What can I do if I can’t afford the court filing fee?

There is a $338 court filing fee for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. If you earn less than 150% of the federal poverty guidelines, you’re eligible to apply for a fee waiver. If you're eligible, Upsolve will include the filing fee waiver application form in your form packet.

If you don’t qualify to have your court filing fee waived, consider the following options:

1. Apply to pay the filing fee in installments. The form to apply for installment payments will be included in your form packet if that's how you chose to pay your fee.
2. Ask a family member or friend to give or loan you the $338. It’s ok to borrow this money from a family member or friend, as long as you list them as a creditor. The loan will be part of the debt that’s discharged in your case, but you can voluntarily repay it after filing your case. 
3. Postpone the filing to give yourself enough time to save up the full filing fee.

Paying the Filing Fee in Installment Payments

Be prepared to pay at least $40 when first filing your case. Many districts require a higher initial minimum payment, so be sure to double-check what your court requires before you go to file your case.

If you're paying in installments, it's important not to miss a payment! If you miss a payment, some courts will immediately dismiss your case. If this happens, you'll lose the protection of the automatic stay, and you'll have to file a motion to reinstate your case.