Overview — Why this matters
If you cannot afford bankruptcy filing fees, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Central District of California (the court that handles Los Angeles-area bankruptcy cases) provides two common relief paths: (1) asking the court to waive the Chapter 7 filing fee entirely, or (2) requesting permission to pay the fee in installments. Separately, many debtors file pro se (without a lawyer); the court and several local nonprofit programs provide self-help desks, clinics, and limited pro bono placement to assist those filers. These options help low- and modest-income residents access federal bankruptcy relief without up-front payment of filing fees.
Fee Waivers (Chapter 7): Who qualifies and how to apply
What the law allows: Under 28 U.S.C. §1930(f) and the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure, a court may waive the Chapter 7 filing fee if an individual’s income is less than 150% of the federal poverty guideline for their household size and the individual cannot pay the fee in installments. The Central District follows these standards and requires a written request at filing.
Practical steps to request a waiver in Los Angeles
- Complete Official Form B103B (Application to Have Chapter 7 Filing Fee Waived). Use the version linked on the courts/forms pages or the national Official Forms repository.
- Bring the completed form and petition to the clerk’s intake window when you file (or submit with your petition where the court accepts it). In Los Angeles, intake staff will notify the assigned judge, who will rule on the application—this may require waiting, or returning another day if the judge cannot decide immediately.
- If the judge grants the waiver, the case will proceed without the filing fee; if denied, the court commonly will offer an installment plan instead (see next section).
Important local notes: Chapter 13 and most Chapter 11 filings are generally not eligible for fee waivers; Chapter 13 filers are ordinarily expected to pay fees because Chapter 13 is a repayment plan. Confirm the division-specific intake procedures before you go to court.
Paying the filing fee in installments (Official Form B103A)
Who can request installments: An individual debtor (not a corporation or partnership) may request permission to pay the filing fee in up to four installments under Fed. R. Bankr. P. 1006 and local rule LBR 1006‑1. The court’s order approving installments typically requires the total fee be paid within 120 days of filing. Failure to make required installment payments can lead to dismissal of the case.
How to ask for an installment plan
- File Official Form B103A (Application to Pay Filing Fee in Installments) with your petition and indicate on the Voluntary Petition that you intend to pay in installments.
- Propose up to four payments and dates (the local rule and the statute limit installment arrangements).
- If an attorney represents you, the attorney must disclose any pre-petition fees paid by the debtor to the attorney per local practice rules. If you represent yourself, bring proof of income/expense information the clerk or judge may request.
Forms and filing: Official Forms B103A/B103B are national bankruptcy forms; the Central District provides local instructions and intake guidance—bring originals and copies if filing in person. Many courts now accept the forms electronically from permitted filers.
Filing pro se in Los Angeles: intake, self-help, and pro bono assistance
Filing without a lawyer is allowed, but there are important logistical and procedural differences for self‑represented filers. The Central District’s bankruptcy program and community partners provide in-person self-help desks and clinics in the Los Angeles Division to assist with paperwork, limited advice, and pro bono intake for eligible debtors. Public Counsel and other local programs run the Self‑Help Desk and chapter 7 clinics that can help determine whether you qualify for a fee waiver or pro bono counsel.
Where and how to file if you are pro se
- In person: You may file your petition and fee-waiver/installment application at the divisional intake window; court staff will scan and docket documents and will advise on next steps. Be prepared to present photo ID and supporting income documentation.
- Paper or electronic options: Many divisions accept mailed filings or an Electronic Document Submission System for people without lawyers. Check the Central District’s current pages before you submit. Some pro se e-filing paths exist, but rules vary and CM/ECF access is generally reserved for attorneys.
- Self-help and clinics: Visit the Los Angeles Self‑Help Desk (hours vary) or scheduled chapter 7 clinics run by Public Counsel and other nonprofits; they may assist you with forms and determine eligibility for pro bono placement. Bring pay stubs, benefit statements, and recent bank statements to clinic intake.
Tips for pro se filers
- Complete Official Forms fully and attach required Schedules—an incomplete waiver or installment application can delay a decision.
- Keep original signed documents and provide an extra stamped self-addressed envelope if you want a file‑stamped copy returned when mailing filings.
- If you need legal advice about whether to file or which chapter to choose, try a free clinic or seek a limited-scope consult with local bankruptcy attorneys before filing.
Quick checklist & best practices
- Decide chapter: If you contemplate Chapter 7, consider B103B (waiver) or B103A (installments). Chapter 13 typically is not eligible for a fee waiver.
- Bring documents: photo ID, recent pay stubs, proof of benefits, bank statements, and a completed Official Form B103A or B103B as applicable.
- Plan for payment methods: the Central District accepts money orders, cashier’s checks, and certain e-payments for self-represented parties (check the local payment chart). Personal debtor credit cards may not be accepted—confirm acceptable methods before arriving.
- Use local help: visit the Los Angeles Self‑Help Desk or a chapter 7 clinic for intake assistance and possible pro bono placement.
If you want, I can: (a) link and summarize the exact official forms (B103A/B103B) and where to download them, (b) pull the current Los Angeles intake window hours and address for the division you plan to use, or (c) create a printable checklist and sample completed B103A/B103B based on typical incomes—tell me which you prefer.