<header class="masthead">
<div class="wrap">
<div class="eyebrow">Consumer Education Series</div>
<h1>Filing Bankruptcy in California</h1>
<p class="masthead-sub">A plain-language guide to California's four federal bankruptcy court districts, exemptions, Chapter 7 eligibility, required counseling, and where to find forms and help.</p>
<div class="seal-row">
<div class="seal">CA</div>
<span>Northern · Eastern · Central · Southern Districts of California</span>
</div>
</div>
</header>
<div class="wrap">
<div class="disclaimer">
<strong>This is an educational guide, not legal advice.</strong>
Bankruptcy law is fact-specific, and this page does not create an attorney-client relationship or substitute for advice from a licensed California attorney. Figures and links below are drawn from official federal court, U.S. Trustee Program, and third-party legal-reference sources and are current as of this guide's publication — always confirm current numbers at the source links provided.
</div>
</div>
<div class="page-grid">
<main>
<nav class="toc" aria-label="Table of contents">
<h2>In this guide</h2>
<ol>
<li><a href="#prose">Filing Without an Attorney (Pro Se)
<span class="toc-desc">What the court expects if you represent yourself</span>
</a></li>
<li><a href="#courts">California's Bankruptcy Court Districts
<span class="toc-desc">All four federal districts and their divisional offices, by county</span>
</a></li>
<li><a href="#calculator">Check Your Chapter 7 Eligibility
<span class="toc-desc">Household size vs. income calculator, based on U.S. Trustee median income data</span>
</a></li>
<li><a href="#exemptions">Bankruptcy Exemptions in California
<span class="toc-desc">California's two exemption systems — what property you may be able to protect</span>
</a></li>
<li><a href="#counseling">Required Credit Counseling</a></li>
<li><a href="#meeting">Trustee Resources: 341 Meeting & Means Test
<span class="toc-desc">What to expect after you file, and where the official means test data lives</span>
</a></li>
<li><a href="#faq">Frequently Asked Questions
<span class="toc-desc">Can I keep my car? My house?</span>
</a></li>
<li><a href="#forms">Preparing Your Paperwork
<span class="toc-desc">Do-it-yourself software and free official court forms for each district</span>
</a></li>
<li><a href="#preparers">Petition Preparers vs. an Attorney
<span class="toc-desc">What a non-attorney preparer can and can't do, and what it can cost</span>
</a></li>
<li><a href="#attorney">Finding a California Bankruptcy Attorney</a></li>
</ol>
</nav>
<!-- ============ SECTION 1: FILING PRO SE ============ -->
<section id="prose">
<div class="section-head">
<span class="section-num">01</span>
<h2>Filing Without an Attorney (Pro Se)</h2>
</div>
<p class="lede">California allows you to file bankruptcy on your own, without a lawyer — this is called filing "pro se." It's legal, but the court holds a pro se filer to the same standards as an attorney. Before deciding to go it alone, it's worth understanding what that actually means:</p>
<div class="preparer-box">
<ul>
<li><strong>You take on everything an attorney would normally handle</strong> — completing every form, gathering supporting documents, filing with the correct district and division, attending the 341 meeting of creditors, and following all court rules and deadlines.</li>
<li><strong>Deadlines are strict.</strong> Missing one can lead to your case being dismissed.</li>
<li><strong>Accuracy matters.</strong> Every document you file is signed under penalty of perjury, and mistakes or omissions can cause delays, denial of discharge, or in serious cases, referral for fraud.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p class="step-note">This guide walks through the pieces of the process — court districts, the means test, exemptions, counseling, and forms — whether you file on your own, with a petition preparer's typing help, or with an attorney.</p>
<a class="back-to-top" href="#top">↑ Back to top</a>
</section>
<!-- ============ SECTION 2: COURT DISTRICTS ============ -->
<section id="courts">
<div class="section-head">
