The cost to file bankruptcy in Tulsa depends on the chapter you file, the court filing fee, required bankruptcy courses, attorney fees, and whether your case involves additional issues such as amendments, secured debts, foreclosure, tax problems, or creditor disputes. For most individuals, the two most common bankruptcy options are Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. Although bankruptcy has costs, it can also provide immediate financial relief. Filing may stop wage garnishments, creditor lawsuits, collection calls, repossessions, and foreclosure activity. For many people, the cost of filing is outweighed by the protection and debt relief bankruptcy can provide.
Court Filing Fees
The bankruptcy court charges a filing fee when a case is filed. In Tulsa bankruptcy cases, the current Chapter 7 filing fee is generally $338. The current Chapter 13 filing fee is generally $313.
Chapter 7 is often used by individuals who qualify to discharge unsecured debts such as credit cards, medical bills, payday loans, personal loans, and certain judgments. Chapter 13 is a repayment plan bankruptcy that usually lasts three to five years and may help debtors catch up on mortgage payments, stop foreclosure, protect vehicles, and reorganize debt.
Required Bankruptcy Courses
Individual bankruptcy filers must complete a credit counseling course before filing. After filing, they must also complete a debtor education or financial management course before receiving a discharge. These courses are usually completed online or by phone through approved providers.
The cost of each course is usually modest, but prices vary by provider. Some providers may offer reduced fees or waivers for qualifying low-income debtors. Even though these course fees are usually not large, they are required and should be included when calculating the total cost of filing.
Attorney Fees
Attorney fees are separate from court filing fees and course fees. The amount depends on the chapter filed and the complexity of the case. A straightforward Chapter 7 case may cost less than a complicated Chapter 13 case involving mortgage arrears, tax debt, vehicle loans, business income, prior bankruptcy filings, or creditor objections.
Chapter 13 attorney fees often work differently than Chapter 7 attorney fees. In Chapter 13 cases, part of the attorney’s fee may be paid through the repayment plan rather than entirely upfront. This can make Chapter 13 more accessible for people who need immediate protection from garnishment, foreclosure, repossession, or lawsuits.
Other Possible Costs
Some cases involve additional fees. For example, the bankruptcy court may charge a fee to amend schedules if debts, creditors, assets, or other information must be corrected after filing. Certain motions, adversary proceedings, or contested matters may also involve additional filing fees.
Most consumer cases do not involve every possible fee. However, debtors should understand that the cost of bankruptcy may increase if the case becomes contested, if creditors object, if a secured creditor seeks relief from the automatic stay, or if the petition must be amended.
Can Filing Fees Be Paid in Installments?
In some cases, the court may allow individual debtors to pay filing fees in installments. Chapter 7 debtors with very limited income may also request a filing fee waiver, but fee waivers are not automatic. The court must approve the request.
A debtor should not assume the filing fee will be waived. It is better to discuss filing fees, payment options, and timing with a bankruptcy attorney before filing.
What About Chapter 13 Plan Payments?
Chapter 13 involves monthly plan payments to the Chapter 13 trustee. These payments are not the same as attorney fees or filing fees. The plan payment depends on income, expenses, secured debts, priority debts, mortgage arrears, tax debts, vehicle loans, and the amount payable to unsecured creditors.
Because Chapter 13 lasts three to five years, the long-term cost depends heavily on the confirmed plan. A bankruptcy attorney can estimate the likely plan payment after reviewing your income, debts, assets, and goals.
Is Bankruptcy Worth the Cost?
Bankruptcy may be worth the cost if it stops a garnishment, protects a vehicle, prevents foreclosure, eliminates overwhelming unsecured debt, or gives you a realistic path to financial recovery. If creditors are taking money from your paycheck, threatening lawsuits, or repossessing property, waiting can make the problem worse.
The best way to understand the cost to file is to compare it against the debt being discharged or reorganized, the wages being protected, and the property being saved.
Talk to a Tulsa Bankruptcy Attorney
The cost to file bankruptcy in Tulsa depends on the chapter, filing fee, required courses, attorney fees, and the complexity of the case. Chapter 7 is often less expensive and faster, while Chapter 13 may provide broader protection for people who need to catch up on secured debts or protect important property. If you are considering bankruptcy in Tulsa, call 918-739-8894 or contact South Tulsa Bankruptcy Lawyers to schedule a free consultation.
