how to file bankruptcy without a lawyer in indiana

1. Determine Whether Your Income Meets the Means Test. When considering whether to file bankruptcy without a lawyer, the first step is to conduct a “ Means Test " to ...
2. Obtain Your Credit Reports and Complete Credit Counseling. The next step is to obtain credit reports from all three credit bureaus. ...
3. Fill Out the Paperwork. Filling out the official bankruptcy forms is generally the most complicated and time-consuming task if you choose to file bankruptcy without a lawyer.
4. Attend the Meeting of Creditors. You'll have to attend your “ Meeting of Creditors " on the scheduled date. ...
5. Take a Personal Financial Management Instruction Course. Finally, you must complete a post-filing Personal Financial Management Instruction Course within 45 days of your meeting of creditors.

Full Answer

Can I file bankruptcy without a lawyer?

But if you have no money, you can ask for a fee waiver (in Chapter 7 cases) or ask the bankruptcy judge to roll the payment in your repayment plan (in Chapter 13 cases). While in some cases you can file bankruptcy without a lawyer, there are exceptions, depending on the type of bankruptcy. Some examples include:

How can a bankruptcy lawyer help me?

The following is a list of ways your lawyer can help you with your case. Advise you on whether to file a bankruptcy petition. Advise you under which chapter to file. Advise you on whether your debts can be discharged.

What advice will you give me if I file bankruptcy?

Advise you on whether to file a bankruptcy petition. Advise you under which chapter to file. Advise you on whether your debts can be discharged. Advise you on whether or not you will be able to keep your home, car, or other property after you file. Advise you of the tax consequences of filing.

What happens if you don’t have money to file bankruptcy?

In general, you need to at least pay a filing fee and the credit counseling and financial management course fees to finalize your bankruptcy petition. But if you have no money, you can ask for a fee waiver (in Chapter 7 cases) or ask the bankruptcy judge to roll the payment in your repayment plan (in Chapter 13 cases).

How much does it cost to file bankruptcy in the state of Indiana?

How can I pay for filing for bankruptcy? There is a $299 fee for filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy, and a $274 fee for filing Chapter 13 bankruptcy. If you are unable to afford the Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing fee, you can apply for a filing fee waiver, which you may be granted if you meet certain requirements.

How do I file Chapter 7 bankruptcy without a lawyer in Indiana?

Collect Your Indiana Bankruptcy Documents. ... Take a Credit Counseling Course. ... Complete the Bankruptcy Forms. ... Get Your Filing Fee. ... Print Your Bankruptcy Forms. ... File Your Forms With the Indiana Bankruptcy Court. ... Mail Documents to Your Trustee. ... Take a Debtor Education Course.More items...•

How much does a Chapter 7 bankruptcy cost in Indiana?

The Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing fee is $338 ($245 filing fee $78 administrative fee + $15 trustee surcharge). The Chapter 13 bankruptcy filing fee is $313 ($235 filing fee + $78 administrative fee)....Indiana Filing Fee Waiver Guidelines.# of People150% Poverty Guideline4$27,7505$32,4706$37,1907$41,9106 more rows•Apr 13, 2022

Do you get out of all debts if you declare bankruptcy?

Bankruptcy Can Wipe Out Credit Card Debt and Most Other Nonpriority Unsecured Debts. Bankruptcy is very good at erasing most nonpriority unsecured debts other than school loans. For instance, you can discharge unsecured credit card debt, medical bills, overdue utility payments, personal loans, gym contracts, and more.

How much do you have to be in debt to file Chapter 7?

Again, there's no minimum or maximum amount of unsecured debt required to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy. In fact, your amount of debt doesn't affect your eligibility at all. You can file as long as you pass the means test. One thing that does matter is when you incurred your unsecured debt.

Can I file my own bankruptcy in Indiana?

In most respects, filing for bankruptcy in Indiana isn't any different than filing in another state. The bankruptcy process falls under federal law, not Indiana state law, and it works by unwinding the contracts between you and your creditors—that's what gives you a fresh start.

How long does bankruptcy take in Indiana?

How long does the bankruptcy process take? In a Chapter 7 case, once the case is filed we will attend a meeting with the court approximately 30-45 days after the case is filed and the debts will be discharged approximately 60 days later …

What can you not do after filing bankruptcies?

After you file for bankruptcy protection, your creditors can't call you, or try to collect payment from you for medical bills, credit card debts, personal loans, unsecured debts, or other types of debt.

How much does a lawyer charge for Chapter 7 Indiana?

Attorney Fees for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy For Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you can expect the attorney fees to range between $1200-$1800, depending on the specifics.

What debt is not covered by bankruptcy?

Other Non-Dischargeable Debts in Bankruptcy 401k loans. Other government debt such as fines and penalties. Restitution for criminal acts. Debt arising from fraud or false pretenses.

Which of the following is not forgiven under a bankruptcy?

Some examples of debts that are not forgiven by Chapter 7 bankruptcy include the following: Student loans. Child support or alimony payments. The majority of taxes you owe.

Does Chapter 7 wipe out all debt?

Unsecured debts wiped out by Chapter 7 bankruptcy include credit card debt, medical bills, and gasoline card debt. However, you can't wipe out all unsecured debt. For instance, child and spousal support and student loans (except in limited circumstances) are nondischargeable?