The amount of those fees depends on the type of bankruptcy you file and the attorney you choose. If you’re worried about how to pay to file for bankruptcy, learn more about how much it costs.
Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13
The most common type of bankruptcy for individuals is Chapter 7, which effectively wipes the slate clean after certain assets are liquidated, and cash from the liquidation is distributed to creditors. The second most common type of bankruptcy for consumers is Chapter 13 bankruptcy, which allows the debtor to keep some valuable assets by agreeing to a three- to five-year payment plan. For example, if the debtor wants to keep their house, Chapter 13 would allow them to make payments through a trustee, and they would be protected from any legal action that creditors could take.
Bankruptcy Filing Costs
As of 2021, the fees set by the United States Court are $245 to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy and $235 to file Chapter 13 bankruptcy. There is an additional $78 administrative fee and (in the case of Chapter 7 filings) a $15 trustee fee. These are the basic filing fees. Certain actions in your case may cost more. For example, there are additional fees to convert a Chapter 13 case to a Chapter 7 case, to reopen a bankruptcy case, or for payments returned for insufficient funds. USCourts.gov maintains a list of all bankruptcy fees.
Installment Payments and Waiver Possibilities
Fees typically are due when you file your bankruptcy petition, but you may be able to ask the court to allow you to pay the fees in installments or even to have them waived. To qualify for a fee waiver, you must not be able to afford the fees, even in installments, and your income must be less than 150% of the poverty line. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services publishes federal poverty levels, which vary depending on the number of people per household.
Required Credit Counseling Costs
Before you can file for bankruptcy, you must take a court-approved credit counseling session. You’ll also have to take a financial management course. These courses usually come with a small fee from the provider. Court costs are are typically less than $50. Fee waivers and reduced rates are available based on household income. The U.S. Department of Justice website has a list of agencies approved in each state. Visit their websites to find the costs of their bankruptcy-required courses.
Attorney Fees
Attorney fees vary widely, depending on the state, the attorney, and the complexity of your bankruptcy case. For a Chapter 7 case, median fees range from $692 in Idaho to $1,530 in Arizona. Chapter 13 cases typically are more expensive, and median fees range from $1,560 in North Dakota to $4,950 in Maine. Unless you are an expert on the rules of the court where you file, the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, and federal procedures, you should expect to need an attorney to file your case. If you file on your own behalf, know that judges and other court employees are prohibited from providing you with legal advice. Don’t let the potential cost of filing bankruptcy scare you away from the option. Many attorneys offer free or discounted consultations to help you figure out wherher you need to file bankruptcy and to estimate the total cost of filing bankruptcy if you need to file. Meet with a few attorneys who offer free consultations to see what your options are. You may be able to pay your attorney in installments, but be aware that the attorneys may spend only as much time on your case as you’ve paid for. Once your retainer runs out, you’ll need to make another payment for them to continue work on your case.
