Sacramento Chapter 7 guide · checked October 1, 2026
Sacramento Chapter 7 filing requirements
For cases filed on or after July 15, 2026, the California median-income comparison starts at $79,253 for a one-person household and $139,071 for a four-person household. Average household income for the six full months before filing, multiply by 12 and compare with the matching current median. If income is above the median, that alone does not disqualify you; an additional calculation may apply.
How do I calculate income for the Chapter 7 means test?
For a simple illustration, add the applicable income for the six months before filing, divide by six to get a monthly average, then multiply by 12. Compare that annualized amount with the current California figure for the household size. The legal definition of current monthly income and which household income counts can be more detailed than gross pay; do not treat this arithmetic as a completed means test.
| Household size | Annual median |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $79,253 |
| 2 people | $102,797 |
| 3 people | $116,541 |
| 4 people | $139,071 |
For households larger than four, add $11,100 for each person above four. The data changes; check the official U.S. Trustee table for your actual filing date before relying on these figures. The Chapter 7 means test also applies statutory expense rules that this median comparison does not calculate.
What else can affect Chapter 7 eligibility?
- Prior cases and discharges: The date and chapter of an earlier filing can affect a new discharge and, separately, whether the automatic stay applies.
- Property and transfers: Disclose assets and recent transfers. Exemptions, equity and ownership need to be reviewed together before filing.
- Debts and income: Different debt types and changes in income can change the analysis. The means test is not just a single income cutoff.
- Credit counseling: An approved course is generally required within 180 days before filing, subject to limited exceptions.
What documents does the Sacramento bankruptcy court require?
Sacramento cases are filed in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of California. The court checklist separates documents filed with the petition from documents due later. Use the court's latest instructions; this summary is not a substitute for the complete forms.
| When | Examples |
|---|---|
| Before filing | Approved credit-counseling certificate; review income and property records. |
| With petition | Voluntary petition (Form 101); court fee or fee application. |
| Within 7 days | Eastern District checklist identifies a verified master address list and statement of Social Security number. |
| Within 14 days | Schedules, statement of financial affairs and applicable Chapter 7 income/means-test forms, among other required documents. |
Read the current Eastern District Chapter 7 filing checklist and official form packages. Dates and required documents depend on your case and court orders.
What does it cost to file Chapter 7 in Sacramento?
As checked October 1, 2026, the Eastern District lists a $338 Chapter 7 filing fee. This firm's attorney fee for a straightforward case is $1,500; two required courses are estimated at about $25 each. That is approximately $1,888, before case-specific extra work. See the detailed fee and payment table for scope, installments and fee-waiver information.
Sources: U.S. Trustee median table; Eastern District checklist; Eastern District fee schedule. Figures checked October 1, 2026. The effective date for median data is shown separately above.