what does it cost to file bankruptcy with a lawyer in arkansas?

by Selmer Breitenberg 10 min read

How much does it cost to file for bankruptcy in Arkansas? How can I pay for filing for bankruptcy? Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing fees are currently $299.00, and Chapter 13 bankruptcy filing fees are currently $274.00.

Bankruptcy attorneys in Arkansas cost between $595 – $1,500
The price of a personal bankruptcy attorney in Arkansas is around $1,047.50 (Low: $595.00. High: $1,500.00). This information is provided by multiple service providers and open marketplaces.

Full Answer

Do I need a lawyer to file bankruptcy in Arkansas?

How much does it cost to file for bankruptcy in Arkansas? How can I pay for filing for bankruptcy? Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing fees are currently $299.00, and Chapter 13 bankruptcy filing fees are currently $274.00.

How much does Chapter 7 bankruptcy cost in Arkansas?

The Harris Law Firm has over 30 years experience in helping Arkansans file both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. Give yourself a fresh new start — call us at 501-372-6985 or set an appointment online . We offer free consultations .

What happens if I don't pay my Arkansas bankruptcy fees?

Jul 28, 2020 · You may want to check out an Arkansas bankruptcy cost calculator to estimate the cost for your zip code. Filing, Admin, and/or trustee surcharge fee: The fee for Chapter 7 is $335 and the fee for Chapter 13 is $310 ( source ). Arkansas Districts and Courts Western United States Courthouse 101 South Jackson Avenue Room 205 El Dorado, Arkansas

How much does it cost to file for bankruptcy?

Mar 11, 2022 · The attorney fee depends on how complicated the case is, but you can expect an Arkansas bankruptcy attorney to charge anywhere from $595 to $1,500. While this fee is a major factor in deciding who to hire, keep in mind that there are other things to consider when choosing a bankruptcy attorney .

How much is it to file bankruptcy in Arkansas?

The court filing fee for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Arkansas is $338. But you can apply to have this fee waived if you meet certain eligibility requirements. Generally speaking, to be eligible for the fee waiver, your income must fall below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines.Feb 9, 2022

How much does it cost to file Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Arkansas?

$310Chapter 13 filing fee is $310. Chapter 7 filing fee is $335. If you cannot afford to pay this upfront, we can file a petition with the court allowing you time to pay the filing fee out in weekly installments. Bankruptcy law requires you to do credit counseling before the case can be filed.

Do you have to have an attorney to file bankruptcy?

Individuals can file bankruptcy without an attorney, which is called filing pro se. However, seeking the advice of a qualified attorney is strongly recommended because bankruptcy has long-term financial and legal outcomes.

Can I keep my car if I file Chapter 7 in Arkansas?

In Arkansas, people also have the option to choose between the state's exemptions and the federal exemptions. So can I file bankruptcy and keep my house and car? In most cases, yes you can.Jan 10, 2019

What is Arkansas debt relief?

Arkansas Resident Debt Relief. InCharge provides free, nonprofit credit counseling and debt management programs to Arkansas residents. If you live in Arkansas and need help paying off your credit card debt, InCharge can help you.

What is Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Arkansas?

Chapter 7 bankruptcy is a liquidation where the trustee collects all of your assets and sells any assets which are not exempt. (see Arkansas Exemptions) The trustee sells the assets and pays you, the debtor, any amount exempted.

What will I lose if I file bankruptcy?

Filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy wipes out most types of debt, including credit card debt, medical bills, and personal loans. Your obligation to pay these types of unsecured debt is eliminated when the bankruptcy court grants you a bankruptcy discharge.Dec 12, 2021

What debts are not discharged in 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.Nov 2, 2020

What is the downside of filing for bankruptcy?

Disadvantages of Bankruptcy: A bankruptcy may impede your chances of getting a mortgage or car loan for some time. Not all debt will be discharged. Examples of debt that cannot be discharged include child support, alimony, some student loans, divorce settlements and some income taxes.

Can I sell my car after Chapter 7 discharge?

