Cost to File Bankruptcy in Washington (2024)

1. Actual Lawyer Costs By District In Washington

Although we've already shown you a range of bankruptcy lawyers' costs, there are still a few more variables that will affect the final cost. The location of the bankruptcy lawyer, the intricacy of the case, the attorney-client dynamic, and the level of expertise of the expert are some of the variables that influence the total cost. But since the location is so crucial, let's look at the true expenses as displayed by the Washington bankruptcy district map and data from Pacer filings.

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See the map below to determine which district you reside in, then scroll down to see actual legal fees.

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Washington Eastern District

Spanning a considerable area, Washington's Eastern District includes major cities like Spokane, Yakima, and Walla Walla. Operating within the Pacific Time zone, this district encompasses 20 counties. It features a central courthouse in Spokane and additional court facilities throughout the district, overseen by 4 active district judges and 3 magistrate judges. The diverse economic activities and vibrant communities in Washington's Eastern District contribute to the overall richness of the region.

For residents in proximity to these major areas within Washington's Eastern District, the expected bankruptcy filing cost can vary, often falling within a range from $900.00 to $1,475.00. It's crucial to remember that this is an estimate, and actual expenses may fluctuate based on factors such as your financial situation and the choice of legal representation.

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Washington Western District

Encompassing a significant area, Washington's Western District includes major urban centers like Seattle, Tacoma, and Olympia. Operating within the Pacific Time zone, this district spans 11 counties. It features a central courthouse in Seattle and additional court facilities throughout the district, overseen by 9 active district judges and 5 magistrate judges. The diverse economic activities and vibrant communities in Washington's Western District contribute to the overall richness of the region.

For residents in proximity to these major areas within Washington's Western District, the expected bankruptcy filing cost can vary, often falling within a range from $1,300.00 to $2,800.00. It's crucial to bear in mind that this is an estimate, and actual expenses may fluctuate based on factors such as your financial situation and the choice of legal representation.

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2. Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Attorney Fees Washington

Chapter 13 bankruptcy attorneys in Washington might charge you around $3,500. Of course, this fee can vary depending on your district. Now, when it comes to Chapter 7 attorney fees, they can be all over the place. However, with Chapter 13, things are more consistent. They have "no-look fees," which are a fair and reasonable cost for their services. However, it's worth checking if the attorney charges an hourly rate for any extra work after you file for Chapter 13. You don't want any surprises.

3. Bankruptcy Filing Costs

Bankruptcy filing costs are the same throughout the United States, not just in Washington. But hold your horses; there are some other costs you must also keep in mind. 

Bankruptcy Filing Fees

The US Courthouse has covered you with all the information you need about filing fees for bankruptcy. They have a handy fee schedule and a bankruptcy form that breaks it down. So, let's dive into the details.

The filing fee for Chapter 7 bankruptcy is $338. That includes a $245 filing fee, a $78 administrative fee, and a $15 trustee surcharge. 

If you're considering Chapter 13 bankruptcy, the filing fee is a bit lower: $313. That includes a $235 filing fee and a $78 administrative fee. 

What if you're short on cash and can't afford the filing fee? Well, don't worry just yet. There are a couple of options for you. You might be able to pay the fee in installments, spreading it out over time. Or, if you're lucky, the fee could be waived altogether. 

If you want more information about filing fees specific to Washington, you can check out the Washington filing fee information. They've got all the details you need.

So, whether you're ready to file or just curious about the fees, the US Courthouse has got your back. They're here to help you navigate the bankruptcy process with ease.

Washington Filing Fee Waiver Guidelines

If you're considering filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy but you're worried about the fees, I've got some good news for you. The Washington Chapter 7 bankruptcy income limit can determine if you’re eligible to have those fees waived if you fall below 150% of the Washington poverty guidelines. Let me break it down for you. For instance, if you're a single person and your annual income is less than $13,590, you could qualify. If you're a couple, the cut-off is $18,310. And if you have a family of three, the limit is $23,030. The table below shows the poverty guidelines for different household sizes in Washington for 2022:

 | # of People | 150% Poverty Guideline |

 |-----------------|-----------------------|

| 1 | $13,590 | 

| 2 | $18,310 |

| 3 | $23,030 |

| 4 | $27,750 | 

| 5 | $32,470 | 

| 6 | $37,190 | 

| 7 | $41,910 | 

| 8 | $46,630 | 

| 9 | $51,350 | | * | Add $4,720 for each individual over 9. | So, if your income falls within these limits, you could potentially have your Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing fees waived. It's definitely worth looking into if you're struggling financially. Remember, these guidelines are specific to Washington, so make sure to check the guidelines for your state if you're not in Washington.

