Legal Fees & Costs to File for Bankruptcy in Indiana

Maybe you were struggling financially before the pandemic, and now things have become worse. Or, perhaps you were doing well prior to COVID-19, and you lost your job or your business or incurred tens of thousands of dollars in medical bills. Whatever your financial story is, we know that struggling is not a good place to be. Through a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, an Indiana bankruptcy attorney can help you get back on your feet. 

However, many debtors shy away from contacting an attorney to learn more about their bankruptcy options. They don’t think they have the money to pay for a bankruptcy filing. However, it might not be as expensive as they might think. There are also some options for ensuring that you can pay the fees.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Fees

A Chapter 7 bankruptcy is designed to eliminate nearly all of your debt. While student loans, tax obligations, and some legally ordered debt such as child support can’t be discharged, most other types of debts can. Those who file Chapter 7 bankruptcy can get a fresh start by wiping out all of this burdensome debt. The Bankruptcy Court requires a fee to file a bankruptcy petition. Whether filing as an individual or jointly, it now costs $299 to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. However, the bankruptcy court may allow you to pay this filing fee in installments if you can’t pay it all at once. You can discuss how to best pay these fees with your Indiana bankruptcy attorney. 

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Fees

A Chapter 13 bankruptcy is often referred to as the wage earner’s bankruptcy. It is designed for debtors who can afford to make monthly payments over three to five years to pay all or some of their debts. It doesn’t eliminate debt as Chapter 7 does. If you want to keep a vehicle or your home, a Chapter 13 bankruptcy might be a better option as long as you are able to make monthly payments to repay your debts.

The bankruptcy court assesses a fee of $274 to file for bankruptcy under chapter 13. If you will have difficulty paying such a fee, it’s best to discuss with your Indiana bankruptcy lawyer as soon as possible. 

Call an Experienced Indiana Bankruptcy Attorney for Help Today

Don’t let filing fees keep you from reaching out for the lifeline that bankruptcy can provide. There are ways to get these fees paid so you can take the first step to financial recovery. For over 20 years, attorneys Whitten & Whitten has helped numerous clients get back on solid financial ground. 

Stop the madness of the never-ending collection calls, the sleepless nights, and all the hours spent trying to figure out how you will climb out from this financial hole. Time is of the essence. The sooner you meet with us, the sooner we can help you. Contact us today to schedule your free bankruptcy consultation to find out how we can help you.