The cost of filing bankruptcy in Nebraska can be a bit tricky to pin down. In 2024, the filing fee for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy is $338, while a Chapter 13 bankruptcy will set you back $313. If you decide to hire a bankruptcy attorney or if you're hoping to get the filing fees waived, things can get a little more complicated.
We wanted to get a better idea of how much hiring a bankruptcy attorney might cost in Nebraska, so we dug into the public records database called PACER. It took us about $1,000 to access the information, but it was worth it. Based on our findings, as of 2024, the range for Chapter 7 attorney fees in Nebraska is between $800 and $1,200. Keep in mind, though, that this is just an estimate. If you want a more precise estimate based on your specific location in Nebraska, we've got a free bankruptcy cost calculator below that can help you out.
If you're anything like me, you're probably wondering how on earth you can afford to file for bankruptcy in Nebraska, especially when it feels like you're drowning in bills. And let's not forget about the ongoing issue of rising interest rates and inflation. The good news is that many of the bankruptcy costs, such as the filing fee and the credit counseling courses, tend to be pretty similar across the board. However, the cost of hiring a bankruptcy attorney can vary quite a bit depending on whether you're in Omaha or Lincoln.
So, the purpose of this article is to break down the estimated all-in costs for you:
- 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 bankruptcy costs in Nebraska, so we decided to do something about it. We've gone ahead and created a database of attorney fees just for you. Now, all you need to do is enter your zip code below, and we'll give you an estimate of how much bankruptcy will cost you in your city in Nebraska.
1. Actual Lawyer Costs By District In Nebraska
You've already seen a range of bankruptcy attorneys' costs, but there are a few more factors that will influence the total. A few factors that affect the overall cost are the bankruptcy lawyer's location, the complexity of the case, the attorney-client relationship, and the expert's degree of knowledge. Nevertheless, given the importance of the site, let's examine the actual costs as stated in the Pacer filing data.
Nebraska District
Encompassing a significant expanse, the District of Nebraska includes major urban centers like Omaha, Lincoln, and Bellevue. Operating within the Central Time zone, this district spans 93 counties. It features a central courthouse in Omaha and additional court facilities throughout the district, overseen by 7 active district judges and 3 magistrate judges. The diverse economic activities and vibrant communities in Nebraska's District contribute to the overall richness of the region.
For residents in proximity to these major areas within Nebraska's District, the expected bankruptcy filing cost can vary, often falling within a range from $1,162.00 to $1,383.00. 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 Nebraska
Chapter 13 bankruptcy attorneys in Nebraska can charge around $3,600. However, the actual fee may vary depending on the district. Unlike Chapter 7 attorney fees, Chapter 13 fees tend to be more consistent due to something called "no-look fees." These fees are considered reasonable for the services provided. It's worth noting that some attorneys may charge an hourly rate for any extra work required after filing for Chapter 13. So, it's a good idea to inquire about this possibility.
3. Bankruptcy Filing Costs
Bankruptcy filing costs are pretty much the same all over the United States, not just in Nebraska. Let's take a look at some other costs you need 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.
Nebraska Filing Fee Waiver Guidelines
If you're thinking about filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you might be able to get the filing fees waived if you meet a certain income requirement. To be eligible for the fee waiver, you need to have an income that's below 150% of the Nebraska poverty guidelines. Be sure to check out Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Nebraska 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 Nebraska. 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 Nebraska 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 Nebraska by division and looking up your nearest bankruptcy court.
Will Inflation Affect the Cost To File Bankruptcy in Nebraska?
As of December 1st, 2020, the Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing fee was bumped up from $335 to $338, while the Chapter 13 filing fee went from $310 to $313. Now, I know what you're thinking - those are some pretty small increases. And you're right! These changes are so slight that they shouldn't hurt you. But what about attorney fees? Well, here's the deal. Inflation can have a sneaky way of creeping into all aspects of our lives, including the costs associated with hiring a bankruptcy attorney. You see, as inflation rises, bankruptcy attorneys may find themselves shelling out more dough to pay their employees and dealing with higher living costs, especially in cities like Lincoln or Bellevue, or anywhere else across Nebraska. So, while the filing fee itself may not be a cause for concern, you might notice some inflation-related effects on attorney fee costs. On the one hand, attorneys may need to charge more to cover their rising expenses. On the other hand, they might also be feeling the pressure to keep their fees competitive in a market where clients are looking for affordable options. All in all, it's a complex situation. So, keep an eye out for any changes in attorney fees, but don't fret too much about the filing fee. It's not likely to break the bank.
Would My Bankruptcy Cost Be Higher in Omaha Than in Bellevue?
Omaha is the big dog in Nebraska, with a population of 468,262. So, naturally, you might think that the cost of hiring a bankruptcy attorney there would be sky-high compared to a smaller place like Bellevue.
But here's the twist: while the cost may indeed be higher in Omaha, there's also more competition among bankruptcy attorneys. And you know what competition does, right? It brings those prices down. So, believe it or not, you might end up paying more for bankruptcy in your city than if you went with an attorney from Omaha.
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?
Regarding Chapter 13 bankruptcy attorneys in Bellevue, things are a bit different. They usually charge a fixed fee called a "no-look fee." It's like a standard fee that covers the services they provide. So, you can expect the costs to be pretty similar across the board.
However, when it comes to Chapter 7 bankruptcy attorneys, the story changes. The fees can vary quite a bit. So, it's crucial to understand what you're getting for that extra cost.
Now, let's break down what factors can affect the cost of a bankruptcy lawyer:
- The type of bankruptcy you're filing, whether it's Chapter 7 or Chapter 13.
- The complexity of your case, like whether you have assets or not.
- Your location, because different areas may have different pricing.
- The level of connection you have with the attorney.
- The attorney's expertise and experience.
Here's an example to give you a better idea. Let's say you're making $10,000 more than the median income in Nebraska, and you still want to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Well, in that case, the attorney might need to spend extra time reviewing your expenses to see if you qualify.
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
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 Nebraska, check out the free Nebraska bankruptcy cost calculator below.