📅 2026 Update: Changes in Bankruptcy Procedures and Costs

Since the original article was published, there have been important updates in bankruptcy procedures and costs that could affect those considering filing. This includes changes to court forms, filing fees, and new online services. The earlier article continues further down the page, providing a comprehensive overview of bankruptcy options and processes.

📝 New Forms and Calculations

In 2024, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York updated its Chapter 7 bankruptcy forms. The new forms now include a means test calculation worksheet, effective January 1, 2024.

This addition helps debtors better understand their eligibility for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

🏦 Revised Chapter 13 Plan

The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of California made changes to its Chapter 13 bankruptcy plan form. The revised form, which reflects new local rules, became effective on March 15, 2025.

This update aims to streamline the bankruptcy process for those filing under Chapter 13.

💻 Online Filing Portal

On June 1, 2026, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware launched an online portal for electronic filing of bankruptcy forms. This new service allows debtors to submit forms more easily, improving accessibility and efficiency in the bankruptcy process.

💰 Current Fees for Bankruptcy Filings

As of October 2026, the filing fees for bankruptcy have been updated. The fee for Chapter 7 bankruptcy is now $338, while Chapter 11 costs $1,738, and Chapter 13 is $313. Debtors should be aware of these fees when planning their bankruptcy filing.

📌 Key Points

  • New means test worksheet added for Chapter 7 forms in New York.
  • Revised Chapter 13 plan form in California reflects local rules.
  • Delaware has introduced an online portal for filing.
  • Current filing fees are $338 for Chapter 7, $1,738 for Chapter 11, and $313 for Chapter 13.

💡 Tips for Navigating Bankruptcy Forms

Reviewing your financial situation with an attorney is essential to understand the best options for your circumstances.

📝 Understand Your Bankruptcy Forms

Filing for bankruptcy requires completing specific forms. Ensure you have the correct forms for Chapter 7, Chapter 11, or Chapter 13. This accuracy can prevent delays in the process.

📅 Complete Your Credit Counseling

Before filing for bankruptcy, you must complete a credit counseling course. This course typically costs around $50 and must be done within 180 days before filing.

📈 Prepare for the Means Test

Debtors must fill out the means test forms when filing for Chapter 7 or determining payments for Chapter 13. This step is crucial for assessing eligibility and planning repayments.

⚖️ Know Your Filing Fees

Be aware of the current filing fees before starting the bankruptcy process. As of October 2026, Chapter 7 costs $338, Chapter 11 is $1,738, and Chapter 13 is $313.

💼 Keep Your Schedules Accurate

Completing your bankruptcy schedules accurately is vital. These schedules detail your assets, debts, and income, helping to determine your repayment plan under Chapter 13.

🏆 Ranked by User Reviews (2026)

This section lists services related to bankruptcy and credit repair. These services have been evaluated based on Trustpilot data, reflecting user experiences as of October 2026. Remember that scores can change, and star ratings are only one aspect of customer feedback.

🥇 1. Lexington Law

Lexington Law has been rated 3.2 out of 5 stars. It is known for providing credit repair services and identity theft protection. However, some customers have raised concerns about service focus misalignment and issues with cancellations and billing.

🥈 2. CreditRepair.com

CreditRepair.com holds a low rating of 1.2 stars. This service is recognized for its credit repair offerings and features like an online dashboard and mobile app. Nonetheless, reviewers have reported issues with customer service and billing disputes.

🆓 Free Government and Nonprofit Help

There are free options available for those seeking assistance with credit counseling and legal support. The U.S. Department of Justice provides a list of approved credit counseling agencies that offer low-cost or free services.

The American Bar Association also has a lawyer referral service for individuals needing pro bono or affordable legal assistance.

🔎 Comparing Bankruptcy Services

  • 🏷️ Consider the Trustpilot score and number of reviews.
  • 💰 Look at the cost of services and any hidden fees.
  • 📝 Check the specific services offered, such as credit repair or legal assistance.
  • ⚖️ Review customer experiences related to responsiveness and support.
  • 🕒 Assess processing times for services based on user feedback.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What is the means test in bankruptcy?

