The price for filing bankruptcy in New Mexico is $338 for Chapter 7 and $313 for Chapter 13 in 2024. However, it gets a little more complicated when you throw bankruptcy attorneys and fee waivers into the mix. We did some digging and spent around $1,000 on PACER, a public records database that provides information on bankruptcy attorney fees. As of 2024, the cost of a Chapter 7 attorney can range from $1,170 to $2,000. Keep in mind, that this is just an estimate. If you want a more precise figure based on your location in New Mexico, we've got a bankruptcy cost calculator for you below.
Now, if you're anything like me, you're probably wondering how on earth you can afford bankruptcy, especially when bills are piling up and interest rates are high. The good news is that many bankruptcy costs, like filing fees and credit counseling courses, are pretty similar across the board. However, attorney fees can vary wildly depending on whether you're in Albuquerque or Las Cruces.
The purpose of this article is to give you an idea of the total costs involved in filing for bankruptcy:
- 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 Mexico, so we decided to do something about it. We've gone ahead and built a database of attorney fees to get an estimate of how much bankruptcy might cost you in your city in New Mexico, all you need to do is enter your zip code below.
1. Actual Lawyer Costs By District In New Mexico
A variety of bankruptcy lawyers' fees have already been shown to you, but there are a few additional variables that will affect the final sum. The location of the bankruptcy lawyer, the intricacy of the case, the attorney-client dynamic, and the level of expertise of the expert are some of the variables that influence the total cost. Still, considering the significance of the location, let's look at the real expenses as reported in the Pacer filing data.
New Mexico District
Covering a substantial area, the District of New Mexico includes major cities like Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Las Cruces. Operating within the Mountain Time zone, this district spans 33 counties. It features a central courthouse in Albuquerque and additional court facilities throughout the district, overseen by 6 active district judges and 2 magistrate judges. The diverse economic activities and dynamic communities in New Mexico's District contribute to the overall richness of the region.
For residents in proximity to these major areas within New Mexico's District, the expected bankruptcy filing cost can vary, often falling within a range from $1,762.38 to $1,950.00. 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 New Mexico
Chapter 13 bankruptcy attorneys in New Mexico might charge around $3,000. However, the actual fee can vary depending on the district. Unlike Chapter 7 attorney fees, Chapter 13 fees tend to be more consistent. They are based on something called "no-look fees," which are considered a fair and reasonable cost for the services provided. It's worth noting that some attorneys may charge an hourly rate for any extra work done after filing for Chapter 13. So, it's essential to check with the attorney about their pricing structure.
3. Bankruptcy Filing Costs
Bankruptcy filing costs in the United States are pretty much the same, no matter where you are. And that includes New Mexico. There are some other costs you need to think about too. Let's dive in and find out what they are.
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.
New Mexico Filing Fee Waiver Guidelines
If you're thinking about filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, there's a chance you could have your filing fees waived. Be sure to check out Chapter 7 Bankruptcy New Mexico Income Limit.
Mandatory Course Costs
When you're in a tough financial spot and decide to file for bankruptcy, there are a couple of courses you need to take in New Mexico. But don't worry, you can usually take them online. These courses are designed to give you some guidance and education on managing your finances better. Now, let's talk about the cost. On average, each course will set you back about $10 to $50. It's not too bad considering the valuable knowledge you'll gain. However, keep in mind that these courses must be approved by the authorities. So, to make things easier for you, we've got a list of approved credit counseling courses and debtor education courses in New Mexico. Don't forget to keep an eye out for the associated costs too! It's always good to be informed before diving into anything.
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 New Mexico by division and looking up your nearest bankruptcy court.
Will Inflation Affect the Cost To File Bankruptcy in New Mexico?
This question floating around: will inflation slow down enough in 2024 that attorney fees won't go up? It's an interesting thought, especially when it comes to filing fees and attorney costs in New Mexico.
Now, let's talk about the filing fees for Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy. As of December 1st, 2020, the Chapter 7 filing fee went up from $335 to $338, and the Chapter 13 filing fee increased from $310 to $313. But here's the thing, the change is so small that it's unlikely to hurt you.
But here's where things get a little more complicated. When it comes to attorney fees, inflation might come into play. You see, inflation can push bankruptcy attorneys to pay their employees more and deal with higher costs of living, especially in cities like Las Cruces, Rio Rancho, and all across New Mexico. So, you might see some inflation affecting the costs of hiring an attorney.
Would My Bankruptcy Cost Be Higher in Albuquerque Than in Rio Rancho?
You know, living in a suburb in New Mexico can make you wonder whether it's better to hire a local attorney or go for one in a bigger city like Las Cruces. It's all about saving on those bankruptcy costs, am I right?
Now, Albuquerque, with a population of 560,218, might make you think that the cost of bankruptcy attorney fees would be sky-high compared to smaller places like Rio Rancho.
While the cost might be a tad higher in Albuquerque, there's also a silver lining. You see, with more bankruptcy attorneys in the mix, there's some fierce competition going on. And you know what competition means, dropping prices!
You might find that the total cost to file bankruptcy, including the attorney fees, could end up being a lot higher in your city than in Albuquerque.
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?
When it comes to bankruptcy attorneys in Las Cruces, you might be surprised to find that their prices can be all over the place.
When it comes to Chapter 13 bankruptcy attorneys in Rio Rancho, they usually charge the same amount. Because of something called a "no-look fee." It's like a standard fee that they charge for the services they provide. So, you can expect some consistency there.
However, when it comes to Chapter 7 bankruptcy attorneys, it's a whole different story. So, it's important to understand what you're getting for the extra money.
Now, let's break it down. The cost of a bankruptcy lawyer is often based on a few factors:
- The type of bankruptcy you're filing. Are you going for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13?
- The complexity of your case. Is it a no asset or asset case?
- Your location. Are you in Albuquerque or Las Cruces?
- The level of connection you have with the attorney.
- The attorney's expertise. How many years of experience do they have?
Let me give you an example. Imagine you're making $10,000 more than the median income in New Mexico, and you still want to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Well, in that case, the attorney might have to spend extra time going through your expenses to see if you qualify. You see, being above the median income can complicate things. And as you can guess, extra attorney time means a higher cost overall.
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 Wisconsin, check out the free Wisconsin bankruptcy cost calculator below.