If you are considering bankruptcy in California but cannot afford an attorney, free help is available. The organizations below provide legal assistance at no cost to qualifying residents. You can also visit lawhelp.org/CA for the most up-to-date directory of free legal services in California.
Need immediate help?
Start with lawhelp.org/CA to find the legal aid office nearest you in California. You can also call your local bankruptcy court (listed below) for information about self-help resources and pro se filing assistance.
Legal Aid Organizations
Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA)
One of the largest legal aid organizations in the US. Serves low-income Los Angeles County residents.
Bay Area Legal Aid
Free legal services in the San Francisco Bay Area including bankruptcy assistance.
Legal Aid Society of San Diego
Consumer rights and debt relief legal services.
Central California Legal Services
Serves the San Joaquin Valley and central California.
Legal Aid Society of Orange County
Free legal services for Orange County residents.
Bet Tzedek Legal Services
Free legal services in Los Angeles, including consumer debt cases.
Law School Bankruptcy Clinics
UC Berkeley Law Clinics
Multiple clinics including consumer advocacy.
UCLA Law Clinics
Community-facing legal clinics.
UC Irvine Consumer Law Clinic
Handles consumer protection and debt matters.
Bar Association Pro Bono
State Bar of California Legal Aid
Contact the bar association for pro bono referrals and reduced-fee attorney programs.
Bankruptcy Courts in California
These are the federal bankruptcy courts serving California. Many courts offer self-help desks, pro se workshops, and links to local volunteer attorney programs.
U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Central District of California
Visit the court website for self-help resources, forms, local rules, and filing information.
U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Northern District of California
Visit the court website for self-help resources, forms, local rules, and filing information.
U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Eastern District of California
Visit the court website for self-help resources, forms, local rules, and filing information.
U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of California
Visit the court website for self-help resources, forms, local rules, and filing information.
Credit Counseling
Federal law requires two counseling sessions for bankruptcy filers: credit counseling before filing, and debtor education before discharge. Visit the U.S. Trustee's list of approved agencies to find providers approved for California. Many agencies offer free or reduced-cost sessions for low-income individuals.
Additional Resources
- LawHelp.org/CA -- Find free legal help in California
- NACBA Find an Attorney -- Locate consumer bankruptcy attorneys (some offer free consultations)
- Browse all states -- Back to the full state directory
- 1328(f) Discharge Screener -- Free tool to check if you are eligible for a bankruptcy discharge