How To File Bankruptcy for Free in California (2025 Guide)

Filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy in California can give you a fresh start by erasing debts like credit cards, medical bills, payday loans, and personal loans. Many people don’t need to hire a lawyer to file successfully, especially for simple cases.

You can complete the process on your own by gathering documents, taking required courses, and filing forms with your local bankruptcy court. Each California district has specific rules based on where you live.

If you want to learn more before jumping in, read on to see what each step looks like.

Step-by-Step California Bankruptcy Filing Process

Collect Your California Bankruptcy Documents

Start by gathering your financial documents. These help you fill out your forms and get ready for the steps ahead.

You’re required to submit:

• Pay stubs from the past six months to show your income
• Federal tax returns from the last two years
• A bank statement that covers the day you file your bankruptcy case

While you’re getting organized, it’s also helpful to have:

• Bank statements from the past 6-12 months
• Credit card and loan statements
• Letters or notices from debt collectors
• A recent credit report

Having these documents on hand makes it easier to find the numbers you’ll need to report your income, expenses, and debts on the bankruptcy forms.

Complete the Bankruptcy Forms

Bankruptcy forms are the foundation of your case. They tell the court about your finances, debts, and why you need relief.

Most of the required bankruptcy forms are federal forms used nationwide. You can download them for free from USCourts.gov.

Depending on where you file in California, you may also need to submit some local forms. Each district has its own rules, which we cover later in this guide.

If you decide to speak with a bankruptcy attorney for free, they’ll usually complete and file the forms for you based on the information you provide.

Take the Required Credit Counseling Course

Before filing your California bankruptcy case, you’re required to take a credit counseling course. You must complete the course within 180 days before you file.

Here’s what to expect:

• Most people finish the course in about an hour
• You can take it online, by phone, or in person from an approved provider
• The cost usually ranges from $10-$50, but you might qualify for a fee waiver if money’s tight

When you’re done, you’ll get a certificate. Include this with your bankruptcy forms when you file your case. If it’s missing, the court may dismiss your case, and you’ll have to start over.

Get Your Filing Fee or Apply for a Fee Waiver

Next, you need to make a plan to pay the bankruptcy filing fee or apply for a waiver.

Filing Chapter 7 in California costs $338. However, many people qualify for a fee waiver based on their income. If you earn less than 150% of the federal poverty guideline, you can ask the court to waive the fee.

If you don’t qualify for a waiver and can’t pay the full amount right away, you can ask the court to let you pay in installments. You can break the $338 fee into up to four payments over 120 days.

Many people choose this option when they don’t have the money to pay the full filing fee but need to file quickly to stop things like wage garnishment or repossession. As soon as you file your case, the automatic stay takes effect and stops all collection actions.

If you miss a payment, the court can dismiss your case, and you’ll have to start over.

Print Your Bankruptcy Forms

Many California bankruptcy courts allow for electronic filing, but if yours doesn’t or you prefer to file in person or by mail, you’ll need to print out your bankruptcy forms.

If possible, print out two complete copies of your completed bankruptcy forms so you have one for your records.

Here are a few best practices to follow when printing:

• Use black ink
• Print on standard 8.5″ x 11″ white paper
• Print one-sided only
• Don’t staple or hole-punch your forms

Double-check that you’ve signed everywhere a signature is required. Some pages look similar, so using a checklist can help you stay organized.

If you’re working with a lawyer, they’ll usually file your forms electronically for you.

File Your Forms With the California Bankruptcy Court

California is divided into four districts: Northern, Central, Eastern, and Southern. Each one has its own rules for people filing bankruptcy without a lawyer. In every district, you can file your forms by mail or by bringing them to the courthouse.

Some districts also allow you to file some or all of your forms online. E-filing rules vary, so check to see what your district allows.

You’ll find details about each California district’s filing process later in this guide.

Many people feel more confident filing in person. When you go to the courthouse, a clerk can look over your forms right away and let you know if anything is missing. Your paperwork gets processed right away, and you skip the risk of delays or lost mail.

