The cost of filing bankruptcy in North Dakota may seem straightforward at first glance, but it's actually a bit more complicated. In 2024, the filing fee for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy is $338, while a Chapter 13 bankruptcy costs $313. However, there are additional factors to consider, such as whether you choose to hire a bankruptcy attorney and if you qualify for fee waivers.
To get a better idea of the attorney fees in North Dakota, we delved into the public records database called PACER. We spent around $1,000 to gather accurate estimates. As of 2024, we discovered that Chapter 7 attorney fees can range from $1,170 to $1,450. Keep in mind that this is still an estimate. If you want a more precise figure based on your location in North Dakota, we've got you covered. Feel free to use our free North Dakota bankruptcy cost calculator below.
You’re probably wondering how can anyone afford the cost of bankruptcy in North Dakota, especially when it's already a struggle to pay bills. Starting in 2024, interest rates and inflation continue to be pressing issues. While some bankruptcy costs, like the filing fee and credit counseling courses, are relatively similar, attorney fees can vary dramatically depending on whether you're in Fargo or Bismarck.
In this article, we aim to provide you with estimated all-in costs, focusing on two main aspects:
- 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 North Dakota. So we've built a super handy database of attorney fees just for this purpose. All you need to do is enter your zip code below, and we'll give you an estimate of how much bankruptcy might cost you in your city in North Dakota.
1. Actual Lawyer Costs By District In North Dakota
A variety of bankruptcy costs for different situations have already been covered in our posts. When bankruptcy is taken into account, there are a few more elements that will affect the total. A few of these could be the bankruptcy attorney's location, the case's complexity, and your lawyer's degree of experience. Furthermore, a major determinant of potential costs is geographic location. Below is an article that we've developed to help you understand the fees in your area and to guide you through the procedure. Let us take a closer look at the actual expenditures that were disclosed in the Pacer filing information.
North Dakota District
Encompassing a significant expanse, the District of North Dakota includes major urban centers like Fargo, Bismarck, and Grand Forks. Operating within the Central Time zone, this district spans 53 counties. It features a central courthouse in Fargo 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 North Dakota's District contribute to the overall richness of the region.
For residents in proximity to these major areas within North Dakota's District, the expected bankruptcy filing cost can vary, often falling within a range from $2,050.00 to $2,238.00. 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 North Dakota
Chapter 13 bankruptcy attorneys in North Dakota can charge around $3,000 for their services. The exact 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. However, it's worth checking if the attorney charges an additional hourly rate for any extra work that may be required after filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
3. Bankruptcy Filing Costs
Bankruptcy filing costs are pretty much the same all over the United States, not just in North Dakota. So, if you're thinking about filing for bankruptcy, it's important to know about the other costs involved. Let's take a look at what you need to consider.
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. And in other cases, you might even be able to get the fee waived altogether. Check out the Connecticut filing fee information here. It's worth a look if you're in a tight spot.
North Dakota Filing Fee Waiver Guidelines
If you're thinking about filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you might be eligible to have your filing fees waived if your income falls below 150% of the poverty guidelines in North Dakota. Be sure to check out Chapter 7 Bankruptcy North Dakota 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 North Dakota. You can usually complete these courses online, which is super convenient. But before you jump in, there's something you should know - these courses have to be approved. Be sure to look at the list of approved credit counseling courses and debtor education courses in North Dakota. The courses usually cost between $10 and $50 each. So, you can plan your budget accordingly.
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 North Dakota by division and looking up your nearest bankruptcy court.
Will Inflation Affect the Cost To File Bankruptcy in North Dakota?
Filing fees for Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy have seen a small update. The Chapter 7 fee went up from $335 to $338, while the Chapter 13 fee increased from $310 to $313. These changes came into effect on December 1st, 2020. But don't worry, these slight adjustments shouldn't have a major impact on you.
Now, when it comes to attorney fees, there might be some inflation-related effects. As inflation continues, bankruptcy attorneys might find themselves having to pay their employees more and dealing with higher costs of living. This could especially be the case in cities like Bismarck or Grand Forks, or even across North Dakota as a whole.
Would My Bankruptcy Cost Be Higher in Fargo Than Grand Forks?
You're living in a cozy little suburb in North Dakota, and you're facing the tough decision of whether to hire a local attorney or head to the big city of Bismarck for your bankruptcy needs.
Now, Fargo may be the most populous city in North Dakota, with a whopping 124,844 residents. And you might think that the cost of hiring a bankruptcy attorney would be higher there compared to a smaller city like Grand Forks.
While it's true that the cost of bankruptcy attorney fees can be higher in Fargo, there's a twist. You see, Fargo also has a larger number of bankruptcy attorneys, which means more competition. And do you know what competition often does? It drives prices down. So, you might just find that the total cost of filing bankruptcy, including those attorney fees, could actually be lower in Fargo than in your own city.
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 Chapter 13 bankruptcy attorneys in Grand Forks, things are a little different. They tend to charge the same amount across the board, thanks to something called the "no-look fee." It's like a standard fee for the services they provide. On the other hand, Chapter 7 bankruptcy attorney fees can vary a whole lot. So, it's crucial to understand what you're getting for that extra money.
Let's break it down. The cost of a bankruptcy lawyer is usually based on a few factors:
- The type of chapter you're filing (like Chapter 7 or Chapter 13)
- The complexity of your case (whether you have assets or not)
- Your location (Fargo versus Bismarck, for example)
- The level of connection you have with the attorney
- The attorney's expertise (how many years they've been in the game)
Here's an example to make things crystal clear. Imagine you're making $10,000 above the median income for North Dakota, and you still want to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. The attorney might have to spend extra time scrutinizing your expenses to see if you qualify, even though you're above the median. And you guessed it—more attorney time usually means a higher overall cost for your bankruptcy journey.
If you're curious to learn more about bankruptcy lawyer fees and how they work, I recommend checking out this article: Understanding Bankruptcy Lawyer Fees. It's always good to be informed before making any decisions, especially when it comes to something as important as your financial future.
Conclusion
We hope this article has given you some valuable insights into the costs involved in filing bankruptcy with a trusty bankruptcy lawyer. If you've got any burning questions, don't hesitate to reach out. And be sure to try the North Dakota bankruptcy cost calculator below.