File Chapter 7 Bankruptcy for Free in Connecticut (2025 Guide)
Filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Connecticut can eliminate certain debts and give you a fresh financial start. You can complete the process without a lawyer by following the step-by-step requirements, including gathering documents, taking mandatory courses, filing forms with the court, and attending your 341 meeting.
Get Free ConsultationJuggling credit card bills, medical debt, payday loans, or past-due rent? Chapter 7 bankruptcy might help you get a fresh start. You don’t need a lawyer to file. Many people in Connecticut successfully complete the process on their own.
This guide walks you through each step. You’ll gather documents, take required courses, fill out forms, and file with the court.
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Speak with a bankruptcy attorney for free to discuss your Connecticut case. Get personalized guidance on exemptions, qualifications, and next steps. Most consultations take less than 15 minutes.
Speak With Attorney NowStep 1: Collect Your Connecticut Bankruptcy Documents
Getting organized is a key first step. Gathering important documents now makes filling out your bankruptcy paperwork much easier.
Required documents include:
- Pay stubs for the past six months
- Your two most recent federal tax returns
- A bank statement that covers your filing date
You should also collect these helpful items:
- Credit card and loan statements
- Bills or letters from debt collectors
- Bank statements from the past 6–12 months
- A recent credit report
Step 2: Take a Credit Counseling Course
Before you file your Chapter 7 case, you must take a credit counseling course. Use a state-approved provider. The class takes about an hour and covers bankruptcy options and your financial situation.
Key details:
- Complete it within 180 days before you file
- Take it online, by phone, or in person
- Cost is usually $10–$50, but fee waivers are available
- You’ll get a certificate when you finish
File your certificate with your forms. Missing certificates can result in case dismissal.
Step 3: Complete the Bankruptcy Forms
Filling out your bankruptcy forms is crucial. These forms explain your financial situation to the court. They detail your income, debts, property, and expenses.
Most forms are federal and available at USCourts.gov. Some courts require local forms. Connecticut-specific forms are covered in the filing requirements section below.
Working with a bankruptcy attorney? They’ll prepare and submit the forms based on your information. Many people find speaking with a bankruptcy attorney for free helps them understand their options.
Step 4: Get Your Filing Fee
Filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy costs $338. Many people qualify for a fee waiver.
Not eligible for a waiver? You can ask the court to let you pay in installments. You’ll pay part when you file, then make monthly payments.
Once your case is filed, the automatic stay takes effect. Collections efforts pause immediately. That stops wage garnishment and repossession.
Warning: Missing a payment could result in case dismissal. Some filers save the full fee first for peace of mind.
Step 5: Print Your Bankruptcy Forms
Filing without a lawyer? You’ll need to print your completed forms. Deliver them to the court by mail or in person.
Print each form in the correct order. Use black ink and white, letter-size paper (8.5″ x 11″). Print single-sided only. Don’t staple or hole-punch anything. The court needs to scan your documents easily.
Sign your name using black or blue ink. Some forms have multiple signature spots. Double-check each page.
Working with a lawyer? They’ll file everything electronically for you.
Step 6: File Your Forms With the Connecticut Bankruptcy Court
Bring your printed forms to the bankruptcy court clerk’s office. You can also send them by mail. Online filing is not available in Connecticut without a lawyer.
The court recommends filing in person if possible. The clerk can quickly check your packet. They’ll verify nothing is missing or unsigned. In-person filing ensures immediate receipt instead of postal delays.
Can’t make it to the courthouse? Mail your forms via certified mail. You can track delivery and confirm receipt.
Step 7: Mail Documents to Your Trustee
After you file, the court assigns a bankruptcy trustee. The trustee reviews your forms and ensures accuracy. They also handle any property the court might sell to pay creditors. In most Chapter 7 cases, that doesn’t happen.
You’ll receive your trustee’s name and contact info shortly after filing. The court will schedule a 341 meeting. Before the meeting, send your trustee these documents:
- Your two most recent federal tax returns
- A bank statement that covers your filing date
- A clear copy of your photo ID
- Proof of your Social Security number
- Proof of your current income (recent pay stub)
Connecticut requires one extra step. All Chapter 7 filers must complete a Domestic Support Obligation Disclosure Form.
Download this form online. Save the file to your computer first. Open it in Adobe Acrobat to fill it out. Mail it to your trustee with your other documents.
Send these at least 14 days before your 341 meeting. Include a note if anything is missing. Your trustee may request more paperwork. Respond quickly to keep things on track.
Step 8: Take a Debtor Education Course
You need to take a second course called debtor education. The class teaches basic money skills for a stronger financial future. It covers budgeting, saving, and avoiding common money mistakes.
You’re required to complete this course to get debts discharged. Without it, the court may dismiss your case without wiping out debt.
Key details:
- Use a court-approved provider
- Take it online, by phone, or in person
- Complete it within 60 days after meeting with your trustee
You’ll receive a certificate of completion. Some course providers file this for you. If they don’t, submit it to the court yourself.
Step 9: Attend Your 341 Meeting
About a month after filing, you’ll have your 341 meeting. The meeting is sometimes called the “meeting of creditors.” Your trustee asks questions to verify your paperwork is accurate.