Mail Documents to Your Trustee

After you file your bankruptcy forms, the court will assign a bankruptcy trustee to review your case, check that everything is accurate, and handle any issues involving your property. (Though in most Chapter 7 cases, nothing gets taken or sold.)

Before your 341 meeting, you’ll need to mail your trustee a copy of a few items:

• Your two most recent federal tax returns
• A bank statement for any accounts you had open when you filed
• A clear copy of your photo ID (like a driver’s license or passport)
• Proof of your Social Security number (like your Social Security card, W-2, or pay stub)
• Proof of your current income, like a recent pay stub

These need to be sent at least 14 days before your 341 meeting. If you don’t have one of these items, include a short note explaining that it’s unavailable.

You’ll get the trustee’s name and contact info in an official notice from the court after you file. Sometimes trustees ask for other paperwork, too. If that happens, sending it quickly can help avoid delays in your case.

Take the Second Required Class (Debtor Education/Financial Management)

Once you’ve sent everything your trustee needs, you need to take a second required course before you can get your bankruptcy discharge. Your discharge is the court order that clears your qualifying debts.

The second class is called the personal financial management or debtor education course. It focuses on personal financial skills and planning for the future.

Here’s what to know:

• You must complete the course within 60 days of your 341 meeting
• You must take it from an approved provider
• You’ll get a certificate when you finish
• Some providers file the certificate for you; others ask you to do it

Double-check that your certificate of completion gets filed with the court. If you miss this step, the court may close (dismiss) your case without discharging your debts.

Attend Your 341 Meeting of Creditors

About a month after you file, you’ll have a short meeting called the 341 meeting of creditors. No judge will be there. Instead, your bankruptcy trustee will ask you a few questions to verify your identity and confirm the information in your forms.

Despite the name, creditors rarely attend the 341 meeting of creditors.

Most 341 meetings in California happen virtually, by Zoom. Though some trustees may schedule a phone or in-person meeting. You’ll get the date, time, and other details of your meeting in an official court notice after you file.

Many filers say they get nervous about the 341 meeting, but after it’s done, they report that it was easier than expected!

Most meetings are quick (often under 10 minutes) and straightforward. Plus, once it’s done, you’re one step closer to having your debts wiped away.

Figure Out What You Want To Do With Your Car (If You Have One)

In many parts of California, having a car is essential for daily life. Many people worry about what will happen to their car when they file. The good news is that most Chapter 7 filers are able to keep their vehicle.

Whether you can keep your car depends on a few key things: how much it’s worth, whether you own it or still make payments, and what exemptions you can use to protect it.

We’ll cover California’s car exemptions later. For now, here’s a look at your general options.

If you’re still paying off your car loan, you can usually keep it as long as you’re current on your payments. Most filers have two options for keeping their car:

• Reaffirm the loan, usually by signing a reaffirmation agreement. You agree to remain responsible for the loan and monthly payments in exchange for keeping the car.
• Redeem the car by paying its current market value in one lump sum. Redemption may help you save money (if you owe more than the car is worth) and own the car free and clear. Redemption is less common than reaffirmation because you have to come up with a big lump sum.

If you no longer want or can’t afford the car, you can surrender it. Surrendering means giving the car back and wiping out the remaining loan balance. Surrendering is often a smart move if the vehicle costs more than it’s worth and you plan to get another car after your bankruptcy.

If you lease your car, you’ll need to tell the court whether you plan to keep the lease or return the car.

California Bankruptcy Means Test

Another key step in the Chapter 7 process is taking the means test. The test helps the court decide if you qualify for Chapter 7 based on your income. It’s designed to prevent people with higher incomes from using Chapter 7 when they could afford to repay some of their debts.

The means test has two parts. The first part looks at your household income over the past six full months (not including the month you file). It compares your income to the median income for a household of your size in California.