If you can't reaffirm your loan or redeem your vehicle, you can choose to surrender it. After you surrender it, you're no longer responsible for the car after your bankruptcy is discharged. Although surrendering your vehicle isn't the best option, you can choose to voluntarily surrender it on your own terms.Sep 14, 2020

Can I keep 2 cars in Chapter 7?

In some cases, you can keep two cars when you file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. But you'll need to be able to protect all of your vehicle equity using a bankruptcy exemption.

What is the most common bankruptcy in Arkansas?

As Chapter 7 is the most common consumer bankruptcy filing, we will cover this bankruptcy first. In order to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you have to go through means-testing. The means test was added to the Bankruptcy Code in 2005 to prevent bankruptcy fraud. The income requirement for Arkansas helps ensure that a person with a sufficient income to pay back some of the debts may file a Chapter 13 instead of Chapter 7.

Why is the means test added to the bankruptcy code?

The means test was added to the Bankruptcy Code in 2005 to prevent bankruptcy fraud. The income requirement for Arkansas helps ensure that a person with a sufficient income to pay back some of the debts may file a Chapter 13 instead of Chapter 7.

How long does a Chapter 7 bankruptcy stay on your credit report?

It’s often less expensive than a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, and you can receive a discharge within 120 days. It stays on your credit report for 10 years .

What is bankruptcy in Arkansas?

The documents that are filed in your Arkansas bankruptcy case are part of the official court record that is made available to the public. The good news is that filing bankruptcy in Arkansas does not mean putting your actual bills, bank statements, or tax information into the record for everyone to see.

How long do you have to file for bankruptcy in Arkansas?

You can complete this requirement anytime in the 6 months before your Arkansas bankruptcy is filed with the court.

What is the Arkansas bankruptcy test?

The Arkansas means test for bankruptcy is intended to make sure that folks who really can afford to pay their debts don't end up filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Arkansas. If your income is below the median household income for a household of your size in Arkansas, you qualify for relief under Chapter 7.

How does Chapter 7 bankruptcy work in Arkansas?

Once your Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Arkansas is filed with the court, a trustee will be assigned to administer (or handle) your case. The trustee is not a judge or anyone's lawyer (though they often are lawyers in addition to being trustees) but an independent third party neutral whose job it is to make sure everything is done according to Arkansas bankruptcy laws and procedures. One of the trustee's primary responsibilities is to make sure that the information you disclosed in your bankruptcy documents is truthful and complete. Another part of their job is to review your income information, specifically your tax returns and recent paystubs. It is your responsibility to make sure that these documents are mailed to the trustee assigned to your case so they receive it at least 7 days before your creditors' meeting. You may actually receive a letter from the trustee reminding you about this requirement and asking you to send in additional documents the trustee wants to review for your case. Everyone filing Chapter 7 in Arkansas has a duty to cooperate with their trustee, so it's important to start your case off by providing the information to them in a timely manner, thereby demonstrating your intent to cooperate in an orderly administration of your case.

What do you need to take before filing for bankruptcy in Arkansas?

Before filing bankruptcy in Arkansas, you took a course on credit counseling. This was required for you to be able to file your Arkansas bankruptcy case in the first place. Now that your case is filed, you have to take bankruptcy course 2 before the court can enter your discharge.

How long does it take to get a 341 in Arkansas?

Your 341 meeting, also called a creditors' meeting, takes place about 20 - 40 days after your Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Arkansas has been filed with the court.

How to get your financial house in order in Arkansas?

The first step of getting your financial house in order is to collect certain documents that you will need as you go through this process. The Arkansas bankruptcy laws mandate that everyone filing bankruptcy in Arkansas provide a complete listing of all of their debts.

What is bankruptcy in Arkansas?

Bankruptcy is a legal proceeding in which an individual who cannot pay his or her bills can get a fresh financial start. The right to file for bankruptcy is provided by federal law, and all bankruptcy cases are handled in federal court. (see Arkansas Court Directory) Filing bankruptcy immediately stops all of your creditors from seeking ...

