The cost of filing for bankruptcy in Louisiana can be a bit tricky to pin down. For a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you're looking at around $338, while a Chapter 13 bankruptcy will set you back about $313 in 2024. Things get a bit more complicated when you start factoring in the fees for a bankruptcy attorney and the possibility of getting those filing fees waived.
We did some digging and managed to get a ballpark figure for attorney fees in Louisiana. We spent roughly $1,000 on PACER, a public records database that contains bankruptcy attorney fees. According to our findings, as of 2024, the cost of a Chapter 7 attorney can range anywhere from $800 to $1,500. Keep in mind, though, that this is just an estimate. If you want a more accurate estimate based on your specific location in Louisiana, we've got you covered with a free bankruptcy cost calculator below.
Now, I don't know about you, but I've often wondered how anyone can afford the cost of bankruptcy, especially when money is tight and bills are piling up. And let's not forget about the pesky interest rates and inflation that continue to be a headache in 2024. The good news is that many bankruptcy costs, like the filing fee and credit counseling courses, tend to be pretty similar across the board. But here's the kicker: attorney fees can vary dramatically depending on where you are in Louisiana. Whether you're in New Orleans or Baton Rouge, you might be in for a surprise.
So, let's break it down for you. In this article, we'll give you an estimate of the all-in costs of filing for bankruptcy in Louisiana. We'll cover everything from attorney fees to filing costs, so you'll have a clearer picture of what you're in for.
Estimate the All-In Bankruptcy Cost in Your Zip Code
We've been getting a ton of questions about how much it costs to file for bankruptcy in Louisiana. So, we went ahead and created a database that lists attorney fees for you.
To get an estimate of the cost of bankruptcy in your city in Louisiana, all you need to do is enter your zip code below.
1. Actual Lawyer Costs By District In Louisiana
Although we've included a range of bankruptcy attorneys' fees above, there are a few other factors that will affect the exact amount. Numerous factors, including the bankruptcy lawyer's location, the complexity of the case, the attorney-client relationship, and the expert's experience, all affect the final cost. Given the significance of the location, let us examine Louisiana's bankruptcy district map and the actual expenses as shown by the Pacer filing data.
See the map below to determine which district you reside in, then scroll down to see actual legal fees.
Louisiana Eastern District
Covering a substantial expanse, the Eastern District of Louisiana includes major urban centers such as New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Slidell. Operating within the Central Time zone, this district spans 13 parishes. It features a central courthouse in New Orleans and additional court facilities throughout the district, overseen by 8 active district judges and 3 magistrate judges. The diverse economic activities and vibrant communities in Louisiana's Eastern District contribute to the overall richness of the region.
For residents in proximity to these major areas within Louisiana's Eastern District, the expected bankruptcy filing cost can vary, often falling within a range from $1,125.00 to $1,200.00. It's crucial to keep 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.
Louisiana Middle District
Encompassing a considerable region, the Middle District of Louisiana includes major cities like Baton Rouge, Lafayette, and Gonzales. Operating within the Central Time zone, this district spans 13 parishes. It features a central courthouse in Baton Rouge and additional court facilities across the district, overseen by 6 active district judges and 2 magistrate judges. The varied economic activities and vibrant communities in Louisiana's Middle District contribute to the overall richness of the region.
For residents in proximity to these major areas within Louisiana's Middle District, the expected bankruptcy filing cost can vary, often falling within a range from $644.00 to $1,750.00. 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.
Louisiana Western District
Covering a significant expanse, the Western District of Louisiana includes major cities like Shreveport, Alexandria, and Lake Charles. Operating within the Central Time zone, this district spans 42 parishes. It features a central courthouse in Shreveport and additional court facilities throughout the district, overseen by 5 active district judges and 3 magistrate judges. The diverse economic activities and vibrant communities in Louisiana's Western District contribute to the overall richness of the region.
For residents in proximity to these major areas within Louisiana's Western District, the expected bankruptcy filing cost can vary, often falling within a range from $1,038.00 to $2,000.00. It's crucial to keep 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 Louisiana
Chapter 13 bankruptcy attorneys in Louisiana can charge anywhere from $2400 to $2800. The exact amount may vary depending on the district. Unlike Chapter 7 attorney fees, which can vary significantly, Chapter 13 fees are generally similar. These fees are determined based on "no-look fees," which are considered a reasonable cost for the services provided. However, it's important to check if the attorney charges an hourly rate for any additional work that may be required after filing for Chapter 13.
3. Bankruptcy Filing Costs
Bankruptcy filing costs are pretty much the same all over the United States, not just in Louisiana. But hold on tight, because there are other costs you need to keep in mind too.
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.
If you're strapped for cash and can't afford the filing fee. There might be some options for you. You could pay the fee in installments or it could be waived altogether.
Louisiana Filing Fee Waiver Guidelines
If you're thinking about filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Louisiana, you might be able to get your filing fees waived if your income falls below 150% of the poverty guidelines set by the state. Be sure to check out Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Louisiana Income Limit.
Mandatory Course Costs
When you're going through the process of filing for bankruptcy, there are a couple of courses you'll need to take in Louisiana. First, there's a credit counseling course, which helps you understand your financial situation and explore alternatives to bankruptcy. Then, there's a debtor education course, which provides you with the tools and knowledge to manage your finances after bankruptcy. The good news is that you can often complete both of these courses online, making it convenient for you to fit them into your schedule. And the cost? Well, on average, you can expect to pay somewhere between $10 to $50 per course. It's important to note that these courses must be approved, so you'll want to make sure you're selecting from the list of approved Louisiana credit counseling courses and debtor education courses.
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 Louisiana by district and looking up your nearest bankruptcy court.
Will Inflation Affect the Cost To File Bankruptcy in Louisiana?
Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing fee got bumped up from $335 to $338. And the Chapter 13 bankruptcy filing fee went from $310 to $313. Now, those changes are so tiny, that I wouldn't sweat it too much. It's unlikely to put a dent in your wallet.
Now, when it comes to attorney fees, that's where things can get a bit more interesting. See, inflation might cause bankruptcy lawyers to fork out more money for their employees. Plus, they might have to deal with higher living costs themselves, especially if they're in cities like Baton Rouge or Shreveport, or anywhere else in Louisiana, for that matter.
Would My Bankruptcy Cost Be Higher in New Orleans Than in Shreveport?
You know, if you're living in a little suburb in Louisiana and you're contemplating filing for bankruptcy, you might be wondering whether it's better to hire a local attorney or go for someone in a big city like Baton Rouge.
New Orleans has the highest population in Louisiana with 399,187 people. So, you might think that the cost of hiring a bankruptcy attorney there would be sky-high compared to a place like Shreveport.
While it's true that the cost may be higher in New Orleans, there's also a little something called competition. You see, with more bankruptcy attorneys flocking to the city. And you know what that means? It means they might just drop their prices to attract more folks. So, believe it or not, you could end up paying more for bankruptcy in your little old suburb than in the big, bad city of New Orleans.
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.
Conclusion
I hope this article has given you some helpful info to understand the all-in costs of filing for bankruptcy with a lawyer. But hey, if you still have questions, don't hesitate to reach out. And if you wanna get a quick estimate of the costs specific to Louisiana, check out the free Louisiana bankruptcy cost calculator below.