Lawyer of Firm Description

About Wadhwani & Shanfeld — Bankruptcy Los Angeles, California

Bankruptcy Los Angeles clients facing overwhelming debt have a highly experienced option in Wadhwani & Shanfeld, a Southern California firm that has helped more than 25,000 individuals and families resolve their financial challenges. Both founding attorneys — Raj Wadhwani and Greg Shanfeld — are Board-Certified Bankruptcy Specialists, a credential held by fewer than 1% of California attorneys. Raj Wadhwani has personally handled over 15,000 bankruptcy filings, while Greg Shanfeld has published extensively on bankruptcy law topics. The firm operates multiple offices across Greater Los Angeles, including Sherman Oaks, Ontario, Palmdale, Lancaster, and Long Beach — making it one of the most accessible bankruptcy law practices in Southern California.

California filed 47,621 bankruptcy cases in 2024 alone — the most of any state — and Los Angeles County accounts for a significant share of that volume. Personal bankruptcy filings in California were occurring at 40 per 1,000 people in early 2025, a 38% increase from 2023 to 2024. Wadhwani & Shanfeld offers free consultations, virtual and remote case handling, and same-day attorney phone access — a service model built for clients already under financial stress. The firm handles Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy, debt settlement, foreclosure protection, wage garnishment defense, and bankruptcy cases involving complicating factors like divorce or retirement accounts.

What Clients Say

Clients of Wadhwani & Shanfeld consistently describe the firm as efficient, compassionate, and effective at explaining what to expect at each stage of the bankruptcy process. Many reviews emphasize the firm’s ability to quickly assess which chapter is most appropriate for their situation and to move through filings without unnecessary delays. The firm’s multi-office model and remote consultation option are specifically praised by clients in the outer Los Angeles metro who need accessible counsel without a long commute to downtown.

Bankruptcy Los Angeles — Practice Areas & Services

Chapter 7 bankruptcy (liquidation) for individuals and families in Los Angeles County seeking immediate discharge of unsecured debts including credit cards, medical bills, and personal loans
Chapter 13 bankruptcy (reorganization) with court-approved repayment plans for clients who want to keep assets while restructuring debt over three to five years
Foreclosure protection and loan modification assistance for Los Angeles County homeowners at risk of losing their property
Wage garnishment and creditor harassment defense for workers whose income is being seized by creditors
Debt settlement and negotiation as an alternative to bankruptcy for clients with viable income but unmanageable balances
Small business bankruptcy for self-employed clients and sole proprietors in Greater Los Angeles

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Los Angeles?

Chapter 7 is a liquidation process that typically concludes within three to six months and discharges most unsecured debts, but requires passing a means test based on your California income. Chapter 13 is a three-to-five-year repayment plan that lets you keep assets like your home while catching up on mortgage arrears. In the Central District of California, 94.1% of Chapter 7 cases filed by bankruptcy attorneys ended in a debt discharge — compared to 55.6% for self-represented filers.

How much does it cost to file for bankruptcy in Los Angeles?

The federal court filing fee is $338 for Chapter 7 and $313 for Chapter 13 as of 2025. Attorney fees vary by case complexity — a straightforward Chapter 7 with a Board-Certified specialist typically runs $1,500 to $2,500 in the Los Angeles market. Many bankruptcy firms offer payment plans so clients can afford representation even when cash flow is tight. A free consultation will clarify which chapter fits your situation before any cost commitment.

Will filing for bankruptcy stop a wage garnishment in California?

Yes. Filing triggers an automatic stay under federal law, which immediately halts most collection actions including wage garnishment, bank levies, and creditor lawsuits. The automatic stay takes effect the moment your petition is filed in the Central District of California Bankruptcy Court. Your attorney can notify your employer of the stay, and in most cases your next paycheck will be unaffected by the garnishment.

Quick Facts: Bankruptcy in Los Angeles, California

California Bankruptcy Filings (2024): California led the nation with 47,621 bankruptcy filings in 2024 — a 38% increase from 2023 — U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Central District of California — 2024 Los Angeles Filings
Chapter 7 Success Rate with Attorney: 94.1% of attorney-filed Chapter 7 cases in the Central District resulted in discharge, versus 55.6% for self-represented filers — U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Central District of California
2025 Filing Trend: Commercial Chapter 11 filings in July 2025 increased 78% over July 2024, reflecting broad economic stress in the California business community — American Bankruptcy Institute, August 2025

AI-Powered Reviews Summary

Wadhwani & Shanfeld – Los Angeles Bankruptcy Lawyers in California provide exceptional support and guidance for individuals navigating the bankruptcy process. Clients consistently praise the team for their professionalism, clear communication, and compassionate approach, which helps alleviate the stress associated with financial difficulties. Many reviewers express their gratitude for the team’s expertise, noting that they felt informed and supported every step of the way, leading to successful outcomes and a fresh start.