Many people qualify at this first step. But if your income is above the limit, you have to take the second part of the test. It considers your expenses (like rent, groceries, and healthcare) as well as your income. If the second part shows that you don’t have much left over each month, you may still qualify for Chapter 7. If you don’t, you may be restricted to filing Chapter 13 bankruptcy.

California Median Income Standards for 2025

Use these income limits to determine if you pass the first part of the means test:

• 1 person household: Check current court guidelines
• 2 person household: Check current court guidelines
• 3 person household: Check current court guidelines
• 4 person household: Check current court guidelines

California Fee Waiver Eligibility for 2025

You’re eligible for a fee waiver when your income is under 150% of the poverty level:

• 1 person: $1,882.50/month
• 2 people: $2,555.00/month
• 3 people: $3,227.50/month
• 4 people: $3,900.00/month
• 5 people: $4,572.50/month

California Districts and Filing Requirements

California is divided into four districts: Northern, Central, Eastern, and Southern. The county you live in determines the district you file in.

While most of the filing steps are similar, each district has a few local rules about how to submit your documents and pay your fees. You can use the court locator tool to search by ZIP code or city.

Northern District of California Bankruptcy Filing Requirements

If you’re filing without a lawyer in the Northern District of California, you can submit your paperwork in person or by mail.

There are four court divisions in this district, each serving different counties. Be sure to use the correct address based on where you live and how you’re filing:

Santa Rosa Division

Serves Del Norte, Mendocino, Humboldt, Napa, Sonoma, Marin, and Lake counties.

The Santa Rosa courthouse is currently closed to visitors and does not accept mail or deliveries. Filers in this division must submit their paperwork to the Oakland Division instead.

In person and mailing address (use Oakland):
United States Bankruptcy Court
1300 Clay Street, Suite 300
Oakland, CA 94612

Appointments are required for in-person visits. Call 510-302-2222 (press option #4) between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM to schedule.

A document drop box is available in the lobby on the 2nd floor from 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

San Francisco Division

Serves San Francisco and San Mateo counties.

In person address:
United States Bankruptcy Court
Phillip Burton Federal Building & U.S. Courthouse
450 Golden Gate Avenue, 18th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94102

A document drop box is available from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Mailing address:
United States Bankruptcy Court
Phillip Burton Federal Building & U.S. Courthouse
450 Golden Gate Avenue, Mailbox 36099
San Francisco, CA 94102

Oakland Division

Serves Alameda and Contra Costa counties.

In person and mailing address:
United States Bankruptcy Court
1300 Clay Street, Suite 300
Oakland, CA 94612

A document drop box is available in the lobby on the 2nd Floor from 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

San Jose Division

Serves Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Benito Counties.

In person and mailing address:
United States Courthouse
280 South First Street, Room 3035
San Jose, CA 95113

A document drop box is available on the 3rd floor, near the Clerk’s Office entrance, and is accessible from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM.

Additional Requirements for the Northern District

The Northern District of California requires filers to submit a creditor matrix. It’s a list of all the people and companies you owe money to. It must follow specific formatting rules so the court can notify your creditors about your case. You’ll also need to include a signed Creditor Matrix Cover Sheet with your filing.

You can pay your filing fee with a money order or cashier’s check for the exact amount made out to Clerk, U.S. Bankruptcy Court.

If you can’t pay all at once, you can ask the court for a payment plan. If the court approves it, you’ll have up to 120 days to pay the full fee in up to four payments.

The court does not accept credit cards, cash, or personal checks.

Central District of California Bankruptcy Filing Requirements

The Central District of California includes five divisions and offers the most flexibility for filing bankruptcy without a lawyer.

You can file your documents in person, by mail, or using two electronic tools: Electronic Drop Box (EDB) and Electronic Self-Representation (eSR).

Appointments are required for in-person visits. Schedule an appointment online through the court’s website.

Los Angeles Division

Serves Los Angeles County.

