How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Georgia (2025 Guide)

Filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Georgia without a lawyer is possible. You can wipe out credit card debt, medical bills, and other unsecured debts. Many Georgians successfully file on their own and get a fresh financial start.

Chapter 7 is the most common type of personal bankruptcy. You don’t need expensive legal help to complete the process. This step-by-step guide explains how to handle everything yourself.

You’ll learn what documents to collect and how to take required courses. We’ll show you how to fill out forms and submit them to the court. You’ll also discover what to expect at your 341 meeting.

Georgia has three bankruptcy districts with specific rules and requirements. We cover all the details you need for your district. You’ll also find information about exemptions, filing fees, and fee waivers.

If your case is straightforward, you may qualify for help from a bankruptcy attorney who offers free consultations. Professional guidance can help you navigate the process with confidence.

10 Steps To File Chapter 7 in Georgia

1. Collect Your Georgia Bankruptcy Documents

Start by gathering key documents. These help you fill out your bankruptcy forms accurately. Getting organized before you start makes the process less overwhelming.

Here’s what you need to file your case:

• Paycheck stubs from the past six months to show your income
• Tax returns from the last two years
• A bank statement that includes your bankruptcy filing date

After you file, the court assigns a bankruptcy trustee. They review your paperwork and may request additional documents. Responding quickly keeps your case moving forward.

Some documents aren’t required but make form completion easier. Gather these items to accurately list debts, income, and expenses:

• Credit card and loan statements
• Letters or notices from debt collectors
• Bank statements from the last 6-12 months
• A recent credit report

You can get a free credit report each week from the three main credit bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com.

2. Complete the Bankruptcy Forms

Next, fill out your bankruptcy forms using the documents you collected. These forms tell the court about your finances. They officially start your Chapter 7 case.

All Chapter 7 bankruptcy forms are federal forms. They’re the same in every state. You can download them for free as fillable PDFs from USCourts.gov.

Some courts also require local forms. These vary by district. You’ll find those details later in this guide.

If you work with a bankruptcy attorney, they usually complete the forms for you. They use information you provide to ensure accuracy.

3. Take the Required Credit Counseling Course

Before filing your case, you need to take a credit counseling course. This class ensures you understand your debt relief options. It helps you decide if bankruptcy is right for you.

Here’s what to know about the course:

• You must take it within 180 days before filing your bankruptcy case
• It must be from an approved provider
• It takes 1-2 hours
• You can take it online, by phone, or sometimes in person
• It usually costs between $10-$50
• You can apply for a fee waiver if you can’t afford it

You’ll get a certificate of completion when you finish. You need to file this certificate with the court. Without it, the court may dismiss your case.

4. Get Your Filing Fee or Fee Waiver Form

When your forms and coursework are completed, you’re ready to file. There’s a $338 filing fee for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Many people qualify for a fee waiver based on their income.

If you don’t qualify for a waiver, request a payment plan. The court allows you to pay the fee in smaller amounts. Generally, you’ll pay within 120 days of filing.

Many people set up a payment plan to file quickly. This helps stop a wage garnishment or debt lawsuit right away. As soon as you file, the automatic stay goes into effect.

The automatic stay stops most collection actions. It halts calls, lawsuits, garnishments, and repossessions. You get immediate protection from creditors.

Stay on top of any payments you agree to. Missing a payment could lead to case dismissal. You’ll lose your debts won’t be wiped out and any money paid toward the fee.

5. Print Your Bankruptcy Forms

Whether you plan to submit forms in person or mail them, print them first. Follow these printing requirements:

• Use 8.5″ x 11″ standard letter-size paper
• Print single-sided
• Use black ink
• Don’t staple, hole-punch, or bind the pages

Take your time signing every page that requires a signature. Some spots are easy to miss. Double-check each page before moving forward.

If you work with a lawyer, they file everything electronically. You won’t need to worry about printing or mailing. Review the official Chapter 7 checklist for a final form check before submitting.

6. File Your Forms With the Georgia Bankruptcy Court

Georgia has three bankruptcy districts and 15 courthouses. You can file your paperwork in person at the courthouse. You can also file via mail.

Many people prefer filing in person for peace of mind. The court clerk can tell you if there are any issues. You don’t have to wait for your case number.

If mailing works better, that’s an option too. Send your forms via certified mail. You can track them and ensure they arrive safely.

You can find court addresses and district information later in this article. After you file your papers, take a deep breath. Your case is officially started and the automatic stay protects you immediately.

7. Mail Documents to Your Trustee

After filing your case, the court assigns a bankruptcy trustee. They review your paperwork and manage your case. You’ll get their name and contact information in Form 309A within a few days.

You need to send your trustee two documents:

• A copy of your two most recent federal tax returns
• A bank statement that includes the date you filed bankruptcy

Send these at least seven days before your 341 meeting. Your trustee might also request other documents. Pay stubs or additional bank statements are common requests.

Respond quickly to any requests. Quick responses keep your case on track. Delays can complicate the process unnecessarily.

8. Take a Debtor Education Course

After sending documents to your trustee, complete one more course. The second course is called debtor education or financial management. It helps you build money management skills.

You must take this course to get your bankruptcy discharge. Skipping it means your case closes without wiping out debts. Here’s what to know:

• Take it before or after your 341 meeting
• The court must receive your certificate within 60 days after the meeting
• It usually costs $10-$50
• You may qualify for a fee waiver
• You must use a court-approved provider

When you finish the class, you get a certificate. File this certificate with the court. Without it, your case could close without a discharge.

9. Attend Your 341 Meeting

Another key step is the 341 meeting, or meeting of creditors. It happens about 30-40 days after you file. The court sends you Form 309A with the date and time.

