• How Much Does It Cost to File a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy in Florida?

In most cases, attorneys’ fees are higher for debtors filing Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases. As a result, these cases are more complex than Chapter 7 bankruptcy cases. The total costs associated with filing and completing a standard Chapter 13 bankruptcy case can run up to $5,100. This is the presumptive, reasonable attorney fee for the Middle District of Florida and includes filing fees, the cost of the required credit counseling course, and the cost of the required personal financial management courses. Legal fees may also be higher in Chapter 13 cases where a business is involved or includes complicated legal issues. Bankruptcy Court may also permit an additional fee of $1,500-$2,500 for cases where the debtor elects to take advantage of the Court’s Mortgage Mediation Program to save real property from foreclosure.

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If a debtor first files a Chapter 7 bankruptcy and later converts to a Chapter 13, for not being able to qualify for the Chapter 7, there will be no additional costs. However, if a debtor who filed under Chapter 13 must convert to Chapter 7, for not staying current with the payment plan, there will be an additional conversion fee cost of $25.

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In addition to attorney fees and costs, filers are required to take credit counseling and personal financial management courses.

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• Bankruptcy Attorney Fees are Public Record

Attorney fees for both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies are available to the public. Individuals can examine attorney fees for any bankruptcy attorney or firm through the PACER website. PACER is the acronym for the Public Access to Court Electronic Records. PACER has a minimal cost per page viewed through its website. Bankruptcy attorneys are required to list their fees on the Statement of Financial Affairs, which include:

 

“… all payments made, or property transferred by or on behalf of the debtor to any persons, including attorneys, for consultation concerning debt consolidation, relief under the bankruptcy law, or preparation of a petition in bankruptcy within one year immediately preceding the commencement of this case.”