What filing fee do I have to pay?

The filing fee for a Chapter 7 petition is $338.00.  The Court does not accept cash or personal checks.  The fee may be paid by money order, certified check, or bank check payable to the Clerk, United States Bankruptcy Court. 

If the full filing fee cannot be paid at the time the petition is filed, Chapter 7 debtors may apply for an installment schedule or a waiver of the fee. 

To pay the filing fee in installments, file Application for Individuals to Pay the Filing Fee in Installments (Bankruptcy Form 103A).  Debtors may make up to four installment payments. The first installment must be paid at the time of the filing of the petition and must be equal to 25% of the full filing fee. Each additional installment must also be in an amount equal to 25% of the full filing fee. The final installment must be made within 120 days after the petition is filed.  If the debtor fails to pay any installment when due, the case may be dismissed and the debtor will not receive a discharge of debts.      

To apply for a waiver, you must file an Application to Have the Chapter 7 Filing Fee Waived (Bankruptcy Form 103B) .  By law, the judge may waive the filing fee only if the debtor’s income is less than 150 % of the official poverty guidelines for a specific family size and the debtor is unable to pay the fee in installments.

Click here for the complete Fee Schedule.