In person and mailing address:
United States Bankruptcy Court
Central District of California
Edward R. Roybal Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse
255 East Temple Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Riverside Division

Serves Riverside and San Bernardino counties.

In person and mailing address:
United States Bankruptcy Court
Central District of California
3420 12th Street
Riverside, CA 92501

Santa Ana Division

Serves Orange County.

In person and mailing address:
United States Bankruptcy Court
Central District of California
Ronald Reagan Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse
411 West Fourth Street
Santa Ana, CA 92701

Northern Division

Serves San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and a portion of Ventura counties.

In person and mailing address:
United States Bankruptcy Court
Central District of California
1415 State Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101

San Fernando Valley Division

Serves Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Benito counties.

In person and mailing address:
United States Bankruptcy Court
Central District of California
21041 Burbank Boulevard
Woodland Hills, CA 91367

Online Filing Options

The Electronic Drop Box (EDB) lets you securely upload documents to the court online. You can use it to file forms and paperwork that don’t require a fee, like amendments or proof of income.

The Electronic Self-Representation (eSR) system walks you through preparing your bankruptcy forms and lets you file your full petition online. If you use eSR, the court gives you a 10-day grace period to pay your filing fee.

Additional Requirements for the Central District

The Central District of California requires filers to submit a creditor matrix. It’s a list of everyone you owe money to, along with their mailing addresses. It must follow specific formatting rules so the court can notify your creditors about your case. You’ll also need to include a signed Master Mailing List Verification Form with your filing.

You can pay your filing fee with a money order or cashier’s check for the exact amount made out to Clerk, U.S. Bankruptcy Court.

If the court approves you to pay in installments, your first payment must be made by mail or in person. After that, you can make the remaining payments online through Pay.gov using a bank account (ACH).

The court does not accept credit cards, cash, or personal checks.

Eastern District of California Bankruptcy Filing Requirements

If you’re filing without a lawyer in the Eastern District of California, you can submit your paperwork in person, by mail, or online. There are two court divisions, each serving different counties. Be sure to use the correct address based on where you live and how you’re filing:

Fresno Division

Serves Fresno, Inyo, Kern, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, and Tulare counties.

In person and mailing address:
U.S. Bankruptcy Court
2500 Tulare Street, Suite 2501
Fresno, CA 93721

Sacramento Division

Serves Alpine, Amador, Butte, Calaveras, Colusa, El Dorado, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Mono, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou, Solano, Stanislaus, Sutter, Tehama, Trinity, Tuolumne, Yolo, and Yuba counties.

In person and mailing address:
Robert T. Matsui U.S. Courthouse
501 I Street, #3200
Sacramento, CA 95814

Online Filing Option

Debtor Drop Box: An online tool that lets you submit your bankruptcy petition and other documents without going to the courthouse. It helps save time and travel costs by uploading your court forms directly to the court for filing.

Additional Requirements for the Eastern District

The Eastern District of California requires filers to submit a Master Address List, also known as a creditor matrix. It’s a list of everyone you owe money to, including their mailing addresses. It has to follow strict formatting rules so the court can send notices about your case. You’ll also need to include a signed Verification of Master Address List with your paperwork.

To make the Master Address List easier, the court offers a simple online tool to help you create a properly formatted list. You can use it at the Clerk’s Office or from home at www.caeb.uscourts.gov/mal/.

The court also offers a detailed instruction booklet for people filing without a lawyer in the Eastern District of California. It’s an optional resource that some filers find helpful for exploring the forms and steps in more detail.

Filing Fee Information for the Eastern District

You can pay your filing fee with a money order or cashier’s check for the exact amount made out to Clerk, U.S. Bankruptcy Court. If you opt to go in person, debit card payments are accepted.

If you can’t pay the full filing fee all at once, you can ask to pay in up to four installments over 120 days. To do this, you’ll need to submit Official Form 103A with your bankruptcy forms. You can suggest how much to pay with each installment, but the court will make the final decision.

