When facing financial difficulties, bankruptcy can offer a solution to overwhelming debt, providing a clean slate and a path towards financial recovery. However, filing bankruptcy comes with its costs and potential consequences.
In this guide, we will explore the expenses associated with filing bankruptcy, the types of bankruptcy available, eligibility requirements, and possible alternatives to help you make informed financial decisions.
Key Takeaways
- The two primary types of bankruptcy for individuals are Chapter 7 and Chapter 13, with filing fees ranging from $200 to $350. Legal fees and other expenses can bring the total cost to around $1,500 to $5,000 or more.
- Chapter 7 allows faster debt discharge but may involve losing property, while Chapter 13 provides a structured repayment plan for retaining assets, though it takes longer.
- Options such as debt management plans, debt settlement, direct negotiation, and debt consolidation loans may provide more suitable alternatives depending on debt size, repayment ability, and credit score.
Types of Bankruptcy
There are two primary types of bankruptcy for individuals: Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. Understanding the differences between these options is important when determining the best course of action for your financial situation.
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Chapter 7, often referred to as liquidation bankruptcy, involves the selling of non-exempt assets to pay off unsecured debt such as credit card debt and medical bills. This option is typically faster than Chapter 13, but may result in the loss of some property.
Pros and Cons of Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Pros
- Offers a fresh start: Chapter 7 bankruptcy allows you to discharge most of your unsecured debts, giving you a clean slate to rebuild your financial life.
- Quick process: A Chapter 7 case can usually be completed within a few months, whereas a Chapter 13 case can take three to five years.
Cons
- Loss of property: Assets may be sold to pay off your debts, which could include your home, car, or other valuable possessions.
- Credit impact: A Chapter 7 bankruptcy will remain on your credit report for ten years, making it more difficult to obtain new credit or loans in the future.
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
Chapter 13, or reorganization bankruptcy, allows debtors to develop an extended repayment plan, typically spanning three to five years, to pay off their debts. This option enables debtors to keep their property while making mortgage payments but requires a steady income and takes longer to complete.
Pros and Cons of Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
Pros
- Retain property: Chapter 13 allows you to keep your home, car, and other assets as long as you continue making payments according to your repayment plan.
- Repayment flexibility: Chapter 13 offers a flexible repayment schedule tailored to your income, allowing you to pay off your debts over time.
Cons
- Longer process: A Chapter 13 case typically takes three to five years to complete, which can be a significant commitment.
- Credit impact: A Chapter 13 bankruptcy will remain on your credit report for seven years, which can still make it difficult to obtain new credit or loans.
Bankruptcy Costs
Filing for bankruptcy is not without its costs, which include bankruptcy filing fees, attorney fees, and the credit counseling fee. We will examine each of these expenses in detail below.
Court Filing Fees
When filing bankruptcy, you’ll need to pay a filing fee to the bankruptcy court. The fees vary depending on the type of bankruptcy:
- Chapter 7 filing fee: Typically around $300 to $350
- Chapter 13 filing fee: Generally between $200 and $300
These court filing fees do not include any additional bankruptcy costs you might incur, such as attorney fees or other administrative fees.
Credit Counseling and Debtor Education Courses
Before filing for bankruptcy, you are required to receive credit counseling from an approved agency. Additionally, before your bankruptcy case can be discharged, you must complete a debtor education course. Each of these courses typically costs between $20 and $50, though the fees may be waived or reduced in some cases based on your financial situation.
Bankruptcy Attorney Fees
Hiring a bankruptcy attorney is highly recommended due to the complexity of the bankruptcy process. Attorney fees typically range from $1,000 to $2,000, but can vary widely based on factors such as the attorney’s experience, location, and the complexity of your case.
In general, most bankruptcy attorneys charge a flat fee for their services, which can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.
Factors Affecting Attorney Fees
Several factors can affect attorney fees, including:
- Geographic location: Fees may be higher in urban areas with a higher cost of living.
- Complexity of the case: If you have a large number of assets or multiple sources of income, your case may be more complicated and require a higher fee.
- Experience and reputation of the attorney: A more experienced and reputable bankruptcy attorney will likely charge more for their services.
When It Might Be Worth Hiring an Attorney
Although it’s possible to file bankruptcy without an attorney, it’s generally not recommended. The bankruptcy process can be complex, and an attorney can help you understand the process, protect your assets, and ensure that you receive the debt relief you need. The cost of hiring a bankruptcy attorney can often be outweighed by the benefits of having expert guidance and representation.
See also: Should I File Bankruptcy?
Means Test and Other Eligibility Requirements
Before filing for bankruptcy, you must first pass the means test, which evaluates your income and expenses to determine if you qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. The results of the test can affect the cost of your bankruptcy, as it may require you to file for Chapter 13 instead, which can be more expensive due to the extended repayment plan and longer duration.