<span class="section-num">02</span>
<h2>California's Bankruptcy Court Districts</h2>
</div>
<p class="lede">Unlike many states, California is not one federal bankruptcy district — it's <strong>four separate districts</strong> (Northern, Eastern, Central, and Southern), each with its own clerk's office, judges, and local rules. Within each district, cases are further assigned to a specific <strong>divisional office</strong> based on your county of residence. Filing in the wrong division can delay or complicate your case, so confirm your division before you file.</p>
<!-- NORTHERN DISTRICT -->
<div class="district-group">
<div class="district-heading">
<h3>Northern District of California</h3>
<a class="district-website" href="https://www.canb.uscourts.gov" target="_blank" rel="noopener">canb.uscourts.gov ↗</a>
</div>
<p class="district-summary">Covers the San Francisco Bay Area and the North Coast — 15 counties across four divisional offices.</p>
<div class="division-grid">
<div class="division-card">
<h4>San Francisco Division</h4>
<dl class="division-meta">
<dt>Address</dt><dd>450 Golden Gate Avenue, 18th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94102</dd>
<dt>Phone</dt><dd>(888) 821-7606</dd>
</dl>
<p class="division-counties"><strong>Counties:</strong> San Francisco, San Mateo</p>
</div>
<div class="division-card">
<h4>Oakland Division</h4>
<dl class="division-meta">
<dt>Address</dt><dd>1300 Clay Street, Room 300, Oakland, CA 94612</dd>
<dt>Phone</dt><dd>(888) 821-7606</dd>
</dl>
<p class="division-counties"><strong>Counties:</strong> Alameda, Contra Costa</p>
</div>
<div class="division-card">
<h4>San Jose Division</h4>
<dl class="division-meta">
<dt>Address</dt><dd>280 South First Street, Room 3035, San Jose, CA 95113</dd>
<dt>Phone</dt><dd>(888) 821-7606</dd>
</dl>
<p class="division-counties"><strong>Counties:</strong> Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Monterey, San Benito</p>
</div>
<div class="division-card">
<h4>Santa Rosa Division</h4>
<dl class="division-meta">
<dt>Address</dt><dd>99 South "E" Street, Santa Rosa, CA 95404</dd>
<dt>Phone</dt><dd>(888) 821-7606</dd>
</dl>
<p class="division-counties"><strong>Counties:</strong> Del Norte, Humboldt, Lake, Marin, Mendocino, Napa, Sonoma</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<!-- EASTERN DISTRICT -->
<div class="district-group">
<div class="district-heading">
<h3>Eastern District of California</h3>
<a class="district-website" href="https://www.caeb.uscourts.gov" target="_blank" rel="noopener">caeb.uscourts.gov ↗</a>
</div>
<p class="district-summary">Covers the Central Valley and Sierra Nevada region — the largest district by land area, 34 counties across two divisional offices. (The former Modesto office has closed; those filers now use Sacramento.)</p>
<div class="division-grid">
<div class="division-card">
<h4>Sacramento Division</h4>
<dl class="division-meta">
<dt>Address</dt><dd>Robert T. Matsui United States Courthouse, 501 I Street, Suite 3-200, Sacramento, CA 95814</dd>
<dt>Phone</dt><dd>(916) 930-4400</dd>
</dl>
<p class="division-counties"><strong>Counties:</strong> 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, Yuba</p>
</div>
<div class="division-card">
<h4>Fresno Division</h4>
<dl class="division-meta">
<dt>Address</dt><dd>Robert E. Coyle United States Courthouse, 2500 Tulare Street, Suite 2501, Fresno, CA 93721</dd>
<dt>Phone</dt><dd>(559) 499-5800</dd>
</dl>
<p class="division-counties"><strong>Counties:</strong> Fresno, Inyo, Kern, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Tulare</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<!-- CENTRAL DISTRICT -->
<div class="district-group">
<div class="district-heading">
<h3>Central District of California</h3>
<a class="district-website" href="https://www.cacb.uscourts.gov" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cacb.uscourts.gov ↗</a>
</div>
<p class="district-summary">The largest and busiest bankruptcy court in the country by filing volume — a seven-county region across five divisional offices.</p>
<div class="division-grid">
<div class="division-card">
