How much does it cost to hire Michael for a bankruptcy case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Michael walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does Michael offer a free consultation?

Michael charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office. Some bankruptcy attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.

How long do bankruptcy cases in California typically take?

Simple bankruptcy matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Michael gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Michael take my case if I'm outside Woodland Hills?

Michael is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Michael will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

What should I bring to my first meeting with Michael?

Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Michael will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Michael accepting new bankruptcy clients right now?

Michael's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Michael Goch, Bankruptcy Attorney in Woodland Hills

Quick answer

Michael Goch is a member based in Woodland Hills, CA. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Creditor Rights, and General. Michael has over 48 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Law Offices of Michael Goch A Professional Corporation. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Woodland Hills, CA
Experience: over 48 years
Known for: Bankruptcy · Creditor Rights · General

Handles Bankruptcy, Creditor Rights, and General matters from Woodland Hills, CA.
Over 48 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Michael Goch

Michael concentrates on bankruptcy, creditor rights, general, government, and health care. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Bankruptcy cases in Woodland Hills, California

Michael takes bankruptcy matters in Woodland Hills, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.

Creditor Rights cases in Woodland Hills, California

Michael takes creditor rights matters in Woodland Hills, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.

General cases in Woodland Hills, California

Michael takes general matters in Woodland Hills, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.

Government cases in Woodland Hills, California

Michael takes government matters in Woodland Hills, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.

Health Care cases in Woodland Hills, California

Michael takes health care matters in Woodland Hills, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Michael Goch — Over 48 years of California bankruptcy experience

Michael Goch is a member based in Woodland Hills, CA. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Creditor Rights, and General. Michael has over 48 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Law Offices of Michael Goch A Professional Corporation. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Michael Goch has practiced law in the State of California since his admission to the California Bar in November, 1978. He graduated cum laude (with honors) from Southwestern University School of Law in Los Angeles in May, 1978. During law school, among the honors he obtained were the Corpus Juris Secundum Award for Significant Legal Scholarship, the American Jurisprudence Award for Criminal Law, inclusion in the Dean’s Honor List and recognition in Most Outstanding Young Men of America (1978) and Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities (1978). He successfully passed the California Bar Exam upon his first attempt. He has been an associate with law firms, a litigation and corporate counsel, a partner in law firms and principal of his own law practice. He is a member of the Los Angeles County Bar Association, San Fernando Valley Bar Association and Association of Trial Lawyers of America.

As a federal practitioner, Mr. Goch has been admitted to the United States District Court for the Central District of California since December, 1978, the United States District Court for the Northern District of California since April, 1979, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California since December, 1981, and the United States District Court for the Southern District of California since June, 1996. Mr. Goch has been admitted to practice before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals since April, 1979.

Mr. Goch has been awarded an “AV” rating from Martindale Hubbell Law Directory. Martindale Hubbell is generally regarded as the premier legal rating directory in the United States. “AV” is the highest rating bestowed by that organization, reflecting a legal ability rating from very high to preeminent and a general ethical standards rating of very high. Mr. Goch is also included in Martindale-Hubbell’s Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers.

Michael Goch will provide personal attention to each client from the initial interview through completion of representation. This is important due to the fact that significant tactical decisions are made from the first day throughout the entire course of representation by the same attorney who will ultimately try the case. This type of individualized attention cannot be provided by all law firms

How Michael handles bankruptcy matters

Michael Goch has practiced law in the State of California since his admission to the California Bar in November, 1978. He graduated cum laude (with honors) from Southwestern University School of Law in Los Angeles in May, 1978. During law school, among the honors he obtained were the Corpus Juris Secundum Award for Significant Legal Scholarship, the American Jurisprudence Award for Criminal Law,…

Who Michael represents

Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for bankruptcy, creditor rights, and general matters in Woodland Hills and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Michael Goch's legal education and bar admissions

Southwestern University School of Law
J.D. · 1978

Jurisdictions

Michael's state bar admissions

U.S. District Court,
1996 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1981 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1979 · ACTIVE
California
1978 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1978 · ACTIVE

Michael studied at J.D. in Southwestern University School of Law.

Law school and academic background

Michael completed J.D. in Southwestern University School of Law. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Michael Goch

Michael has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

Michael Goch's office in Woodland Hills

Michael's primary office is at 21700 Oxnard Street., Suite 1750, Woodland Hills, CA, 91367. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Law Offices of Michael Goch A Professional Corporation

21700 Oxnard Street., Suite 1750

Woodland Hills, CA 91367

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Michael Goch — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Michael. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing bankruptcy attorneys in Woodland Hills.

5.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Michael Goch claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Michael Goch — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new bankruptcy attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Michael usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Michael charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Michael will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a bankruptcy attorney in Woodland Hills, California

A short list to run through before you commit: How many bankruptcy matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Michael

Michael discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in bankruptcy practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every bankruptcy matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Michael confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Michael's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many bankruptcy practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Michael Goch

How much does it cost to hire Michael for a bankruptcy case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Michael walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Michael offer a free consultation?
Michael charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office. Some bankruptcy attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.
How long do bankruptcy cases in California typically take?
Simple bankruptcy matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Michael gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Michael take my case if I'm outside Woodland Hills?
Michael is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Michael will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Michael?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Michael will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Michael accepting new bankruptcy clients right now?
Michael's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by California residents in the last few months, answered by bankruptcy attorneys like Michael Goch. Each link opens the full answer thread.

What Happens To My House When I File Bankruptcy In California?
I live in Los Angeles, California, and I'm about to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. My home is currently worth around $600,000, but I owe $400,000 on the mortgage. I’m worried about
1 verified answer · Bankruptcy · California
Does Filing Bankruptcy Stop Foreclosure In New York?
I’m facing foreclosure on my home in Buffalo, New York, and I’m considering filing for bankruptcy as a last resort. My mortgage lender has already sent me a notice. If I file for C
1 verified answer · Bankruptcy · New York
How Much Will Bankruptcy Cost Me In Michigan?
I live in Detroit, Michigan, and I’m exploring my bankruptcy options. I’ve heard filing can be expensive, but I need to know what to expect in terms of legal fees and court costs.
1 verified answer · Bankruptcy · Michigan
Can I Get A Loan After Filing Bankruptcy In Washington?
I filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Seattle, Washington, six months ago, and I'm starting to think about my financial future. How soon can I apply for a personal loan after bankrup
1 verified answer · Bankruptcy · Washington
What Are The Consequences Of Bankruptcy In Maryland?
I’m considering bankruptcy in Baltimore, Maryland, and I'm worried about the potential consequences, like losing property or having my credit ruined. What are some common consequen
1 verified answer · Bankruptcy · Maryland
Can Bankruptcy Help With Medical Bills In Texas?
I racked up around $15,000 in medical bills after an emergency surgery last year in Houston, Texas. I’m struggling to keep up with payments, and I’m considering bankruptcy. Will fi
1 verified answer · Bankruptcy · Texas

Areas served

Bankruptcy attorneys serving Woodland Hills, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California

Michael handles bankruptcy matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified bankruptcy attorneys in that community.