The means test determines eligibility for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Debtors with a median income below their state’s median typically qualify, while those above may still qualify based on their disposable income.

💸 How long does the bankruptcy process take?

The average processing time varies: Chapter 7 takes about 4 to 6 months, Chapter 11 can take 18 to 24 months for plan confirmation, and Chapter 13 generally lasts 3 to 5 years.

📜 What are the key bankruptcy forms?

Key forms for Chapter 7 include Official Forms 101, 106A/B, and 122A-1 for the means test. Chapter 13 requires similar forms along with Official Form 113 for the repayment plan.

🕒 Are there deadlines for filing bankruptcy forms?

Yes, debtors must complete the means test forms at the time of filing and must finish credit counseling within 180 days prior to filing for bankruptcy.

⚖️ What happens after filing for bankruptcy?

Upon filing, an automatic stay goes into effect, stopping most collection actions. In Chapter 7, debts are typically discharged within 60 days after the first meeting of creditors.

📉 How does bankruptcy affect credit scores?

Bankruptcy can appear on a credit report for up to 10 years. However, many find their credit improves over time as they practice responsible financial behavior after bankruptcy.

⚖️ Recent Bankruptcy Cases and Rulings

Recent rulings in bankruptcy courts can impact how cases are handled and what debtors can expect during the process. These updates are important for anyone considering bankruptcy, as they may influence eligibility, procedures, and outcomes.

For the latest updates, feel free to check more rulings on the news page.

End of October 2026 Update





Bankruptcy Petition

The initial petition for filing bankruptcy is not too complex that average Americans can't figure it out. Just the same, the exactitude of information the law demands may make the decision to hire an attorney or petition preparer to take care of this task a prudent one.

The data requested in the B-1 Voluntary Petition can be grouped loosely into two categories. The first is standard identifying information such as name, address and Social Security number. The second is those details that are of higher relevance to the subject of bankruptcy and includes all debts/creditors and the amounts owed for/to them.

Upon notice that a debtor has filed for bankruptcy, it is not simply enough for a creditor to show up at the confirmation hearing and demand a sum be paid. Much as borrowers have their clear duties as they appear before a bankruptcy court, lenders have their own obligations to be completed, or else they may not earn even part of the sum to which they feel entitled.

Read This Before Filling out Bankruptcy Forms

Primary among these obligations is the filing of the B-10 Proof of Claim form. On the actual form, there are a number of important details to nail down. Creditors should be clear about the nature of their relationship with debtors and should be exact about monies loaned. They should also be specific about whether a claim is secured or unsecured.



Bankruptcy Plan Forms

Without a viable bankruptcy plan, petitioners will not be able to renegotiate the terms of their debts with creditors and get the relief they sorely need. However, without the right bankruptcy plan forms, creditors will not be able to decide if such a plan is right for them and the courts will not be able to correctly process the documents they do receive.

In particular, Forms B-13, B-14, and B-15 are designed to address bankruptcy plans brought before the representative of the U.S. Trustee and others. The two bookend forms in this trio are fairly basic ones and require a signature of authorization from an appointed judge.

They are used as confirmation pieces for the disclosure statement submitted by the debtor and the confirmation of the plan approved by participating creditors. Of course, this assumes that the plan is approved at all.

In some instances, creditors and other interested parties will be requested to vote on whether they accept or reject the scheme outlined by the applicant through the B-14 Ballot for Accepting or Rejecting Plan. If the plan is rejected based on unsuitability for the majority of creditors or evidence of intentional wrongdoing on the debtor's part, another round of voting may be necessary or the case could be dismissed completely.



Disclosure Statement

As noted, part of bankruptcy plan confirmation is the prior approval of the disclosure statement by a bankruptcy court with jurisdiction.



Discharge of Debtor

The ultimate goal of the personal bankruptcy filer is the discharge of all remaining debts. Through the Bankruptcy Code, this much is more than possible, especially in Chapter 7.