📅 2026 Update: Recent Changes in Indiana Bankruptcy

Since the original article was published, there have been important updates relating to bankruptcy laws and procedures. Adjustments include changes to filing fees and updates to exemptions that are worth noting for anyone considering bankruptcy. The earlier article continues further down the page.

💰 Bankruptcy Filing Fees

As of December 1, 2023, the filing fees for various bankruptcy chapters have changed. The Chapter 7 filing fee is now $338, while the Chapter 11 fee has increased to $1,738. These fees apply nationwide and reflect the current costs for filing for bankruptcy, which may affect many individuals considering their options.

📑 Current Fees and Costs

The Chapter 13 filing fee remains at $313, applicable throughout the country. Additionally, if you need to file an Adversary Proceeding, that fee is $350. When preparing to file, it's essential to know the costs involved, as they can impact your financial planning.

⏳ Processing Times

The time it takes to process a bankruptcy can also vary. Typically, a Chapter 7 bankruptcy will lead to a discharge of debts within three to six months. For Chapter 13, the repayment plan usually lasts between three to five years, depending on your income and total debts.

✔️ Eligibility Rules

Eligibility for Chapter 7 bankruptcy is determined by the means test, which evaluates your income against your expenses. Understanding this test is crucial, as it can affect your ability to file for bankruptcy under this chapter.

📌 Key Points to Remember

  • 💰 Chapter 7 fee: $338; Chapter 11 fee: $1,738.
  • ⏳ Chapter 7 discharges debts in 3-6 months; Chapter 13 plans last 3-5 years.
  • ✔️ Eligibility based on the means test.
  • 📑 Additional fees exist for Adversary Proceedings.

💡 Tips for Navigating Bankruptcy in Indiana

It is important to review the details of your situation with your attorney.

📝 Understand Your Exemptions

Each state has specific exemptions that can protect your assets during bankruptcy. Familiarizing yourself with these exemptions can help you retain important property throughout the process.

📅 Keep Track of Deadlines

Make sure to complete the means test application before filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Missing deadlines can lead to case dismissal, which can complicate your financial situation further.

💳 Payment Methods

When preparing for bankruptcy, note that personal checks and credit cards are generally not accepted for filing fees. Acceptable forms include money orders, cashier’s checks, and electronic payments, so plan accordingly.

📚 Complete Required Courses

Before your debts can be discharged, you must complete a financial management course. This is a mandatory step and should be factored into your planning.

📞 Seek Free Assistance

Consider reaching out to legal aid organizations for free or low-cost help. Many nonprofits provide valuable resources and can assist you in navigating the bankruptcy process.

🏆 Services for Bankruptcy Ranked by User Reviews (2026)

This section reviews services that can assist with bankruptcy-related issues, including debt relief and legal document preparation. The ranking is based on Trustpilot data checked in October 2026, and scores can change over time. Remember that star ratings are just one indicator, as unhappy customers tend to leave more feedback.

🥇 1. National Debt Relief

National Debt Relief has been rated 4.5. It is known for offering debt relief services and consumer financial assistance. However, some reviewers have mentioned issues with unexpected fee deductions and administrative charges, which could impact the overall experience.

🥈 2. LawDepot

LawDepot has a 4.0 rating. This service focuses on legal document preparation and provides affordable legal forms. Users appreciate the convenience but have noted limitations in customer support and occasional document errors, which may affect the quality of service.

🆓 Free Government or Nonprofit Help

Many legal aid organizations and the U.S. Trustee Program offer free or low-cost resources for individuals navigating bankruptcy. These options can provide valuable assistance and guidance without the added financial burden.

🔎 What to Compare When Choosing Bankruptcy Services

  • 📊 Trustpilot ratings and reviews
  • 💰 Fees and costs associated with services
  • ✔️ Range of services provided
  • 📞 Customer support availability
  • 📝 Document accuracy and preparation speed

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What is the means test?

The means test is a calculation used to determine eligibility for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. It compares your income to the median income in your state to see if you qualify.

📅 How long does a Chapter 13 bankruptcy last?

A Chapter 13 repayment plan typically lasts between three to five years, depending on your income and the amount of debt you have.

🏦 Can I keep my home during bankruptcy?

You may be able to keep your home depending on the state's homestead exemption laws. Each state has specific rules regarding what property can be protected.

📞 What types of payment methods are accepted for filing fees?

