2. Can I file for bankruptcy in Los Angeles if I recently moved to the state? What are the rules regarding this?
You must be living in CA for “the majority of the 180 day period” preceding the filing. In other words, you have to have been a resident of CA for at least 91 days.
Pre-bankruptcy counseling must be obtained within 180 days prior to filing personal bankruptcy in California.
If you have not lived in any single state for the two years prior to filing bankruptcy, the rule is that you use the exemptions for the state you lived in for the majority of the 180-day period before the last two years.