Legal Question in Bankruptcy in California

Re: debts

If you file bankruptcy, the community property becomes property of the 'bankruptcy estate' and the State family court (being superseded by Federal bankruptcy law) can not distribute those assets until the automatic stay imposed by the bankruptcy filing is lifted.

Filing by yourself before, or even after, a divorce can be problematic due to non-dischargeabilty issues. The smartest course is to file bankruptcy jointly and discharge both of your responsibility for the community debt, and then request the Judgment of Dissolution where you do not have to deal with the debts.