Understanding Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Fees in Melbourne, FL.
Your Local Brevard County Guide
If you're a resident of Melbourne, FL, or anywhere in Brevard County—from Titusville to Palm Bay—facing overwhelming debt, bankruptcy can be a powerful tool for a fresh financial start. As an experienced Melbourne, FL bankruptcy attorney serving all of Brevard County, I help clients navigate Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 every day. One of the first questions I hear is “How much will this cost?” This post breaks down every fee you’ll encounter—court filing fees, credit counseling costs, and attorney fees—so you know exactly what to expect. We’ll cover what each fee pays for, whether it’s a flat fee, and the critical rule that all attorney fees must be paid in full before your Chapter 7 petition is filed (even if payment plans are available for other costs).
1. Court Filing Fees: Fixed by Federal Law
The U.S. Bankruptcy Court sets these fees nationwide, so they’re the same whether you file in Melbourne, Cocoa, or Viera.
Chapter | Total Filing Fee | Breakdown | Payment Options |
|---|---|---|---|
Chapter 7 | $338 | $245 case filing + $78 administrative + $15 trustee surcharge | Pay in full or apply for up-to-4 installments. Low-income filers (<150% of poverty guidelines) can request a full waiver. |
Chapter 13 | $313 | $235 case filing + $78 administrative | Pay in full or up-to-4 installments. No waivers—you must have income to fund a plan. |
These are flat fees—no surprises. They cover the court’s cost to open your case, assign a trustee, and process paperwork.
2. Mandatory Credit Counseling & Debtor Education Fees
Federal law requires two short online or phone courses:
- Pre-filing credit counseling (1–2 hours)
- Pre-discharge financial management course (2 hours)
- Typical cost: $10–$50 per course (household).
- Flat fee? Yes—most DOJ-approved agencies charge a set price.
- Fee waivers: Available if household income ≤150% of federal poverty level. Many Brevard County filers qualify.
You must complete the first course before we file your petition and the second before your debts are discharged. Don't worry, we will tell which counselors to use.
3. Attorney Fees: Transparent Flat-Rate Pricing for Brevard County Residents
I offer flat-fee packages so you know the total cost upfront—no hourly surprises.
Chapter 7 Attorney Fees in Melbourne & Brevard County
- Standard flat fee: $1,500–$2,500 (includes petition, schedules, creditor meeting, and discharge).
- What it covers: Unlimited phone/email support, document prep, court filings, and representing you at the 341 meeting with the Chapter 7 Trustee (by Zoom video).
- Payment rule: All attorney fees must be paid 100% before filing. Why? Once your case is filed, any money you owe your lawyer becomes a dischargeable debt—courts prohibit that to protect you.
Payment plans are available—many Melbourne clients pay $200–$300/month until the balance is clear, then we file immediately.
Chapter 13 Attorney Fees in Brevard County
- Base flat fee: $3,500–$4,500 (court-approved “no-look” fee in Middle District of Florida).
- What it covers: 3–5 year repayment plan design, stopping foreclosure/wage garnishment, creditor negotiations, multiple court hearings, and plan modifications.
- Big difference: Up to $3,000 can be rolled into your monthly Chapter 13 plan payments—you often pay $0 upfront to your attorney after a small retainer.
Sample Total Cost Breakdown for Brevard County Filers
Expense | Chapter 7 | Chapter 13 |
|---|---|---|
Court filing | $338 | $313 |
Counseling (2 courses) | $20–$80 | $20–$80 |
Attorney flat fee | $1,500–$2,500 (pre-paid) | $3,500–$4,500 (mostly in plan) |
Your total out-of-pocket before filing | $1,858–$2,918 | $333–$1,393 (plus plan payments) |
Why Choose Our Local Melbourne, FL Bankruptcy Attorney?
- We've counseled thousands of Brevard County residents on debt relief, bankruptcy, foreclosures, mortgage modifications, short-sales and deed-in-lieu of foreclosure. We don't push you into a bankruptcy you don't need. We will give you clear, honest advice.
- I know Orlando Chapter 7 trustees—predictable outcomes.
- Free 30-minute phone consultation at your convenience.
- Serving every city in Brevard: Palm Bay, Rockledge, Merritt Island, Cocoa Beach, and beyond.
Next Step: Stop Stressing About Fees—Start Your Free Consultation
Call (321) 821-7440 to schedule your no-obligation Free Consultation. In one short call, I’ll confirm exactly what you’ll pay and whether you qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Don’t let another late notice hit your mailbox. Melbourne and Brevard County families deserve peace of mind. Call us today.
We are Brevard's Hometown Law Group - Melbourne FL Bankruptcy Attorney | Serving All Brevard County