<h4>Los Angeles Division</h4>
<dl class="division-meta">
<dt>Address</dt><dd>Edward R. Roybal Federal Building, 255 East Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012</dd>
<dt>Phone</dt><dd>(213) 894-3118</dd>
</dl>
<p class="division-counties"><strong>Counties:</strong> Most of Los Angeles County</p>
</div>
<div class="division-card">
<h4>San Fernando Valley Division</h4>
<dl class="division-meta">
<dt>Address</dt><dd>21041 Burbank Boulevard, Woodland Hills, CA 91367</dd>
<dt>Phone</dt><dd>(818) 587-2900</dd>
</dl>
<p class="division-counties"><strong>Counties:</strong> Portions of Los Angeles and Ventura Counties</p>
</div>
<div class="division-card">
<h4>Santa Ana Division</h4>
<dl class="division-meta">
<dt>Address</dt><dd>Ronald Reagan Federal Building, 411 West Fourth Street, Santa Ana, CA 92701</dd>
<dt>Phone</dt><dd>(714) 338-5300</dd>
</dl>
<p class="division-counties"><strong>Counties:</strong> Orange</p>
</div>
<div class="division-card">
<h4>Riverside Division</h4>
<dl class="division-meta">
<dt>Address</dt><dd>3420 Twelfth Street, Riverside, CA 92501</dd>
<dt>Phone</dt><dd>(951) 774-1000</dd>
</dl>
<p class="division-counties"><strong>Counties:</strong> Riverside, San Bernardino</p>
</div>
<div class="division-card">
<h4>Northern Division (Santa Barbara)</h4>
<dl class="division-meta">
<dt>Address</dt><dd>1415 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101</dd>
<dt>Phone</dt><dd>(805) 884-4800</dd>
</dl>
<p class="division-counties"><strong>Counties:</strong> Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and a portion of Ventura</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<!-- SOUTHERN DISTRICT -->
<div class="district-group">
<div class="district-heading">
<h3>Southern District of California</h3>
<a class="district-website" href="https://www.casb.uscourts.gov" target="_blank" rel="noopener">casb.uscourts.gov ↗</a>
</div>
<p class="district-summary">The smallest of the four districts — a single division covering the southernmost two counties.</p>
<div class="division-grid">
<div class="division-card">
<h4>San Diego Division</h4>
<dl class="division-meta">
<dt>Address</dt><dd>Jacob Weinberger United States Courthouse, 325 West F Street, San Diego, CA 92101</dd>
<dt>Phone</dt><dd>(619) 557-5620</dd>
</dl>
<p class="division-counties"><strong>Counties:</strong> San Diego, Imperial</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<p class="step-note">If you're near a county line or your ZIP code seems ambiguous, each district's website has a filing-location lookup tool — confirm your division before filing to avoid delays.</p>
<a class="back-to-top" href="#top">↑ Back to top</a>
</section>
<!-- ============ SECTION 3: CALCULATOR ============ -->
<section id="calculator">
<div class="section-head">
<span class="section-num">03</span>
<h2>Check Your Chapter 7 Eligibility</h2>
</div>
<p class="lede">Chapter 7 eligibility starts with the "means test": comparing your household's average monthly income (annualized) to the median income for a California household of your size. If you're at or below the median, you're presumed eligible to file Chapter 7. If you're above it, a fuller calculation of allowable expenses is required, and Chapter 13 may be the better fit. This applies the same way no matter which of the four California districts you file in.</p>
<div class="calc">
<h3>Household Size vs. Income Calculator</h3>
<p class="calc-intro">Enter your household size and your average gross monthly household income over the past six months. This gives a preliminary read only — it does not replace the full means test (Official Form 122A-1) filed with the court.</p>
<div class="calc-grid">
<div class="field">
<label for="household-size">Household size</label>
<select id="household-size">
<option value="1">1 person</option>
<option value="2">2 people</option>
<option value="3">3 people</option>
<option value="4" selected>4 people</option>
<option value="5">5 people</option>
<option value="6">6 people</option>
<option value="7">7 people</option>
<option value="8">8 people</option>
</select>
