The Average Cost of Filing Bankruptcy in Indiana
When you file for bankruptcy in Indiana, you must pay the bankruptcy court a fixed fee. However, the additional fees that are part of the bankruptcy process can vary. If you choose to hire an attorney, your fee may vary substantially based on the complexity of your case and the lawyer you select. If you modify your petition in any way after filing, you may be liable for additional charges as well.
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Chapter 7 Filing Fees
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To file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Indiana, you must pay a $245 filing fee, a $39 administrative fee, and a $15 trustee surcharge, for a total of $299. These figures are the same for any state in the union. If you come from a low-income household, you can petition the court to either pay the fee in installments or to have it waived altogether.
Chapter 13 Filing Fees
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As with a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, fees for filing a Chapter 13 bankruptcy are standardized across the country, including for Indiana. Chapter 13 fees are composed of a $235 filing fee and a $39 administrative fee, for a total of $274. In a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, the trustee receives a percentage of the monthly payments made by a debtor, rather than collecting a trustee fee.
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Attorney Fees
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Attorney fees can range widely for a bankruptcy case, with more complex cases costing more. Chapter 13 bankruptcies can last up to five years and involve the creation of a detailed repayment plan, thus Chapter 13 attorney fees are typically higher than Chapter 7 attorney fees. Generally speaking, attorneys charge between about $750 and $4,000 to file bankruptcy petitions. This amount varies regionally, and as Indiana has a lower cost of living than many other U.S. states, bankruptcy attorney fees tend to run on the lower end of the range.
Miscellaneous Fees
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If you have a simple case and file your petition correctly, you will not have to pay any additional fees. If you have to change anything on your bankruptcy petition, it may cost you. Converting a Chapter 7 or personal liquidation bankruptcy to a Chapter 11 or business bankruptcy in Indiana costs $755. Converting from a Chapter 13 debt repayment plan to a Chapter 11 costs $765. Filing an amendment to your petition generally costs $26. Other requests that cost additional fees include filing motions or appeals, re-opening a closed case or requesting copies of documents from the court.
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References
- United States Courts: Bankruptcy Filing Fees
- United States Bankruptcy Court: Statutory Filing Fees and Miscellaneous Fees
- Bankruptcy Law Network: How Much Does Filing For Bankruptcy Cost?
- NOLO: Should I Use A Bankruptcy Petition Preparer
- United States Courts: Chapter 7 Fee Waiver Provisions
- Bankruptcy Law Network: How Does My Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Trustee Get Paid?
