapter 7 can discharge it entirely, while Chapter 13 may allow you to repay only a fraction. Debt settlement is another option, but it comes with tax consequences and credit damage that bankruptcy's structured discharge often avoids. Schedule a consultation to compare your debt relief options.
Medical bills are a leading cause of bankruptcy filings in the United States. A single hospitalization, surgery, or ongoing treatment can generate tens of thousands of dollars in unsecured medical debt — even for people with insurance. Medical debt is fully dischargeable in both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy. If medical bills are your primary financial burden, bankruptcy may provide faster and more complete relief than negotiating with hospitals and collection agencies on your own.
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) protects consumers from abusive debt collection tactics, including threatening calls, contacting you at work after being told to stop, and misrepresenting the amount owed. Filing for bankruptcy reinforces these protections with the automatic stay, which makes it illegal for any creditor to contact you about a debt included in your case. If a creditor violates the automatic stay, they can face sanctions from the bankruptcy court. Our attorneys handle creditor harassment cases and ensure your rights are protected throughout the filing process.
With law offices in Redlands and Palm Springs, the Law Offices of Edgar Lombera provides bankruptcy legal services to clients throughout San Bernardino County, Riverside County, and the Coachella Valley. Our attorneys handle cases filed at the US Bankruptcy Court, Central District of California at 3420 Twelfth Street, Riverside, CA 92501. Whether you live along the I-10 corridor, the I-15 corridor, or in the Coachella Valley along Highway 111, experienced debt relief help is close by.
All bankruptcy cases in our service area are filed at the US Bankruptcy Court in Riverside. The San Bernardino County Superior Court (247 W. 3rd St., San Bernardino) and Riverside County Superior Court (4050 Main St., Riverside) handle related state-court matters. The Riverside County Superior Court Indio Division (46-200 Oasis St., Indio) serves Coachella Valley residents for non-bankruptcy proceedings.
Take the first step toward financial relief. Our bankruptcy attorneys offer free consultations with no obligation. Find out if Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 is right for you.
Schedule a Free ConsultationThe Law Offices of Edgar Lombera also handles personal injury cases — car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle crashes, and more. No fee unless we win your case.
Explore Personal Injury ServicesWhen you call the Law Offices of Edgar Lombera, you speak directly with an attorney — not a paralegal or intake coordinator. Attorney Edgar Lombera personally handles every case from your free consultation through your final discharge.
Our entire staff speaks English and Spanish fluently. We provide complete legal services in both languages — consultations, document preparation, court representation, and credit counseling guidance. Hablamos Español.
We concentrate on two areas of law — bankruptcy and personal injury. This focused law practice means deep knowledge and daily experience with the filing process, exemptions, means test strategies, and Riverside bankruptcy court procedures.
More than 230 five-star client reviews reflect our commitment to compassionate, effective debt relief. Our top-rated firm earns most new clients through referrals from people we have already helped find their fresh start.
Bankruptcy & Personal Injury Attorney
Attorney Edgar P. Lombera is the owner and lead lawyer at the Law Offices of Edgar Lombera, A Professional Law Corporation. With over 15 years of experience serving the Inland Empire and Coachella Valley, he has guided thousands of individuals and families through the bankruptcy process — from the initial means test evaluation to the final discharge of debts.
Edgar is a member of the State Bar of California and practices regularly before the US Bankruptcy Court, Central District of California. He founded the firm with a commitment to providing affordable, compassionate legal representation to consumers facing financial hardship. His bilingual capabilities enable him to serve the region's diverse Spanish-speaking community with the same depth and professionalism as English-speaking clients.
Offices: Redlands, CA & Palm Springs, CA
"I was terrified about filing for bankruptcy, but Edgar made the entire process feel manageable. He explained every step clearly and stopped my wage garnishment within days. I finally feel like I can breathe again."
San Bernardino, CA
"Estaba a punto de perder mi casa y Edgar nos ayudó con el Capítulo 13. Todo el equipo habla español y nunca me sentí confundido. Muy agradecido por su ayuda profesional."
Fontana, CA
"After my car accident, Edgar handled my injury case AND helped me file Chapter 7 when the medical bills became too much. Having one lawyer who understands both sides made everything easier."