<p class="hint">Include yourself, your spouse if filing jointly, and dependents.</p>
</div>
<div class="field">
<label for="monthly-income">Avg. gross monthly household income</label>
<input type="number" id="monthly-income" placeholder="e.g., 7500" min="0" step="1">
<p class="hint">Average of the last 6 full calendar months, before your bankruptcy filing.</p>
</div>
</div>
<button id="calc-btn" type="button">Check eligibility</button>
<div id="calc-result" role="status"></div>
<p class="calc-source">Median figures sourced from the U.S. Trustee Program, Census Bureau Median Family Income by Family Size, for cases filed on or after July 15, 2026. <a href="https://www.justice.gov/ust/means-testing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Verify current figures at justice.gov/ust/means-testing ↗</a></p>
</div>
<table class="median-table">
<caption>California median family income by household size — current U.S. Trustee figures</caption>
<thead>
<tr><th>Household size</th><th>Annual median income</th></tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr><td>1 person</td><td class="figure">$79,253</td></tr>
<tr><td>2 people</td><td class="figure">$102,797</td></tr>
<tr><td>3 people</td><td class="figure">$116,541</td></tr>
<tr><td>4 people</td><td class="figure">$139,071</td></tr>
<tr><td>Each additional person</td><td class="figure">+ $11,100</td></tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<a class="back-to-top" href="#top">↑ Back to top</a>
</section>
<!-- ============ SECTION 4: EXEMPTIONS ============ -->
<section id="exemptions">
<div class="section-head">
<span class="section-num">04</span>
<h2>Bankruptcy Exemptions in California</h2>
</div>
<p class="lede">"Exemptions" are the property you're legally allowed to keep when you file bankruptcy. California works differently from most states: you <strong>cannot</strong> use the federal bankruptcy exemptions here — California requires filers to use one of its own two state exemption systems, commonly called <strong>System 1 ("704")</strong> and <strong>System 2 ("703")</strong>. You must pick one system and use it exclusively; you can't mix and match. Which one is better depends heavily on your specific situation — this is exactly the kind of decision worth a conversation with an attorney.</p>
<div class="resource-card">
<h3>California Bankruptcy Exemptions Overview <span class="tag editorial">Nolo.com</span></h3>
<p>Nolo's overview of California's two exemption systems, explaining the difference between the homestead-focused System 1 and the wildcard-focused System 2.</p>
<a class="cta" href="https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/california-bankruptcy-exemptions" target="_blank" rel="noopener">nolo.com — California Bankruptcy Exemptions</a>
</div>
<div class="resource-card">
<h3>California Exemption Amounts by Category <span class="tag editorial">Nolo.com</span></h3>
<p>A detailed breakdown of current dollar limits under both systems — homestead, vehicle, wages, wildcard, and more.</p>
<a class="cta" href="https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/california-bankruptcy-exemptions-property-assets.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">nolo.com — California Bankruptcy Exemptions: What Can I Keep?</a>
</div>
<div class="resource-card">
<h3>California Exemption Statutes <span class="tag official">Primary Source</span></h3>
<p>The California Code of Civil Procedure sections that create both exemption systems — §§ 704.010–704.995 (System 1) and § 703.140 (System 2).</p>
<a class="cta" href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayexpandedbranch.xhtml?tocCode=CCP&division=2.&title=9.&part=2.&chapter=4." target="_blank" rel="noopener">leginfo.legislature.ca.gov — California Code of Civil Procedure, Title 9</a>
</div>
<p class="step-note">Exemptions are not automatic — property must be properly listed on your bankruptcy schedules to be protected, and choosing the wrong system can cost you thousands of dollars in unprotected equity. An attorney can help make sure nothing is missed.</p>
<a class="back-to-top" href="#top">↑ Back to top</a>
</section>
