Bankruptcy Fees and Waivers

If you are considering filing for bankruptcy, you must be in the unfortunate position of experiencing a financial hardship. Medical debt, job loss and unforeseen life events can leave many of us unprepared for our financial futures.

Fortunately, bankruptcy can provide the relief you need while protecting many of your assets from liquidation by creditors. However, filing for bankruptcy is can be a complicated process that leaves many people full of questions.

One of the most common questions about bankruptcy is: How much does it cost?

Bankruptcy Fees

The cost for filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy is usually $335, depending on which state you are filing in. A Chapter 13 bankruptcy fee is typically $310. These fees are the costs for filing your case with the court. Bankruptcy attorney fees are charged separately from the court filing costs, but are usually very reasonable. Many attorneys know that you are experiencing financial trouble and offer payment plans or assistance to their clients.

Bankruptcy Waivers

Bankruptcy laws allow for the court filing fees to be waived in a Chapter 7 case, but does not allow for fees to be waived in Chapter 13 cases. In order to request a filing fee to be waived, you must list your debts, income and assets on a Fee Waiver Form and file it with your bankruptcy petition. If the court determines your income is not sufficient to pay the filing fee, a waiver may be granted.