
The cost to file for bankruptcy varies by:
- Which bankruptcy chapter you file under
- Whether you are reopening your case or filing an appeal
- Your bankruptcy lawyer’s fee agreement terms
Regarding only court filing fees, many individuals who file for bankruptcy pay $338 (Chapter 7) or $313 (Chapter 13), but there are other costs you will need to pay during the bankruptcy process. Our lawyers will explain bankruptcy filing costs during your free case review, as well as how much we charge for our services.
First, You Must Understand Which Bankruptcy Chapter to File Under
The U.S. Courts’ Bankruptcy Code allows people to file for bankruptcy under six different chapters. Our legal team handles cases involving:
- Chapter 7 bankruptcy: Individuals who do not have the financial means to pay off any of their debts may file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy to completely discharge the debts. Many individuals are still able to retain assets like their homes and cars.
- Chapter 13 bankruptcy: Individuals who have a monthly income and meet requirements for unsecured and secured debts can file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy to reorganize their debts. This allows people to pay off a portion of their debts at a reasonable rate without having to liquidate their assets.
- Chapter 11 bankruptcy: Businesses and individuals may file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to reorganize more complicated debts and keep their commercial businesses running. Both small and large businesses can file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, though some small businesses may want to file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy as individuals instead.
- Chapter 12 bankruptcy: Farmers and fisherman workers can file for Chapter 12 bankruptcy to retain their agricultural properties and finances to support their families. This chapter also offers a court-ordered repayment plan.
If you are unsure about which chapter you should file under, our bankruptcy attorneys will review your case and explain your legal options.
Different Bankruptcy Chapters Set Different Filing Fee Rates in the United States
The U.S. Bankruptcy Court, District of South Carolina, and Eastern District of North Carolina both list a schedule of court filing fees for different bankruptcy chapters. Filing fees include:
- Chapter 7 bankruptcy: $338
- Chapter 13 bankruptcy: $313
- Chapter 11 bankruptcy: $1,738
- Chapter 12 bankruptcy: $278
There are separate filing fees for reopening your bankruptcy case, dividing a joint case, filing legal motions, filing an appeal, and performing other legal tasks. Our bankruptcy attorney will go over these fees with you during your first consultation.
There Are Options to Waive Filing Fees or Pay in Installments
If you do not have the finances to pay bankruptcy court filing fees, you can fill out an application to either request permission to pay your bankruptcy filing fees in installments or have your fees waived.
The U.S. Courts provides links to application forms along with instructions on how to fill them out:
- If you want to pay bankruptcy filing fees in installments: You must submit Official Form 103A. If approved, you may pay your fees in four installments.
- If you want to request a waiver on your bankruptcy filing fees: You must submit Official Form 103B. Approval is based on whether you meet salary requirements based on family size and are unable to pay your fees in installments.
Our attorneys can fill out these forms on your behalf and notify you of whether your application was approved or denied.
Personal Injury Lawyer Near Me 828.286.3866
Our Bankruptcy Lawyers Offer Various Services to Help You with Your Case
Should you decide to work with one of our bankruptcy attorneys, we offer to:
- Identify which bankruptcy chapter you should file under based on your debts and finances
- Fill out paperwork to file your bankruptcy case and request legal permissions
- Appear in court hearings or financial meetings to advocate for your interests
- Make sure all documentation we submit on your behalf is accurate
- Provide legal counsel throughout your bankruptcy case and explain anything you might not readily understand
In many cases, our clients retain most of their assets and businesses. Should your bankruptcy case be denied, we can prepare to appeal your case and continue pursuing financial relief.
Hire a Bankruptcy Lawyer at Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, to Work on Your Case
At Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, we are transparent about how much it costs to file bankruptcy before taking on new clients. We lay out our attorney’s fees and realistic expectations for your case based on what we review during your first consultation. Once you understand the legal steps required to file for bankruptcy and our fee agreement terms, one of our bankruptcy lawyers will start on your case.
Call (828) 286-3866 today to speak with our team during a free consultation. We serve people in North Carolina and South Carolina.