<!-- ============ SECTION 5: CREDIT COUNSELING ============ -->
<section id="counseling">
<div class="section-head">
<span class="section-num">05</span>
<h2>Required Credit Counseling</h2>
</div>
<p class="lede">Before filing, federal law requires an individual debtor to complete a credit counseling briefing from an agency approved by the U.S. Trustee Program, generally within 180 days before filing. A second course — debtor education — is required after filing and before your debts are discharged. This applies the same way in all four California districts.</p>
<div class="resource-card">
<h3>Approved Credit Counseling Agencies <span class="tag official">Official / U.S. Trustee</span></h3>
<p>The Department of Justice's state-by-state directory of agencies approved to provide the pre-filing credit counseling briefing and the post-filing debtor education course in California.</p>
<a class="cta" href="https://www.justice.gov/ust/credit-counseling-by-state/California" target="_blank" rel="noopener">justice.gov/ust/credit-counseling-by-state/California</a>
</div>
<a class="back-to-top" href="#top">↑ Back to top</a>
</section>
<!-- ============ SECTION 6: TRUSTEE RESOURCES ============ -->
<section id="meeting">
<div class="section-head">
<span class="section-num">06</span>
<h2>Trustee Resources: 341 Meeting & Means Test</h2>
</div>
<p class="lede">The U.S. Trustee Program oversees the administration of bankruptcy cases nationwide, including the 341 meeting and the means test data used in Chapter 7 eligibility. Two of its resources are worth bookmarking directly.</p>
<div class="resource-card">
<h3>341 Meeting of Creditors — What to Expect <span class="tag official">Official / U.S. Trustee</span></h3>
<p>Every bankruptcy filer — pro se, working with a petition preparer, or represented by an attorney — must attend a Section 341 Meeting of Creditors. A bankruptcy trustee (not a judge) verifies your identity and asks questions about your forms and financial situation. Creditors may also attend and ask questions, though most don't.</p>
<a class="cta" href="https://www.justice.gov/ust/moc" target="_blank" rel="noopener">justice.gov/ust/moc</a>
</div>
<div class="resource-card">
<h3>Official Means Test Data <span class="tag official">Official / U.S. Trustee</span></h3>
<p>The same median income tables used by the calculator above, along with the full means test forms and allowable expense standards, published directly by the Department of Justice.</p>
<a class="cta" href="https://www.justice.gov/ust/means-testing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">justice.gov/ust/means-testing</a>
</div>
<a class="back-to-top" href="#top">↑ Back to top</a>
</section>
<!-- ============ SECTION 7: FAQ ============ -->
<section id="faq">
<div class="section-head">
<span class="section-num">07</span>
<h2>Frequently Asked Questions</h2>
</div>
<p class="lede">Two of the most common worries for anyone considering bankruptcy: will I lose my car, and will I lose my house? The short answer to both is usually no — but it depends on your equity, your payment history, and which California exemption system you choose. These independent guides explain how it works.</p>
<div class="faq-item">
<h3>Can I keep my car if I file Chapter 7?</h3>
<p>Generally yes, if your equity is covered by a motor vehicle (or wildcard) exemption and you stay current on any car loan. This guide walks through how vehicle equity, exemptions, and loan status interact.</p>
<a class="cta" href="https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/car-chapter-7-bankruptcy-29608.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">nolo.com — Can You Keep Your Car in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?</a>
</div>
<div class="faq-item">
<h3>Can I keep my house if I file Chapter 7?</h3>
<p>Generally yes, if you're current on your mortgage and your home equity is fully covered by an available exemption. California's System 1 homestead exemption can protect a large amount of equity — but if you have too much unprotected equity or you're behind on payments, Chapter 13 may be the better path.</p>
