How Much Does It Cost To File Bankruptcy in Michigan

A bankruptcy lawyer will hear almost daily, “How much does it cost to file bankruptcy in Michigan?”. It is important to understand the cost of filing Bankruptcy in Michigan when filing for bankruptcy relief. The average bankruptcy cost in Michigan for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy ranges from $900-$2,500 or more depending on your income level and other factors. The average cost for a Chapter 13 bankruptcy ranges from $2,500-$7,500 or more depending on your income level and other factors. Each law office will have different cost variables in determining the overall cost of filing for bankruptcy.

How much it will cost to file Bankruptcy in Michigan is important now to make better decisions about what type of Bankruptcy is best for you. Every law firm will be different. A fresh financial start is worth the cost. Filing a bankruptcy will discharge debts, including medical debt, and restore your credit. If you need to talk to bankruptcy lawyers in Monroe, Michigan we can give you accurate estimates for a bankruptcy cost in southeast Michigan.

Bankruptcy Filing Fees Paid to the Court in Michigan Upon Filing the Bankruptcy Petition

The United States bankruptcy code sets the manner in which filing fees are set. There are standard fees that are charged for each different type of bankruptcy filing.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Filing Fee: $338

As you may know, the filing fees are fixed for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case at $338.00. Often, it is possible not to pay your filing fees upfront and make payments directly to the United States Bankruptcy Court in installment payments after filing. The $338 Chapter 7 Bankruptcy filing fee is broke down as follows:

Chapter 7 Total Filing Fees: $338

$245 Initial filing fee 

$78 Administrative fee 

$15 Trustee fee.

If you are reopening a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, your initial fees will be $260. There is no additional bankruptcy fees charge for filing to convert from Chapter 13.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Filing Fee: $313

To file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you will need a $310 filing fee. In many instances, it is possible to avoid paying all filing fees up-front and instead make payments directly to the Court monthly. The $310 Chapter 13 Bankruptcy filing fee is broken down as follows:

Chapter 13 Total Filing Fees: $313

$310 Initial filing fee

$78 Administrative fee.

It costs $235 to reopen a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy filing in Michigan.

Alternatives for Paying the Filing Fee Upfront

Sometimes it can be tough to come up with the money upfront for a bankruptcy filing. This is true, particularly if you are deep in debt and feel like all hope has been lost. Fortunately, there may be options available if you find yourself unable to pay this initial charge before your proceedings begin!

If you can pay your fees over time you may be able to enter into an installment payment plan for you filing fee. On other occasions the bankruptcy court can waive the filing fee. Either of these alternatives require your attorney to file a motion with the bankruptcy court.  A bankruptcy judge will decide if either an installment plan or fee waiver is appropriate for the Debtor.

Your lawyer will want to consult with the local rules for how these motions are to be filed. These options may work best for you and provide a fresh start starting today rather than waiting until tomorrow when things could get worse!

It’s important to have a certificate of credit counseling from an approved debt relief agency before filing for Bankruptcy. Different credit counseling agencies offer in-person, telephone, or internet consultations so you can find the option that fits your needs.

Credit counseling courses are required for filing either a Chapter 7 or 13 bankruptcy. One must be completed before you file and one after to complete the process successfully. Online credit counseling is usually about a $19.99 pre-filing course and $9.99 post-filing education course.

Most clients find it affordable considering how much time these courses save them from being delayed with their case due to an incomplete certificate of completion, saving money on attorney’s fees and court costs.

I have pre-priced out these credit counseling courses to provide my clients with the most affordable options. The cost is usually about $19.99 for the pre-filing course and $9.99 for bankruptcy post-filing if they are completed online

A recent study found many bankruptcy cases were dismissed because the debtor failed to meet these prerequisites. You must have attended at least one session with an approved agency within 180 days of filing your case. If you do not the judge may dismiss the bankruptcy petition if such information was not provided in advance. 

However, many factors may lead to an increase or decrease in these expenses, which will vary depending on your lawyer’s fee structure’s location and complexity.

When you file under Chapter 7, there are a variety of factors that can affect your fees. For example, if the case is considered relatively simple with no non-exempt assets, it will cost less than one, which is more complex and likely to result in litigation.

An attorney will handle all of the administrative issues in your case – filing paperwork with precision and at just the right time. Your lawyer can also help you use bankruptcy exemptions to protect as much property from creditors. Should they decide to object or request a stay on collection attempts during this process? If either occurs, rest assured knowing that we’ll answer their motions for relief so that you have complete peace of mind regarding your debt repayments in the future!

