Sacramento bankruptcy filing process
How to file bankruptcy in Sacramento
Sacramento consumer cases are filed in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of California. The usual steps are: confirm your district and chapter, gather records, complete required counseling, prepare and review forms, file the petition, attend the trustee meeting and complete debtor education. The full document list and filing deadlines depend on your case.
What are the steps to file a bankruptcy case?
Confirm where and what to file
Check the district, your income, debts, property, prior filings and urgent deadlines. Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 have different requirements.
Gather financial documents
Common records include income statements, tax returns, bank statements, debt notices, property and loan records. Your case may require additional documents.
Complete pre-filing credit counseling
An approved counseling course is generally required within 180 days before filing, subject to limited exceptions. Keep the completion certificate.
Prepare the petition and schedules
List income, expenses, property, creditors, transfers and other required information accurately. Chapter 7 may require means-test forms; Chapter 13 requires a repayment plan.
Review and file
Read every form carefully before signing. An individual signs under penalty of perjury. The court's filing fee or fee application is also submitted.
Follow the court's deadlines
The Eastern District checklist gives different due dates for initial and remaining documents. The trustee and court may issue additional instructions.
Attend the trustee meeting
Use your notice for the date, format and identification requirements. Prepare for questions about the petition and provide requested documents.
Complete debtor education
A second course is generally needed for a discharge. Chapter 13 filers complete their plan obligations before discharge.
What documents do I need to file in Sacramento?
The Eastern District publishes separate chapter packets and checklists. For Chapter 7, its checklist identifies the petition, later schedules and statements, Social Security statement, address list and applicable income forms, with separate filing deadlines.
Use the official Eastern District forms page and Chapter 7 checklist. The checklist itself says it is guidance, not legal advice.
Can I file bankruptcy without an attorney?
Individuals can represent themselves, but remain responsible for accurate schedules, exemptions, deadlines and court procedures. The Eastern District offers forms and self-represented filing resources. Its eSR tool is not intended for emergency filing; a saved or submitted eSR preparation is not by itself a filed case.
For a pending sale date or other immediate deadline, see the emergency filing guide. If you are comparing self-filing with representation, read our fees and included work.
How much does it cost to file?
The Eastern District lists a $338 new Chapter 7 filing fee and $313 for Chapter 13, checked October 1, 2026. Attorney fees and course costs are separate. See Sacramento cost examples and payment options.
Local procedure: Eastern District forms and checklists · Sacramento courthouse address and access.