If you’re struggling with overwhelming debt, you may be wondering, How can I file for bankruptcy on a tight budget in Georgia? Many people worry about the costs involved, but there are ways to seek financial relief even with limited funds.

In Georgia, individuals with low income can file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy without paying the full filing fee upfront by completing Official Form 103B to request a fee waiver, setting up installment payments, or finding pro bono legal assistance.

With decades of experience helping clients through the bankruptcy process, I understand how financial hardships make it difficult to afford legal fees. Let’s explore the most cost-effective ways to file for bankruptcy when money is tight.

 

What Does Bankruptcy Cost in Athens?

In Athens, GA, and throughout the state, the cost of filing for bankruptcy depends on whether you file Chapter 7 or 13. As of 2023:

Chapter 7 Filing Fee: $338

Chapter 13 Filing Fee: $313

This covers the court fee, the filing fee, and the trustee fee. However, it does not include the costs associated with mandatory credit counseling, copying charges, credit reports, or other fees that can arise during a bankruptcy case. If those come up, they will be assessed and need to be paid in a timely manner for the bankruptcy case to be discharged.

The cost of a bankruptcy lawyer in Athens, GA varies depending on who you hire and what kind of case you’re filing. Some attorneys charge a flat rate for bankruptcy based on which type you file, while others will customize their fees to each case. Although lawyers have hourly rates, it is unlikely those rates will be used for something like bankruptcy. Reach out to the team at Morgan & Morgan to discuss your needs and find out what to expect with your case.

On average, most people spend between $1,000 and $3,000 on a bankruptcy lawyer in the U.S., with the majority being on the low end. In Georgia, the average fees range from $1,000 to $2,000. But again, remember that the best attorneys will be willing to work with you on these costs because they know you’re already in a financial struggle. At Morgan & Morgan, we prefer to speak to you and figure out what’s going on before we start putting a price on our services – that only seems fair.

 

Can I File Myself and Skip the Attorney Fees in Athens?

There’s nothing in the U.S. Bankruptcy Code that prevents people from filing their own bankruptcy case. However, because of the complexities involved, it’s often best to have a lawyer representing you. Not only will this ensure the best chances of an outcome in your favor, but it will allow them to take care of all the tedious work and details so that you don’t have to. And when you consider that the cost of hiring an attorney is a fraction of the debts you owe, it’s an investment well-made.

If you have a handful of credit cards and some medical debt, and no real assets or complex investments involved, you might have what’s considered a “simple” bankruptcy case. These are the ones that lawyers would be most likely to suggest that you could handle yourself, or perhaps only charge you a small advisory fee to help walk you through the process. However, most people aren’t so lucky.

If you have a mortgage, vehicle loans, investments or tax debts, student loan debt, or any other complex debts or financial assets, you’ll want to make sure that you’ve always got an attorney on your side. The good news is that hiring one can be more affordable than you think.

The U.S. Courts website even has a dedicated resource about filing bankruptcy without an attorney that can help you see just how valuable that legal expertise can be.

If you’re living on your last dime and want to get back on track, here’s what you need to know.

 

How to File for Bankruptcy with No Money

To explain how anyone can file for bankruptcy, let’s assume that you are completely broke. Every cent of your income is spent the second you get it and there is never anything extra to set aside. So, how can you pay the filing fees and lawyer fees for bankruptcy? Well, there are a few different options here.

Georgia, like most states, has a lot of nonprofit resources and organizations designed to help people with debt. There are even some groups that will pay the fees for you if you plead your case. Do some research and find out what kind of assistance is available, or simply ask the experts at your bankruptcy law firm if there are resources you can use.

And speaking of your lawyer, there’s another place where you can find flexibility. Many debt relief and bankruptcy lawyers are flexible with their fees and work with people who need financial assistance. After all, they understand that you’re struggling to make even minimum payments on your debts. Of course, you don’t have thousands of dollars to spend on some big, flashy lawyer.

Depending on the complexity of your case and financial situation, a reputable lawyer with integrity could even honestly explain that you could file your own case and save their fees. However, that only works if you have a really simple, straightforward bankruptcy without a lot of assets, variables, and other factors that could benefit from having an attorney on your side.

 

Fee Waivers

There is a chance to have the filing fees associated with bankruptcy waived, but only for those who are in true financial distress and are filing Chapter 7. There is an application, known as Form 103B – Application to Have the Chapter 7 Filing Fee Waived, that you can fill out along with the rest of the bankruptcy filing.

This form requires income certification proving that your household income is less than 150% of the federal poverty level. You must prove that you cannot even afford to make smaller installment payments, so a complete waiver of the fees would be recommended.

The fees for the credit counseling and debt education courses that are required shouldn’t cost you more than $50 in total, but you can also ask the organizations that you take courses from if they can waive the fees due to financial duress. You can also ask your bankruptcy attorney about organizations that cater specifically to those who need financial assistance even in the smallest ways.

Those who file Chapter 13 will not be eligible for fee waivers, as this type of bankruptcy includes a repayment plan, so the financial means are expected to be more readily available than with Chapter 7.

 

What about Deferred Payment Debt Relief Lawyers in Athens?

There are lawyers and debt relief organizations out there that may claim to offer some type of deferred payment or “you don’t pay unless we achieve [result]” messaging. Some of these are legitimate and worth your time. Others are less-than-reputable services and firms looking to take advantage of people at a time when they’re already feeling stressed and overwhelmed.

While the first thing on your mind is going to be money, it shouldn’t impede your decision-making process or dictate who you choose to work with. Reputable lawyers and debt relief organizations will have all kinds of support and financial assistance. Even if their fees and rates are firm, they will have payment plans and other arrangements, or be willing to discuss things on a case-by-case basis.

It’s a fine line when you’re looking for financial relief like this. There’s a lot of help out there, but there are also those preying on the overwhelmed debtor, hoping they’ll take whatever they can get. Make sure you’re on the right side of the line here.

 

People First, Fees Later

Yes, filing for bankruptcy costs money. Unfortunately, if we gave our services away, we’d be out of business. However, when you choose to work with Morgan & Morgan, you can trust that you’ll be taken care of no matter what your budget or financial situation looks like. We take pride in putting people first and helping with all types of financial and legal matters, from basic debt relief support to full bankruptcy filing and other financial law matters.

We know that you’re already stressed about finances. Who isn’t at a time like this? Fortunately, our team of experts will start by discussing your specific situation and needs so that we know how to proceed moving forward, including the necessary details like payment for services. But first, we want to make sure that we’re helping you with the right debt relief solutions, whether that is bankruptcy or anything else.

Reach out today and find out what it’s like to work with a reputable bankruptcy attorney who cares about people, not just getting paid. We can work with you to figure out what is involved in your case and what it’s going to cost to get the entire process completed, and then go from there to figure out how to make it work.

Schedule a consultation now or call 706-843-2905 to get started today.

Related Content: Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Guide