Step-by-step guide to filing Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy in District of Columbia. Courts, costs, exemptions, and free tools.
Most people file Chapter 7 (liquidation) or Chapter 13 (repayment plan). Take the means test to see if you qualify for Chapter 7. Compare options at chapter7vs13.org.
Federal law requires a credit counseling course from an approved provider within 180 days before filing. Most courses are available online and cost $15-$50.
Collect 6 months of pay stubs, 2 years of tax returns, bank statements, loan statements, vehicle titles, and mortgage documents. List all debts, assets, income, and monthly expenses.
File the petition, schedules, and statements with the District of Columbia bankruptcy court. Key forms include the voluntary petition, Schedules A/B through J, the Statement of Financial Affairs, and the means test form (122A or 122C).
Chapter 7 filing fee: $338. Chapter 13: $313. You can request installment payments or, for Chapter 7, a fee waiver if your income is below 150% of the poverty line.
About 30-45 days after filing, attend the meeting of creditors. The trustee will ask questions under oath about your finances. Most meetings last 5-10 minutes.
After filing, complete a debtor education course (different from credit counseling). This is required before you can receive a discharge.
Chapter 7: typically 60-90 days after the 341 meeting. Chapter 13: after completing your 3-5 year repayment plan. The discharge eliminates your personal liability for qualifying debts.
District of Columbia has a single federal bankruptcy district. All cases are filed in this one court, which simplifies the process.
Chapter 7 filing fee: $338. Chapter 13: $313. Fee waivers are available for filers below 150% of the poverty line. Installment payments available for all filers. Full cost breakdown.
| Cost Item | Chapter 7 | Chapter 13 |
|---|---|---|
| Court Filing Fee | $338 | $313 |
| Credit Counseling Course | $15 - $50 | $15 - $50 |
| Debtor Education Course | $15 - $50 | $15 - $50 |
| Attorney Fees (typical range) | $1,000 - $3,500 | $2,500 - $5,000 |
| Total (with attorney) | $1,368 - $3,938 | $2,843 - $5,413 |
| Total (pro se) | $368 - $438 | $343 - $413 |
Attorney fees in District of Columbia vary by district, case complexity, and firm type. "No-look" fee amounts set by local courts provide a benchmark. Filing pro se (without a lawyer) eliminates attorney fees entirely -- see our pro se guide.
If your household income is below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines, you may qualify for a complete waiver of the $338 filing fee. File Form 3B with your petition.
All filers can request to pay the filing fee in up to 4 installments over 120 days. File Form 3A (Application to Pay in Installments) with your petition.
Federal Exemptions Available
Filers in District of Columbia can choose between state and federal bankruptcy exemptions. Compare both sets carefully -- the federal wildcard exemption (up to $14,875) may protect more personal property, while District of Columbia state exemptions may offer stronger homestead protection.
Protects equity in your primary residence. Amounts vary by state. Check District of Columbia homestead exemption amounts.
Protects equity in your car. Most states protect $2,000 to $7,500. See vehicle exemption details.
401(k)s, IRAs, and pensions are generally fully exempt in bankruptcy. See retirement exemptions.
Applies to any property. Not all states offer this. See wildcard exemptions.
The court filing fee for Chapter 7 is $338 and Chapter 13 is $313. Attorney fees in District of Columbia typically range from $1,000 to $3,500 for Chapter 7 and $2,500 to $5,000 for Chapter 13. You can also file without an attorney (pro se) and request to pay the filing fee in installments.
The means test compares your household income to District of Columbia's median. For a single person, the current threshold is approximately $85,391 per year. For a family of four, it is approximately $151,142. If your income is below the median for your household size, you pass Part 1 of the means test.
Yes. District of Columbia allows you to choose between state exemptions and federal bankruptcy exemptions under 11 U.S.C. Section 522(d). You must pick one complete set -- you cannot mix individual exemptions from both. Compare homestead, vehicle, and wildcard amounts under each system before deciding.
Chapter 7 stays on your credit report for 10 years from the filing date. Chapter 13 stays for 7 years. However, many people begin rebuilding credit within 1-2 years of discharge and can qualify for a mortgage within 2-4 years.
Yes, but there are waiting periods between discharges. Chapter 7 to Chapter 7: 8 years. Chapter 7 to Chapter 13: 4 years. Chapter 13 to Chapter 13: 2 years. Chapter 13 to Chapter 7: 6 years (unless you paid 100% or 70%+ with good faith). Use the free discharge eligibility screener to check your dates.
Most debts are dischargeable, but exceptions include most student loans (unless you prove undue hardship), child support and alimony, recent tax debts (generally last 3 years), debts from fraud or willful injury, DUI-related debts, and criminal fines. See nondischargeable.org for the full list.
From the Open Bankruptcy Project -- free information, no strings.
Discharge Screener Means Test CalculatorOur research was cited by the federal judiciary as Suggestions 26-BK-3 and 26-BK-5