How Much Does it Cost to File Bankruptcy?
- Chapter 7- $299.00
- Chapter 11- $1,039.00
- Chapter 12- $239.00
- Chapter 13- $274.00
- Conversion Fee: $15.00 (to change from one chapter to another after initial filing)
- Amendment Fee: $26.00 per amendment (if you have to make changes to a certain document after initial filing)
** Same price for a married couple filing together
** Fees can be paid in installments in some cases
How Do I Begin Filing for Bankruptcy?
Before you can file for bankruptcy, you must receive budget and credit counseling from an approved credit counseling agency no more than 180 days before the date of filing. The court will require a certificate of course completion from one of these agencies when you file. People who are incapacitated, disabled, or on active military duty in a military combat zone may be exempt from this requirement. Most approved courses cost between $30.00 and $50.00 and require only a couple hours of your time. If you cannot afford to pay the counselor's office you may request a fee waiver.
To find a list of credit counseling agencies approved by the U.S. bankruptcy trustee program please visit the following site:
http://www.usdoj.gov/ust/eo/bapcpa/ccde/cc_approved.htm
Will I Have to Go to Court?
In most bankruptcy cases, you only have to go to a proceeding called the "meeting of creditors," or "341 meeting." At this meeting, you will meet with the bankruptcy trustee assigned to your case and any creditors who choose to appear. Most of the time, this meeting is a short and simple procedure where you are asked a few questions about your case. In a chapter 13 case, you may also have to attend a hearing in which the judge decides whether or not your plan financial rehabilitation plan should be approved. If you need to appear at court, you will receive notice of the hearing date and time from the court and/or your attorney (if you hire one).
What Else Must I Do to Complete the Process?
After your case is filed, you must complete a trustee-approved course in personal finances before the trustee will issue an "order of discharge" (the court document that formally terminates your obligation to pay the debts included in your case). The course is designed to educate you on how to better manage your money and avoid debt. Generally, the course lasts about two hours and costs between $35 and $50. Once you get a course completion certificate, it must be filed with the court. Only then will you be able to receive your order of discharge. Many times the same credit counseling agency that offered you your pre-bankruptcy financial consultation will be able to give you post-filing counseling. If not, they should be able to direct you to an agency that can. | 
