Bankruptcy can be stressful, but it’s often the best choice for your financial future when facing overwhelming debt.
A typical bankruptcy lawyer in Florida fees range from $1000 to $3000 depending on different factors.
On average, filing for Chapter 7 costs about $338, while Chapter 13 is a bit cheaper at around $313, though these figures can vary. Additional costs may come from legal consultation or waived filing fees.
Filing in different Florida cities can also impact expenses.
Nonetheless, you can still estimate your bankruptcy filing costs in Florida.
Standard Bankruptcy Attorney Fees in Florida
In Florida, Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing is generally less expensive upfront than Chapter 13.
Chapter 13 cases often require more negotiation and legal work, leading to longer attorney involvement.
A typical Florida bankruptcy attorney’s fees range from $1,000 to $3,000, depending on factors like case complexity, location, and the attorney’s experience.
In larger cities like Jacksonville, Miami, or Orlando, expect fees to be in the range of $1,800 to $2,500, making them more expensive due to city size.
Smaller cities tend to start at the lower end of the cost spectrum.
Chapter 13 bankruptcy attorney fees in Florida are notably higher, ranging from $3,500 to $4,000, with similar variables like location and case complexity influencing the costs.
What Can You Expect When Looking at Bankruptcy Filing Costs in Florida?
Bankruptcy filing fees in Florida are in line with most other states.
In addition to the Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 fees mentioned earlier, there are breakdowns of these costs for better clarity.
Each fee includes a $78 administrative charge, and Chapter 7 includes a $15 trustee surcharge.
To alleviate the financial burden on those already struggling, the court allows fee payment in installments or, in some cases, waives the fee.
Typically, the fee is waived for individuals filing for bankruptcy if their income is 150% below Florida’s poverty line.
For instance, an individual with an income less than $13,600 qualifies for a fee waiver, and for a household of two, the threshold is $18,310.
These income criteria scale accordingly with the number of household members.
Other Costs to be Aware of When Filing for Bankruptcy
In Florida, bankruptcy filers must complete both a credit counseling and a debtor education course, mostly available online, which can save on travel expenses.
These courses typically cost between $10 and $50 each.
Ensure that you choose an officially approved Florida credit counseling course.
Other incidental costs may involve travel to the courthouse or creditor meetings. You might also need to cover expenses like a credit report for your attorney’s review and supplies necessary for building your case.