Unless there’s something unusual going on in complicated issues like fraud, most cases fall into two categories. A simple bankruptcy where attorneys charge $900-$1,200 in attorney fees. The more complicated cases where attorneys charge $1200-$2500 in attorney fees.

How Much Does It Cost To File A Chapter 13 Bankruptcy In Michigan

Chapter 13 cases can be more costly than Chapter 7 because of the additional work involved. Some attorneys will only charge you for your filing fee, while others might want something extra up front. You’ll pay off these costs through the repayment plan so that it won’t break your bank in one fell swoop! 

The attorney who handles your Chapter 13 bankruptcy Michigan case will help you navigate the complex rules governing payment plans to create one that suits you and satisfies court requirements. If creditors attempt to challenge anything, she’ll be there for support so they can’t take advantage of any loopholes in the law!

The Trustee will work with you to create a payment plan for your debts. The plan lasts 3-5 years, and in the end, all remaining unsecured debt is discharged. Unlike under Chapter 7, bankruptcy law usually sets reasonable attorney fees in these cases if they charge the presumptively reasonable fee (unless specifically requested by the client).

Chapter 13 bankruptcy requires more work for attorneys and merits the higher fees that they will charge. Individuals considering Chapter 13 should be aware of what services an attorney provides before deciding on a flat fee or hourly. As these rates can vary depending upon many factors, including added unexpected events or if any information is withheld during meetings with your counsel.

To quote a rate in advance of filing for Chapter 13 protection, it’s important to get all your questions answered. You will want to know how much time and effort this process will take from start to finish. Otherwise, some lawyers may have additional charges when unforeseen circumstances arise that would require extra attention by the attorney.

Do the Chapter 13 Fees Change if you file Bankruptcy in the Eastern District of Michigan Bankruptcy Court or the Western District of Michigan Bankruptcy Court?

Each of these Courts works differently, but the main difference is where you file your bankruptcy paperwork. There is little difference in the costs involving filing fees and credit counseling fees. These are differences in regards to bankruptcy attorney fees.

Eastern District of Michigan Bankruptcy Court No Look Fee

The Eastern District of Michigan has a single presumptive amount, including both attorney’s fees and expenses for pre-confirmation services. The current rate is $3,500, with the option to request more.

Western District of Michigan Bankruptcy Court No Look Fee

For all services through the confirmation of Chapter 13 plan representation, no-looks are $2,600. Additional fees may be charged based on additional training and certifications.

One of the first questions you might have about filing for Bankruptcy is when you start paying your attorney.

There are two common types of Bankruptcy filings in Michigan: Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. The type of Bankruptcy will determine the amount owed. The type of Bankruptcy will also determine when the attorney fees are due.

When is Chapter 7 Attorney Fees Due

When it comes to Chapter 7, most lawyers will require up-front payment of attorney fees. The lawyer may take some of the fees upfront and work out an installment plan with you on the rest of your income is stable enough. It is to ask your lawyer what procedures they follow regarding payment of attorney fees.

When is Chapter 13 Attorney Fees Due

Chapter 13 attorney fees are normally higher than a Chapter 7 case. The difference is you can spread those payments out over three to five years. A Chapter 13 sets up a payment plan for many of your creditors at the rate that income suggests you will be able to afford them. As you make payments to your bankruptcy trustee, the Trustee then pays money to the creditors, as well as the Chapter 13 bankruptcy attorney.

Bruce Law Firm Offers a Free Consultation with a Bankruptcy Lawyer to Discuss You Case

An experienced bankruptcy lawyer can answer the question, “How much does it cost to file bankruptcy in Michigan?”. If you are ready to take the next step in your bankruptcy case, we invite you for a free consultation. We know that legal fees can be intimidating, and it’s hard to predict what they will cost without more information.

The good news is we offer a free consultation! You will have an opportunity at this meeting with a bankruptcy lawyer. Not only to get answers about pricing but also to learn how best to move forward on your case. This can be done without breaking the bank.

A Bankruptcy Attorney fee will mainly depend on the complexity of your case. Complex cases, such as those involving business or real estate assets, may require more time and effort than other types, so they are priced accordingly–but every client is different! We offer a free bankruptcy consultation to provide the legal advice you need.