<a class="cta" href="https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/chapter-7-or-chapter-13-bankruptcy-keep-home.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">nolo.com — Chapter 7 or Chapter 13: How to Keep Your Home</a>
</div>
<p class="step-note">Every case is different — the right answer for your car or home depends on the specific numbers involved, including which exemption system you choose. This is exactly the kind of question worth a conversation with a licensed attorney rather than a self-help article.</p>
<a class="back-to-top" href="#top">↑ Back to top</a>
</section>
<!-- ============ SECTION 8: FORMS & SOFTWARE ============ -->
<section id="forms">
<div class="section-head">
<span class="section-num">08</span>
<h2>Preparing Your Paperwork</h2>
</div>
<p class="lede">Whether you plan to file with an attorney or on your own, filing requires the official bankruptcy forms (petition, schedules, statement of financial affairs, and means test). Below are two general ways to work with them, plus each district's own local forms.</p>
<div class="resource-card">
<h3>Chapter 7 & 13 Bankruptcy Forms Software <span class="tag paid">Paid software</span></h3>
<p>Standard Legal's do-it-yourself bankruptcy software walks pro se filers through the required federal forms, an up-to-date means test, and district-specific forms and exemptions, with step-by-step instructions.</p>
<a class="cta" href="https://shop.standardlegal.com/product/bankruptcy-legal-forms-software/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">shop.standardlegal.com — Bankruptcy Legal Forms Software</a>
</div>
<div class="resource-card">
<h3>Free Official Bankruptcy Forms <span class="tag official">Official / U.S. Courts</span></h3>
<p>The complete, current set of national bankruptcy forms (petition, schedules, means test forms, and more), free to download directly from the federal judiciary.</p>
<a class="cta" href="https://www.uscourts.gov/forms/bankruptcy-forms" target="_blank" rel="noopener">uscourts.gov/forms/bankruptcy-forms</a>
</div>
<div class="resource-card">
<h3>Local Forms — Northern District <span class="tag official">Official / N.D. Cal.</span></h3>
<p>In addition to the national forms above, the Northern District requires certain local forms specific to this court.</p>
<a class="cta" href="https://www.canb.uscourts.gov/forms/district" target="_blank" rel="noopener">canb.uscourts.gov/forms/district</a>
</div>
<div class="resource-card">
<h3>Local Forms — Eastern District <span class="tag official">Official / E.D. Cal.</span></h3>
<p>Local forms required by the Eastern District, in addition to the national forms.</p>
<a class="cta" href="https://www.caeb.uscourts.gov/Forms" target="_blank" rel="noopener">caeb.uscourts.gov/Forms</a>
</div>
<div class="resource-card">
<h3>Local Forms — Central District <span class="tag official">Official / C.D. Cal.</span></h3>
<p>Local forms required by the Central District — the busiest bankruptcy court in the country — in addition to the national forms.</p>
<a class="cta" href="https://www.cacb.uscourts.gov/forms" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cacb.uscourts.gov/forms</a>
</div>
<div class="resource-card">
<h3>Local Forms — Southern District <span class="tag official">Official / S.D. Cal.</span></h3>
<p>Local forms required by the Southern District, in addition to the national forms.</p>
<a class="cta" href="https://www.casb.uscourts.gov/forms" target="_blank" rel="noopener">casb.uscourts.gov/forms</a>
</div>
<a class="back-to-top" href="#top">↑ Back to top</a>
</section>
<!-- ============ SECTION 9: PETITION PREPARERS ============ -->
<section id="preparers">
<div class="section-head">
<span class="section-num">09</span>
<h2>Petition Preparers vs. an Attorney</h2>
</div>
<p class="lede">Some filers consider hiring a non-attorney "bankruptcy petition preparer" to type up their forms instead of an attorney. This can be a lower up-front cost, but it comes with real limits worth understanding first.</p>
<div class="preparer-box">
<h3>What a non-attorney petition preparer can — and can't — do</h3>
