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Are the fees associated with filing for bankruptcy stopping you from filing Chapter 7 Bankruptcy? Here are some cheap alternatives for you.
Use the attorney fee calculator below to see the average rate for consulting a bankruptcy attorney. Our calculator will give you an estimated cost depending on YOUR zip code. You can compare the local market rate and find local attorneys offering free consultations based on the results. Fortunately, most bankruptcy attorneys are open to free consultations, and you can discuss pricing before advancing the conversation.
If there are, there are not many. It is hard to find a bankruptcy attorney who charges $500. However, some offer free bankruptcy consultation. During the consultation, you can inquire about their cost. Alternatively, you can use our calculator above to estimate their fees. Though hard, finding a bankruptcy attorney who charges a $500 fee is possible. Usually, how much an attorney charges will depend on?
Based on the above factors, you can find a bankruptcy attorney for $500 if:
You can learn more about bankruptcy lawyer fees here. Our guide contains all the information you need on attorney fees.
Note: There is a difference between paying $500 for a Chapter 7 attorney fee and $500 for a Chapter 13 down payment. While some bankruptcy attorneys take a $500 down payment, some need a full payment in a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy.
Since Chapters 7 and 13 are different, we created this video explaining the difference between Chapter 7 and 13 bankruptcies.
Yes, you can, even if finding a free or pro bono bankruptcy attorney may be hard. Although most people looking to file bankruptcy do not have any more money to spend, bankruptcy attorneys will charge a fee. Nevertheless, they make it easier by setting up a payment plan or offering a $0 down option.
Bankruptcy attorneys understand your financial struggle, but they too, have costs. Therefore, they cover the costs by charging a fee for their services. Some local legal aid companies would offer you free legal services. However, these services are meant for people in debt with no income and cannot afford a payment plan.
If you file Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you can get a cheaper attorney who allows debtors to pay in installments. They will also begin working on your case and fill out your bankruptcy form as soon as you pay your weekly or monthly payment. Their office will handle any phone calls from your creditors. If you have enough to pay your costs and fees in full, they will take over the case and file it on your behalf. Most attorneys are open to monthly payments, and some accept payment through credit cards.
After filing your Chapter 7 case, you can find an affordable attorney you can pay in installments. It is hard to find an attorney who will accept payment after filing your case since attorney fees are a dischargeable debt in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy. So, most attorneys will be careful about working with someone who has already filed their case, but some might be willing.
If your income is low enough, you might be eligible for a waiver of the filing fee under Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Or, depending on your income, might be eligible to pay the filing fee in installments. You will need to file an application with the court to waive the filing fee on the Bankruptcy Official Form B 3A alongside your Chapter 7 Bankruptcy case.
You might also be eligible for a waiver of fees for the bankruptcy courses you will need to undertake. Work with the company where you will take your Debtor Education and Credit Counseling Course to apply for the waiver. They will evaluate your circumstances and decide whether the court should waive your bankruptcy costs.
Did you know you don’t need to work with a bankruptcy attorney to file your Chapter 7 bankruptcy case? If you understand bankruptcy and what is required, you can file independently. Several resources available on the internet could guide you on the filing requirements and process.
We have shared a comprehensive overview of the process for filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy. There is also a Chapter 7 bankruptcy calculator on our website that you can use to guide you. Check out our Chapter 7 bankruptcy blog for more information.
If you need additional resources, check on the local bankruptcy courts. They often have a lot of information online to guide debtors on how to file for bankruptcy without an attorney. You can search online for your local bankruptcy clerk in your state’s court office and call them,
Nolo has uploaded a guide on how to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy, which you can buy online. While it is not technically considered legal advice, it has a step-by-step process for filing. It is wise to remain informed as bankruptcy rules and laws often change. The information the court relies on when calculating your Means Test Score also changes. Therefore, always aim to use the most recent information if you proceed to file without consulting an attorney.
Should you decide to file your bankruptcy case without a lawyer, you should be cautious. Filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy might render you unable to dismiss the case if you wish to. Also, know that the Chapter 7 trustee assigned to your case might decide to sell your property to repay your creditor, and you might be unable to stop the sale.
Therefore, filing Chapter 13 over Chapter 7 might be safer since most attorneys will include their fees in your Chapter 13 repayment plan. You can also consider other debt-relief options besides bankruptcy.
If your financial situation is bad enough, you might be eligible to receive legal aid. If they approve your plea, you will be assigned an attorney to help with your bankruptcy case. Most states have Pro Bono programs that partner with the state’s Bar Association to help debtors. Depending on the state, others have legal aid offices you can contact. Go through this opportunity for a pro bono bankruptcy to help you identify a similar one in the future.
The last option is asking for financial help from family or friends to cover the filing costs. However, since you will be filing for bankruptcy, you will probably not be able to repay them before or during your case. The court might ask you to disclose your debts, and you can include them among the debts. Debts you owe to family or friends are dischargeable in Chapter 7, so you could get rid of the debt after filing. If you wish, you could repay the debt after your case is closed.
Can you afford to file for bankruptcy? Use the Ascend calculator below to estimate how much it will cost to file bankruptcy. You can also use it to compare bankruptcy to other debt-relief options like debt settlement. If bankruptcy seems cheaper, use the Chapter 7 means calculator to see if you are eligible to file. You can also always call or text us at (310) 307-5134.
When you file for bankruptcy, whether Chapter 7 or 13, you will be required to attend the 341 Meeting of Creditors.
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