Filing fees · Beverly Hills
Filing Fees, Fee Waivers and Installment Plans
Bankruptcy filing fees are $338 for Chapter 7 and $313 for Chapter 13 in the Central District of California. You can ask to pay the filing fee in up to four installments, and low-income Chapter 7 filers can ask the judge to waive it. Call (310) 362-9071 and we will tell you which option fits you.
- Chapter 7 filing fee: $338
- Chapter 13 filing fee: $313
- Up to four installments, paid within 120 days
At a glance
Court filing fees by chapter
The court filing fee is paid to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, not to your lawyer. It is the same no matter which lawyer you hire.
| Chapter | Filing fee | Installments? | Waiver? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chapter 7 | $338 | Yes, up to four | Yes, if you qualify |
| Chapter 13 | $313 | Yes, up to four | No |
These amounts come from the fee schedule of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Central District of California, effective December 1, 2023. Your attorney fee is separate. See what bankruptcy costs for the full picture.
Paying the filing fee in installments
You can pay the filing fee in installments if you cannot pay it all at once. You file an application with your petition. The court then sets a payment schedule.
- Up to four payments. The court rules allow no more than four installments.
- 120 days to finish. All payments must be made within 120 days after you file.
- Extension for cause. The court can extend the deadline, but the final payment must come no later than 180 days after filing.
- Fee first. While you owe installments, you may not pay your attorney or a petition preparer for the case until the filing fee is paid in full.
The application is Official Form 103A. We prepare it with your petition.
Getting the Chapter 7 filing fee waived
The Chapter 7 filing fee can be waived if two things are true. First, your household income is less than 150% of the federal poverty guideline for your family size. Second, you cannot pay the fee in installments. The judge decides. The application is Official Form 103B.
Here are the 2026 federal poverty guidelines (48 states and D.C., published January 15, 2026) and 150% of each.
| Household size | 2026 poverty guideline | 150% of guideline |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $15,960 | $23,940 |
| 2 | $21,640 | $32,460 |
| 3 | $27,320 | $40,980 |
| 4 | $33,000 | $49,500 |
| Each extra person | add $5,680 | add $8,520 |
The 150% column is simple math from the federal guideline. The court uses its own table with the application form.
There is no fee waiver for Chapter 13. If your income is low enough for a waiver, you may also qualify for Chapter 7. See Chapter 7 with no income.
What happens if you miss an installment
If you miss a filing fee installment, the court can dismiss your case. A dismissal ends the case without a discharge. Your debts come back, and the automatic stay that stopped collection ends.
A dismissed case can also cause trouble later. If you file again within a year, the stay may last only 30 days unless the court extends it. Read about refiling after a dismissed case.
If you see a payment problem coming, tell us early. The court can extend the deadline for cause, as long as the final payment is made within 180 days of filing.
Filing fee mistakes to avoid
- Leaving out household income. The waiver test counts your whole household, not just you.
- Asking for a waiver you do not qualify for. If you can pay in installments, the judge will likely deny it.
- Losing track of due dates. Put each installment date on your calendar.
- Assuming the filing fee includes the courses. The two required courses are paid separately. See credit counseling and debtor education.
What it costs
- Chapter 7: flat attorney fee from $1,200, plus the $338 court filing fee
- Chapter 13: attorney fee quoted in writing, and part of it can be paid through the plan
- Payment plans are available, and the first consultation is free
More on what bankruptcy costs
- What Bankruptcy Costs in Beverly Hills
- What Chapter 7 Costs: Full Breakdown
- What Chapter 13 Costs and How the Plan Pays the Fee
- Filing Fees, Fee Waivers and Installment Plans
- Credit Counseling and Debtor Education Courses
Filing fee questions
How much is the bankruptcy filing fee?
The bankruptcy filing fee is $338 for Chapter 7 and $313 for Chapter 13 in the Central District of California. These amounts are from the court's fee schedule effective December 1, 2023.
Can I pay the filing fee in installments?
Yes, you can pay the filing fee in up to four installments. All payments are due within 120 days after filing, unless the court extends the time for cause.
Who qualifies for a filing fee waiver?
You qualify for a filing fee waiver if you file Chapter 7, your household income is under 150% of the federal poverty guideline, and you cannot pay in installments. For a household of one in 2026, 150% of the guideline is $23,940.
Can I pay my lawyer while I pay the filing fee in installments?
No, you cannot pay your lawyer for the case while filing fee installments are still due. The court rules say the filing fee must be paid in full first.
What if I miss a filing fee payment?
If you miss a filing fee payment, the court can dismiss your case. Call us before the due date if you see a problem coming.
Free consultation
Find out if you qualify for a waiver
Call (310) 362-9071 or send the form. We will check your household income with you for free.
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.