The cost of filing for bankruptcy in New Hampshire 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 get a little more complicated.
We did some digging and managed to get an estimate for how much bankruptcy attorneys charge in New Hampshire. We spent around $1,000 on PACER, a public records database that provides information on bankruptcy attorney fees. As of 2024, we found that the cost for a Chapter 7 attorney can range from $1,000 to $1,500. Keep in mind that this is just an estimate. If you want a more precise figure based on your exact location in New Hampshire, we've got you covered. Check out our free bankruptcy cost calculator below.
If you're anything like me, you're probably wondering how on earth you can afford bankruptcy when you're already struggling to pay your bills. Not to mention the interest rates and inflation are still causing headaches 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. However, the real kicker is the cost of those attorney fees, which can vary wildly depending on whether you're in Manchester or Nashua.
So, the purpose of this article is to give you a rough idea of the all-in costs involved in filing for bankruptcy. We'll be covering two main areas:
- Bankruptcy Attorney Fees
- Bankruptcy Filing Costs
Estimate the All-In Bankruptcy Cost in Your Zip Code
We've been getting a lot of questions about the cost of bankruptcy in New Hampshire. So, we decided to do something about it. We've built a database of attorney fees to help you out. Just enter your zip code below, and we'll give you an estimate of how much bankruptcy might cost in your city in New Hampshire.
1. Actual Lawyer Costs By District In New Hampshire
In previous postings, we have shown a variety of bankruptcy fees under different conditions. Still, when bankruptcy is factored in, there are a couple more things that will affect the overall. A few of these might be the bankruptcy lawyer's location, the case's intricacy, and the level of experience your lawyer has. Furthermore, location has a significant role in determining what you may pay. To help you through this procedure, we've prepared an article below that will explain fees in your area. Let's take a closer look at the actual expenses listed in the Pacer file information.
New Hampshire District
Encompassing a significant expanse, the District of New Hampshire includes major urban centers like Manchester, Nashua, and Concord. Operating within the Eastern Time zone, this district spans 10 counties. It features a central courthouse in Concord and additional court facilities throughout the district, overseen by 3 active district judges and 2 magistrate judges. The varied economic activities and vibrant communities in New Hampshire's District contribute to the overall richness of the region.
For residents in proximity to these major areas within New Hampshire's District, the expected bankruptcy filing cost can vary, often falling within a range from $1,662.00 to $2,500.00. 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 New Hampshire
Chapter 13 bankruptcy attorneys in New Hampshire could set you back around $4,500. Of course, the actual cost might vary depending on the district you're in. Now, when it comes to Chapter 7 attorney fees, they can be all over the place. But for Chapter 13, things are a bit more straightforward. You see, many attorneys charge what's called a "no-look fee." It's like a fixed price that's considered reasonable for the services provided. However, it's still worth checking if the attorney charges an hourly rate for any extra work done 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 New Hampshire. However, there are some 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.
New Hampshire Filing Fee Waiver Guidelines
If you're considering filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in New Hampshire, you might be eligible to have 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 New Hampshire Income Limit.
Mandatory Course Costs
When you're in a tough spot financially and decide to file for bankruptcy, there are a couple of courses you need to take in New Hampshire. On the bright side, you can usually take them online. However - these courses aren't free, but they won't break the bank either. On average, you're looking at around $10 to $50 per course. But before you go signing up for just any course, you need to make sure it's approved. You can look at the list of approved credit counseling courses in New Hampshire. As well as the approved 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 the bankruptcy courthouse in New Hampshire.
Will Inflation Affect the Cost To File Bankruptcy in New Hampshire?
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 impact on you. But what about attorney fees? Well, here's the deal. Inflation can have a ripple effect on various aspects of the economy, and attorney fees are no exception. As inflation pushes up the costs of living and forces bankruptcy attorneys to pay more to their employees, you might see some inflation in attorney fee costs. Now, let's focus on New Hampshire. Whether you're in Nashua, Concord, or any other city across the state, attorneys might find themselves facing higher costs of living and, in turn, passing some of that onto their clients. It's a tricky situation, but it's something to keep in mind. So, to sum it all up, while the filing fees for bankruptcy cases in New Hampshire have seen only slight changes, there's a chance that attorney fees might be affected by inflation. It's a balancing act for attorneys who have to navigate rising costs while still providing their services.
Would My Bankruptcy Cost Be Higher Manchester Than Concord?
If you’re wondering whether to hire a local attorney or venture into a bigger city like Nashua for your bankruptcy needs. It's a tough decision, I get it. But let me shed some light on the matter.
Now, Manchester, with a population of 112,525, might make you think that bankruptcy attorney fees would be sky-high over there. I mean, more people, more money, right? Well, not necessarily.
While the cost of hiring a bankruptcy attorney may indeed be higher in Manchester, there's a silver lining. The city boasts a larger pool of attorneys, which means more competition and potentially lower prices. So, believe it or not, you might find that the total cost of filing for bankruptcy, including attorney fees, could be lower in Manchester than in your town.
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?
So, you're in a bit of a financial bind and considering filing for bankruptcy. It's a tough situation, but sometimes it's the best way to get a fresh start. Now, when it comes to hiring a bankruptcy attorney, you might be wondering how much it's going to cost you. Well, let me tell you, it's not always a straightforward answer.
Let's take a look at the difference in attorney costs between two bankruptcy attorneys in Nashua. You might be surprised to find that they can vary quite a bit. But here's the thing, Chapter 13 bankruptcy attorneys in Concord often charge the same amount. They have something called a "no-look fee," which is a standard fee for the services they provide. So, you can expect consistency there.
Now, when it comes to Chapter 7 bankruptcy attorneys, that's where things can get a little more interesting. The fees can vary greatly, and it's important to understand why.
So, what factors determine the cost of a bankruptcy lawyer? Well, there are a few things to consider:
- The type of bankruptcy you're filing - Chapter 7 or Chapter 13.
- The complexity of your case - whether you have assets or not.
- Your location - where you're filing for bankruptcy.
- The level of connection you have with your attorney.
- The expertise of the attorney - how many years of experience they have.
Let me give you an example to illustrate how these factors can affect the cost. Let's say you're making $10,000 above the median income for New Hampshire, and you still want to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. In this case, the attorney may need to spend extra time reviewing your expenses to see if you qualify, even though you're above the median income. And as you can imagine, additional attorney time usually means a higher overall cost.
If you're interested in learning more about bankruptcy lawyer fees and how they're calculated, I recommend checking out this article: Understanding Bankruptcy Lawyer Fees. It'll give you a deeper insight into the topic.
Conclusion
I hope this article has given you some valuable insights into the costs of filing bankruptcy with a bankruptcy lawyer. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out. If you want to get a more specific estimate for your situation, you can try out the free New Hampshire bankruptcy cost calculator below. It'll help you crunch the numbers and plan accordingly.