File Bankruptcy Free in Washington D.C. | 2025 Guide

Buried by bills in Washington D.C.? You’re not alone. Chapter 7 bankruptcy erases debts like credit cards, medical bills, and payday loans.

Many people file successfully without a lawyer. If your case is simple, you can do it yourself.

Qualify for Chapter 7 in D.C.? Find Out Now

See if you meet D.C.'s income requirements for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Free consultation with a bankruptcy attorney who knows local court rules and exemptions.

Check Your Eligibility

How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Washington, D.C.

Collect Your D.C. Bankruptcy Documents

You need detailed financial documents before filing. Having the right paperwork helps you complete forms accurately.

Gather these required documents:

Pay stubs from the past six months
Federal income tax returns from the past two years
Bank statement covering your filing date

The court and trustee will review this information.

Additional helpful documents include:

Credit card and loan statements
Letters from debt collectors
Bank statements from the past 6-12 months
Recent credit report

Get free credit reports weekly at AnnualCreditReport.com.

Take a Credit Counseling Course

You must complete credit counseling before filing. The course explains debt management options, including bankruptcy.

Course requirements:

Complete within 180 days before filing
Costs $10-$50, but fee waivers are available
Takes about an hour online or by phone
Must use a court-approved provider

You’ll receive a certificate to include with your bankruptcy forms.

Complete the Bankruptcy Forms

Every Chapter 7 case requires federal bankruptcy forms. These forms collect information about your income, debts, property, and financial history.

Download free fillable PDFs from USCourts.gov. D.C. filers may need additional local forms.

Check the Washington, D.C., District & Filing Requirements section for local details.

Get Your Filing Fee

Chapter 7 bankruptcy costs $338 to file. Many filers qualify for a fee waiver based on income.

Can’t get a waiver? Request to pay in installments. Make monthly payments until you’ve paid the full amount.

Filing immediately triggers the automatic stay. Speaking with a bankruptcy attorney can help stop wage garnishments and repossession. Stay current on payments to avoid case dismissal.

Print Your Bankruptcy Forms

After completing your forms, print them correctly for court submission.

Printing requirements:

Use black ink on white paper
Print single-sided only
Use letter-size paper (8.5″ x 11″)
Don’t staple, hole-punch, or bind pages

Sign every page requiring a signature.

Use this official checklist to verify completeness.

File Your Forms With the D.C. Bankruptcy Court

File your signed forms with the D.C. Bankruptcy Court. Without a lawyer, file in person or by mail.

In-person filing is fastest and most reliable. The clerk checks for missing items immediately. You receive your case number right away.

Mailing is acceptable if needed. Use certified mail or tracking to confirm delivery.

Mail Documents to Your Trustee

The court assigns a bankruptcy trustee to oversee your case. The trustee reviews paperwork and leads your 341 meeting.

You’ll receive notice with your trustee’s contact information. Your 341 meeting date appears on this notice.

Send these documents at least 14 days before your meeting:

Most recent federal tax return
Bank statement from your filing date
Government-issued photo ID
Social Security card or proof of SSN
Most recent pay stub or income proof

Your trustee may request additional documents. Respond promptly to keep your case moving.

Take a Debtor Education Course

Complete debtor education before getting your discharge. The course covers personal finance basics for managing money after bankruptcy.

You must finish this course to discharge your debts.

Course details:

Complete within 60 days after your 341 meeting
Use a court-approved D.C. provider
Costs $10-$50 (fee waivers available)
Takes about one hour
File completion certificate with the court

Attend Your 341 Meeting

About a month after filing, attend a short meeting with your trustee. The 341 meeting typically lasts under 10 minutes.

Most meetings happen virtually on Zoom. Your notice includes the date, time, and login information.

The trustee places you under oath. They ask simple questions about your forms, finances, and identity. Creditors rarely attend.

Have these items nearby:

Copy of bankruptcy forms
Documents sent to your trustee
Official court notice
Photo ID and Social Security proof

Most people find the meeting surprisingly quick and simple.

Your debts discharge about 2-3 months after the meeting.

Deal With Your Car

Many people keep their car through bankruptcy. What happens depends on ownership status.

If you own your car: Keep it if its value falls within exemption limits. Both D.C. and federal exemptions protect modest vehicles.

Check the Washington, D.C., Bankruptcy Exemptions section for details.

