The cost of filing for bankruptcy in Utah can be a bit perplexing. In 2024, it's $338 for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy and $313 for a Chapter 13 bankruptcy. 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 even more complicated. We did some digging and managed to get a rough estimate of attorney fees in Utah by shelling out around $1,000 on PACER, a public records database that has information on bankruptcy attorney fees. As of 2024, we found that the cost of a Chapter 7 attorney can range from $1,170 to $1,500. Keep in mind that this is just an estimate, so if you want a more accurate idea based on your specific location in Utah, we've got a free bankruptcy cost calculator below.
While some bankruptcy costs like the filing fee and credit counseling courses tend to be similar across the board, attorney fees can vary wildly depending on whether you're in Salt Lake City or West Valley City.
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 bombarded with questions about bankruptcy costs in Utah, so we went ahead and did something cool for you. We built a database full of attorney fees, specifically for bankruptcy cases. Just enter your zip code below, and we'll give you an estimate of how much bankruptcy will cost you in your city in Utah.
1. Actual Lawyer Costs By District In Utah
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.
Utah District
Covering a substantial area, the District of Utah includes major cities like Salt Lake City, Provo, and Ogden. Operating within the Mountain Time zone, this district spans 29 counties. It features a central courthouse in Salt Lake City and additional court facilities throughout the district, overseen by 6 active district judges and 4 magistrate judges. The diverse economic activities and dynamic communities in Utah's District contribute to the overall richness of the region.
For residents in proximity to these major areas within Utah's District, the expected bankruptcy filing cost can vary, often falling within a range from $749.00 to $2,050.00. 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 Utah
Chapter 13 bankruptcy attorneys in Utah can charge around $3000 to $3500 for their services. However, the exact fee may vary depending on the district. Unlike Chapter 7 attorney fees, which can have more variability, Chapter 13 fees tend to be relatively similar. This is because they are based on "no-look fees," which are considered a reasonable cost for the service provided. It's worth noting that some attorneys may also charge an hourly rate for any additional work required after filing Chapter 13. So, it's always a good idea to inquire about these details before making a decision.
3. Bankruptcy Filing Costs
Bankruptcy filing costs are pretty much the same all over the United States, not just in Utah. However, there are a few 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.
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.
Utah Filing Fee Waiver Guidelines
If you're thinking about filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you could be eligible to have filing fees waived. If your income falls below 150% of the poverty guidelines in Utah, you're in luck. Be sure to check out Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Utah 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 Utah. 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 Utah 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 the bankruptcy courthouse in Utah.
Will Inflation Affect the Cost To File Bankruptcy in Utah?
People are wondering if inflation will slow down enough to prevent attorney fees from rising. Well, let's dive into it and see how inflation might affect the filing fees and attorney costs in Utah. First things first, let's talk about the filing fee for bankruptcy. As of December 1st, 2020, the Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing fee was updated from $335 to $338, and the Chapter 13 bankruptcy filing fee went from $310 to $313. Now, these changes are pretty minimal, so I wouldn't expect them to hurt you. However, when it comes to attorney fees, things might be a bit different. Inflation could lead to an increase in the costs for bankruptcy attorneys. Why? Well, inflation might force these attorneys to pay more to their employees and deal with higher living costs themselves, especially if they're based in cities like West Valley City, Provo, or anywhere else in Utah. So, while the filing fee might not be a big concern, you might see some inflation-related effects on attorney fee costs. It's something to keep in mind if you're considering hiring a bankruptcy attorney.
Would My Bankruptcy Cost Be Higher in Salt Lake City Than in Provo?
So, you're living in a quiet suburb in Utah, and you're facing the tough decision of whether to hire a local attorney or go for someone in a bigger city like West Valley City to save on bankruptcy costs.
Now, here's the thing: Salt Lake City, with its population of 200,591, might seem like a place where bankruptcy attorney fees would be through the roof. I mean, more people, more demand, right?
While it's true that the cost may be higher in Salt Lake City, there's also a silver lining. With more bankruptcy attorneys in the mix, competition kicks in, and prices start to drop. So, believe it or not, you might find that the total cost to file bankruptcy, including attorney fees, could be lower in Salt Lake City 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?
When it comes to Chapter 13 bankruptcy attorneys in Provo, things are pretty straightforward. They usually charge the same amount, thanks to something called a "no-look fee." It's a fancy term for a normal fee that covers the services provided. However, when it comes to Chapter 7 bankruptcy attorneys, it's a whole different ball game. The fee can vary big time, so it's crucial to understand what you're getting for that extra money.
The cost of a bankruptcy lawyer often depends on a few key factors. First off, the type of chapter you're filing makes a difference. Is it Chapter 7 or Chapter 13? Then there's the complexity of your case. Are you dealing with a no-asset situation or do you have assets in the mix? Where you're located matters too. Are you in Salt Lake City or West Valley City? Plus, the level of connection you have with the attorney and their expertise, measured by the number of years they've been in the game, can also impact the cost.
Let's say you're making $10,000 more than the median income in Utah, but you still want to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Well, in that case, the attorney might need to put in some extra time to go over your expenses and see if you qualify for Chapter 7 despite being above the median. So, additional attorney time generally means a higher overall cost for your bankruptcy journey.
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 Utah, check out the free Utah bankruptcy cost calculator below.