How much does it cost to file for bankruptcy?

What Does It Cost to File for Bankruptcy? It now costs $306 to file for bankruptcy under chapter 7 and $281 to file for bankruptcy under chapter 13, whether for one person or a married couple. The court may allow you to pay this filing fee in installments if you cannot pay all at once.

What is Chapter 11 debt?

Chapter 11, known as “reorganization”, is used by businesses and a few individual debtors whose debts are very large. Chapter 12 is reserved for family farmers. Chapter 13 is called “debt adjustment”. It requires a debtor to file a plan to pay debts (or parts of debts) from current income.

How long can you keep your exempt property after bankruptcy?

However, if you receive an inheritance, a property settlement, or life insurance benefits within 180 days after your bankruptcy, that money or property may have to be paid to your creditors if the property or money is not exempt.

How to discharge student loans in bankruptcy?

Generally, student loans are not discharged in bankruptcy. In 11 U.S.C. sec. 523 (a) (8) there are two exceptions to this general rule: 1 The student loan may be discharged if it is neither – Insured or guaranteed by a governmental unit, nor#N#– Made under any program funded in whole or in part by a governmental unit or nonprofit institution. 2 The student loan may be discharged if paying the loan will “impose an undue hardship on the debtor and the debtor’s dependents.”

What is Chapter 7 bankruptcy?

Chapter 7 is known as “straight” bank ruptcy or “liquidation.”. It requires a debtor to give up property which exceeds certain limits called “exemptions”, so the property can be sold to pay creditors. Chapter 11, known as “reorganization”, is used by businesses and a few individual debtors whose debts are very large.

Does bankruptcy eliminate mortgages?

(see bankruptcy – Arkansas exemptions) Stop foreclosure on your house or mobile home and allow you an opportunity to catch up on missed payments. (Bankruptcy does not, however, automatically eliminate mortgages and other liens on your property without payment.)

What kinds of debts can be discharged under bankruptcy in Arkansas?

Many types of unsecured debts, unsecured loans, and old account balances can be discharged under Chapter 7 bankruptcy, including credit card bills, medical bills, and personal loans.

Will filing bankruptcy affect my credit?

Bankruptcy can appear on your credit score for no more than 10 years. Filing bankruptcy wipes out your debts, so you can be in a better position to pay your current bills and obtain new credit when needed.

How long does bankruptcy take?

After filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy petition, your debts may be discharged—or forgiven—in as little as three to six months. If you choose to file Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you can start making your court-ordered payments within 30 days of filing your petition. Court-ordered payment plans under Chapter 13 bankruptcy can take 3-5 years to complete.

How much does it cost to file bankruptcy in Arkansas?

Visit the U.S. Courts bankruptcy filing fees page to see an up-to-date schedule of consumer and commercial bankruptcy filing fees. Based on your financial situation, you may be able to waive the filing fee or pay it in installments.

Where can I file bankruptcy in Arkansas?

You are required to file bankruptcy in the federal court district where you have lived or maintained a permanent residence for the last 180 days before you file. If you’ve moved recently, you must file in the district where you’ve lived for the most amount of time within the last 180 days.

Do I have to list all my debts?

By law, a person seeking bankruptcy protection is required to list all debts, assets, and properties. If you do not want a specific debt discharged, discuss that with your Arkansas bankruptcy attorney and he or she will discuss the procedure by which you can reaffirm that particular debt.

Will my bankruptcy be published in the paper?

Your bankruptcy filing is a public record kept at the bankruptcy courthouse. Newspapers may obtain the filing and publish it.

Can you keep property in Arkansas after bankruptcy?

In the state of Arkansas specific property will be exempt from creditors up to a certain dollar amount in value. After filing for bankruptcy, you will be able to keep any exempted property. However, property that is not covered under the exception is vulnerable to being seized, liquidated and used to pay off outstanding debts.

Is bankruptcy complicated?

