Electronic Self-Representation (eSR) Bankruptcy Petition Preparation System for Chapter 7 and Chapter 13
The Bankruptcy Court is not permitted to provide legal advice.
Need Assistance?
Schedule a meeting with the Pro Se Bankruptcy Clinic
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.
- eSR system may only be used to file cases for the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of California where all addresses are in the district. Out‑of‑district filings (including cases with one or more addresses out of district) will not be accepted and will be rejected.
- eSR system is not intended for emergency filings and should not be used for matters requiring immediate court action.
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). Click here for instructions that may help you
- 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.