Accepted payment methods for bankruptcy filing fees include money orders, cashier's checks, and electronic payments via Pay.gov. Personal checks and credit cards are generally not accepted.

📝 What happens to my credit after bankruptcy?

Bankruptcy can remain on your credit report for up to ten years. However, it is possible to rebuild your credit with timely bill payments and secured credit cards.

📑 How can I find free legal help?

Many legal aid organizations offer free or low-cost assistance to those filing for bankruptcy. You can check with local nonprofits and the U.S. Trustee Program for resources available in your area.

⚖️ Recent Cases in Bankruptcy

Recent court rulings have clarified various aspects of bankruptcy law and procedures. These rulings can impact how bankruptcy is handled in Indiana and may provide insight into current practices.

Feel free to browse more rulings on the news page.

End of October 2026 Update






 



A Short Guide to Indiana Bankruptcy Law



 

Indiana Bankruptcy


Before Filing



 



Filing for personal Indiana bankruptcy requires that individuals have undergone some form of approved credit counseling. This must have occurred no earlier than 180 days before Indiana bankruptcy filing and must have resulted in a certificate that can be given to an Indiana bankruptcy judge proving that counseling occurred. For a list of approved counselors, visit here.



 



If you are filing for corporate bankruptcy, know that you must by law obtain legal representation to assist you with filing. Residents aren’t required to hire an Indiana bankruptcy lawyer to file for personal bankruptcy, but most filers find them necessary. Those individuals who cannot afford an attorney should contact a pro bono service that provides legal assistance to needy bankruptcy filers. Visit here for a list of such programs.



 



Filing for Bankruptcy



 



There are U.S. Bankruptcy Court locations in Indianapolis, Terre Haute, Evansville and New Albany for the Southern District of Indiana, and in Fort Wayne, Hammond, Lafayette, and South Bend for the Northern District. 



 



Please come to court with all of your petition papers properly filled out and ready to pay the filing fee. It is $306 for Chapter 7, $1046 for Chapter 11, and $281 for Chapter 13.



 



A great many forms need to be properly filled out before you can file for Indiana bankruptcy, far too many to name here. On average there are 30 forms, and they differ depending on the type of bankruptcy you are filing for. Once you’ve decided the type of bankruptcy appropriate to your concerns, visit here to find both the local Indiana and the federal forms.



 



Corporate Indiana Bankruptcy



 



Here are the two most common ways for businesses to file for Indiana bankruptcy:



 



• Chapter 11: An attractive feature of Chapter 11 Indiana bankruptcy is that it pauses all debt payments while court visits are made and a decision is reached regarding a feasible future debt payment schedule. Meanwhile, the business owners stay in possession of all the business’s assets which cannot be repossessed, so that operations can continue and revenue generated.



 



• Chapter 7: If Chapter 11 is intended for businesses that may soon be profitable, Chapter 7 is intended for businesses that are unlikely to ever reach those levels of revenue. It requires the court to sell off assets owned by the company and then use the resulting money to pay off creditors. Any debt not raised in this process the business is still liable for, so few businesses reemerge after filing for Chapter 7 Indiana bankruptcy.



 



Personal Indiana Bankruptcy



 



Most of the same types of Indiana bankruptcy that are available to businesses are available to individuals, and vice-versa. The only restrictions are which entities may apply based on asset levels. It is difficult, for instance, for an individual to have high enough assets and debt to qualify for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, though this does occasionally occur. Here are the two most common types of personal Indiana bankruptcy, though keep in mind that others do exist:



 



• Chapter 7: The individual filing Chapter 7 Indiana bankruptcy loses possession of most of their assets, excluding some items such as clothing, appliances or possible an automobile, which are sold to pay off debt. Though this process is similar to corporate Chapter 7, personal Indiana bankruptcy law maintains that an individual is not liable for debts not raised during the liquidation process, unlike with businesses, so that it’s easier for a person to become financially successful after filing for Chapter 7 than a business.



 



• Chapter 13: Individuals commonly seek out this form of Indiana bankruptcy if they are not eligible for Chapter 7 because their income is above the Indiana mean income and they’d don’t qualify under the Indiana Means Test. The court works with the individual to make a plan for how to pay back creditors within five years using the filer’s discretionary income.



 



The Tax Debt Problem



 



Unfortunately, Indiana bankruptcy offers few tools to assist individuals who are suffering financial difficulties because of tax debt. If you fall into this category, you should contact an Indiana bankruptcy attorney right away to discuss the options available to you.