What Can I Do If I Cannot Afford to Pay My Bankruptcy Filing Fee?

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Bankruptcy is used by many individuals across the county to achieve a second chance to get their finances back on track. It is common to be required to pay a filing fee when filing for bankruptcy. Unfortunately, some people might not be able to afford to pay the filing fee. What happens then? Continue reading to discover what makes you eligible for the Chapter 7 fee waiver and how to know if you will be granted the waiver considering your financial circumstances. Reach out to our experienced New York bankruptcy attorney today to learn how we can provide for you. Contact our firm to discuss the next steps.

How can I know if I qualify for a Chapter 7 filing fee waiver?

To discover if you are qualified for a fee waiver, you will have to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy along with proof that you are unable to pay the fee in installments within 120 days. You will also have to provide proof that your combined family income is less than 150% of the poverty line and that you are an individual and not a business.

How do I apply for a Chapter 7 fee waiver?

You will fill out the Form 103B Application to Have the Chapter 7 Filing Fee Waived. This application filing process will include various forms of documentation including information regarding your combined family income, bank accounts, how much cash you have on hand, any real estate you own and its value, the size of your family, personal property, and more. The form will also include a statement as to whether you have already applied for bankruptcy within the last 8 years, plus if you have paid an attorney for assistance with the bankruptcy filing process.

How do I know if I will be granted a bankruptcy filing fee waiver?

After you have applied for a Chapter 7 fee waiver, there are three potential outcomes. The court may grant you the fee waiver, the court may decide that you and your attorney should attend a hearing to prove that you require this waiver, or the court may deny the waiver and set up a payment schedule for you to pay off the filing fee. The court will consider many factors when determining whether you qualify for a fee waiver. With the assistance of an experienced bankruptcy attorney, you will gain assistance with each step of this process. To get started today, reach out to our firm to discuss our services.

Contact our experienced New York firm

The Law Offices of Allen A. Kolber, Esq. effectively represent clients facing bankruptcy in Rockland County and all of New York State. Our firm understands the stress one can feel when facing a difficult financial future. Our compassionate staff will work to ease your fears and help you make a new start. If you need quality legal support, contact The Law Offices of Allen A. Kolber, Esq.