Southern California consumer bankruptcy law
Use Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 to eliminate debt, protect what matters, and choose a stronger financial path forward—with a clear plan before anything is filed.
Client reviews
Real clients describe clear explanations, direct access, responsive communication, and relief when the process was over.
“Ben made an unpleasant necessity as painless as possible. He provided us with thorough information on our options and totally explained the process and what we could expect and he did so honestly, knowledgeably, empathetically and with a degree of grace we truly appreciated.”
Alan
“Mr. Heston really stuck out to me as he seemed so caring and non-judgmental, and he was very knowledgeable about chapter 13 bankruptcy. He was great at keeping me up to date with the status of my case and he always found time to answer my questions.”
Anonymous
“Before the case was dismissed Mr. Heston took over and appealed the dismissal and saved me from losing my home. Mr. Heston was amazing, in that he was knowledgeable, professional and "on top" of my case. I am very grateful.”
Anonymous
“Benjamin Heston was an amazing attorney. I went into my bankruptcy blinded and had no idea what I was doing. It was because of his patience and guidance I was able to understand the whole process and move forward.”
David B.
“He was easy to talk to, made me extremely comfortable through the entire process and handled my case professionally. He stayed in touch with me, keeping me updated through the entire process and any time I reached out to him with a question his response was prompt.”
Tamara P.
“I extremely happy with the service I received from Ben Heston he such a professional. He answered all my questions and came through with the result he promised. Will honestly be referring him and his legal services to my peers.”
Vannessia R.
A legitimate financial tool
The Constitution expressly gives Congress the power to create uniform bankruptcy laws. The idea of debt release is even older, appearing in biblical traditions of release and restoration.
Filing is not cheating the system. It is using a lawful process to make the numbers work again. When bankruptcy is the right option, choosing it can be the disciplined, financially intelligent move.
Why is filing bankruptcy the smart and right thing to do? ↗Find your route
Bankruptcy is not one-size-fits-all. The right chapter—or a decision to wait—depends on what you own, what you owe, what is urgent, and what you need life to look like afterward.
A shorter process that wipes out credit-card debt, medical bills, personal loans, judgments, and other unsecured debt.
A structured plan that can stop foreclosure, catch up on secured debt, and protect property—without necessarily paying every debt in full.
Means-test analysis, exemption review, filing timing, and a candid answer when bankruptcy should wait—or is not the best route.
Adversary proceedings, appeals, trustee actions, liens, discharge disputes, tax issues, and other bankruptcy litigation.
When pressure is building
Deadlines and collection activity can change your options. Call before assuming it is too late—or that filing is your only move.
A filing stops the garnishment; timing determines which paycheck is protected.
Review arrears, equity, sale dates, and Chapter 13 options.
Map the lawsuit, judgment, liens, and discharge questions.
Compare bankruptcy against waiting, negotiation, and other paths.
How it works
Income, property, debts, deadlines, prior filings, and what matters most to you.
Compare Chapter 7, Chapter 13, waiting, or another approach in plain language.
Gather the right documents, identify risks early, and avoid preventable surprises.
Know what comes next, what the court expects, and when to ask for help.
Ben Heston
Ben founded Nexus Bankruptcy in 2022 to give people sophisticated advice without making them feel processed through a high-volume firm. He listens to what is actually going on, explains the realistic options, and helps choose the best path forward. He has focused on bankruptcy law in Southern California since 2014.
His work includes standard and complex Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases, adversary proceedings, trustee disputes, dischargeability litigation, and appeals.
Outside the office, Ben is a dad to two boys, Elijah and Ezra. Being their dad is the most important thing he does.
Questions before decisions
Yes. Filing triggers the automatic stay, a federal court order that immediately stops all creditor collection activity—including calls, lawsuits, garnishments, levies, foreclosures, and repossessions. After discharge, a permanent injunction replaces that temporary protection and can be enforced against creditors that try to collect discharged debts.
Chapter 7 is generally a shorter liquidation process for eligible filers. Chapter 13 uses a court-approved repayment plan, often over three to five years. Income, assets, secured debts, arrears, prior filings, and your goals all affect the answer.
Not automatically. California exemptions, equity, payment status, loan terms, and the chapter you file all matter. A careful property and lien review should happen before any case is filed.
Nexus offers a free initial consultation and a free means-test analysis when you have the needed income information. The scope, timing, and any legal fees should be confirmed before you retain the firm.
The firm has offices in Costa Mesa and Irvine and represents clients across Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, and San Diego Counties.
Southern California
Nexus Bankruptcy serves clients throughout Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, and San Diego Counties.
Free consultation