How To File Bankruptcy for Free in California
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Filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy in California can help you erase debts like credit cards, medical bills, and payday loans, giving you a fresh financial start. This step-by-step guide shows you how to file for free, from gathering documents and taking credit counseling to submitting your forms and attending the 341 meeting. It also explains how to protect your property using California’s bankruptcy exemptions. Each California district has its own rules, so the guide includes specific filing instructions based on where you live.
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer.
Updated July 2, 2025
How To File Chapter 7 Bankruptcy for Free in California
Filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy in California can give you a fresh start by erasing debts, including:
✅ Credit card debt
✅ Medical bills
✅ Payday loans
✅ Personal loans
Many people don’t need to hire a lawyer to file successfully, especially for simple cases.
This guide walks you through the Chapter 7 filing process step by step, from gathering documents and taking a credit counseling course to filling out your forms and submitting them to the court. You’ll also learn what to expect after you file, like how to deal with your car and what to bring to your 341 meeting.
✨ If your situation is straightforward, you may be able to use Upsolve’s free filing tool to get started today. It only takes a few minutes to see if you qualify, and the tool walks you through the process step by step.
👀 If you want to learn more before jumping in, read on to see what each step looks like.
- Collect Your California Bankruptcy Documents
- Complete the Bankruptcy Forms
- Take the Required Credit Counseling Course
- Get Your Filing Fee (or Apply for a Fee Waiver)
- Print Your Bankruptcy Forms
- File Your Forms With the California Bankruptcy Court
- Mail Documents to Your Trustee
- Take the Second Required Class (Debtor Education/Financial Management)
- Attend Your 341 Meeting of Creditors
- Figure Out What You Want To Do With Your Car (if You Have One)
Collect Your California Bankruptcy Documents
Start by gathering your financial documents. These help you fill out your forms and get ready for the steps ahead.
You’re required to submit:
Pay stubs from the past six months to show your income
Federal tax returns from the last two years
A bank statement that covers the day you file your bankruptcy case
While you’re getting organized, it’s also helpful to have:
Bank statements from the past 6–12 months
Credit card and loan statements
Letters or notices from debt collectors
A recent credit report
📋 You can get free credit reports from all three major bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com. If you’re using Upsolve’s free filing tool, it will pull your credit report for you.
Having these documents on hand can make it easier to find the numbers you’ll need to report your income, expenses, and debts on the bankruptcy forms.
Complete the Bankruptcy Forms
Bankruptcy forms are the foundation of your case. They tell the court about your finances, debts, and why you need relief.
🌐 Most of the required bankruptcy forms are federal forms used nationwide. You can download them for free from USCourts.gov.
Depending on where you file in California, you may also need to submit some local forms. Each district has its own rules, which we cover later in this guide.
📝 If you’re using Upsolve’s free filing tool, you won’t need to worry about filling these out by hand. You’ll just answer an online questionnaire, and the tool will generate your forms for you.
If you decide to hire a bankruptcy lawyer, they’ll usually complete and file the forms for you based on the information you provide.
Take the Required Credit Counseling Course
Before filing your California bankruptcy case, you’re required to take a credit counseling course. You must complete the course within 180 days before you file.
📚 This short class walks you through your debt relief options and helps you decide if bankruptcy is the right path.
Here’s what to expect:
Most people finish the course in about an hour.
You can take it online, by phone, or in person. Just be sure to use an approved provider.
The cost usually ranges from $10–$50, but you might qualify for a fee waiver if money’s tight.
📄 When you’re done, you’ll get a certificate. Include this with your bankruptcy forms when you file your case. If it’s missing, the court may dismiss your case, and you’ll have to start over.
Get Your Filing Fee (or Apply for a Fee Waiver)
Next, you need to make a plan to pay the bankruptcy filing fee or apply for a waiver.
💰 Filing Chapter 7 in California costs $338. However, many people qualify for a fee waiver based on their income. If you earn less than 150% of the federal poverty guideline, you can ask the court to waive the fee.
🛠️ If you’re using Upsolve’s free filing tool, we’ll include the fee waiver form in your packet. You just need to file it with your other paperwork.
