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Los Angeles bankruptcy law firm specializing in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filings for individuals and businesses facing foreclosure, wage garnishment, and creditor harassment.
Data compiled from public sources
Bereliani Law Firm is a bankruptcy legal practice based in Los Angeles, founded by attorney Sanaz Sarah Bereliani. The firm serves clients in Los Angeles County and surrounding areas who are considering bankruptcy or facing serious debt and financial distress. According to their website, the firm has guided numerous clients through bankruptcy proceedings while maintaining experience representing both debtors and creditors.
The firm offers comprehensive bankruptcy representation focused on Chapter 7 liquidation bankruptcy (debt discharge without repayment plans) and Chapter 13 reorganization bankruptcy (3-5 year repayment plans). They provide free consultations to discuss bankruptcy and non-bankruptcy options, including debt settlement alternatives. Their services address specific financial crises including foreclosure prevention, wage garnishment stops, creditor harassment cessation, mortgage payment defaults, vehicle repossession prevention, and tax levy issues.
Bereliani Law Firm distinguishes itself by offering thorough consultation before filing, including means test calculation to determine Chapter 7 eligibility and assessment of asset protection. They emphasize exploring alternatives to bankruptcy when appropriate for long-term financial benefit. The firm operates two office locations with phone numbers (310) 882-5482 and (818) 920-8352, indicating service across Los Angeles metropolitan areas.
The firm appears to be a legitimate legal practice offering genuine bankruptcy representation rather than debt relief services. Potential clients should note this is a law firm charging legal fees for court representation, not a debt settlement company. The website content is educational but incomplete, cutting off mid-sentence on non-dischargeable debts, suggesting the site may need updates.
This is state-level context for Bankruptcy Services consumers in Los Angeles, CA. It does not confirm that Bereliani Law Firm or this specific location is licensed.
State regulator
California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI)
Consumer protection
Relevant law: California Credit Services Act of 1984 (Cal. Civ. Code § 1789.10-1789.26)
Registration: Required with California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI)
Upfront fees: Listed as prohibited in the current CreditDoc state summary
Source: CreditDoc state-law summary and listed public regulator resources. Verify licensing directly with the listed state regulator before relying on a provider.
Bereliani Law Firm offers 12 services including Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing and representation (liquidation/fresh start), Chapter 13 bankruptcy filing and representation (3-5 year reorganization plans), Free bankruptcy consultation and case evaluation, Means test calculation to determine Chapter 7 eligibility, Asset protection and exemption analysis prior to filing, and 7 more.
Bereliani Law Firm has profile signals associated with Los Angeles County residents facing foreclosure or home loss seeking Chapter 7 debt discharge, Individuals with wage garnishment or creditor harassment needing immediate legal intervention, Homeowners or vehicle owners seeking Chapter 13 reorganization to retain property while repaying debt, Individuals unsure whether bankruptcy is appropriate who need professional consultation on alternatives.
Key strengths: Free initial consultations to evaluate bankruptcy and non-bankruptcy options; Explains alternatives to bankruptcy, including debt settlement, for long-term client benefit; Offers both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy representation with detailed explanations of each. Areas to consider: Website content cuts off mid-sentence regarding non-dischargeable debts, suggesting incomplete information; Limited online information about attorney credentials, experience level, or client testimonials.
In the Bankruptcy Services category, comparable providers include Bankruptcy Law Offices of Mark L. Miller, Bankruptcy Legal Center, Wilcox Law Firm, P.C.. Each company has different strengths, so compare services, pricing, and consumer complaint records before deciding what to do next.
CreditDoc Profile Note
Bereliani Law Firm is profile signals for Los Angeles-area residents needing licensed attorney representation for bankruptcy filing, particularly those facing foreclosure, wage garnishment, or repossession. The main caveat is that this is a law firm charging legal fees—not a debt relief company—so costs will be professional legal rates; clients should expect to pay for attorney services and court filing fees separate from any consultation.
San Diego and El Centro bankruptcy law firm offering Chapter 7, 13, and 11 filings with a claimed 98.9% success rate and 20+ years of experience.
Profile signals: San Diego and El Centro residents facing Chapter 7 liquidation or asset protection through Chapter 13, Homeowners seeking foreclosure defense or loan modification alternatives
San Diego-based bankruptcy law firm specializing exclusively in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filings. Over a decade of experience helping residents eliminate debt and stop collection actions.
Profile signals: San Diego residents facing wage garnishment, foreclosure, or active lawsuits from creditors, Individuals with high credit card debt, medical bills, or second mortgage debt seeking Chapter 7 discharge
San Jose-based consumer protection law firm specializing in defending clients against abusive debt collection practices under FDCPA and California state law.
Profile signals: Consumers experiencing repeated harassing calls, false threats, or illegal collection tactics, Individuals who want to hold abusive debt collectors legally accountable and seek financial compensation
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Read guide →New to credit and lending? Here are the key terms used on this page, explained in plain language with real-number examples.
When you fail to repay a loan according to the agreed terms — usually after 90-180 days of missed payments. It's the point where the lender gives up on collecting normally.
Default triggers severe consequences: credit score drops 100+ points, the debt may be sent to collections, you could be sued, and your wages or assets could be seized.
Example
You miss 4 consecutive car payments. The lender declares your loan in default, repossesses your car, sells it at auction for $8,000, and you still owe the remaining $5,000 (called a deficiency balance).
A federal agency created in 2010 to protect consumers from unfair financial practices. They write rules, supervise financial companies, and handle consumer complaints.