The means test compares your monthly income to the median income in your state for a household of your size. If your income is below the median, you likely qualify for Chapter 7. If your income is above the median, you may still qualify for Chapter 7 if your disposable income, after deducting allowable expenses, is insufficient to repay your unsecured debts.
Additional Costs to Consider
When assessing the cost of a bankruptcy, it’s essential to consider not only the direct costs but also the indirect costs and potential consequences.
Loss of Property and Assets
In Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you may lose some assets to pay off your unsecured debt. This can include valuable property, such as real estate or vehicles. In contrast, Chapter 13 allows you to retain your property as long as you continue making your mortgage payments and adhere to your payment plan.
Impact on Credit Score and Future Borrowing
A bankruptcy will negatively affect your credit score and remain on your credit report for up to 10 years (Chapter 7) or seven years (Chapter 13). This can make it more difficult and expensive to obtain credit, such as loans or credit cards, in the future. It’s essential to weigh the consequences of bankruptcy on your future financial prospects before making a decision.
Emotional Costs and Stress
Bankruptcy can be emotionally draining, as it may involve losing assets, dealing with creditors, and facing the stigma associated with financial failure. So, you’ll need to consider the potential emotional toll of bankruptcy when weighing your options.
What is the overall cost of filing bankruptcy?
The overall cost can vary widely based on several factors, including the court filing fee, attorney fees, credit counseling fees, and other administrative costs. On average, filing for bankruptcy can cost between $1,500 to $5,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the case and the attorney’s fees.
Alternatives to Bankruptcy
Before resorting to bankruptcy, it’s worth exploring other debt relief options that may be more suitable for your needs:
Debt Management Plans
A debt management plan (DMP) is a structured repayment plan negotiated with your creditors by a credit counseling agency. DMPs typically involve lower interest rates and waived fees, allowing you to pay off your debts over a specified period, usually three to five years.
Debt Settlement
Working with a debt settlement company involves negotiating with your creditors to accept a lump-sum payment that is less than the total amount you owe. This option can negatively impact your credit score, as it typically requires you to stop making payments on your debts while negotiations take place. However, it may allow you to resolve your debt without going through the bankruptcy process.
DIY Debt Negotiation
If you’re confident in your negotiation skills, you may attempt to negotiate directly with your creditors to lower your interest rates, waive fees, or accept a reduced lump-sum payment. This option can be challenging and time-consuming, but it may help you avoid bankruptcy and minimize the impact on your credit score.
Debt Consolidation Loans
A debt consolidation loan allows you to combine multiple debts into a single loan, often with a lower interest rate and more manageable monthly payments. This option may be suitable for those with good credit who can secure favorable loan terms, but it does not eliminate your debt and may require collateral.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Alternative
When evaluating alternatives to bankruptcy, consider the following factors:
- Your total debt: Some alternatives may be more suitable for smaller debt amounts, while bankruptcy may be more appropriate for larger debts.
- Your ability to repay: If you have a steady income and can afford to repay your debts over time, a DMP or Chapter 13 bankruptcy might be a better option than Chapter 7.
- Your credit score: Bankruptcy can significantly damage your credit score, so alternatives that have a less severe impact on your credit may be more appealing.
Bottom Line
Filing bankruptcy can be an effective way to resolve overwhelming debt, but it’s essential to understand the associated costs and potential consequences. By carefully considering your financial situation and exploring all available options, you can make the best decision for your financial future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of debt are eligible for discharge in bankruptcy?
Most unsecured debts, such as credit card debt, medical bills, and personal loans, can be discharged in bankruptcy. However, some debts, such as student loans and taxes, are generally not dischargeable.
Will bankruptcy stop wage garnishments and collection calls?
Yes, once you file for bankruptcy, an automatic stay goes into effect, which halts all collection actions, including wage garnishments and collection calls.
How long does bankruptcy stay on my credit report?
Chapter 7 bankruptcy will remain on your credit report for ten years, while Chapter 13 bankruptcy will remain for seven years.
Will bankruptcy affect my ability to get a mortgage or other loans in the future?
Filing for bankruptcy can negatively impact your credit score and make it more challenging to obtain new credit or loans in the future. However, it’s still possible to rebuild your credit over time and obtain new credit or loans.
What happens to my mortgage and car payments if I file bankruptcy?
If you file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy and have a mortgage or car loan, you may be required to give up your property or continue making payments to keep it. In Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you can keep your property as long as you continue making payments according to your agreement.
Can I file for bankruptcy more than once?
Yes, it’s possible to file for bankruptcy more than once, but the rules and eligibility requirements can be more stringent if you’ve already received a bankruptcy discharge in the past.