If you don’t qualify for a waiver and can’t pay the full amount right away, you can ask the court to let you pay in installments. This breaks the $338 fee into up to four payments over 120 days.
Many people choose this option when they don’t have the money to pay the full filing fee but need to file quickly to stop things like wage garnishment or repossession. As soon as you file your case, the automatic stay takes effect. This stops all collection actions.
🛑 If this is the route you take, keep in mind that if you miss a payment, the court can dismiss your case, and you’ll have to start over.
Print Your Bankruptcy Forms
Many California bankruptcy courts allow for electronic filing, but if yours doesn’t or you prefer to file in person or by mail, you’ll need to print out your bankruptcy forms. (Find your district below to see what your options are based on where you live.)
If possible, print out two complete copies of your completed bankruptcy forms so you have one for your records.
Here are a few best practices to follow when printing:
Use black ink.
Print on standard 8.5” x 11” white paper.
Print one-sided only.
Don’t staple or hole-punch your forms.
🖊️ Double-check that you’ve signed everywhere a signature is required. Some pages look similar. Using a checklist can help you stay organized.
✨ If you’re using Upsolve’s free filing tool, you’ll get a ready-to-print packet with everything you need. It includes helpful dividers that show you where to sign, so nothing gets missed.
If you’re working with a lawyer, they’ll usually file your forms electronically for you.
File Your Forms With the California Bankruptcy Court
🏛️ California is divided into four districts — Northern, Central, Eastern, and Southern — and each one has its own rules for people filing bankruptcy without a lawyer. In every district, you can file your forms by mail or by bringing them to the courthouse.
Some districts also allow you to file some or all of your forms online. This can be convenient and helps make sure your documents reach the court quickly. But e-filing rules vary, so check to see what your district allows.
⬇️ You’ll find details about each California district’s filing process later in this guide.
Many people feel more confident filing in person. When you go to the courthouse, a clerk can look over your forms right away and let you know if anything is missing. Your paperwork gets processed right away, and you skip the risk of delays or lost mail. It’s a more hands-on way to make sure everything is in order.
Mail Documents to Your Trustee
After you file your bankruptcy forms, the court will assign a bankruptcy trustee to review your case, check that everything is accurate, and handle any issues involving your property. (Though in most Chapter 7 cases, nothing gets taken or sold).
Before your 341 meeting (which we’ll explain later), you’ll need to mail your trustee a copy of a few items:
Your two most recent federal tax returns
A bank statement for any accounts you had open when you filed
A clear copy of your photo ID (like a driver’s license or passport)
Proof of your Social Security number (like your Social Security card, W-2, or pay stub)
Proof of your current income, like a recent pay stub
📅 These need to be sent at least 14 days before your 341 meeting. If you don’t have one of these items, it’s OK — just include a short note explaining that it’s unavailable.
You’ll get the trustee’s name and contact info in an official notice from the court after you file. Sometimes trustees ask for other paperwork, too. If that happens, sending it quickly can help avoid delays in your case.
Take the Second Required Class (Debtor Education/Financial Management)
Once you’ve sent everything your trustee needs, you need to take a second required course before you can get your bankruptcy discharge. This is the court order that clears your qualifying debts.
The second class is called the personal financial management or debtor education course. It focuses on personal financial skills and planning for the future.
Here’s what to know:
You must complete the course within 60 days of your 341 meeting.
You must take it from an approved provider.
You’ll get a certificate when you finish.
Some providers file the certificate for you; others ask you to do it.
💡 Double-check that your certificate of completion gets filed with the court. If you miss this step, the court may close (dismiss) your case without discharging your debts.
Attend Your 341 Meeting of Creditors
About a month after you file, you’ll have a short meeting called the 341 meeting of creditors. This isn’t a court hearing, and no judge will be there. Instead, your bankruptcy trustee will ask you a few questions to verify your identity and confirm the information in your forms.
💡 Despite the name, creditors rarely attend the 341 meeting of creditors.
Most 341 meetings in California happen virtually, by Zoom. Though some trustees may schedule a phone or in-person meeting. You’ll get the date, time, and other details of your meeting in an official court notice after you file.
