HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO FILE BANKRUPTCY IN NJ?

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Filing Fees

Chapter 7 bankruptcy is designed for individuals without sufficient income to pay their debts. In this type of personal bankruptcy, the bankruptcy trustee takes over the debtor’s assets, liquidates them or converts them to their cash value, and uses the amount recovered to pay off creditors.

Any debt that remains unpaid after this is discharged. The debtor no longer has any obligation to pay it unless the debt is one imposed by law or a judge, such as taxes and child support payments.

Filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy petition in New Jersey costs $338 as of 2025, paid to the bankruptcy court.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Filing Fees

Chapter 13 bankruptcy enables debtors with a regular income to restructure or organize their debts and repay them in regular installments. The primary benefit of this type of bankruptcy is that the debtor retains their assets as long as they continue to make payments on time.

The fee for filing a Chapter 13 bankruptcy petition in New Jersey is $313 as of 2025.

What Happens if a Debtor Cannot Pay the Chapter 7 or 13 Filing Fee?

If you can’t afford to pay the bankruptcy filing fees at the time of filing your petition, some options could make things easier.

• If you’re a Chapter 7 debtor, you can apply for a fee waiver if your household income is below 150% of the rate set by the federal poverty guidelines for your type of household.
• Alternatively, you may apply to the bankruptcy court to be able to pay the fee in four equal installments by filing the Application for Individuals to Pay the Filing Fee in Installments (Bankruptcy Form 103A) with your petition. The first installment must be paid when you file the petition, while the fourth must be paid within 120 days.
• However, because Chapter 13 petitioners typically have a regular income, it is assumed that they can afford the filing fee; therefore, the fees cannot be waived. But they can apply to pay the fees in installments.

Get Help With Your New Jersey Bankruptcy Case

Filing for bankruptcy represents a significant financial decision that requires careful planning and proper legal guidance. The Law Offices of Wenarsky & Goldstein, LLC, helps New Jersey residents navigate bankruptcy proceedings efficiently while minimizing costs through available waivers and payment options.

Our attorneys assess each client’s unique financial situation to determine the most appropriate bankruptcy chapter and identify all available cost-reduction opportunities. We handle the complex paperwork, court appearances, and creditor communications that make the bankruptcy process overwhelming for those attempting it alone.

Contact our office today to discuss your bankruptcy options and learn how we can help you achieve the fresh financial start you deserve. Each consultation is tailored to your specific circumstances, ensuring you understand all the costs involved and the best course of action for debt relief.