The Basics of Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Indiana

When an individual files for bankruptcy, it’s usually under Chapter 7, which is liquidation bankruptcy, rather than under Chapter 13, which is reorganization bankruptcy. Chapter 7 bankruptcies are primarily governed by federal law under Title 11 of the U.S. Code. If you are filing under Chapter 7, you need to know that a bankruptcy trustee may sell some of your property in order to help pay your debts. However, some property is exempt, and thus safe from the bankruptcy trustee.

In order to come out of a Chapter 7 bankruptcy in the best position possible, therefore, you must be very clear what property is exempt and therefore safe, and what property is non-exempt and subject to sale by the bankruptcy trustee. Some laws put a value limit on the extent to which your property may be exempt. This limit applies to your equity in the property rather than the value of the property in its entirety.

Filing for bankruptcy is a big step. If you are considering it, it would be wise to contact an Indiana bankruptcy attorney to discuss your options.

Cost to file chapter 7 in Indiana

The chapter 7 filing fees in Indiana are $338, but that doesn’t tell the whole story of the real cost to file bankruptcy. Bankruptcy lawyers usually charge between $1,000 and $2,000 to file a chapter 7 case, in addition to the filing fee.

Indiana Bankruptcy Courts: Where are they located?

Most people who file for bankruptcy don’t need to attend court or appear in front of a judge. However, they may need to if a bankruptcy trustee objects to one of their exemptions.

In Indiana, the bankruptcy courts are divided into two districts: Northern and Southern. Click each link below to find out where you may file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Indiana.

Northern District

Fort Wayne: Ross Adair Federal Building and United States Courthouse, Room 1188, 1300 S. Harrison St., Fort Wayne, IN 46802-3435, Phone: (260) 420-5100

Hammond: United States Bankruptcy Court, Northern District of Indiana, Room 2200, 5400 Federal Plaza, Hammond, IN 46320, Phone: (219) 852-3480

Lafayette: Charles A. Halleck Federal Building, 230 North Fourth St., Room 105, Lafayette, IN 47901-1322, Phone: (765) 420-6300

South Bend: Robert K. Rodibaugh United States Bankruptcy Courthouse, 401 S. Michigan St., South Bend, IN 46601-2304, Phone: (574) 968-2100

Southern District

Evansville: Winfield K. Denton Federal Building & United States Courthouse, 101 NW Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Evansville, IN 47708, Phone: (812) 434-6470

Indianapolis: Birch Bayh Federal Building and United States Courthouse, 46 E. Ohio St., Room 116, Indianapolis, IN 46204, Phone: (317) 229-3800

New Albany: Lee H. Hamilton Federal Building & United States Courthouse, 121 W. Spring St., New Albany, IN 47150, Phone: (812) 542-4540

Terre Haute: United States Courthouse, 921 Ohio St., Terre Haute, IN 47807, not staffed.

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