Many Upsolve users say they get nervous or anxious about the 341 meeting, but after it’s done, they report that it was easier than expected!
Most meetings are quick (often under 10 minutes) and straightforward. Plus, once it’s done, you’re one step closer to having your debts wiped away.
🎥 Check out this mock 341 meeting to see what it’s like.
Figure Out What You Want To Do With Your Car (if You Have One)
In many parts of California, having a car is essential for daily life. Many people worry about what will happen to their car when they file. The good news is that most Chapter 7 filers are able to keep their vehicle.
Whether you can keep your car depends on a few key things: how much it’s worth, whether you own it or still make payments, and what exemptions you can use to protect it.
We’ll cover California’s car exemptions later. For now, here’s a look at your general options.
🚗 If you’re still paying off your car loan, you can usually keep it as long as you’re current on your payments. Most filers have two options for keeping their car:
Reaffirm the loan, usually by signing a reaffirmation agreement. This means you agree to remain responsible for the loan and monthly payments in exchange for keeping the car.
Redeem the car by paying its current market value in one lump sum. This may help you save money (if you owe more than the car is worth) and own the car free and clear. Redemption is less common than reaffirmation because you have to come up with a big lump sum.
If you no longer want or can’t afford the car, you can surrender it. This means giving the car back and wiping out the remaining loan balance. Surrendering is often a smart move if the vehicle costs more than it’s worth and you plan to get another car after your bankruptcy.
If you lease your car, you’ll need to tell the court whether you plan to keep the lease or return the car. Upsolve’s car lease guide can help you better understand your options.
California Bankruptcy Means Test
Another key step in the Chapter 7 process is taking the means test. This test helps the court decide if you qualify for Chapter 7 based on your income. It’s designed to prevent people with higher incomes from using Chapter 7 when they could afford to repay some of their debts.
The means test has two parts. The first part looks at your household income over the past six full months (not including the month you file). It compares your income to the median income for a household of your size in California. Check the chart below or use Upsolve’s Chapter 7 means test calculator to see where you stand.
Many people qualify at this first step. But if your income is above the limit, you have to take the second part of the test. It considers your expenses (like rent, groceries, and healthcare) as well as your income. If the second part shows that you don’t have much left over each month, you may still qualify for Chapter 7. If you don’t, you may be restricted to filing Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
If you’re worried about your eligibility, it can be helpful to speak with a lawyer. Upsolve can connect you with a local bankruptcy attorney for a free legal consultation if you want to take that route.
Data on Median income levels for California
California Median Income Standards for Means Test for Cases Filed In 2025 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Household Size | Monthly Income | Annual Income |
| 1 | $6,349.17 | $76,190.00 |
| 2 | $8,328.00 | $99,936.00 |
| 3 | $9,378.00 | $112,536.00 |
| 4 | $10,903.75 | $130,845.00 |
| 5 | $11,828.75 | $141,945.00 |
| 6 | $12,753.75 | $153,045.00 |
| 7 | $13,678.75 | $164,145.00 |
| 8 | $14,603.75 | $175,245.00 |
| 9 | $15,528.75 | $186,345.00 |
| 10 | $16,453.75 | $197,445.00 |
Data on Poverty levels for California
California Fee Waiver Eligibility for Cases Filed In 2025Eligible for fee waiver when under 150% the poverty level. | ||
|---|---|---|
| Household Size | State Poverty Level | Fee Waiver Limit (150% PL) |
| 1 | $1,255.00 | $1,882.50 |
| 2 | $1,703.33 | $2,555.00 |
| 3 | $2,151.67 | $3,227.50 |
| 4 | $2,600.00 | $3,900.00 |
| 5 | $3,048.33 | $4,572.50 |
| 6 | $3,496.67 | $5,245.00 |
| 7 | $3,945.00 | $5,917.50 |
| 8 | $4,393.33 | $6,590.00 |
| 9 | $4,841.67 | $7,262.50 |
| 10 | $5,290.00 | $7,935.00 |
California Districts & Filing Requirements
California is divided into four districts: Northern, Central, Eastern, and Southern. The county you live in determines the district you file in.
