Fees are required to file many documents with the court, including a bankruptcy petition package, a lawsuit (Complaint), certain motions, and other documents. Photocopies or certified copies of documents are available for a fee. Acceptable payment method of filing fees depends upon whether documents are filed electronically via CM/ECF or at the intake window of the clerk’s office.

A) Petition Package or Document Filed Electronically via CM/ECF -- If an electronically filed document requires a fee, the fee must be paid by credit card (AMEX, VISA, MC or Discover).

B) Petition Package or Document Filed at the Intake Window of the Clerk’s Office –

Fees Paid by an Individual Person - If an individual debtor files a bankruptcy petition package or other document at the courthouse, the bankruptcy court does not accept credit cards, but the fee may be paid with:
(1) CASH (United States currency only);
(2) U.S. POSTAL SERVICE MONEY ORDER; or
(3) CASHIER’S CHECK issued by an acceptable financial institution.

Fees Paid by an Attorney - If an attorney files a bankruptcy petition package or other document, in most situations the attorney must file the documents electronically via CM/ECF. However, if a document is not required or allowed to be filed using CM/ECF, and is filed at the intake window of the clerk’s office, the fee may be paid by:
(1) CREDIT CARD (AMEX, VISA, MC or Discover);
(2) BUSINESS CHECK made payable to the “U.S. Bankruptcy Court” that includes a current pre-printed name, street address, telephone number, and California attorney bar number;
(3) CASH (only coins and currency issued by the United States);
(4) U.S. POSTAL SERVICE MONEY ORDER; or
(5) CASHIER’S CHECK issued by an acceptable financial institution.

C) Requesting Photocopies or Certified Copies of Documents – The payment policy for obtaining copies is the same as the payment policy for filing documents. See above.