Bankruptcy laws are complicated no matter how simple your bankruptcy appears to be. Indeed, everyone’s situation is different and that is why it is important to seek the assistance of an attorney before beginning the bankruptcy process. An attorney can evaluate your debt to asset ratio compared to your income and help decide if bankruptcy is right for you, and which type of bankruptcy and/ or debt resolution strategy is most appropriate for your needs.

How does bankruptcy work in Arkansas?

The bankruptcy process falls under federal law, not Arkansas 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 it take for creditors to stop asking for money after filing for bankruptcy in Arkansas?

After Filing for Bankruptcy in Arkansas. Your creditors will stop bothering you soon after you file. It takes a few days because the court mails your creditors notice of the "automatic stay" order that prevents most creditors from continuing to ask you to pay them.

What happens if a trustee disagrees with an exemption?

A trustee who disagrees with your exemptions will likely try to resolve the issue informally. If unsuccessful, the trustee will file an objection with the bankruptcy court, and the judge will decide whether you can keep the property. Example.

How long does it take for creditors to stop bothering you?

Your creditors will stop bothering you soon after you file. It takes a few days because the court mails your creditors notice of the "automatic stay" order that prevents most creditors from continuing to ask you to pay them. Here's what will happen next:

Can you lose your car if you file Chapter 13?

Unlike Chapter 13, Chapter 7 doesn't have a payment plan option for catching up on late mortgage or car payments. So you could lose your home or car if you're behind when you file. By contrast, Chapter 13 filers must pay creditors some or all of what they owe using a three- to five-year repayment plan.

Who will review the exemptions in bankruptcy?

Exempt your property carefully. The bankruptcy trustee —the court-appointed official assigned to manage your case—will review the exemptions. A trustee who disagrees with your exemptions will likely try to resolve the issue informally. If unsuccessful, the trustee will file an objection with the bankruptcy court, and the judge will decide whether you can keep the property.

Can you keep property in bankruptcy?

Exempt and nonexempt property. You can keep property protected by an exemption or "exempt" property. When a bankruptcy exemption doesn't cover the property, you'll either lose it in Chapter 7 or have to pay for it in the Chapter 13 repayment plan. Choosing state or federal exemptions.

How much does it cost to file for bankruptcy?

The bankruptcy court filing fee for Chapter 7 bankruptcy is $338. It’s due when the bankruptcy petition is filed, unless the court grants an exception to this rule. Since Chapter 7 bankruptcy is only available to consumers who pass the means test, the bankruptcy laws provide two exceptions to this requirement.

Why do attorneys file Chapter 13 before paying attorney fees?

This helps attorneys be more willing to file Chapter 13 cases before full payment of attorney fees because it minimizes the risk of not being paid if the filer later stops making plan payments. A lot of attorneys use the flat fee system for attorney fees in Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases, too.

What is the benefit of flat fee bankruptcy?

The benefit to the flat fee option is that barring unforeseen situations you'll know from the start exactly how much your bankruptcy attorney fees will cost. The alternative to charging a flat fee is charging an hourly fee. The hourly rate should also be included in a written agreement between the attorney and client.

What is the flat fee for Chapter 7?

This means that they charge a set amount up-front for the legal services involved in preparing and filing a Chapter 7 case. An attorney-client agreement should list what legal services the flat fee covers and explain what to expect if something happens that isn’t covered by the flat fee.

Why is my bankruptcy attorney banned?

This is because of the automatic stay, which stops your creditors from attempting to collect on a debt you owe them. If you owe your bankruptcy attorney money at the time of filing, they become one of your creditors banned by the automatic stay from trying to collect the balance from you.

How long does it take to file a Chapter 13 bankruptcy?

There's a much greater workload associated with filing a Chapter 13 case. Unlike Chapter 7 bankruptcies, which usually take around four months to complete, Chapter 13 cases are open for 3 to 5 years.

Can bankruptcy fees be flat?

Flat fees for filing bankruptcy can vary greatly depending on the complexity of your case. For example, owning property, having a lot of unsecured debt, recently acquired credit card debt, or having high income can increase attorney fees in a Chapter 7 case.