<p>Bankruptcy petition preparers are regulated under federal law (11 U.S.C. § 110) and, in California, also under state law governing legal document assistants (California Business & Professions Code § 6400 et seq.). By law, a petition preparer may not:</p>
<ul>
<li>Tell you whether you should file bankruptcy, or under which chapter</li>
<li>Tell you which exemption system to choose (System 1 or System 2), or how to answer legal questions on the forms</li>
<li>Tell you whether a debt can be discharged, or whether you'll be able to keep your home or car</li>
<li>Represent you in court, sign documents on your behalf, or give any legal advice</li>
<li>Collect or accept your court filing fee on the court's behalf</li>
</ul>
<p style="margin-top:14px;">Preparers must disclose their fees to the court (Official Form B2800) and give you a signed copy of the official <strong>Notice to Debtor by Bankruptcy Petition Preparer</strong> before doing any work or accepting payment — read it before you hire anyone:</p>
<a class="court-link" href="https://www.uscourts.gov/forms-rules/forms/bankruptcy-petition-preparers-notice-declaration-and-signature" target="_blank" rel="noopener">uscourts.gov — Official Form 119, Notice to Debtor by Bankruptcy Petition Preparer ↗</a>
<div class="fee-note">
<strong>What it can cost:</strong> Unlike some states, several California bankruptcy courts publish an explicit dollar cap. The Northern District of California's own guidelines, for example, set a maximum allowable charge of <strong>$150</strong> for a petition preparer's services (covering typing, photocopying, and related expenses — not the court's filing fee). Other California districts publish their own guidelines, which may differ, so confirm the current figure with the specific district before hiring anyone. A preparer must disclose all fees collected and any unpaid balance to the court, and a court can order a refund if a fee is excessive or if the preparer engaged in the unauthorized practice of law.
</div>
</div>
<div class="hire-cta">
<h3>Prefer to work with a licensed attorney instead?</h3>
<p>An attorney can do everything a petition preparer can't — advise you on which chapter fits your situation, which exemption system to choose, and what happens to specific property like your car or home. Schedule a consultation with our office directly.</p>
<a class="calendly-btn" href="https://calendly.com/YOUR-CALENDLY-LINK" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Schedule a Consultation →</a>
</div>
<a class="back-to-top" href="#top">↑ Back to top</a>
</section>
<!-- ============ SECTION 10: FIND AN ATTORNEY ============ -->
<section id="attorney">
<div class="section-head">
<span class="section-num">10</span>
<h2>Finding a California Bankruptcy Attorney</h2>
</div>
<p class="lede">Bankruptcy has permanent consequences for your credit, assets, and future finances. Most filers benefit from at least a consultation with a licensed California attorney before deciding how — or whether — to proceed, and before choosing between the state's two exemption systems.</p>
<div class="resource-card">
<h3>State Bar of California Lawyer Referral Service <span class="tag official">Official / State Bar of California</span></h3>
<p>The State Bar's directory of certified lawyer referral services by county and area of law, which can connect you with a licensed local bankruptcy attorney, often for a modest first consultation fee.</p>
<a class="cta" href="https://www.calbar.ca.gov/public/find-legal-professionals/find-lawyer-referral-service" target="_blank" rel="noopener">calbar.ca.gov — Find a Lawyer Referral Service</a>
</div>
<a class="back-to-top" href="#top">↑ Back to top</a>
</section>
</main>
<aside class="contact-sidebar">
<div class="contact-card">
<h3>Have a Question?</h3>
<p class="contact-intro">Send us a message and we'll follow up, or book a consultation directly using the link in the Petition Preparers section above.</p>
<form id="contact-form">
<div class="cfield">
<label for="cf-name">Name</label>
<input type="text" id="cf-name" required>
</div>
<div class="cfield">