While most of the filing steps are similar, each district has a few local rules about how to submit your documents and pay your fees. You can check the table below to find out which district your county is in, or use the court locator tool to search by ZIP code or city.
| District | Division/Court Location | Counties Served |
|---|---|---|
| Northern District of CA | Oakland Division | Alameda and Contra Costa |
| San Jose Division | Monterey, San Benito, Santa Clara, and Santa Cruz | |
| Santa Rosa Division | Del Norte, Humboldt, Lake, Mendocino, Napa, and Sonoma | |
| San Francisco Division | Marin, San Mateo, and San Francisco | |
| Central District of CA | Los Angeles Division | Los Angeles, except zip codes served by the San Fernando Valley Division |
| Northern Division | San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and a portion of Ventura | |
| Riverside Division | Riverside and San Bernardino | |
| San Fernando Valley Division | Portions of Los Angeles and Ventura | |
| Eastern District of CA | Fresno Division | Fresno, Inyo, Kern, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, and Tulare |
| Sacramento Division | Alpine, Amador, Butte, Calaveras, Colusa, El Dorado, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Mono, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou, Solano, Stanislaus, Sutter, Tehama, Trinity, Tuolumne, Yolo, and Yuba | |
| Southern District of CA | Imperial and San Diego |
Northern District of California Bankruptcy Filing Requirements
If you’re filing without a lawyer in the Northern District of California, you can submit your paperwork in person or by mail.
📍 There are four court divisions in this district, each serving different counties. Be sure to use the correct address based on where you live and how you're filing:
🏛️📬 Santa Rosa Division
Serves Del Norte, Mendocino, Humboldt, Napa, Sonoma, Marin, and Lake counties
The Santa Rosa courthouse is currently closed to visitors and does not accept mail or deliveries. Filers in this division must submit their paperwork to the Oakland Division instead.
In person and mailing address (use Oakland): United States Bankruptcy Court 1300 Clay Street, Suite 300 Oakland, CA 94612
Appointments are required for in-person visits. Call 510-302-2222 (press option #4) between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM to schedule.
A document drop box is available in the lobby on the 2nd floor from 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
🏛️📬San Francisco Division
Serves San Francisco and San Mateo counties
In person address: United States Bankruptcy Court Phillip Burton Federal Building & U.S. Courthouse 450 Golden Gate Avenue, 18th Floor San Francisco, CA 94102 📥 A document drop box is available from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Mailing address: United States Bankruptcy Court Phillip Burton Federal Building & U.S. Courthouse 450 Golden Gate Avenue, Mailbox 36099 San Francisco, CA 94102
🏛️📬Oakland Division
Serves Alameda and Contra Costa counties
In person and mailing address: United States Bankruptcy Court 1300 Clay Street, Suite 300 Oakland, CA 94612 📥 A document drop box is available in the lobby on the 2nd Floor from 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
🏛️📬 San Jose Division
Serves Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Benito Counties
In person and mailing address: United States Courthouse 280 South First Street, Room 3035 San Jose, CA 95113 📥 A document drop box is available on the 3rd floor, near the Clerk's Office entrance, and is accessible from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
Additional Requirements & Filing Fee Information for the Northern District
📄 The Northern District of California requires filers to submit a creditor matrix, which is a list of all the people and companies you owe money to. It must follow specific formatting rules so the court can notify your creditors about your case. You’ll also need to include a signed Creditor Matrix Cover Sheet with your filing.
💰You can pay your filing fee with a money order or cashier’s check for the exact amount made out to Clerk, U.S. Bankruptcy Court.
If you can’t pay all at once, you can ask the court for a payment plan. If the court approves it, you’ll have up to 120 days to pay the full fee in up to four payments.
🚫 The court does not accept credit cards, cash, or personal checks.
Central District of California Bankruptcy Filing Requirements
The Central District of California, includes five divisions and offers the most flexibility for filing bankruptcy without a lawyer.
You can file your documents in person, by mail, or using two electronic tools: Electronic Drop Box (EDB) and Electronic Self-Representation (eSR).
📅Appointments are required for in-person visits. Schedule an appointment here.