If you have a car loan:

Sign a reaffirmation agreement to keep the car and continue payments
Redeem the car by paying its market value in one payment
Surrender the car and discharge the remaining loan balance

If you lease your car: Return it or keep the lease and continue payments.

Washington, D.C., Bankruptcy Means Test

The means test determines Chapter 7 eligibility. The test reviews your income and finances.

Most people qualify through the first part. Your household income compares to D.C.’s median income for your household size. Income below median qualifies you automatically.

Higher income requires accounting for allowable expenses. Most people at this stage need legal help to verify eligibility. Speak with a bankruptcy attorney for free to review your situation.

Median Income Levels for Washington, D.C.

Compare your income to these 2025 D.C. median income standards:

1 person: Check current D.C. median income tables
2 people: Check current D.C. median income tables
3+ people: Add for each additional household member

Fee Waiver Eligibility

Qualify for a fee waiver at 150% of poverty level:

1 person: $1,882.50 monthly
2 people: $2,555.00 monthly
3 people: $3,227.50 monthly
4 people: $3,900.00 monthly
5 people: $4,572.50 monthly
6 people: $5,245.00 monthly

Washington, D.C., District & Filing Requirements

Washington, D.C., has one federal bankruptcy district. The D.C. Bankruptcy Court provides a detailed filing guide for self-filers.

File in person or by mail at:
United States Bankruptcy Court
333 Constitution Avenue N.W., Room 1225
Washington, D.C. 20001

Use standard federal forms plus D.C.-specific requirements. The mailing matrix lists creditors and addresses. Follow formatting guidelines and attach a cover sheet.

Pay the $338 fee with exact cash (in person), cashier’s check, or money order to Clerk, U.S. Bankruptcy Court. Online payment available through Pay.gov using debit card, bank account, or PayPal.

The court doesn’t accept credit cards or personal checks from self-filers.

Washington, D.C., Bankruptcy Exemptions

Bankruptcy exemptions protect essential property. You keep what you need to live and work.

D.C. filers choose between federal exemptions or District of Columbia exemptions. Pick whichever protects more property. You can’t mix both systems.

Key exemption comparisons:

Homestead (home equity):

D.C.: Unlimited equity in primary residence
Federal: Up to $31,575 ($63,150 married filing jointly)

Motor vehicle:

D.C.: Up to $2,575 equity in one vehicle
Federal: Up to $5,025 equity in one vehicle

Wildcard exemption:

D.C.: $850, plus up to $8,075 unused homestead
Federal: $1,675, plus up to $15,800 unused homestead

Washington, D.C., Bankruptcy Lawyer Cost

Complex situations or valuable assets benefit from legal advice. An attorney can represent you in court.

D.C. bankruptcy attorneys charge flat fees. Expect to pay between $1,200 and $2,500, depending on case complexity.

Attorneys handle difficult legal issues and protect assets. They reduce mistakes that delay or dismiss cases.

Washington, D.C., Legal Aid Organizations

Not everyone should file without a lawyer. Can’t afford an attorney? Legal aid organizations offer free or low-cost help.

These groups serve people with limited income. Some provide full representation. Others offer brief advice or help with specific issues.

Contact D.C.-area legal aid organizations for bankruptcy assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the income limit to file bankruptcy for free in Washington D.C.?

You qualify for a fee waiver if your monthly income is below 150% of the federal poverty level. For a single person, that's $1,882.50 monthly. The limit increases based on household size.

How do I file Chapter 7 bankruptcy without a lawyer in D.C.?

Gather financial documents, complete credit counseling, fill out federal bankruptcy forms, and file in person or by mail at the D.C. Bankruptcy Court. You'll also attend a 341 meeting with your trustee and complete debtor education to get your discharge.

Can I keep my car if I file bankruptcy in Washington D.C.?

Yes, most people keep their car. If you own it outright, exemptions protect modest vehicle values. With a car loan, you can reaffirm the loan to keep making payments, redeem it by paying its market value, or surrender it and discharge the debt.

What debts does Chapter 7 bankruptcy eliminate in D.C.?

Chapter 7 erases unsecured debts like credit cards, medical bills, payday loans, personal loans, and old utility balances. It doesn't eliminate student loans, recent taxes, child support, or alimony.

How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Washington D.C. (2025 Guide)