How much does each chapter of bankruptcy cost? 25 Answers as of March 05, 2012

Here in WA, a Chapter 7 is $306 and a Chapter 13 is $281.

Depends on the attorney. You need to shop around. Typically, with filing fees it costs around $1000.00 for Ch 7 and more for Ch 13. If you are planning on filing you should stop paying on any debt that is going to be discharged and only pay on the essentials like your car and home. That should help you save money.

The cheapest chapter in bankruptcy is the one that best suits your needs. Do yourself a big favor and go see an attorney. Most offer absolutely free consultations and will be able to tell you which chapter is best for you.

The chapter 7 is usually less costly. The exact price will depend on your situation.

The filing fee for a Chapter 7 is $306.00. The filing fee fora Chapter 13 is $281.00 If your income is below the U.S. Guideline poverty level, you can file an Application to Waive the Filing Fee. The Judge may grant your application to waive the fee and you will not need to pay it or allow you to pay the filing fee in installments.

You really don't chose the Chapter you file based on cost. You choose the Chapter you file based on which one fits your situation. In general, Chapter 7s are less expensive. They cost anywhere from $800 to $2000 depending on your situation, the attorney you hire, and where you live. In addition, you will need to pay a filing fee (currently $306.00) and for credit counseling (about $30.00). Chapter 13s cost more ($3500 in Milwaukee), but they are repayment plans intended for people with healthy income to reorganize their debt. 13s are also used to save homes from foreclosure. Most people wonder how they can afford to file. Usually it comes down to whether they can afford not to file. Compare how much you owe against the costs of filing (usually a small fraction of the total debt). Compare how long it would take to pay everything off and repair your credit vs the length of a bankruptcy and how quickly it improves your credit (usually, a much shorter period of time). Consider what would haapeen if one of your creditors was able to garnish your wages. Also note that most attorneys will accept payment plans so you can pay the attorney off as you can in order to get your case filed.

I normally charge $1,300, plus counseling & filing fees, to file Ch. 7. The fee for a Ch. 13 is set by local rule. Call me & we can discuss it.

It is not a matter of which chapter is cheaper. The issue is what is your specific situation and which bankruptcy chapter better suits you. A chapter 7 is a liquidation of all your assets and pay off or discharge of all your debts. If you have nothing of value, you are probably better off filing a chapter 7. It will also depends on your income and your family size among other factors. A chapter 13 is a financial restructure. This chapter is more suited for people who have assets they want to protect and they have sufficient income to qualify. In any event, you need an attorney review the facts of your case and let you know what chapter will work better for you. Filing fees can be found in the website for the court, for the Southern District of Florida you can find great information for pro se debtors at the following address:

Chapter 13 has the cheaper filing fee; however, you may be eligible for a waiver or payment plan for the filing fee of your appropriate chapter.

Generally chapter 7 is the cheapest and fastest.