Bankruptcy is stressful and frustrating, but it’s often the best decision you can make for your financial future. If faced with what seems like an insurmountable cost in debt, bankruptcy is the best way to find a solution that resets your money management and secures a way out of debt. When filing for bankruptcy in Florida, the costs depend on a lot of different variables.
When looking at the average amount an individual will spend filing for bankruptcy, it’s typically around $338 if filing for Chapter 7, and a little less expensive, $313, if filing for Chapter 13, but even these figures aren’t official across the board. Other factors like legal consultation or waiving any filing fees can play a contributing factor to additional costs. Even filing in different cities in Florida can make a difference in filing costs. But there are still ways to get a good estimate on what it will cost for you to file for bankruptcy in Florida.
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Standard Bankruptcy Attorney Fees in Florida
While the direct filing of Chapter 13 is technically cheaper upfront, Chapter 7 filing in Florida is less expensive. Because Chapter 13 typically involves more negotiations and legal work, typically bankruptcy attorneys will be working longer on these cases. To hire a typical Florida bankruptcy attorney, you’ll be paying anywhere between $1000 and $3000, and this cost also depends on its own set of variables, such as the complexity of the filing, the city you live in, and also the experience of the bankruptcy attorney themselves.
Some of the average costs in terms of location will be if you are hiring in bigger cities like Jacksonville, Miami, or Orlando, which will range from $1800 to $2500, meaning more expensive filing just for being in a bigger city. Smaller cities will typically start closer to the lower end of the spectrum.
As mentioned above, bankruptcy attorney fees in Florida when filing for Chapter 13 are going to be considerably more expensive, ranging closer to the $3500 to $4000 range. Like Chapter 7 attorney fees, many of the variables here will also be associated with location, time spent with the client, and other factors.
What Can You Expect When Looking at Bankruptcy Filing Costs in Florida?
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Bankruptcy filing fees are somewhat standard across the country, with Florida’s being similar to most other states. And while we mentioned the direct fees above for Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 fees, there are some additional ways of breaking these costs down to better understand them.
Each of these fees includes a $78 administrative fee, with Chapter 7 also including a $15 surcharge for the trustee involved with the filing. Also, while many facing bankruptcy would have a difficult time covering these costs on top of other bills they are struggling to pay, the court does allow for the filing fee to be paid for in installments or, in certain cases, even waived for the filer.
Typically, the fee is waived for any individuals filing for bankruptcy who are 150% below Florida’s poverty line. An individual filing with an income less than $13,600 would qualify for a waived fee and $18,310 for a household of two. This schedule continues at appropriate increments per household member.
Other Costs to be Aware of When Filing for Bankruptcy
Anyone filing for bankruptcy in Florida will be required to take a credit counseling course as well as a debtor education course. The majority of these courses are available online, which can cut down any travel costs, and typical fees to enlist range from $10 to $50 per individual course. Before you enroll in any of these courses, be sure to double-check to make sure it is an officially approved Florida credit counseling course.
Other miscellaneous costs can include travel expenses between the courthouse or any meetings that happen with creditors. Additional expenses might include paying for a credit report for your attorney to look over and other supply needs as you build your case.
How Inflation in 2023 Affected Florida’s Bankruptcy Filing Costs
With high inflation rates soaring nationwide, many wonder if inflation can also have an effect on the costs it will take to file for bankruptcy. While fees are legally set at the moment, it is possible to see an increased rate from bankruptcy attorney fees across Florida. Even so, hiring a bankruptcy attorney will likely save you not only strife and frustrations while filing down the road but very possibly the opportunity to save money or assets long term, as they can help negotiate repayment plans and protect your rights.
FAQs
Q: What Is the Average Cost for Bankruptcy in Florida?
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A: While this number can vary depending on attorneys, you can count on fees to be in the low to mid $300s for filing, with attorneys typically adding anywhere from $1000 to $4500 to that cost depending on the chapter filed and time spent in consultation.
Q: How Much Does a Lawyer Charge for Chapter 7 in Florida?
A: Again, while it can vary, hiring a bankruptcy attorney for a Chapter 7 filing will range from $1000 to $1500 for shorter cases and in smaller towns, while it can become more expensive from $1800 to $2500 in larger cities or for longer filings.
Q: What Is the Income Limit for Filing Chapter 7 in Florida?
A: The limit is a monthly income of $3,493, or half a year’s income of $20,958, to qualify for filing Chapter 7 in Florida.
Q: Can I File My Own Bankruptcy in Florida?
A: Individuals filing for bankruptcy can do it themselves, though it is not recommended due to the complex legal nuances of filing for bankruptcy and the help a bankruptcy attorney can offer.
Contact Badgley Law Group to Get Started
If you are looking to file for bankruptcy in Florida, Badgley Law Group can help protect your assets and negotiate the best repayment plan for your future. Our team of experts is standing by and ready to help. Contact us today, and schedule a consultation with an expert Clermont bankruptcy attorney.
Source: https://tholansonnha.com
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