Bankruptcy and tax law, practiced in Mendocino County.

The practice.

Catherine Christiansen, Attorney at Law, is a solo practice focused on consumer bankruptcy and tax law. The office is located in Redwood Valley and serves individuals and small businesses throughout Mendocino County and California.

My story.

I often say that I didn't choose bankruptcy law—bankruptcy law chose me.

While attending law school as a single mother, financial stability wasn't just something I studied—it was something I lived. Early on, I clerked for a firm that handled bankruptcies along with other areas of law. Later, as an independent law clerk, I found myself consistently working with attorneys whose clients were facing serious financial challenges. It quickly became clear that this was the work I was meant to do.

I passed the California Bar in 1996 on my first attempt and opened my own practice, dedicated to helping individuals and businesses find a path to a fresh start. Over the years, I've guided clients through Chapters 7, 11, and 13 bankruptcies, as well as adversary proceedings involving the discharge of tax and student loan debt.

I was honored to earn certification as a Bankruptcy Law Specialist. Today, I've chosen to focus my practice on personal and business Chapter 7 cases—allowing me to provide a more streamlined, efficient, and accessible path to relief for my clients. Because of this focused approach, I no longer need to maintain the specialist certification, but the knowledge and experience gained from that distinction continue to guide my work every day.

For many years, I lived and practiced in Huntington Beach and Seal Beach, where I was actively involved in the legal community through organizations such as the Orange County Bar Association, the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys, the Central District of California Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys Association, and the Christian Legal Society. These experiences shaped both my legal approach and my commitment to serving others with integrity.

Today, I'm grateful to call Mendocino County home. I am an active member of both the Lake County Bar Association and the Mendocino County Bar Association, and I continue to do the work I feel called to do—helping people navigate some of the most difficult financial moments in their lives with clarity, compassion, and respect.

If you're feeling overwhelmed or unsure of your next step, you don't have to face it alone. I'm here to listen, answer your questions, and help you find a clear path forward.

How the office works.

• Initial consultations are free and confidential.
• Fees are discussed up front before any work begins.
• Catherine handles each case personally from start to finish.
• The practice serves individuals and small businesses.

Credentials.

• Admitted to the California State Bar in 1996
• 28+ years in private practice
• Member: Lake County Bar Association
• Member: Mendocino County Bar Association
• Based in Redwood Valley, Mendocino County