Affordable bankruptcy · Santa Monica, California
Affordable Bankruptcy in Santa Monica, California With Payment Plans and Fee Options
Santa Monica set a 2.6% rent increase for controlled units in September 2026, capped at $70 for higher rents. Even a small increase hurts when you are already behind on cards. We offer payment plans, and the court allows installments or a fee waiver for some filers. Call (310) 362-9071 to talk through your budget for free.
- Payment plans for the attorney fee
- Court fee installments allowed
- Chapter 7 fee waiver for low incomes
- Chapter 13 fee quoted in writing
How Santa Monica, California filers pay for bankruptcy
Paying for bankruptcy is usually easier than people expect. Our flat Chapter 7 fee can be paid over time before we file, on a schedule we put in writing. The court's $338 fee can be split into up to four payments within 120 days, and low-income filers can ask to have it waived. Many clients also use the money they had been sending to credit card companies, after checking with us first.
Could your Santa Monica, California household get the filing fee waived?
About 11.2% of Santa Monica, California residents live below the federal poverty line. If your household income is under 150% of the poverty guideline and you cannot pay in installments, the court may waive the Chapter 7 filing fee.
| Household size | Yearly income |
|---|---|
| 1 person | Under $23,940 |
| 2 people | Under $32,460 |
| 3 people | Under $40,980 |
| 4 people | Under $49,500 |
The court's own form decides the final answer. See filing fees, waivers and installments for how it works.
Making bankruptcy fit a Santa Monica, California budget
On a $2,402 rent, a 2.6% increase is about $62 more each month. Many Santa Monica clients make room for bankruptcy by stopping payments on unsecured cards once they decide to file. That money can go toward a payment plan for our fee and the court fee, which can be paid in up to four installments within 120 days. A single person earning under $23,940 a year who cannot manage installments may qualify to have the Chapter 7 fee waived. Ask about each option at a free consultation by video, which saves you the 8 mile drive.
Affordable Chapter 13 for Santa Monica, California families
About 27.9% of Santa Monica, California homes are lived in by their owners. Owners behind on a mortgage often need Chapter 13, and its fee works differently. Chapter 13 fees work differently from Chapter 7. Much of the attorney fee can be folded into the monthly plan payment, and the court caps the standard consumer fee at $7,000. The Chapter 13 filing fee is $313. We quote your fee in writing. See what Chapter 13 costs.
More for Santa Monica, California filers
- Bankruptcy attorney for Santa Monica, California
- Chapter 7 attorney for Santa Monica, California
- Chapter 13 attorney for Santa Monica, California
- Cheap bankruptcy in Santa Monica, California
- Affordable bankruptcy in Santa Monica, California
- Cheap Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Santa Monica, California
- Affordable Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Santa Monica, California
See every fee in one place on our bankruptcy cost page.
Affordable bankruptcy questions from Santa Monica, California
Can I get the Chapter 7 court fee waived in Santa Monica?
You can get the Chapter 7 court fee waived in Santa Monica if your household income is below 150% of the federal poverty guideline and you cannot pay in installments. For 2026 that is $23,940 for one person and $32,460 for two. The judge decides each request.
Do you offer payment plans to Santa Monica, California clients?
Yes, we offer payment plans to Santa Monica, California clients for our attorney fee. The court also allows its filing fee to be paid in up to four parts.
Who qualifies for a bankruptcy fee waiver?
A bankruptcy fee waiver is for Chapter 7 filers whose household income is under 150% of the federal poverty guideline and who cannot pay the $338 fee in installments. The judge decides.
Free consultation
Find an affordable plan for your Santa Monica, California case
Call (310) 362-9071 or send the form. We will build a payment plan around your budget.
Law Offices of John Asuncion9454 Wilshire Blvd., Penthouse Floor
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
(310) 362-9071
Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.