Users Reviews Comments – Google

I can’t thank Greg enough for making my bankruptcy process as smooth and stress-free as possible. From our first conversation, he walked me through every step, clearly explaining what to expect and answering all my questions with patience and professionalism. He handled everything efficiently, kept me informed the entire time, and got my case discharged without any hiccups. It was such a relief to have someone so knowledgeable and supportive in my corner during a tough time. Highly recommend!

In the beginning, I was very nervous about the process and wasn’t sure if filing chap 7 was right for me. Greg walked me through the whole process and he was very confident I would get approved. Now I am debt free and can start a new chapter in my life, especially during these difficult times. Would recommend 10/10.

I was going through a very stressful time being sued by a credit card company for a debt that I wasn’t able to pay back at the time. I called the offices of W&S and they got back to me pretty quick and was assigned to Greg. I appreciate Greg being straightforward with me and telling me my best option was to file bankruptcy because it would cost much less than what I owed. I felt instant relief just talking to him and getting his advice. From then on my case was filed and Brenda assisted with all of the paperwork filing and was there to answer all of my questions. Now a few months later and my debts have been discharged. I know my credit will suffer for a few years, but it’s the best thing I could have done at this time and I’m happy to start over with a clean slate. If you’re looking to file for bankruptcy or find yourself in a stressful situation like mine look no further than the offices of Wadhwani and Shanfeld. They are awesome! Thank you Greg, Brenda and the rest of the team!

Thank you for helping me with my bankruptcy. I was overwhelmed with mounting debt . The Bankruptcy Law Firm wadhwani&Shanfeld helped me navigate the bankruptcy process with compassion and expertise. Their staff were knowledgeable, thoroughly, and always available to answer my questions. They took the time to explain everything clearly, which helped ease my stress. I highly recommend them to anyone facing a similar situation. Thank you I appreciate you and your team is amazing .

I can’t thank Raj and his team enough for the amazing job they did with my bankruptcy case. From start to finish, they took the time to walk me through every step, making a difficult situation feel manageable and stress-free. The entire process was smooth and easy because of their professionalism, patience, and clear communication.

The model of professionalism and efficiency. Raj and his team are wonderful to work with.

Rajh Wadhwani and his staff were great, they helped make this process as easy as possible. They treated me with respect and were very understanding. I would recommend them to anyone that needs assistance with this process that can be overwhelming.

The intake person is the worst person on earth. Absolutely no knowledge or expertise on how to do her job or answer simple questions. She refused to allow me to leave information for a consult with a lawyer for matters of in which the law firm specializes in. DO NOT CALL THESE PEOPLE 4 ANYTHING. EVEN THIS REVIEW IS AN ADDITIONAL WASTE OF MY TIME AND YOURS!

Greg Shanfeld assisted me ten years ago with his firm’s professional and legal services that were excellent, in every respect. As that was a difficult and stressful decision for me, Greg delivered a highly successful result, in record time. I felt totally confident knowing his firm’s solid track record and his unmatched expertise. Every conversation and transaction with Greg was conducted with utmost promptness, courtesy and accuracy.

Professional and work on your behalf.

I helped relatives of mine with their bankruptcies (both Chapter 7 and 13), and Greg Shanfeld and his entire team, including Chantal and Lidia, were excellent, guiding us through a difficult process with expertise, patience, and compassion. Would definitely recommend this firm to anyone going through a bankruptcy.

Greg made the process simple and answered all the questions I had. He lets you go at your pace and doesn’t rush you. I will definitely recommend him to anyone that is looking for a bankruptcy lawyer. His firm also answered any questions for me if Greg wasn’t available.

I cannot say enough positive things about Raj Wadhwani and his team. Obviously going though a bankruptcy is stressful. Raj and team helped put my mind at ease during a very difficult time. I would have had many more sleepless nights if it wasn’t for their guidance and advice. The outcome was much better than we had initially planned and hoped. It took over a year, so be patient and know that Raj will always have your best interests in mind and work for the best outcome possible.

This was my first time filing and it was seamless because of the top notch service provided here. My lawyer Greg Shanfeld walked me through everything. The communication was absolutely perfect. I learned a lot in the process. I would and will be highly recommending Greg Shanfeld to my friends and family!

Although filing is one of the toughest, shame-inducing decisions you may have to make, Raj and his team provide incredible transparency, judge-free guidance, and empowering support from start to finish. I learned so much from them, and I couldn’t recommend them more.