The cost of filing bankruptcy in Kansas may seem straightforward at first, but it can be quite nuanced. In 2024, the filing fee for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy is $338, while a Chapter 13 bankruptcy will set you back $313. However, things get more complicated when you consider factors like hiring a bankruptcy attorney or trying to get the filing fees waived.
We wanted to get a more accurate estimate of attorney fees in Kansas, so we dug deep and spent around $1,000 on PACER, a public records database that contains bankruptcy attorney fees. Our findings for 2024 show that the range for Chapter 7 attorney fees in Kansas is between $1,075 and $1,500. Keep in mind that this is still just an estimate. If you want a more precise estimate based on your specific location in Kansas, go ahead and try our free Kansas bankruptcy cost calculator below.
If you're anything like me, you're probably wondering how on earth you can afford the cost of bankruptcy in Kansas, especially when you're already struggling to pay your bills. And let's not forget that interest rates and inflation are still causing headaches in 2024.
While many bankruptcy costs, such as the filing fee and credit counseling courses, tend to be relatively similar, the real question lies in the attorney fees. The range can vary dramatically depending on whether you're in Wichita or Overland Park.
So, the purpose of this article is to provide you with estimated all-in costs, which include:
- Bankruptcy Attorney Fees
- Bankruptcy Filing Costs
Estimate the All-In Bankruptcy Cost in Your Zip Code
We've been getting a ton of questions about the cost of bankruptcy in Kansas, so we decided to do something about it. We've put together a database of attorney fees just for you! All you need to do is enter your zip code below, and you'll get an estimate of how much bankruptcy might cost in your city in Kansas.
1. Actual Lawyer Costs By District In Kansas
We've illustrated a range of bankruptcy fees in various circumstances in earlier posts. Nevertheless, there are still a few additional factors that will impact the total when bankruptcy is taken into account. These could include the location of the bankruptcy attorney, the complexity of the case, and the degree of experience of your legal counsel. Additionally, a major factor in influencing what you might pay is location. We've written an article below to help you understand fees in your area to make this process easier for you. Let's examine the actual costs that were provided in the Pacer filing data.
Kansas District
Covering a substantial area, the District of Kansas includes major cities like Wichita, Overland Park, and Kansas City. Operating within the Central Time zone, this district spans 40 counties. It features a central courthouse in Kansas City and additional court facilities throughout the district, overseen by 6 active district judges and 3 magistrate judges. The diverse economic activities and dynamic communities in Kansas's District contribute to the overall richness of the region.
For residents in proximity to these major areas within Kansas's District, the expected bankruptcy filing cost can vary, often falling within a range from $1,862.00 to $2,338.00. It's crucial to bear in mind that this is an estimate, and actual expenses may fluctuate based on factors such as your financial situation and the choice of legal representation.
2. Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Attorney Fees Kansas
Chapter 13 bankruptcy attorneys in Kansas might hit you with a bill of around $3,000. Of course, the exact amount can vary depending on which district you're in. Now, when it comes to Chapter 7 attorney fees, those can be all over the place. But for Chapter 13, things tend to be a bit more consistent. They have something called "no-look fees," which are like a standard rate for the service they provide. So, you won't have to worry too much about unexpected costs. However, it's still worth checking if the attorney charges by the hour for any extra work they do after filing Chapter 13.
3. Bankruptcy Filing Costs
Filing for bankruptcy can be a costly endeavor, and the same goes for folks all across the United States, not just in Kansas. So, let's break it down and take a look at some of the other expenses you might want to keep in mind.
Bankruptcy Filing Fees
The US Courthouse has a fee schedule and bankruptcy forms that lays it all out for you.
Now, if you're going for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, the filing fee is $338. That's broken down into a $245 filing fee, a $78 administrative fee, and a $15 trustee surcharge.
If Chapter 13 bankruptcy seems more like the way to go, the filing fee is a bit lower at $313. That includes a $235 filing fee and a $78 administrative fee.
Kansas Filing Fee Waiver Guidelines
If you're thinking about filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you might be able to get your filing fees waived. You need to be below 150% of the poverty guidelines in Kansas. Be sure to check out Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Kansas Income Limit.
