Bankruptcy can feel like an overwhelming journey, but understanding the cost to file and the estimated bankruptcy attorney fees in Nevada is the first step.
by:
Dave Te
,
September 27, 2024
Reviewed By:
,
September 27, 2024
Information in this article does not constitute legal advice, it is for informational purposes only, and may not constitute the most up-to-date information. Readers should contact their attorney for advice on any particular legal matter.
If you're thinking about filing for bankruptcy in Nevada, you might be wondering about the cost. The filing fees for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy will cost you $338, while a Chapter 13 bankruptcy will cost you $313 in 2024. If you decide to hire a bankruptcy attorney or if you're hoping to get those filing fees waived, things get a little more complicated.
We did some digging and spent around $1,000 on a public records database called PACER. This database contains all sorts of information, including bankruptcy attorney fees. So, based on our findings from 2024, we discovered that the range for Chapter 7 attorney fees in Nevada can be anywhere from $1,170 to $2,000. Keep in mind, though, that this is just an estimate. If you want a more accurate estimate based on your specific location in Nevada, we've got you covered. Check out the free Nevada bankruptcy cost calculator below.
This article will give you a breakdown of the estimated all-in costs of filing for bankruptcy in Nevada. We'll cover two main things:
Bankruptcy Attorney Fees
Bankruptcy Filing Costs
Estimate the All-In Bankruptcy Cost in Your Zip Code
We've been getting a ton of questions about the cost of bankruptcy in Nevada, so we took it upon ourselves to create a database of attorney fees just for you. To find out how much bankruptcy might set you back in your city in Nevada, all you need to do is enter your zip code below.
Table of Contents
1. Actual Lawyer Costs By District In Nevada
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. Still, considering the significance of the location, let's look at the real expenses as reported in the Pacer filing data.
Nevada District
Covering a substantial area, the District of Nevada includes major cities like Las Vegas, Reno, and Henderson. Operating within the Pacific Time zone, this district spans 17 counties. It features a central courthouse in Las Vegas and additional court facilities throughout the district, overseen by 7 active district judges and 3 magistrate judges. The diverse economic activities and dynamic communities in Nevada's District contribute to the overall richness of the region.
For residents in proximity to these major areas within Nevada's District, the expected bankruptcy filing cost can vary, often falling within a range from $850.00 to $2,200.00. It's crucial to keep 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.
2. Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Attorney Fees Nevada
Chapter 13 bankruptcy attorneys in Nevada can charge around $2,500. The actual fee may vary depending on the district. Unlike Chapter 7 attorney fees, Chapter 13 fees tend to be more consistent due to "no-look fees." These fees are considered reasonable for the services provided. However, it's worth checking if the attorney charges an hourly rate for any extra work required after filing for Chapter 13. So, if you're considering bankruptcy, you must know the potential costs involved.
3. Bankruptcy Filing Costs
Bankruptcy filing costs are the same throughout the United States, not just in Nevada. So, if you're considering bankruptcy, you need to be aware of the other costs that come with it.
If you're going for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, the filing fee is $338. That's broken down into a $245 filing fee, a $78 administrative fee, and a $15 trustee surcharge.
If Chapter 13 bankruptcy seems more like the way to go, the filing fee is lower at $313. That includes a $235 filing fee and a $78 administrative fee.
If you're strapped for cash and can't afford the filing fee. There might be some options for you. You could pay the fee in installments or waive it altogether.
Nevada Filing Fee Waiver Guidelines
Suppose you're considering filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy and worried about the fees. In that case, you might be eligible to have those fees waived if your income falls below 150% of the Nevada poverty guidelines. Be sure to check out Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Nevada Income Limit.
Mandatory Course Costs
When you're facing bankruptcy in Nevada, you need to take a couple of courses: a credit counseling course and a debtor education course. The good news is that you can take these courses online, making it convenient. However, it's important to note that these courses must be approved. You can find the list and the costs associated with each course by clicking on these links: Nevada credit counseling courses and Nevada debtor education courses. The average cost for these courses ranges from $10 to $50 per course. So, now you know where to go and how much it might cost you to complete these courses. Good luck!
