The cost of filing for bankruptcy varies.
The cost of bankruptcy can depend on the following:
- What kind of bankruptcy you are filing for,
- The law firm you hire,
- The complexity of your case.
When you call our office, you will be offered a free consultation. During the consultation we will discuss your options, as well as the fees associated with whichever option is best for you.
We will not discuss whether you qualify for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case in this article. Contact our office if you live in Oregon and are interested in a bankruptcy consultation.
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Costs:
- Lawyer Fee: The cost for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy is typically a flat fee. This means that you would know the fees you are signing up for when you hire the lawyer. The amount of that flat fee can vary. Some firms charge more than others. Some cases have more difficult circumstances that might require a higher fee. Other cases may require a smaller fee because there are fewer creditors and minimal assets. For this reason, it is hard to say exactly what a bankruptcy costs. At our firm we believe we have reasonable fees and we offer payment plan options for those who cannot pay all at one time.
- Court Fee: For any case that is filed with courts, there is a filing fee. As of 2021, the filing fee for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Oregon is $338.00. Court filing fees can increase with time. Usually, this fee is paid at the time your case gets filed, although there are other payment plan options available.
- Credit Counseling: To file Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you must take two classes that are offered over the phone or online. The first class must be taken before your bankruptcy petition is filed. This class is called “Credit Counseling”. The second class must be taken while your case is open. The second course is called “Debtor Education” and is also known as the “Financial Management” course. There are many companies that offer these courses and their costs vary. Typically, the fees range from as low as $10 for each course and up to $50 for each course. We can recommend courses to you when you hire our firm.
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Costs:
- Lawyer Fee: It is more difficult to predict Chapter 13 bankruptcy costs since these cases tend to be more time and labor intensive. They are usually more complicated than a traditional Chapter 7 case. Various arrangements can either be flat fee, hourly billing, or a combination of the two. You should consult with a lawyer to determine which arrangement would apply to your case.
- Court Fee: As of 2021, the filing fee for a Chapter 13 bankruptcy case is $313.00. You can follow this link to the court’s website to find a summary of all fees, and a link to pay filing fees: https://www.orb.uscourts.gov/court-fees. Typically, with Chapter 13 cases, the entire filing fee must be paid when the case is filed. It is less likely that a payment plan option would be available.
- Credit Counseling: Please see the above explanation regarding credit counseling and debtor education course fees in Chapter 7 cases. These fees and requirements are the same for Chapter 13 cases.
If you are considering a bankruptcy filing as your debt relief option, then you should consult with a bankruptcy lawyer.
Jessica Nomie Law is an Oregon bankruptcy lawyer serving people throughout the state, primarily in Clackamas and Portland areas. Jessica specializes in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy and Chapter 13 Bankruptcy. Her firm offers virtual representation options and free initial consultations.