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Don't Have an Attorney

ONLINE TOOL
eSR is an online tool to help individuals complete a chapter 7 or chapter 13 bankruptcy petition when they have decided to file bankruptcy without an attorney. Click here to learn more about this online tool.
See Important Information Regarding Filing Fees for Self-Represented Litigants:
The Court is not accepting cash at this time. Please do not mail cash. The Court will accept payment by U.S. Postal Service money orders and cashier’s checks issued by an acceptable financial institution. See General Orders for further details.
Before you file
Bankruptcy can have serious long-term consequences. A lawyer can explain to you what may happen as a result of filing for bankruptcy and what your options are. If you do file for bankruptcy, a lawyer can help protect you, your family, your home and your possessions.
Find a lawyer [English] [Spanish]
Create your Master Mailing List of Creditors
Risks of paying a non-attorney
Bankruptcy Timeline [English] [Spanish]
Bankruptcy Petition Preparer Guidelines (link is external)
Individual debtors (not business debtors) must complete a Credit Counseling course before filing for bankruptcy (more info)
Approved Credit Counseling Agencies (link is external)
After you file
What to look for once I've filed
Learn how to receive orders and court-generated notices electronically
Courtroom Interpreter Assistance
The Electronic Drop Box is a tool available to self-represented litigants to enable them to upload court documents for filing that do not require a filing fee.
Request Access to Electronic Drop Box
Individual debtors (not business debtors) must obtain a Financial Management certificate before a discharge can be granted (more info (link is external))
Approved financial management courses (link is external)
Reaffirmation Hearing Information [English] [Spanish]
California State Bar Information
General
How to cancel a reaffirmation agreement (link is external)
What to do if being sued by a creditor [English] [Spanish]
Answer instructions for self-represented (pro se) debtors (link is external)
Survey regarding Self-Help Resources (link is external)
Encuesta Sobre Recursos de Autoayuda (link is external)
Free or Low Cost Bankruptcy Help
Los Angeles Division [Temporary Closures] |
Riverside Division [English] [Spanish] |
Northern Division [English] [Spanish] |
Santa Ana Division [English] [Spanish] |
San Fernando Valley Division [English] [Spanish] |
Coachella Valley Bankruptcy Clinic [English] [Spanish] |
Help Contact List (District Wide) [English] [Spanish] |
Other Helpful Resources:
Free Legal Clinic (Karsh Center)
Free Assistance for Homeowners Who Are at Risk of Foreclosure [English] [Spanish]
Free Legal Help at a Local Library
Public Counsel (link is external)
Public Counsel - Useful Materials (link is external)
Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (link is external)
Legal Aid Society of Orange County (link is external)
Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (link is external)
Los Angeles County Financial Navigators
Los Angeles Library Hotspot Loans (link is external)
Bankruptcy Videos:
Credit Counseling Requirements
[English (link is external)] [Spanish (link is external)]
Personal Financial Management
[English (link is external)] [Spanish (link is external)]