Every client who comes in our doors wants to know how much it is going to cost to file bankruptcy in Missouri, and with good reason. After all, money is tight when you’re considering bankruptcy.
Some firms refuse to tell you their prices over the phone or online. Or worse, they seem cheap, but then they nickel and dime you with hidden fees after you’ve signed the agreement.
We don’t believe in taking advantage of people who have fallen on tough times. That’s why here at A Bankruptcy Law Firm, LLC, we pride ourselves on being transparent and upfront about the true costs of a Missouri bankruptcy.
How Much Does Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Cost?
Every Chapter 7 bankruptcy in the country must pay the same court fee. That fee is $335. If you were to file bankruptcy “pro se,” without the help of an attorney, you would still have to pay $335 to file.
According to the U.S. court system, however, “seeking the advice of a qualified attorney is strongly recommended because bankruptcy has long-term financial and legal outcomes.”
Having an experienced bankruptcy lawyer on your side can make all the difference in whether you are able to find relief from your debt. That’s why we work to keep our legal fees affordable at a flat rate of $564. This attorney fee covers the required pre-filing credit counseling course, all your paperwork and representation, and your means test (if required).
After your bankruptcy is complete, you are required to take a second, post-filing debtor education course. This course currently costs $9.76, which you pay for yourself.
Adding the three together, your total cost for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Missouri is:
$335 court fee + $564 attorney fee + $9.76 course fee = $908.76
How Much Does Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Cost?
Just like in Chapter 7, everyone who files for Chapter 13 bankruptcy must pay a flat court fee. For Chapter 13, this fee is $310. For Chapter 13 bankruptcy, Missouri bankruptcy court sets a flat attorney’s fee as well. This is $4,000, paid over three to five years. At A Bankruptcy Law Firm, you will most likely pay this fee in monthly installments, with little or nothing upfront.
Again, you must take two courses when you file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy. We pay for the first pre-filing credit counseling course, and you pay for the post-filing debtor education course.
Adding these fees together, your true cost for a Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Missouri is:
$310 court fee + $4,000 attorney fee (paid over 3-5 years) + $9.76 course fee = $4,319.76
What Are the Benefits of These Fees?
Filing for bankruptcy can help you get your life back, get rid of your debt, and repair your credit. Having an experienced bankruptcy attorney on your team will ensure the best resolution possible. Of course, your bankruptcy lawyer will handle every phase of the bankruptcy process. However, a good bankruptcy attorney knows the ins and outs of the legal code and can put that knowledge to work to protect as much of your property as possible.
If there are complications in your case, a good attorney is worth his weight in gold. For example, you may find that your creditors file motions to lift the automatic stay in your Chapter 13 bankruptcy. When this happens, whether you will be able to keep your assets hinges on your ability to file objections quickly, thoroughly, and accurately—and if you don’t do this sort of thing every day, it can be very confusing.
We’re here to help you get through this period in your life. When you hire A Bankruptcy Law Firm, you get the wisdom that comes with over a decade of helping people file for bankruptcy relief.
Choose A Missouri Bankruptcy Lawyer
Don’t let the cost of bankruptcy scare you away from choosing the right option for you. At A Bankruptcy Law Firm, we offer complimentary consultations where we can help you figure out if you should file bankruptcy, what kind of bankruptcy you should choose, and how much it will cost you. Get in touch today so we can review your financial situation and help you understand your options.
