File bankruptcy online without paying a lawyer thousands
See what it really costs, what happens to your house and car, and the one question to answer before you file. Most people pay no attorney fees at all.
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If you're getting collection calls before breakfast and doing math that never adds up — you're not alone. Most people who file felt exactly what you're feeling now. Here's the clear version.
Eligibility
How much debt do you need to file Chapter 7?
Surprise: there's no minimum. You could file with $5,000 or $500,000. What decides eligibility is the means test — it compares your income to your state's median.
The means test
Income below your state's median? You usually pass automatically.
No debt minimum
Any amount qualifies — the real question is whether filing makes sense.
Rule of thumb
If debt exceeds half your yearly income and you can't clear it in 5 years, consider it.
Cost
How much does it cost to file bankruptcy?
This is where filing online saves you the most:
With a lawyer
$1,400–$2,000+
- Attorney fees $1,000–$1,500+
- Court filing fee $338
- Courses $30–$100
Filing online
$40–$440
- $0 attorney fees
- Filing fee can be waived
- Courses can be waived too
A lawyer earns their fee in complex cases — business debts, lawsuits, property at risk. For a straightforward case, thousands file successfully on their own every year.
Your biggest worries
What happens to your house, car & spouse
Your house
Most people keep it. Your state's homestead exemption protects your home equity if you stay current on the mortgage.
Your car
You usually keep it. A motor vehicle exemption protects car equity; keep paying the loan and keep the car.
Your spouse
You can file alone. One spouse can file solo — your spouse's credit isn't directly affected.
How long?
About 3–4 months filing to discharge. The automatic stay stops collections the day you file.
Before you file
Have steady income? Read this first
Bankruptcy is powerful, but a Chapter 7 stays on your credit report for 10 years. If you have income and $10,000+ in unsecured debt, there's a question worth asking: is debt relief a better fit for you?
| Bankruptcy | Debt relief | |
|---|---|---|
| Debt | Eliminated | Settled for less |
| Credit hit | 10 yrs | Shorter |
| Public record | Yes | No |
| Timeline | 3–4 mo | 24–48 mo |
Debt relief isn't magic — programs charge fees and creditors aren't required to settle. But for people with income who want to avoid a public bankruptcy record, it's worth checking first. Checking costs nothing.
Check if I qualify → No obligation. Checking does not affect your credit score.Time-sensitive
Facing wage garnishment? Move fast
If a creditor is garnishing your paycheck, every pay period costs you money. Filing bankruptcy stops it the same day — the automatic stay forces it to end by law. This is the one scenario where talking to a professional today beats waiting.
Talk to an attorney now → Free, confidential call. Most attorneys offer a no-cost first consultation.Ready to file
Your next 3 steps
1 · Counseling course
Required before filing. Online, about 1 hour.
2 · Complete forms
Official forms are free at uscourts.gov.
3 · File at court
File locally and request a fee waiver if eligible.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Does bankruptcy clear tax debt?
Usually not, but there are exceptions. Income tax debt can be discharged only if it's at least 3 years old, you filed on time, and the IRS assessed it 240+ days ago. Payroll taxes and fraud penalties never qualify.
What debt is NOT eliminated by bankruptcy?
Student loans (except rare hardship cases), child support, alimony, recent taxes, court fines, and fraud debts survive. Credit cards, medical bills, personal loans, and old utility bills are wiped out.
How many times can you file bankruptcy?
No lifetime limit, but waiting periods apply: 8 years between Chapter 7 discharges, 2 years between Chapter 13s, 4 years from a Chapter 7 to a Chapter 13.
Can I file bankruptcy without a lawyer?
Yes — it's called filing pro se and it's completely legal. Simple Chapter 7 cases with no business, no major assets, and no lawsuits are the best candidates.
Will I lose my house if I file Chapter 13?
Almost never — Chapter 13 is designed to help you keep your home by catching up on missed mortgage payments through a 3–5 year plan.
Can debt consolidation stop wage garnishment?
Not directly. Bankruptcy's automatic stay is the only tool that stops garnishment immediately by law.