Palm Desert, CA
Chapter 7 bankruptcy eliminates most unsecured debts — credit card debt, medical bills, and personal loans — in approximately 3 to 4 months. You may need to surrender non-exempt assets. Chapter 13 bankruptcy creates a 3-to-5-year repayment plan that lets you keep your property while repaying a portion of your debts. Chapter 13 is often used to stop foreclosure and catch up on mortgage payments. Attorney Edgar Lombera can evaluate which chapter fits your financial situation during a free consultation at either our Redlands or Palm Springs office.
California offers generous exemptions that protect essential property. Under the California System 1 exemptions, you can protect substantial home equity, your vehicle up to a set value, and most personal belongings. Chapter 13 bankruptcy lets you keep all your assets while catching up on missed payments through a structured repayment plan. During your free consultation, our bankruptcy lawyers will review your assets and explain exactly what is protected under California law.
Court filing fees are $338 for Chapter 7 and $313 for Chapter 13 as of 2026. Attorney fees vary depending on the complexity of your case. The Law Offices of Edgar Lombera offers flat-fee Chapter 7 filing and flexible payment plans for Chapter 13. We provide free consultations so you understand the full cost before making any decisions. Fee waivers may be available if your income is below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines. Call (909) 915-0181 for a no-obligation cost breakdown.
The automatic stay takes effect the moment your bankruptcy petition is filed with the US Bankruptcy Court, Central District of California in Riverside. This immediately stops wage garnishment, bank levies, lawsuits, creditor phone calls, and most other collection actions. In urgent garnishment situations, our bankruptcy attorneys can prepare and file your petition quickly to stop the next paycheck deduction. Call our law office at (909) 915-0181 or (760) 835-9353 if your wages are currently being garnished.
To qualify for Chapter 7, you must pass the means test. If your household income is below the California median for your family size, you automatically qualify. If your income is above the median, you may still qualify after deducting allowable expenses including housing costs, transportation, healthcare, and child support. As of 2026, the California median income for a single earner is approximately $64,000 per year. Our lawyers can run the means test for you during a free consultation at our Redlands or Palm Springs office.
Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy can eliminate credit card debt, medical bills, personal loans, payday loans, utility bills, and most other unsecured debts. Certain debts cannot be discharged, including most student loans, child support, alimony, recent tax debts (generally within the last 3 years), debts from fraud, and criminal fines. During your free consultation, attorney Edgar Lombera will review your specific debts and explain exactly what can be eliminated through bankruptcy.
Chapter 7 bankruptcy remains on your credit report for 10 years from the filing date, while Chapter 13 stays for 7 years. However, many of our clients begin rebuilding credit immediately after receiving their discharge and see significant improvement within 12 to 24 months. Bankruptcy often improves your credit score faster than continuing to carry unmanageable debt, because it eliminates the delinquent accounts and collection records that drag your score down.
Yes. You can file an individual bankruptcy petition in California even if you are married. Only your debts, income, and assets are included in the filing. However, your spouse's income may still be considered for the means test if you share a household. In some situations, a joint filing may be more beneficial because it eliminates both spouses' debts for one filing fee. Our bankruptcy attorneys will evaluate your household finances and recommend whether an individual or joint filing makes the most sense.
Yes. The Law Offices of Edgar Lombera has a fully bilingual team. We provide complete bankruptcy services in English and Spanish — from your initial free consultation through credit counseling, petition filing, the 341 meeting of creditors, and your final discharge. Ofrecemos servicios completos de bancarrota en español. Visit our Spanish bankruptcy page or call (909) 915-0181 for a free consultation in Spanish.
Your free consultation is completely confidential. We will review your financial situation, explain your legal options, and give you honest legal advice — with no pressure and no obligation. Consultas disponibles en español.
Call (909) 915-0181Law Offices of Edgar Lombera
2068 Orange Tree Lane, Suite 220
Redlands, CA 92374
Phone: (909) 915-0181
Available 24/7 · Free Parking · Hablamos Español
Law Offices of Edgar Lombera
1276 N. Palm Canyon Dr., Suite 107
Palm Springs, CA 92262
Phone: (760) 835-9353
Coachella Valley Location
Phone: (909) 915-0181
Email: lomberalaw@gmail.com
Available 24/7 by phone
English & Spanish
Attorney Advertising: The information on this website is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Every bankruptcy case is different. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. An attorney-client relationship is not formed until a written agreement is signed. Free consultations are available for potential clients to evaluate their legal options. The Law Offices of Edgar Lombera is a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code.