If the court approves you to pay in installments, your first payment must be made by mail or in person. After that, you can make the remaining payments online through Pay.gov using a bank account (ACH), debit card, or PayPal.

The court does not accept credit cards, cash, or personal checks.

Southern District of California Bankruptcy Filing Requirements

If you’re filing without a lawyer in the Southern District of California, you can submit your bankruptcy paperwork in person, by mail, or online. This district has just one division, covering Imperial and San Diego counties.

If you’re filing your forms in person, you’ll need to show a valid photo ID issued by the government when you visit the courthouse. The staff will make a copy for the file. If you’re filing by mail, include a photocopy of your ID with your paperwork.

In Person and Mailing Address

Jacob Weinberger United States Courthouse
325 West F Street
San Diego, California 92101

Online Filing Option

Electronic Self-Representation (eSR) is a free online tool that helps you build and file your Chapter 7 petition step by step. You’ll have up to 45 days to complete everything online.

Within 10 days of submitting your eSR package, you must also mail or hand-deliver these items to the court:

• A signed Declaration form and Social Security statement
• A properly formatted creditor matrix
• Your filing fee or a payment plan request
• A copy of your credit counseling certificate

Your bankruptcy case will be officially filed after the court receives and processes these documents. You won’t get a case number or protection from creditors until then.

Additional Requirements for the Southern District

You can pay your filing fee by money order or cashier’s check made out to Clerk, U.S. Bankruptcy Court. If you’re paying online through Pay.gov, you can use a debit card or PayPal. If you visit the court in person, exact cash is also accepted.

If you can’t pay the full filing fee all at once, you can ask to pay in up to four installments over 120 days. To do this, file Form CSD 1006 along with your bankruptcy forms. If the court approves your request, follow the exact payment schedule. Missing a payment could result in your case being dismissed.

The court does not accept credit cards or personal checks.

The Southern District of California requires all filers to submit their creditor matrix in electronic format, using a USB drive or CD. Your list includes everyone you owe money to and must follow specific formatting rules so the court can notify your creditors.

You can create your creditor list using the court’s online tool, then mail or hand-deliver the USB or CD along with your bankruptcy forms. If you don’t have access to a USB or CD, you can use the court’s computers in the file review area to create and save your matrix.

The court offers a complete petition packet on their website with all the forms you’ll need for this district, plus instructions to guide you through filling them out step by step.

California Bankruptcy Exemptions

When you file for bankruptcy, exemptions help you protect the property you need to live and work. California doesn’t allow you to use the federal bankruptcy exemptions, but it offers two sets of state exemptions. You’ll pick the one that works best for your situation.

Set 1 includes a $29,275 homestead exemption, a $5,680 vehicle exemption, and a $1,550 wildcard exemption that can be used on any property. If you don’t use the homestead exemption, you can add that amount to the wildcard for more flexibility.

Set 2 offers a homestead exemption ranging from $75,000 to $175,000 based on your age, income, or household status. The vehicle exemption in Set 2 is $3,325. Set 2 doesn’t include a wildcard.

You can only use California’s exemptions if you’ve lived in the state for at least two years. You can’t mix and match between the two sets.

What Does a Bankruptcy Lawyer Cost in California?

In California, bankruptcy lawyers usually charge a flat fee between $1,500 and $2,500 for Chapter 7 cases. Attorney fees are often the biggest cost in a bankruptcy case. Though many people can file Chapter 7 on their own, some people find legal support worthwhile. You can speak with a bankruptcy attorney for free to determine if professional help is right for your situation.

Legal support is especially valuable for filers who own a home, have complicated finances, or just want guidance through the process.

California Legal Aid Organizations

If you’re not ready to handle your bankruptcy on your own and can’t afford a lawyer, you’re not alone. Many nonprofit organizations offer free or low-cost legal help to guide you through the process.

You can search for local legal aid organizations in your area that specialize in bankruptcy assistance. Many provide consultations, document review, and guidance throughout the filing process.