The CURRENT fees are as follows:

Chapter 7: $299

Chapter 13: $274

As of November 1, 2011, the NEW fees will be the following:

Chapter 7: $306

Chapter 13: $281

For cash strapped debtors, Bankruptcy Rule of Procedure 1006 provides an option to pay the filing fee in installments and in some circumstances (very low, low, income) waive the filing fee. But beware, if you opt to pay the filing fee in installments and miss a payment, then your bankruptcy case is automatically dismissed.

By Matt Berkus

• must be voluntary;
• must not place too heavy a burden on you or your family;
• must be in your best interest; and
• can be canceled anytime before the court issues your discharge or within 60 days after the agreement is filed with the court, whichever gives you the most time.

If you are an individual and you are not represented by an attorney, or it has been established that the agreement falls under “Undue Hardship”  the court must hold a hearing to decide whether to approve the reaffirmation agreement. The agreement will not be legally binding until the court approves it. If the court does not approve the agreement, you do not lose the car or house unless you have not been paying on the loan.

If you reaffirm a debt and then fail to pay it, you owe the debt the same as though there was no bankruptcy. The debt will not be discharged and the creditor can take action to recover any property on which it has a lien or mortgage. The creditor can also take legal action to recover a judgment against you. -  – and in financial trouble again.