Mandatory Course Costs
When you're in financial hardship and decide to file for bankruptcy, there are a couple of courses you need to take in Kansas. On the bright side, you can conveniently complete these courses online. Now, let's talk about the cost. On average, each course will set you back around $10 to $50. Before you start signing up for just any course, you need to make sure it's approved. Here's a list of approved credit counseling courses in Kansas, as well as a list of approved debtor education courses in Kansas.
Miscellaneous Costs
If you've got a meeting of creditors coming up at the courthouse, it's important to know that you might have to shell out some cash for transportation to get there. On top of that, you might also have to cover the cost of a credit report for your attorney. Your attorney might be able to lend a hand with getting that credit report sorted. Let's talk numbers. You're probably wondering how much this whole transportation thing is gonna set you back.
We’ve made it easier for you to figure that out by hovering over to your district using this interactive map below showing bankruptcy courthouses in Kansas by division and looking up your nearest bankruptcy court.
Will Inflation Affect the Cost To File Bankruptcy in Kansas?
As of December 1st, 2020, the Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing fee went up from $335 to $338, while the Chapter 13 bankruptcy filing fee increased from $310 to $313. Now, these changes are pretty minor, so I wouldn't expect them to have a major negative impact on you. But what about attorney fees? Well, here's the deal. Inflation could indeed lead to higher costs for bankruptcy attorneys. Why? Well, inflation might force them to pay more to their employees and deal with higher living costs themselves, especially in cities like Overland Park, Kansas City, and throughout Kansas. So, while the filing fee increase is relatively small and might not bother you much, you might see some inflation-related effects on attorney fees. It's something to keep in mind if you're considering hiring a bankruptcy attorney.
Would My Bankruptcy Cost Be Higher in Wichita Than in Kansas City?
You're probably, wondering whether it's better to hire a local attorney or head to a bigger city, like Overland Park, to save on bankruptcy costs. It's a valid concern, especially considering that Wichita boasts the highest population in Kansas, with a population of 389,225 people. Naturally, you might assume that bankruptcy attorney fees would be higher in Wichita compared to Kansas City.
While the cost may indeed be higher in Wichita, there's also a greater number of bankruptcy attorneys in the area. And what does that mean? Competition. Competition drives prices down, so you might find that the total cost to file bankruptcy, including attorney fees, could be much higher in your city than in Wichita.
Most bankruptcy attorneys offer free consultations. You can get multiple perspectives without spending a dime. Our bankruptcy cost calculator below takes all these variables into account to give you an estimate of the all-in cost.
Why Do Some Attorneys Charge Higher Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Fees?
In Overland Park, Kansas, you might compare prices from two different bankruptcy attorneys and find that their costs are not the same.
When it comes to Chapter 13 bankruptcy attorneys in Kansas City, they usually charge a fixed amount known as a "no-look fee." It's like a standard fee for the services they provide. So, you can expect some consistency there. However, when it comes to Chapter 7 bankruptcy attorneys, things get a little different. The fees can vary.
Let's dive deeper into what factors affect the cost of a bankruptcy lawyer.:
- The type of chapter you're filing (Chapter 7 or Chapter 13).
- The complexity of your case.
- Your location.
- The level of connection you have with your attorney.
- The attorney's expertise.
Imagine you're making $10,000 above the median income for Kansas, and you still want to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Well, in that case, the attorney might need to spend some extra time going through your expenses to see if you qualify. Even though you're above the median, you might still be eligible for Chapter 7. More attorney time usually means a higher overall cost for your bankruptcy.
If you want to dive deeper into the world of bankruptcy lawyer fees, I recommend checking out this article: Understanding Bankruptcy Lawyer Fees. It'll give you a more detailed look at what to expect and help you make an informed decision.
Conclusion
Now, I hope this article has given you some helpful insights into the costs of filing bankruptcy with a bankruptcy lawyer in Kansas. If you still have questions or want to get a more accurate estimate, feel free to check out the free Kansas bankruptcy cost calculator below.