Looking for a bankruptcy attorney in San Francisco? Below: vetted firms covering Financial District, SoMa, the Mission, and the Peninsula, real CA cost ranges for flat fee representation, and what CA law actually says about your situation. Most firms offer a free initial consultation.
7 vetted firms in San Francisco handle bankruptcy cases. The shortlist below is editor-picked based on practice-area concentration, ratings, and client feedback.
Costs in San Francisco run roughly 50% above the national average — premium urban market with higher rents and salaries.
Fee structure: Chapter 7 is usually paid up front before filing. Chapter 13 attorney fees can be paid through the repayment plan.
Typical range: $1,500-$3,500 Chapter 7; $3,500-$6,000 Chapter 13.
Up-front cost: Filing fee + attorney fee.
For a fuller breakdown of how lawyers actually price work across all 30 legal needs we cover, see our cost guide. The numbers above are 2026 averages; your specific quote will depend on the firm's experience level, the complexity of your case, and the firm's caseload at the moment you call.
Two ways to keep costs down in any San Francisco bankruptcy matter: (1) come prepared to the first meeting with a one-page summary of facts, dates, and dollar amounts; (2) ask for a flat fee where one is offered — it removes the lawyer's incentive to take longer than necessary.
Statute of limitations: varies — ask a local attorney. This is when you have to file by — not when you have to settle by.
Court system: local trial court.
Fault rules: varies.
Damage caps: varies.
One thing to know: Bankruptcy cases are governed primarily by CA state statutes and case law. Ask the firm you call about applicable deadlines on your specific situation.
This page is a starting point, not a substitute for advice that applies to your specific situation. For that, talk to a licensed CA attorney — most of the firms above offer a free initial consultation for San Francisco residents.
Most people hire a bankruptcy lawyer in San Francisco after one of these triggers:
If any of these match what's happening to you, get a free consultation booked this week. Waiting rarely improves the case and often hurts it — evidence fades, witnesses move, and statute-of-limitations clocks keep running.
Chapter 7 wipes most unsecured debt in 4-6 months but requires passing a means test. Chapter 13 reorganizes debt over 3-5 years and lets you keep assets like a house with mortgage arrears.
Usually not. CA exemptions protect a certain amount of home equity. In Chapter 13 you can also catch up on missed mortgage payments through the repayment plan.
Chapter 7 stays on your credit report for 10 years; Chapter 13 for 7. Most people see credit recover within 12-24 months and qualify for a mortgage 2-4 years after discharge.
If you're current on the loan, usually yes. Either you reaffirm the debt (Chapter 7) or include it in the plan (Chapter 13).
Most student loans, recent tax debt, child support and alimony, court-ordered restitution, debts from fraud or DUI judgments. Credit cards, medical bills, and most other unsecured debt can be discharged.
Bankruptcy elsewhere: Bankruptcy lawyers in Los AngelesBankruptcy lawyers in SeattleBankruptcy lawyers in Denver
Other San Francisco legal needs: Personal Injury lawyers in San FranciscoDivorce lawyers in San FranciscoCriminal Defense / DUI lawyers in San Francisco
Background reading: Bankruptcy guide · All San Francisco firms · Top 10 Bankruptcy firms in San Francisco (full editorial picks) · How to compare law firms · Legal glossary
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