The Bankruptcy Process, Costs & Timeline in California

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Serving Clients in San Bernardino, Riverside, Redlands, and Palm Springs.

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Part 1: How Much Does Bankruptcy Cost?

There are two costs involved in filing for bankruptcy: the Court Filing Fee (mandatory for everyone) and the Attorney Fee (for our work).

1. Court Filing Fees (2026 Riverside Division)

These fees are set by the Federal Court and must be paid to the Clerk of Court.

• Chapter 7 Filing Fee: $338.00
• Chapter 13 Filing Fee: $313.00

2. Attorney Fees & Payment Plans

We believe legal help should be affordable. We offer flexible payment plans starting as low as $0 Down for qualified Chapter 7 filings and most Chapter 13 cases.

• Chapter 7: We offer a flat fee service. During your free consultation, we will give you an exact price based on the complexity of your assets.
• Chapter 13: In many cases, the majority of your attorney fees are "baked into" your monthly court payment plan, meaning you pay very little upfront to get filed.

Part 2: The Timeline (How Long Does It Take?)

Chapter 7 Timeline (Speed: ~90 Days)

• Days 1-7: Free consultation, gathering documents, and filing your petition.
• Day 30: The "Meeting of Creditors" (341 Hearing). Currently held by phone or Zoom.
• Day 90-120: You receive your Discharge Order. Your case is closed, and debts are gone.

Chapter 13 Timeline (Speed: 3-5 Years)

Because Chapter 13 is a repayment plan, the case remains open while you make payments.

• Month 1: Case filed. Automatic Stay stops foreclosure/garnishment.
• Month 2-3: Confirmation Hearing. The Judge approves your repayment plan.
• Years 3-5: You make one monthly payment to the Trustee. At the end of the term, remaining eligible debt is discharged.

Part 3: The 5-Step Filing Process

Whether you file Chapter 7 or 13, the process in the Inland Empire follows these five steps:

Step 1: Free Consultation

We review your pay stubs and debts to see which chapter saves you the most money. We also check for "red flags" to ensure your assets are safe.

Step 2: Credit Counseling (Mandatory)

You must take a short credit counseling class from an approved agency. It takes about 60 minutes and can be done online or by phone. We will provide you with a list of approved providers (approx. cost: $15-$50).

Step 3: Filing the Petition

We prepare your 50+ page legal packet. Once you sign it, we file it electronically with the Riverside Bankruptcy Court. The Automatic Stay begins instantly.

Step 4: The 341 Meeting of Creditors

A court-appointed Trustee will ask you basic questions under oath to verify your identity and paperwork. Creditors rarely show up to these meetings.

Step 5: Discharge & Financial Management

You take a second short online class ("Debtor Education"). Once completed, the court issues your discharge, wiping out your liability for dischargeable debts.

Last Updated: January 2026.