🏛️📬 Los Angeles Division (serves Los Angeles County) in person and mailing address:
United States Bankruptcy Court
Central District of California
Edward R. Roybal Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse
255 East Temple Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
🏛️📬 Riverside Division (serves Riverside and San Bernardino counties) in person and mailing address:
United States Bankruptcy Court
Central District of California
3420 12th Street
Riverside, CA 92501
🏛️📬 Santa Ana Division (serves Orange County) in person and mailing address:
United States Bankruptcy Court
Central District of California
Ronald Reagan Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse
411 West Fourth Street
Santa Ana, CA 92701
🏛️📬 Northern Division (serves San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and a portion of Ventura counties) in person and mailing address:
United States Bankruptcy Court
Central District of California
1415 State Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
🏛️📬 San Fernando Valley Division (serves Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Benito counties) in person and mailing address:
United States Bankruptcy Court
Central District of California
21041 Burbank Boulevard
Woodland Hills, CA 91367
💻 Online filing options:
The Electronic Drop Box (EDB) lets you securely upload documents to the court online. You can use it to file forms and paperwork that don’t require a fee, like amendments or proof of income.
The Electronic Self-Representation (eSR) system walks you through preparing your bankruptcy forms and lets you file your full petition online. If you use eSR, the court gives you a 10-day grace period to pay your filing fee.
⚖️These tools are helpful in different ways: the EDB works best for quick uploads, while eSR is great if you’re starting your bankruptcy case from scratch.
Additional Requirements & Filing Fee Information for the Central District
The Central District of California requires filers to submit a creditor matrix. This is a list of everyone you owe money to, along with their mailing addresses. It must follow specific formatting rules so the court can notify your creditors about your case. The court’s instructions also include an example that can be really helpful. In addition, you’ll need to include a signed Master Mailing List Verification Form with your filing.
🔎 For more information, you can review the Local Bankruptcy Rules and forms on the court’s website.
💰 You can pay your filing fee with a money order or cashier’s check for the exact amount made out to Clerk, U.S. Bankruptcy Court.
If the court approves you to pay in installments, your first payment must be made by mail or in person. After that, you can make the remaining payments online through Pay.gov using a bank account (ACH).
🚫 The court does not accept credit cards, cash, or personal checks.
Eastern District of California Bankruptcy Filing Requirements
If you’re filing without a lawyer in the Eastern District of California, you can submit your paperwork in person, by mail, or online. There are two court divisions, each serving different counties. Be sure to use the correct address based on where you live and how you're filing:
🏛️📬 Fresno Division (serves Fresno, Inyo, Kern, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, and Tulare counties) in person and mailing address: U.S. Bankruptcy Court 2500 Tulare Street, Suite 2501 Fresno, CA 93721
🏛️📬 Sacramento Division (serves Alpine, Amador, Butte, Calaveras, Colusa, El Dorado, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Mono, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou, Solano, Stanislaus, Sutter, Tehama, Trinity, Tuolumne, Yolo, and Yuba counties) in person and mailing address: Robert T. Matsui U.S. Courthouse 501 I Street, #3200 Sacramento, CA 95814
💻 Online filing option: Debtor Drop Box: An online tool that lets you submit your bankruptcy petition and other documents without going to the courthouse. It helps save time and travel costs by uploading your court forms directly to the court for filing.
Additional Requirements & Filing Fee Information for the Eastern District
The Eastern District of California requires filers to submit a Master Address List, also known as a creditor matrix. This is a list of everyone you owe money to, including their mailing addresses. It has to follow strict formatting rules so the court can send notices about your case. You’ll also need to include a signed Verification of Master Address List with your paperwork.
💡 To make the Master Address List easier, the court offers a simple online tool to help you create a properly formatted list. You can use it at the Clerk’s Office or from home atwww.caeb.uscourts.gov/mal/.
📝 The court also offers a detailed instruction booklet for people filing without a lawyer in the Eastern District of California. It’s an optional resource that some filers find helpful for exploring the forms and steps in more detail.
Filing Fee Information for the Eastern District
💰You can pay your filing fee with a money order or cashier’s check for the exact amount made out to Clerk, U.S. Bankruptcy Court. If you opt to go in person, debit card payments are accepted.
