Introduction — Why this local guide matters
If you’re considering bankruptcy in Los Angeles, understanding the local court locations, exact filing fees, accepted payment methods, required forms, and how the 341 meeting is handled will save time and reduce costly mistakes. This guide summarizes the Central District of California (Los Angeles Division) rules and practical steps for individual debtors and self‑represented filers.
Use the local links and phone numbers below when you need to confirm hours, file documents, or ask specific procedural questions — courts update procedures and fees periodically, and the court website is the authoritative source for the latest changes.
Where to file & local court contacts
The Los Angeles Division of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Central District of California serves most of Los Angeles County. The primary filing location is the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse at 255 East Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012. Check the court’s filing-location search if you are unsure which division serves your ZIP code.
Hours for the Los Angeles divisional office are generally Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (excluding federal holidays). The court’s Intake Office assists customers and uses an appointment system for in-person services. Public parking near the courthouse and other local access details are listed on the court website.
Filing fees, payment methods, waivers & installment plans
Current abbreviated filing-fee amounts for new petitions (Central District of California) include: Chapter 7 — $338.00; Chapter 13 — $313.00. These amounts are set by statute and posted on the court’s fee schedule; verify the fee immediately before filing because amounts are occasionally updated.
The court does not currently accept cash for filings. Acceptable payment methods include U.S. Postal Service money orders, cashier’s checks from approved institutions, attorney/law‑firm checks (with required information), and major credit cards in certain circumstances. Self‑represented filers may be able to pay some fees online via pay.gov as described on the court’s payment pages. If you cannot afford the Chapter 7 filing fee, the court allows an Application to Waive the Chapter 7 Filing Fee or an Application to Pay the Filing Fee in Installments (up to four payments, typically due within 120 days) under the local rules and federal rules.
Forms, petition packages, and how to submit them
The Central District provides downloadable petition packages for Chapter 7, Chapter 11, and Chapter 13 that combine the federal Official Bankruptcy Forms (schedules, statement of financial affairs, means test, etc.) with required local forms. Use the court’s petition-package page to download the fillable PDFs and confirm you’re using the most recent versions. The court manual and local bankruptcy rules explain which local "F" forms must accompany filings.
Important: the official time of filing is when a document is entered and docketed in CM/ECF — regardless of whether you delivered the paper to the clerk, used the court’s eSR/EDB tools, or filed electronically through CM/ECF. For self‑represented filers, the court offers electronic document submission tools and guidance; some divisions also operate an Electronic Document Submission (EDSS/eSR) portal or accept uploaded packages so that pro se filers can submit documents electronically without full CM/ECF registration. Read the court’s "Petition Forms" and "People Without Lawyers" pages for step‑by‑step instructions.
The 341 meeting (Meeting of Creditors) & trustees
After you file, the U.S. Trustee (Region 16) schedules the Section 341 meeting of creditors. The U.S. Trustee’s Los Angeles office (915 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1850) oversees meetings and trustee assignments for the Los Angeles Division. In recent years the U.S. Trustee and many trustees have used virtual meetings (Zoom) for Section 341 conferences; follow the instructions on the 341 notice you receive and the trustee’s directions for connection details or in‑person alternatives. Local trustee contact lists and meeting instructions are published by the U.S. Trustee and on the court site.
Practical tip: have original ID, a copy of your petition and schedules, proof of income (pay stubs), and tax returns available in the format the trustee requests. If the trustee requires an in‑person meeting, the notice will tell you where to appear; many ordinary filings in the Central District are now handled virtually, but exceptions remain.
Quick filing checklist & next steps
- Download the correct petition package for your chapter from the court’s petition forms page and complete Official and local forms.
- Confirm the exact filing fee and acceptable payment methods on the court’s "Filing Fees" page before you pay.
- If you cannot pay the fee immediately, consider filing an Application to Pay in Installments or a Fee Waiver (Chapter 7 eligibility rules apply).
- Decide whether to register for CM/ECF (attorneys) or use the court’s electronic submission tools for pro se filers; if you file paper documents at intake, the clerk will docket them into CM/ECF and that entry time is the official filing time.
- Watch for the 341 meeting notice from the U.S. Trustee and follow the trustee’s instructions (virtual vs. in‑person). Bring originals and documentation requested by the trustee.
Need help? The Central District and local legal‑aid organizations operate self-help desks, pro bono clinics, and trustee/reaffirmation clinics — check the court’s "People Without Lawyers" and pro‑bono pages for schedules and eligibility.
Disclaimer: This guide summarizes typical local practices and publicly posted court information but does not replace legal advice. Procedures and fees can change — always confirm details on the official court or U.S. Trustee webpages before you file.