Electronic Self-Representation (eSR) Bankruptcy Petition Preparation System for Chapter 7 and Chapter 13
The Bankruptcy Court is not permitted to provide legal advice.
eSR at a Glance
What is eSR?
- eSR is an online tool to help individuals complete a bankruptcy petition when they have decided to file bankruptcy without an attorney.
Who can use eSR?
- This online tool is for individual debtors filing chapter 7 and chapter 13 cases only.
- Important Note: eSR is not available to attorneys or bankruptcy petition preparers.
- eSR is not designed for filings by corporations or other non-individuals.
Why use eSR?
- There is no cost to use eSR. Pay only the bankruptcy filing fee.
- eSR has a guided, step-by-step process that allows you up to 45 days to complete.
- Your personal information is only accessible to you using a unique login and password assigned to you.
- eSR is accessible 24 hours a day from any Internet-enabled computer.
- There is no software to download or purchase.
eSR Computer Requirements?
- Internet connection
- Adobe Reader (version 8 or higher)
- Pop-up blocker must be disabled
- Printer
- Browser requirements - It is recommended that you use the latest version of Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, Chrome or Safari.
How do I use eSR?
- Collect all of your financial documents before you begin. Use these convenient checklists to ensure you have everything needed to file.
- Obtain credit counseling from a court-approved credit counseling agency. The law requires credit counseling before filing bankruptcy. Click here for a list of approved credit counseling agencies.
- Create a user profile, unique login, and password by clicking here.
- Answer questions about your property, income and debts to complete the eSR package.
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After you submit your eSR petition, you will receive a confirmation email. This message will include links and instructions for filing the remaining required documents to obtain a case number. These documents can be submitted electronically via the Online Debtor Drop Box or you can also deliver or mail these documents to the bankruptcy court.
- Certificate of Credit Counseling for each debtor
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Master Address List (official form EDC.002-100)
- If you are using the Online Debtor Drop Box it will create this document for you.
- Signed Statement About Your Social Security Number (official form 121)
- Signed Declaration Regarding Electronic Filing Through the Court's Electronic Self-Representation System
- Copy of Government-issued photo identification (e.g. driver's license, passport)
- NOTE: A bankruptcy petition is NOT considered “filed” (and does not receive a case number) until these documents are filed.
- NOTE: An automatic stay (injunction) is NOT in effect until a bankruptcy case number is issued by the bankruptcy court.
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Filing Fee
- To pay the full filing fee please click here.
- OR; Application for Individuals to Pay the Filing Fee in Installments (official form 103A)(for individual debtors only) (if applicable). You will receive a copy of the Order on Motion/Application To Pay Filing Fee in Installments in the mail.
- OR; Application to Have the Chapter 7 Filing Fee Waived. (official form 103B) (chapter 7 individual cases only) (if applicable). The Judge will review your application to waive the filing fee and you will receive notice in the mail once a decision is made.
eSR Help
- For technical and procedural assistance on eSR, please contact the Help Desk at (916) 930-4400.
- For more information please visit the FAQ page.