Mandatory Course Costs

When you're in a tough financial spot and decide to file for bankruptcy, there are a couple of things you need to do. One of them is taking a credit counseling course approved by the authorities in Washington. Don't worry. You can complete this course online, which is convenient for you. Here's the thing: this course comes with a price tag. On average, you can expect to pay between $10 to $50 for it. Remember that you can't just take any course you stumble upon; it has to be approved. I've got the scoop on where you can find a list of approved Washington credit counseling courses. The same applies to the list of approved Washington debtor education.

Miscellaneous Costs

So, you're probably wondering about the costs involved in attending a meeting of creditors at the courthouse. First things first, you might have to cover the expenses for transportation to get to the courthouse. Now, here's the good news. Your attorney might be able to lend a hand when it comes to getting a credit report. They could help you out with that. However, some associated costs might still be, so it's worth looking into. I've got you covered if you're curious about how much transportation might set you back. You can estimate the cost of getting to one of the bankruptcy courts using the handy list below. It'll give you an idea of what expenses you might be looking at. 

We’ve made it easier for you to figure that out by hovering over your district, using this interactive map below showing bankruptcy courthouses in Washington by district, and looking up your nearest bankruptcy court.

Will Inflation Affect the Cost To File Bankruptcy in Washington?

Will inflation slow down enough to keep those fees from rising? Let's dive into it and see how it might affect filing fees and attorney costs in Washington. First things first, let's talk about the filing fees. The Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing fee recently saw a teeny-tiny increase from $335 to $338. Similarly, the Chapter 13 bankruptcy filing fee increased from $310 to $313. These changes are so minuscule that they're unlikely to dent your wallet. So, no need to fret about the filing fees. Now, let's move on to attorney costs. Here's the deal: inflation might have more impact on attorney fees. As inflation rears its head, bankruptcy attorneys might find themselves shelling out more money to their employees. And let's not forget about the higher costs of living in cities like Spokane, Tacoma, or anywhere else across Washington. All these factors could nudge attorney fees a tad higher. While filing fees are a non-issue, you might see a slight uptick in attorney costs due to inflation. Just watch for any changes, and remember that your friendly neighborhood bankruptcy attorney will guide you through the process. 

Would My Bankruptcy Cost Be Higher in Seattle Than in Tacoma?

Living in a suburb in Washington can make you wonder whether you should hire a local attorney or go to someone in a bigger city like Spokane to save some fees on bankruptcy costs. It's a tough call; I get it.

Seattle has the highest population in Washington, with a whopping 754,567 people. With all those folks, you might expect the cost of bankruptcy attorney fees to be higher in Seattle than in a place like Tacoma. It's only logical, right?

While the cost may be higher in Seattle, there are also more bankruptcy attorneys in the city. And when there's competition, prices tend to drop. So, believe it or not, you might find that the total cost to file bankruptcy, including those pesky attorney fees, could be much higher in your city than in Seattle.

Here's a little something to keep in mind. Most bankruptcy attorneys offer free bankruptcy consultations. So, you can get multiple perspectives and weigh your options before deciding. And hey, if you want to get a quick estimate of the all-in cost, we've got you covered. Check out our bankruptcy cost calculator below. It takes into consideration all those variables we just talked about.

Why Do Some Attorneys Charge Higher Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Fees? 

So, you're thinking about filing for bankruptcy and want to know how much it will cost you. Well, the price can vary depending on a few factors.

First, if you're looking at bankruptcy attorneys in Spokane, you might notice that the costs can differ between two attorneys. That's right, they don't all charge the same. But here's the kicker - if you're considering Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Tacoma, the attorneys there often charge a standard fee called the "no-look fee." The fee covers the usual services provided, so you can expect the costs to be similar among these attorneys. However, regarding Chapter 7 bankruptcy, things can get a bit more unpredictable. The fees can vary greatly, so it's important to understand what you're getting for that extra money.

Now, let's break it down for you. A few key factors usually determine the cost of a bankruptcy lawyer:

1. The type of bankruptcy you're filing - whether it's Chapter 7 or Chapter 13.
2. The complexity of your case - is it a no-asset case or do you have assets to consider?
3. Your location - are you in Seattle or Spokane? Location can play a role in the cost.
4. Your level of connection with your attorney - are they your go-to person or just someone you found online?
5. The attorney's expertise - how many years of experience do they have?

Let me give you an example. Imagine you're making $10,000 more than the median income for Washington, and you still want to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. In this case, the attorney might need to spend extra time reviewing your expenses to see if you qualify for Chapter 7, even though you're above the median income. And you know what that means- more time equals a higher overall cost for your bankruptcy.

If you're hungry for more information. Check out this article, "Understanding Bankruptcy Lawyer Fees," 

Conclusion

I hope this article has shed some light on the costs of filing bankruptcy with a bankruptcy lawyer in Washington. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out. If you want to get an estimate of the costs specific to your situation, you can try out the free Washington bankruptcy cost calculator below.