The Bankruptcy Sage
Wise counsel for people considering bankruptcy — serving Santa Barbara and all of California.
I’m Martha Warriner, a California bankruptcy attorney with more than 40 years of experience. I help individuals file Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 and get the fresh start they deserve — guiding you through every step, from the paperwork to the stress.
40+ years’ experience · Loyola Law School, magna cum laude · Licensed California attorney · Free 30-minute consultation
Talk to a California Bankruptcy Attorney — Free 30-Minute Consultation
Serving Santa Barbara and all of California. If you’re considering Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, get clear, honest answers from an attorney with more than 40 years of experience.
Is Bankruptcy Right for You?
Are you drowning in debt? Dodging creditor calls? Wondering if there’s a way out?
You’ve come to the right place.
Chapter 7 bankruptcy wipes out most unsecured debt so you can start fresh. Chapter 13 lets you keep your assets while catching up on what you owe — including past-due mortgage payments. Either way, bankruptcy is a legal tool designed exactly for the situation you’re in.
And if you’re ready to talk, email martha@bankruptcysage.com to schedule a free 30-minute consultation.
I’m Here to Help You
I’m Martha Warriner, a California bankruptcy attorney with over 40 years of experience. I’ve helped hundreds of individuals successfully file for bankruptcy and get the fresh start they deserved.
I don’t just hand you a pile of information and walk away. I guide you through every step — the paperwork, the process, and the stress — so you come out on the other side with clarity and confidence.
Financial hardship is bad enough. You shouldn’t have to navigate it alone.
How Does Bankruptcy Work?
Bankruptcy follows a clear, step-by-step process — from pulling your credit report and checking the means test, through filing, your 341(a) meeting, and finally your discharge. I’ve laid out all eight steps in plain English.
Do you want some help?
I understand the emotional toll that financial hardship can take on you and your family. My goal is to not only provide you with legal advice and counsel, but also to be a supportive partner throughout the bankruptcy process.
If you are struggling with debt and considering bankruptcy, reach out for a free consultation. Get help as you take the first steps towards a brighter financial future. Email me at martha@bankruptcysage.com to set up a free half-hour consultation.
Here are answers to some FAQs:
What is chapter 7?
Chapter 7 is a liquidation proceeding. If you qualify, chapter 7 liquidates your non-exempt assets (most chapter 7 debtors do not have any non-exempt assets) and wipes out (discharges) your unsecured debts.
What is chapter 13?
Chapter 13 is a reorganization plan for debtors that do not qualify for chapter 7. A chapter 13 plan provides for partial repayment of debts over a 3 to 5 year period.
What is the means test?
A means test is a comparison of your actual income to average monthly expenses for your area to determine if you have sufficient income to pay some portion of what you owe to creditors. You are exempt from the means test if your income is less than the median for your state. If you are not exempt you must pass the test in order to qualify to file a chapter 7 case.
The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.