The court mails you a notice with the date and time. Most 341 meetings are held online via Zoom. They usually last less than 10 minutes. Answer honestly and clearly.
Have these two things ready:
- A government-issued photo ID
- Proof of your Social Security number
Your creditors receive a meeting notice. They rarely attend. Most of the time, it’s just you and the trustee.
Once it’s over, you’re one step closer to debt discharge.
Step 10: Deal With Your Car
In Connecticut, having a car is often essential. Many people worry about losing their vehicle when filing bankruptcy. The good news is most filers keep their car.
Whether you keep yours depends on several factors. Consider how much it’s worth and whether you’re making payments. Calculate your equity—the car’s value minus any loan balance.
Legal protections called exemptions may apply to your case. If your equity is fully protected, you can usually keep the car.
Options if you’re making loan payments:
- Reaffirm the loan: Keep the car and continue making payments. Most lenders allow this if you’re current and the loan fits your budget.
- Redeem the car: Pay the car’s current market value in a lump sum. The rest of the loan is wiped out. Smart option if you owe more than the car’s worth and have access to cash.
- Surrender the car: Give the car back to the lender and erase the remaining loan. Many choose this if payments are too high or the car isn’t reliable.
Own your car outright? You can usually keep it if the value is protected by an exemption. Connecticut filers choose between state or federal exemption systems. Both are covered in the exemptions section below.
Leasing your car? You can keep the lease or return the car. Walk away from the remaining payments.
Connecticut Bankruptcy Means Test
The bankruptcy means test helps determine if you qualify for Chapter 7. Your income determines eligibility. The test works in two parts.
First, compare your income to the state median. The court looks at your household income. It compares it to the median income for your household size in Connecticut. Income below that amount? You likely qualify for Chapter 7. You don’t need to complete the rest of the test.
If your income is higher, move to step two. The court examines your monthly disposable income. That’s what’s left after covering basic living costs. Costs include rent, food, transportation, car payments, and required debts like child support or taxes.
Connecticut Fee Waiver Eligibility for 2025
You’re eligible for a fee waiver when income is under 150% of the poverty level.
| Household Size | State Poverty Level | Fee Waiver Limit (150% PL) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,255.00 | $1,882.50 |
| 2 | $1,703.33 | $2,555.00 |
| 3 | $2,151.67 | $3,227.50 |
| 4 | $2,600.00 | $3,900.00 |
| 5 | $3,048.33 | $4,572.50 |
Connecticut Districts & Filing Requirements
Connecticut has one judicial district for the entire state. All bankruptcy cases are filed in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Connecticut.
File your forms in person at the clerk’s office. You can also mail them to the correct division. The court has three locations. File in the division that serves your county:
Bridgeport Division – for residents of Litchfield and Fairfield counties
Brien McMahon Federal Building
915 Lafayette Boulevard, Room 309
Bridgeport, CT 06604
Hartford Division – for residents of Hartford, New London, Tolland, and Windham counties
Abraham A. Ribicoff Federal Building
450 Main Street, 7th Floor
Hartford, CT 06103
New Haven Division – for residents of New Haven and Middlesex counties
Connecticut Financial Center
157 Church Street, 18th Floor
New Haven, CT 06510
Pay Your Filing Fee
Filing in person? You can pay the $338 filing fee by:
- Debit card
- Money order or cashier’s check made out to Clerk, U.S. Bankruptcy Court
- Exact cash
- Debit card or ACH bank transfer online through Pay.gov
Mailing your forms? You can:
- Include a money order or cashier’s check made out to Clerk, U.S. Bankruptcy Court
- Pay online through Pay.gov and attach a printed payment receipt
Credit cards and personal checks aren’t accepted.
Can’t afford the fee or want to pay in installments? Include your fee waiver or installment application when you submit forms.
Connecticut Bankruptcy Exemptions
Bankruptcy exemptions protect certain property. The court can’t sell protected property to pay creditors. In Connecticut, you can use state exemptions or federal exemptions. You must pick one set. You can’t mix them.
Lived in Connecticut for at least two years before filing? Choose the option that protects more of your property.
Key differences:
- Homestead: Connecticut protects up to $250,000 of equity in your home. The federal exemption protects up to $31,575.
- Vehicle: Connecticut protects up to $3,500 of equity in a car. The federal exemption protects up to $4,450.
- Wildcard: Connecticut lets you protect up to $1,000 of any property. The federal wildcard can be much higher depending on unused homestead exemption.
Connecticut Bankruptcy Lawyer Cost
Hiring a lawyer is often the biggest Chapter 7 expense. In Connecticut, most attorneys charge a flat fee. Fees range from $800 to $2,400. The exact cost depends on case complexity and lawyer experience.
Not comfortable navigating bankruptcy yourself? Don’t have resources to hire an attorney? Consider speaking with a bankruptcy attorney for free to explore your options.
Connecticut Legal Aid Organizations
Not comfortable navigating the bankruptcy process yourself? Don’t have resources to hire an attorney? Consider Connecticut’s legal aid options. These organizations provide free or discounted legal services to qualified residents. Eligible for Chapter 7? You’ll likely also qualify for legal aid programs.