📆If you can’t pay the full filing fee all at once, you can ask to pay in up to four installments over 120 days. To do this, you’ll need to submit Official Form 103A with your bankruptcy forms. You can suggest how much to pay with each installment, but the court will make the final decision.
If the court approves you to pay in installments, your first payment must be made by mail or in person. After that, you can make the remaining payments online through Pay.gov using a bank account (ACH), debit card, or PayPal.
🚫 The court does not accept credit cards, cash, or personal checks.
Southern District of California Bankruptcy Filing Requirements
If you’re filing without a lawyer in the Southern District of California, you can submit your bankruptcy paperwork in person, by mail, or online. This district has just one division, covering Imperial and San Diego counties.
🪪 If you're filing your forms in person, you’ll need to show a valid photo ID issued by the government when you visit the courthouse. The staff will make a copy for the file. If you’re filing by mail, include a photocopy of your ID with your paperwork.
🏛️📬 In person and mailing address:
Jacob Weinberger United States Courthouse
325 West F Street
San Diego, California 92101
💻 Online filing option: Electronic Self-Representation (eSR) is a free online tool that helps you build and file your Chapter 7 petition step by step. You’ll have up to 45 days to complete everything online. 📌 Within 10 days of submitting your eSR package, you must also mail or hand-deliver these items to the court:
A signed Declaration form and Social Security statement
A properly formatted creditor matrix
Your filing fee or a payment plan request
A copy of your credit counseling certificate
Your bankruptcy case will be officially filed after the court receives and processes these documents. You won’t get a case number or protection from creditors until then.
Additional Requirements & Filing Fee Information for the Southern District
💰 You can pay your filing fee by money order or cashier’s check made out to Clerk, U.S. Bankruptcy Court. If you're paying online through Pay.gov, you can use a debit card or PayPal. If you visit the court in person, exact cash is also accepted.
📆 If you can’t pay the full filing fee all at once, you can ask to pay in up to four installments over 120 days. To do this, file Form CSD 1006 along with your bankruptcy forms. If the court approves your request, follow the exact payment schedule. Missing a payment could result in your case being dismissed.
🚫 The court does not accept credit cards or personal checks.
The Southern District of California requires all filers to submit their creditor matrix in electronic format, using a USB drive or CD. This list includes everyone you owe money to and must follow specific formatting rules so the court can notify your creditors.
You can create your creditor list using the court’s online tool, then mail or hand-deliver the USB or CD along with your bankruptcy forms. If you don’t have access to a USB or CD, you can use the court’s computers in the file review area to create and save your matrix.
📋 The court offers a complete petition packet on their website with all the forms you’ll need for this district, plus instructions to guide you through filling them out step by step.
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California Bankruptcy Exemptions
When you file for bankruptcy, exemptions help you protect the property you need to live and work. California doesn’t allow you to use the federal bankruptcy exemptions, but it offers two sets of state exemptions. You’ll pick the one that works best for your situation.
Set 1 includes a $29,275 homestead exemption, a $5,680 vehicle exemption, and a $1,550 wildcard exemption that can be used on any property. If you don’t use the homestead exemption, you can add that amount to the wildcard for more flexibility.
Set 2 offers a homestead exemption ranging from $75,000 to $175,000 based on your age, income, or household status. The vehicle exemption in Set 2 is $3,325. This set doesn’t include a wildcard.
You can only use California’s exemptions if you’ve lived in the state for at least two years. You can’t mix and match between the two sets.
What Does a Bankruptcy Lawyer Cost in California?
In California, bankruptcy lawyers usually charge a flat fee between $1,500 and $2,500 for Chapter 7 cases. Attorney fees are often the biggest cost in a bankruptcy case. Though many people can file Chapter 7 on their own, some people find legal support worthwhile. This is especially true for filers who own a home, have complicated finances, or just want guidance through the process.
Most bankruptcy attorneys offer a free consultation so you can learn about your options and ask questions before making a decision.
California Legal Aid Organizations
If you’re not ready to handle your bankruptcy on your own and can’t afford a lawyer, you’re not alone. Many nonprofit organizations offer free or low-cost legal help to guide you through the process.