<label for="cf-email">Email</label>
<input type="email" id="cf-email" required>
</div>
<div class="cfield">
<label for="cf-phone">Phone (optional)</label>
<input type="tel" id="cf-phone">
</div>
<div class="cfield">
<label for="cf-message">Message</label>
<textarea id="cf-message" required></textarea>
</div>
<button type="submit">Send Message</button>
<p id="contact-status"></p>
</form>
<div class="contact-direct">
Prefer to reach us directly?<br>
<a href="mailto:YOUR-EMAIL@yourfirm.com">YOUR-EMAIL@yourfirm.com</a><br>
(XXX) XXX-XXXX
</div>
</div>
</aside>
</div>
<footer>
<div class="wrap">
<p><strong>Reminder:</strong> This guide is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Income thresholds, forms, exemptions, and procedures referenced above change periodically — always confirm current figures and requirements at the official source links provided before relying on them.</p>
</div>
</footer>
<script>
const medianBase = {1: 79253, 2: 102797, 3: 116541, 4: 139071};
const perAdditional = 11100;
function medianFor(size){
if(size <= 4) return medianBase[size];
return medianBase[4] + (size - 4) * perAdditional;
}
document.getElementById('calc-btn').addEventListener('click', function(){
const size = parseInt(document.getElementById('household-size').value, 10);
const monthlyInput = document.getElementById('monthly-income').value;
const resultBox = document.getElementById('calc-result');
if(!monthlyInput || isNaN(monthlyInput) || Number(monthlyInput) < 0){
resultBox.className = 'show warn';
resultBox.innerHTML = '<h4>Enter a monthly income</h4><p>Please enter your average gross monthly household income to check eligibility.</p>';
return;
}
const monthly = Number(monthlyInput);
const annualized = monthly * 12;
const median = medianFor(size);
resultBox.className = 'show ' + (annualized <= median ? 'ok' : 'warn');
if(annualized <= median){
resultBox.innerHTML =
'<h4>Below the California median — presumed eligible for Chapter 7</h4>' +
'<p>Your annualized income is at or below the median for a ' + size + '-person household in California. You are presumed eligible to file Chapter 7 without completing the full means test calculation, though other eligibility rules still apply.</p>' +
'<div class="result-figure">Your annualized income: $' + annualized.toLocaleString() + ' | CA median (household of ' + size + '): $' + median.toLocaleString() + '</div>';
} else {
resultBox.innerHTML =
'<h4>Above the California median — full means test required</h4>' +
'<p>Your annualized income is above the median for a ' + size + '-person household. You are not automatically disqualified from Chapter 7 — you would need to complete the full means test (Official Form 122A-2), deducting allowable expenses to see if your disposable income still qualifies. Chapter 13 may also be worth discussing with an attorney.</p>' +
'<div class="result-figure">Your annualized income: $' + annualized.toLocaleString() + ' | CA median (household of ' + size + '): $' + median.toLocaleString() + '</div>';
}
});
// Contact form: opens a pre-filled email to the firm.
// Replace YOUR-EMAIL@yourfirm.com above (and in the mailto below) with your real intake address,
// or swap this handler for a form backend (e.g. Formspree) to submit silently without opening email.
document.getElementById('contact-form').addEventListener('submit', function(e){
e.preventDefault();
const name = document.getElementById('cf-name').value;
const email = document.getElementById('cf-email').value;
const phone = document.getElementById('cf-phone').value;
const message = document.getElementById('cf-message').value;
const subject = encodeURIComponent('New inquiry from bankruptcy guide — ' + name);
const body = encodeURIComponent(
'Name: ' + name + '\n' +
'Email: ' + email + '\n' +
'Phone: ' + (phone || 'Not provided') + '\n\n' +
'Message:\n' + message
);
window.location.href = 'mailto:YOUR-EMAIL@yourfirm.com?subject=' + subject + '&body=' + body;
const status = document.getElementById('contact-status');
status.className = 'show';
status.textContent = 'Opening your email client to send this message…';
});
</script>
