One of the most common concerns our clients have is whether they can afford to file bankruptcy; and its a valid concern. We understand that our clients are already experiencing financial hardships and do our best to provide options to getting their case filed.
(Prices on this page are subject to change)
The Cost to File a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy:
Our clients do not pay any upfront attorney fees to file a Chapter 13. Prior to filing a Chapter 13 we only collect the $313.00 court filing fee that must be turned over the Bankruptcy Court when your case is filed. The only other cost you are likely incur prior to filing your case is the cost of completing the federally-mandated Credit Counseling Course. Our firm will you provide you with a list of the credit counseling providers approved in the district your case will be filed in and the cost for most of those providers is between $15.00 - $40.00. That's correct, it cost less than $350.00 to start your Chapter 13 case.
Once your Chapter 13 case is filed you will begin making monthly payments to the Chapter 13 Trustee and the Trustee will use a portion of your Chapter 13 payment to pay your attorney fees. Our firm, like many other firms in Jefferson County, charge the Court-Approved flat fee. In the Western District of Kentucky the Court-Approved flat fee ranges from $2,000 - $4,100 and is paid out over several months, or in some cases, years. While the total amount may seem like a lot, remember the fee covers your entire attorney fee for the length of your case which may be up to five (5) years.
This saves our clients from having to come up with a large deposit to cover the filing of their case while also
The Cost to File Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Prior to filing your Chapter 7 case, our office will collect the $338.00 court filing fee along with your full attorney fee. Unlike in a Chapter 13 where you attorney fee is paid through the Bankruptcy Trustee, in the Western District of Kentucky, which includes Jefferson County, Oldham County, and the majority of counties along and West of I-65, all attorney fees must be paid prior to the filing of your case. The attorney fee for a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy will depend on a variety of factors, including whether you are filing with a spouse, whether you own a business, and the complexity of your case. Our base fee for a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy is $912.00. The only other cost you are likely incur prior to filing your case is the cost of completing the federally-mandated Credit Counseling Course. Our firm will you provide you with a list of the credit counseling providers approved in the district your case will be filed in and the cost for most of those providers is between $15.00 - $40.00. In total, you may be on your way to a fresh financial start for a little over $1,250.00. Our firm will be happy to set up a payment plan and start working on your case with a small retainer.
Comparison
| Chapter 7 | Chapter 13 |
Pre-Filing | | |
Court Cost | $ 338.00 | $ 313.00 |
Credit Counseling | $ 15.00 - $40.00 | $ 15.00 - $40.00 |
Attorney Fee | Starting at $912.00 | ------- |
Post-Filing | | |
Attorney Fee | -------- | $ 2,000.00 - $ 4,100.00 as set by court. |
Debtor Education | $ 15.00 - $40.00 | $ 15.00 - $40.00 |