How much does it cost to file bankruptcy in Athens, GA? Bankruptcy’s filing fee varies in different jurisdictions. It is usually around $350 for a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. Many debtors can pay this fee in installments. If they have a significant financial hardship, the judge might even waive the filing fee. The professional fees vary significantly as well, as outlined below.

If you’re asking how much does it cost to file bankruptcy, know that financial costs are only part of the equation. Filing bankruptcy has some significant nonfinancial costs as well. For example, many people feel like failures when they file. These feelings are unjustified, because when people file bankruptcy, their financial problems are rarely their fault. But, these feelings are valid nevertheless.

A partnership with a Georgia bankruptcy lawyer is not the cheapest alternative. However, it is the most cost-effective alternative, both financially and non-financially. An attorney can unlock some advanced bankruptcy options which,, if available, could save your family thousands of dollars. Additionally, a Georgia bankruptcy attorney offers you and your family additional peace of mind during a very difficult time.

The Advantages of Filing Bankruptcy in Georgia

Honest yet unfortunate bankruptcy petitioners get a fresh financial start, thanks to the Automatic Stay and debt discharge.

Since the 2010s, the Supreme Court and government regulators have watered down many key consumer debt protections. But bankruptcy’s Automatic Stay is as solid as ever. Section 362 of the Bankruptcy Code immediately halts adverse creditor action, such as:

• Foreclosure,
• Wage garnishment,
• Repossession,
• Eviction, and
• Creditor harassment.

Generally, the Automatic Stay remains in effect until the judge closes the bankruptcy. So, families get the breathing room they need to escape from over-aggressive creditors.

The Automatic Stay is only the beginning. When the case ends, the judge usually discharges most unsecured debts, such as:

• Payday loans,
• Signature loans,
• Credit cards, and
• Medical bills.

Many families spend hundreds of dollars a month on bills like these. Imagine what you could do with that extra money.

DIY Bankruptcy Filing in Athens, Georgia

There is a very strong Do-It-Yourself tradition in Georgia. Numerous cable TV shows are dedicated to the proposition that you can make your own whatever. So, may people feel empowered to handle their own bankruptcies. Additionally, the DIY method saves money, at least financially.

Drawbacks to Filing Bankruptcy Yourself in Athens, Georgia

However, there are some serious drawbacks. The initial paperwork is quite complex. It’s much more involved than a personal income tax filing. It’s more like filing an LLC tax return. Additionally, bankruptcy forms do not come with instructions. DIY filers must figure everything out for themselves.

As a result, DIY filing is the most expensive filing option, from an emotional standpoint. Typically, these debtors go from worrying bout their bills to worrying about their bankruptcy filings. Moreover, if the trustee (person who oversees the bankruptcy for the judge) files a motion for turnover or a creditor objects to the repayment plan, DIY debtors are completely on their own.

Bankruptcy Petition Preparers

Nonlawyer bankruptcy petition preparers are a step up from DIY filing. Since they handle the initial paperwork, they significantly reduce the emotional costs of filing bankruptcy. The biggest drawback in this area is that there are no qualifications for bankruptcy petition preparers. Anyone can claim to be one.

Furthermore, the law sharply limits the services these individuals can perform. They may only fill out forms. They cannot advise debtors which chapter they should file, how they should value their assets, or anything else.  And, since bankruptcy petition preparers are not Georgia bankruptcy lawyers, they cannot represent you in court. Since bankruptcy is a legal proceeding, some court hearings are almost inevitable.

Filing Bankruptcy with a Georgia Bankruptcy Lawyer

When looking at the total cost of filing bankruptcy, the choice is clear. A Georgia bankruptcy lawyer basically eliminates the emotional costs. Furthermore, an attorney is the most cost-efficient choice.

In many cases, after the initial consultation and some follow up, many debtors need only show up at a meeting. A Georgia bankruptcy lawyer handles all aspects of this meeting. Debtors basically just have to sit through it and not look too bored.

Learn More from a Trusted Athens Bankruptcy Lawyer in Georgia

A Georgia bankruptcy lawyer should know about some legal loopholes which could save your family a significant amount of money. For example, if you used 80/20 financing to buy your home, and your home’s value has dropped, there is a good chance that a Georgia bankruptcy lawyer can discharge the junior lien. So, most people save a lot more money in the long run than they pay upfront.

Are you asking how much does it cost to file bankruptcy because you want to save money? It costs much less than you think to file bankruptcy, when you work with an experienced Georgia bankruptcy lawyer from Morgan & Morgan, Attorneys at Law, P.C. Call us now for a free consultation.

Christopher Ross Morgan

Christopher Ross Morgan

Christopher Ross Morgan focuses on bankruptcy cases, specifically Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases. Christopher also takes on Disability and Workers’ Compensation cases. As one of the most accomplished Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 attorneys in Athens, Georgia, he has fought cases through jury trials and argued cases in front of the U.S. District Court, Northern and Middle District of Georgia.