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Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

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How Much Does It Cost to File Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

How Much Does It Cost to File Chapter 13 Bankruptcy in 2024?

How much does it cost to file Chapter 13 bankruptcy is a key question for individuals considering debt relief through court-approved repayment plans. Chapter 13 can help you keep your property while repaying debts over time, but it does come with upfront and ongoing costs.

This article breaks down the total costs you can expect, including court fees, attorney fees, and other required expenses.

Understanding the Required Costs of Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Filing for Chapter 13 involves a combination of mandatory court fees and professional service costs. Specifically, let’s look at each one in detail.

Court Filing Fee

The court filing fee for Chapter 13 bankruptcy is $313 as of 2024. This fee is paid directly to the bankruptcy court when your case is submitted.

If you can’t pay it all at once, you may:

  • Request to pay in installments
  • Have the fee included in your repayment plan (with court approval)

Credit Counseling and Debtor Education Courses

You’re required to complete two educational courses:

  • Credit Counseling Course (before filing): ~$10 to $50
  • Debtor Education Course (after filing): ~$10 to $50

Both must be from providers approved by the U.S. Trustee Program.

Attorney Fees

Attorney fees are often the largest expense in a Chapter 13 case. These fees usually range from $3,000 to $5,000, depending on the complexity of your case and your location.

Fortunately, most attorneys allow these fees to be included in your repayment plan, meaning you don’t need to pay everything upfront. You may only need to cover a portion of the fee at filing.

What Affects How Much It Costs to File Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?

Not every Chapter 13 case costs the same. Several factors influence your total expenses.

Factors That Increase Costs:

  • High income or multiple income sources
  • Significant assets or non-exempt property
  • Business ownership
  • Previous bankruptcy filings
  • Objections to your repayment plan

Factors That Lower Costs:

  • Simple cases with few creditors
  • Low income or no assets beyond exemptions
  • Access to legal aid or nonprofit bankruptcy assistance

Choosing to file with an experienced bankruptcy attorney can save you money in the long run by helping avoid mistakes that could result in case dismissal or lost assets.

Total Estimate – How Much Does It Cost to File Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Here’s a general estimate of the full cost to file Chapter 13 bankruptcy:

  • Court Filing Fee: $313
  • Required Courses: $20–$100
  • Attorney Fees: $3,000–$5,000 (often paid through your plan)

Total Estimated Cost: $3,333–$5,413

In addition, you can reduce upfront costs by having attorney fees and course fees added to your repayment plan, depending on your situation and your attorney’s policies.

Get Help Understanding How Much It Costs to File Chapter 13

Still asking how much does it cost to file Chapter 13 bankruptcy in your case? The best way to find out is by speaking with a professional who can evaluate your finances, explain the process, and walk you through the costs.

At Bankruptcy Attorneys, we offer free evaluations to help you understand how Chapter 13 applies to you and what it will likely cost based on your income, debts, and goals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Yes, but it’s not recommended. The process is complex, and errors can lead to dismissal or plan denial.

Sometimes. Many attorneys offer payment plans or fee adjustments based on your circumstances.

Not necessarily. Many attorney fees and course costs can be included in your repayment plan.

Waivers are rare for Chapter 13, but you may qualify to pay in installments.

No hidden fees, but plan modifications, additional motions, or disputes may lead to added legal expenses.

Key Takeaways

  • Filing Chapter 13 typically costs between $3,300 and $5,400
  • The court filing fee is $313 and is required at submission
  • Attorney fees are often included in the repayment plan
  • Course fees and other costs add to the total but are usually minimal
  • A free legal evaluation can give you a personalized estimate

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