The CFPB is your most powerful ally against high-cost lenders. Filing a complaint with them gets a response from the company within 15 days — companies take CFPB complaints seriously.
Example
A debt collector calls your workplace after you told them to stop. You file a CFPB complaint online. Within 15 days, the collection agency responds and agrees to stop. The CFPB tracks complaint patterns across all companies.
A federal law that limits what debt collectors can do. They can't call before 8am or after 9pm, can't harass you, can't lie, and are required to stop contacting you if you request in writing.
Knowing your FDCPA rights stops abusive collection tactics. If a collector violates the law, you may have a right to sue for up to $1,000 per violation plus attorney fees.
Example
A collector calls your workplace 3 times after you told them not to. That's 3 FDCPA violations. You hire a consumer attorney (free — they get paid by the collector). The collector settles for $3,000.
A court order that requires your employer to withhold part of your paycheck and send it directly to a creditor. Usually happens after a creditor sues you and has obtained a judgment.
Federal law limits garnishment to 25% of disposable income. Some states have lower limits. Student loans and taxes can be garnished without a court order.
Example
You owe $8,000 on a defaulted credit card. The bank sues, gets a judgment, and garnishes your wages. On a $3,000/month net paycheck, they take $750/month until the debt is paid.
A time limit (typically 3-6 years, varies by state) after which a creditor can no longer sue you to collect a debt. The debt still exists, but they lose the legal power to force payment.
Knowing your state's statute of limitations prevents you from being tricked into paying debts that are legally uncollectable. Beware: making a payment can restart the clock.
Example
You have a $3,000 credit card debt from 2019. Your state has a 4-year statute of limitations. In 2024, a collector calls demanding payment. The statute has expired — they cannot sue you.
A type of bankruptcy where you keep your assets but follow a court-approved 3-5 year repayment plan to pay back some or all of your debts. Stays on credit for 7 years.
Chapter 13 may be more relevant than Chapter 7 if you have a home or assets you want to keep. It can stop foreclosure and let you catch up on mortgage payments over 3-5 years.
Example
You're 3 months behind on your mortgage and have $30,000 in credit card debt. Chapter 13 stops foreclosure and puts you on a 5-year plan: you pay $600/month to catch up on the mortgage and pay 40% of the credit card debt.
A type of bankruptcy that wipes out most unsecured debts (credit cards, medical bills) by liquidating non-exempt assets. It stays on your credit for 10 years.
Chapter 7 gives you a fresh start but at a steep cost: 10 years on your credit, difficulty getting loans, and you may lose assets. Income is generally required to be below your state's median to qualify.
Example
You have $45,000 in credit card debt and earn $35,000/year. Chapter 7 erases the debt. You keep exempt property (basic car, household items). Your score drops to ~500 but you're debt-free.
When a creditor declares your debt a loss after 180 days of nonpayment and removes it from their books. But you still owe the money — they just stop expecting to collect it themselves.
A charge-off is one of the most damaging entries on your credit report and stays for 7 years. The debt is usually sold to a collection agency who will pursue you for it.
Example
You stop paying your $4,000 credit card. After 180 days, the bank charges it off and sells the debt to a collector for $800. The collector now contacts you demanding the full $4,000 (they profit from what they collect above $800).
When an unpaid debt is transferred or sold to a third-party collection agency that specializes in recovering the money. Collection accounts appear on your credit report for 7 years.
Even a $50 collection account can drop your score 50-100 points. Some newer FICO models (FICO 9) ignore paid collections, but many lenders still use older models.
Example
An old $200 gym bill goes to collections. It appears on all 3 credit reports and drops your 720 score to 640. Paying it helps with newer scoring models but under FICO 8 (still widely used), a paid collection still hurts.
Combining multiple debts into one single loan with one monthly payment, ideally at a lower interest rate. It simplifies repayment and can reduce total interest.
Consolidation is generally most useful when you get a lower rate than your existing debts. But it doesn't reduce what you owe — and extending the term can mean paying more total interest.
Example
You have: $5,000 at 22% (credit card), $3,000 at 18% (store card), $2,000 at 25% (payday loan). A $10,000 consolidation loan at 11% saves you ~$2,100 in interest over 3 years.
Negotiating with creditors to accept less than the full amount you owe — typically 40-60 cents on the dollar. Usually done after you've already fallen behind on payments.
Settlement can save thousands, but it severely damages your credit (settled accounts show for 7 years) and the IRS may tax the forgiven amount as income.
Example
You owe $15,000 on a credit card and negotiate a settlement of $7,500 (50%). You save $7,500 but: your credit drops 100+ points, the account shows 'settled' for 7 years, and you may owe taxes on the $7,500 forgiven.
The percentage of your monthly gross income that goes toward paying debts. Lenders use it to judge whether you can afford another loan payment.
Most lenders want DTI below 36% for personal loans and below 43% for mortgages. Above that, you're considered overextended and likely to be denied.
Example
You earn $5,000/month gross. Your debts: $1,200 mortgage + $300 car + $200 student loans = $1,700/month. DTI = 34%. A new $400/month loan would push you to 42% — risky for lenders.
A court ruling that says you legally owe a specific amount to a creditor. It gives the creditor power to garnish wages, freeze bank accounts, or place liens on your property.
Judgments are enforceable for 10-20 years (varies by state) and can be renewed. They give creditors far more collection power than a simple unpaid debt.
Example
A credit card company sues you for $8,000 and has obtained a judgment. They can now garnish 25% of your paycheck ($750/month on a $3,000 net salary) and freeze your bank account.
Want to learn more? Read our Financial Wellness Guides for in-depth explanations and practical advice.
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