Miscellaneous Costs
If you've got a meeting of creditors at the courthouse, it's essential to know that you might have to shell out some cash for transportation to get there. On top of that, you might also have to cover the cost of a credit report for your attorney. Your attorney might be able to lend a hand with getting that credit report sorted. Let's talk numbers. You're probably wondering how much this transportation thing will set you back.
We’ve made it easier for you to figure that out by hovering over to your district using this interactive map below showing bankruptcy courthouses in Nevada by district and looking up your nearest bankruptcy court.
Will Inflation Affect the Cost To File Bankruptcy in Nevada?
Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing fee got a tiny bump from $335 to $338. And the Chapter 13 bankruptcy filing fee went up from $310 to $313. Now, with such a minor change, it's unlikely that the filing fee will hit you hard in the wallet. Attorney fees might still see some inflationary effects. Inflation can push bankruptcy lawyers to provide more money to their employees. Plus, they might have to deal with higher living costs, especially in cities like Henderson, Reno, or Nevada. So, while the filing fee might not be a big deal, attorney fees could see a bit of a bump. Just something to keep in mind if you need a bankruptcy attorney in the future.
Would My Bankruptcy Cost Be Higher in Las Vegas Than Reno?
Living in a suburb in Nevada can make you wonder about some things. For example, should you hire a local attorney or go to someone in a bigger city like Henderson to save on bankruptcy costs?
Las Vegas has the highest population in Nevada, with 649,876 people. So, naturally, you might think that the cost of bankruptcy attorney fees would be higher there than in Reno.
While the cost might be higher in Las Vegas, there are also more bankruptcy attorneys in the mix. And you know what that means? Competition and competition brings down prices. So, believe it or not, the total cost to file bankruptcy, including all those fees, could be way higher in your city than in Las Vegas.
Most bankruptcy attorneys offer free consultations. You can get multiple perspectives without spending a dime. Our bankruptcy cost calculator below considers all these variables to give you an estimate of the all-in cost.
Why Do Some Attorneys Charge Higher Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Fees?
Regarding bankruptcy attorneys, the costs can vary quite a bit. Take Henderson, for example. You might compare prices from two attorneys and find they charge entirely different amounts.
Now, here's the lowdown on Chapter 13 bankruptcy attorneys in Reno. These folks usually charge the same amount, thanks to the "no-look fee." Which means a standard fee that covers the services they provide. Regarding Chapter 7 bankruptcy, things get a little more complicated. The attorney fees can vary big time. So, it's essential to understand what you're getting for that extra money.
Now, let's talk about what factors can affect the cost of a bankruptcy lawyer. First off, it depends on which type of bankruptcy you're filing. Are you going for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13? Then, there's the complexity of your case to consider. Is it a no-asset or an asset case? Location also plays a role. Are you in Las Vegas or Henderson? And let's not forget about your level of connection with your attorney. Oh, and how experienced they are. The more years they've been at it, the more they might charge.
Okay, let's break it down with an example. Say you're making $10,000 above the median income for Nevada, and you still want to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. In that case, your attorney may have to spend extra time going through your expenses to see if you qualify.
If you want to explore bankruptcy lawyer fees more, I recommend reading Understanding Bankruptcy Lawyer Fees. It will give you more insights and help you make an informed decision.
Conclusion
I hope this article has helped you understand the all-in costs of filing for bankruptcy with a lawyer. But hey, if you still have questions, don't hesitate to reach out. If you want a quick estimate of the costs specific to Nevada, check out the free Nevada bankruptcy cost calculator below.
Bankruptcy can be a great way to get a fresh start when your debt has become unaffordable due to financial hardship. Bankruptcy is for those who have a strong desire to pay their bills, but may not have the ability to pay those bills.
Trying to figure out if you can meet all the requirements for a bankruptcy discharge can be a challenge, especially if you don’t know where to start. The Bankruptcy Means Test form was created to help you navigate through to see if you qualify to file for bankruptcy discharge. The means test will look at your income to determine if you can qualify.
Yes, you can file bankruptcy while unemployed with no job, but please note that your unemployment income does count as income for the bankruptcy means test.
