How Much Does It Cost to File Bankruptcy in Memphis, Tennessee?

The cost to file bankruptcy in Memphis includes court filing fees set by federal law and attorney fees that vary by case complexity. As of now, the court filing fee is $338 for Chapter 7 bankruptcy and $313 for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, with attorney fees depending on the type of case and services provided.

What Are the Required Bankruptcy Court Filing Fees?

Federal bankruptcy court filing fees are the same nationwide.

• Chapter 7 filing fee: $338
• Chapter 13 filing fee: $313

These fees are paid to the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Tennessee, which serves Memphis and Shelby County.

Attorney Fees for Bankruptcy in Memphis

Attorney fees vary based on:

• Chapter 7 vs Chapter 13
• Complexity of the case
• Prior bankruptcies
• Asset and debt structure

Chapter 7 Attorney Fees

Most Chapter 7 cases are handled for a flat fee. More complex cases may cost more due to asset analysis, means test issues, or creditor challenges.

Chapter 13 Attorney Fees

Chapter 13 attorney fees are often paid through the repayment plan, allowing clients to begin the case with little or no upfront cost.

Can Bankruptcy Filing Fees Be Paid in Installments?

Yes. Bankruptcy court filing fees may be paid in installments if approved by the court. In some cases, Chapter 7 filing fees may be waived for qualifying low-income filers.

Additional Required Costs

Bankruptcy filers must complete two required courses:

• Credit counseling (before filing)
• Debtor education (after filing)

These courses are required by law and typically have a modest cost.

Is Bankruptcy Worth the Cost?

For many Memphis residents, bankruptcy can eliminate or restructure tens of thousands of dollars in debt, making the cost of filing small compared to the long-term financial relief it provides.

Bankruptcy can:

• Stop wage garnishment

• Stop foreclosure
• Eliminate credit card and medical debt
• Provide immediate creditor protection

Can Bankruptcy Stop Wage Garnishment or Foreclosure?

Yes. Once a bankruptcy case is filed, an automatic stay immediately stops:

• Wage garnishment
• Foreclosure proceedings
• Repossession
• Collection lawsuits

Memphis Bankruptcy Court Information

All bankruptcy cases for Memphis residents are filed in the:

United States Bankruptcy Court
Western District of Tennessee
Serving Shelby County

Do I Need a Bankruptcy Lawyer to File?

While it is possible to file bankruptcy without a lawyer, many individuals choose legal representation due to:

• Complexity of bankruptcy law
• Risk of dismissal or asset loss
• Long-term financial consequences

Written by:

Tennessee bankruptcy attorney serving Memphis and Shelby County.

^*For those who qualify under federal law.