The cost of filing bankruptcy in Rhode Island can be a bit perplexing. In 2024, it's $338 for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy and $313 for a Chapter 13 bankruptcy. There's more to consider, if you decide to go the route of hiring a bankruptcy attorney or if you're hoping to get the filing fees waived, things get a tad more complicated. We did some digging and managed to come up with a ballpark figure for attorney fees in Rhode Island. We spent around $1,000 on PACER, a public records database that houses bankruptcy attorney fees. As of 2024, our findings revealed that Chapter 7 attorney fees can range from $1,170 to $1,500. Mind you, this is just an estimate. If you'd like a more precise estimate based on your exact location in Rhode Island, we've got a free bankruptcy cost calculator specifically tailored for you.
The big question people wonder is how on earth can anyone afford the cost of bankruptcy in Rhode Island when it's already a struggle to pay bills. While some bankruptcy costs like the filing fee and credit counseling courses tend to be pretty similar across the board, attorney fees can vary wildly depending on whether you're in Providence or Cranston.
So, the purpose of this article is to give you a rough idea of the total costs involved in filing for bankruptcy. Here's what we'll be covering:
- 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 the cost of bankruptcy in Rhode Island. So we've built a database of attorney fees just for this purpose. All you need to do is enter your zip code below and you'll get an estimate of how much bankruptcy might cost you in your city in Rhode Island.
1. Actual Lawyer Costs By District In Rhode Island
We have already posted about a range of bankruptcy expenses for various circumstances. However, there are a few more factors that will impact the total when bankruptcy is taken into consideration. A few of these could be the location of the bankruptcy lawyer, the complexity of the case, and the expertise level of your lawyer. Additionally, a big factor in deciding what you might pay is location. We've produced an article below that will walk you through the process and clarify fees in your location. Let's examine the real costs reported in the Pacer file details in more detail.
Rhode Island District
Covering a substantial area, the District of Rhode Island includes major cities like Providence, Warwick, and Cranston. Operating within the Eastern Time zone, this district spans 5 counties. It features a central courthouse in Providence and additional court facilities throughout the district, overseen by 3 active district judges and 2 magistrate judges. The diverse economic activities and dynamic communities in Rhode Island's District contribute to the overall richness of the region.
For residents in proximity to these major areas within Rhode Island's District, the expected bankruptcy filing cost can vary, often falling within a range from $1,062.00 to $2,500.00. 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 Rhode Island
Chapter 13 bankruptcy attorneys in Rhode Island can charge around $2,500. The actual fee may vary depending on the district. Unlike Chapter 7 attorney fees, Chapter 13 fees tend to be quite similar. This is because they are based on "no-look fees," which are considered a fair and reasonable cost for the services provided. However, it's worth checking if the attorney charges an hourly rate for any extra work done after filing Chapter 13. So, it's essential to consider these factors when seeking legal assistance for Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
3. Bankruptcy Filing Costs
Bankruptcy filing costs are pretty much the same all over the United States. It's not just Rhode Island where you'll find these costs. But hey, before you dive into bankruptcy, there are a few other costs you should 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.
Rhode Island Filing Fee Waiver Guidelines
If you're considering filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you might be eligible to have your filing fees waived if you fall below 150% of the Rhode Island poverty guidelines. Be sure to check out Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Rhode Island Income Limit.
Mandatory Course Costs
When you're going through the bankruptcy process in Rhode Island, there are a couple of courses you'll need to take. These courses are designed to provide you with the knowledge and tools to manage your finances better in the future. The good news is that you can often complete these courses online, which makes it more convenient for you. Now, let's talk about the cost. On average, these courses can range from around $10 to $50 per course. It's important to note that the courses must be approved, so you'll want to make sure you're taking the right ones. To help you out, here are some links where you can find a list of approved credit counseling courses and debtor education courses in Rhode Island.
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 Rhode Island.
Will Inflation Affect the Cost To File Bankruptcy in Rhode Island?
As of December 1st, 2020, the Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing fee was increased from $335 to $338, while the Chapter 13 bankruptcy filing fee went up from $310 to $313. Now, these changes are pretty minimal, so I don't think they will hurt you.
However, when it comes to attorney fees, things might be a bit different. You see, inflation can have a ripple effect on various aspects of the economy. Bankruptcy attorneys might find themselves having to pay their employees more or dealing with higher costs of living, especially in cities like Cranston or Warwick, or anywhere else across Rhode Island. And those increased costs could potentially be passed on to clients like you.
So, while the filing fees may not be a cause for concern, it's possible that attorney fees could experience some inflationary effects. It's something to keep in mind as you navigate the bankruptcy process.
Would My Bankruptcy Cost Be Higher Providence Than Warwick?
One of the questions that might come up is should you hire a local attorney or go with someone from a bigger city like Cranston? The main concern on your mind is saving money on bankruptcy costs.
Now, Providence happens to be the most populous city in Rhode Island, with a population of 179,335. So, you might think that the cost of hiring a bankruptcy attorney there would be sky-high compared to a place like Warwick.
Here's the thing, though. While the cost of hiring an attorney in Providence may indeed be higher, there's also a greater number of bankruptcy attorneys in the city. And you know what that means? More competition, and when there's competition, prices tend to drop.
So, believe it or not, you might find that the total cost of filing for bankruptcy, including attorney fees, could be much higher in your city than in Providence.
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 thinking about filing for bankruptcy and you want to know how much it's gonna cost you, right? Well, let me break it down for you. When it comes to bankruptcy attorneys in Cranston, the prices can vary between two different lawyers.
If you're looking into Chapter 13 bankruptcy, the attorneys in Warwick usually charge the same amount. They've got this thing called a "no-look fee" that they stick to. It's like a standard fee for the services they provide. But when it comes to Chapter 7 bankruptcy, things get a little more interesting. The attorney fees can vary a lot. So it's important to understand what you're getting for that extra cost.
Now, let's talk about what factors can affect the cost of a bankruptcy lawyer. First off, it depends on which type of bankruptcy you're filing for. Are you going for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13? That makes a difference. Then, your case is complex. Are you dealing with assets or no assets? That can impact the cost too.
And here's another thing to consider: where you're located. Are you in Providence or Cranston? That can play a role in how much you'll be shelling out. Oh, and let's not forget about the level of connection you have with your attorney. Are they your go-to person or just someone you found online? That can make a difference too.
Lastly, the attorney's expertise comes into play. How many years of experience do they have under their belt? So, the more experienced they are, the higher the cost might be.
Let me give you an example to make things clearer. Imagine you're making $10,000 more than the average income in Rhode Island, and you still want to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Well, in that case, the attorney may need to spend some extra time going through your expenses to see if you qualify. And as you can imagine, that extra time means a higher overall cost for you.
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
Now, I hope this article has given you some helpful info to understand the costs of filing bankruptcy with a lawyer. And if you've got any questions, don't hesitate to reach out. And if you want to get an estimate specifically for Rhode Island, you can try out the free bankruptcy cost calculator below.