What to expect:

• Most meetings are held remotely
• They usually last around 10 minutes
• The trustee verifies your identity and asks questions
• Creditors can attend but rarely do

What to bring (send at least 14 days prior or follow trustee deadline):

• A government-issued photo ID
• Proof of your Social Security number
• A bank statement covering your filing date
• Your most recent tax return
• Recent proof of income like a paycheck stub

Your trustee may ask for other documents. Investment account details or monthly expense information are common requests. If you don’t have something requested, send a note explaining why.

It’s normal to feel nervous. Most people are surprised by how quick and easy the meeting is.

10. Deal With Your Car

Many people worry about losing their car in bankruptcy. The good news is that many keep their car. Georgia’s exemption rules often protect vehicles.

If You Own Your Car Outright: You can usually keep your car if it’s worth less than $5,000. Georgia’s vehicle exemption protects up to that amount. If your car is worth more, the wildcard exemption may help.

If You’re Still Paying Off Your Car: You have a few options with a car loan:

• Keep the car and the loan: If your equity is protected and payments are manageable, keep the car. Your lender might ask you to sign a reaffirmation agreement. This keeps you responsible for the loan after bankruptcy.
• Redeem the car: You can buy the car for its current value in a lump sum. This helps if your car is worth much less than what you owe.
• Surrender the car: Give the car back to the lender and wipe out the remaining loan. This works if payments no longer fit your budget.

If You Lease Your Car: You can return the car and cancel the lease. You can also keep it by “assuming” the lease. You must be up to date on payments to assume it.

Many people wait to get a new car after bankruptcy. Waiting lets your credit recover. You’ll qualify for better loans and save money on interest.

Georgia Bankruptcy Means Test

Before filing for Chapter 7 in Georgia, you’ll need to pass the means test. The means test looks at your income and expenses. It compares your household income to Georgia’s median income.

If your income is below the median, you qualify. You can use a free calculator to check your eligibility. If your income is above the median, you move to the second part.

The second step looks at your monthly expenses. It considers rent, groceries, and medical costs. The test calculates your disposable income.

If you don’t have enough left over to repay debts, you may still qualify. Many Georgians with above-median income still pass the means test. The calculation accounts for necessary living expenses.

Georgia Median Income Standards for Means Test (2025)

Use these figures to determine if your income qualifies you for Chapter 7:

• 1 person: $4,738 monthly / $56,856 annually
• 2 people: $6,181 monthly / $74,172 annually
• 3 people: $7,065 monthly / $84,780 annually
• 4 people: $8,546 monthly / $102,552 annually

Georgia Fee Waiver Eligibility (2025)

You’re eligible for a fee waiver when income is under 150% of the 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

Georgia Districts, Filing Requirements & Local Rules

Georgia has three bankruptcy districts and 15 divisions. Where you file depends on the district you live in. Each district has specific filing requirements.

Northern District of Georgia Filing Requirements

The Northern District covers Atlanta, Gainesville, Newnan, and Rome. It requires federal and local forms. If you’re filing without a lawyer, these local forms are important:

• All pro se filers must submit a Pro Se Affidavit
• If you don’t have pay stubs from the past 60 days, include a Statement Regarding Payment Advices
• If requesting a payment plan for the court fee, submit the local installment application

You also need to include a creditor matrix. The Northern District has specific formatting rules for this list. An example matrix is available to guide you.

How To File Your Forms & Pay the Filing Fee (Northern District)

You can hand-deliver paperwork to courts in Atlanta, Newnan, Rome, or Gainesville. If mailing your forms, send them to:

U.S. Bankruptcy Court – Northern District of Georgia
1340 United States Courthouse
75 Ted Turner Drive SW
Atlanta, GA 30303

Include a copy of a government-issued ID for each person filing. Pay the filing fee by cashier’s check or money order. Make it payable to Clerk, United States Bankruptcy Court.

Cash and personal checks are not accepted. You can also pay online using a debit card or PayPal.

Middle District of Georgia Filing Requirements

The Middle District covers Macon, Columbus, Albany, Valdosta, and Athens. It has fewer local form requirements. One is especially important for pro se filers:

The Statement of Assistance Form lets the court know if you had help. It asks whether you had help preparing your bankruptcy forms. If filing without an attorney, you’ll find a detailed overview on the court’s website.

The court encourages pro se filers to contact the Clerk’s Office. Request a full filing packet with the latest forms and instructions:

• Macon Office: 478-752-3506
• Columbus Office: 706-649-7837

How To File Your Forms & Pay the Filing Fee (Middle District)

You can hand-deliver paperwork to courts in Macon or Columbus. You can also mail your documents with your filing fee or fee waiver.

For Albany, Columbus, and Valdosta Divisions, mail to:

U.S. Bankruptcy Court
Middle District of Georgia
P.O. Box 2147
Columbus, GA 31902

For Athens and Macon Divisions, mail to:

U.S. Bankruptcy Court
Middle District of Georgia
P.O. Box 1957
Macon, GA 31202

Pay the filing fee by cashier’s check, certified check, or money order. Make it payable to Clerk, United States Bankruptcy Court. You can pay online using a bank account, debit card, or PayPal.

Cash and personal checks are not accepted. If applying to pay in installments, the full fee is due by your 341 meeting date.

Southern District of Georgia Filing Requirements

The Southern District covers Augusta, Brunswick, Dublin, Savannah, Statesboro, and Waycross. It has one required local form for pro se filers:

Transmittal of Pay Advices: If you’ve received pay from an employer, list the employer’s name. Include dates of the pay stubs you’re submitting. If you didn’t receive pay or don’t have documentation, explain why.

How To File Your Forms & Pay the Filing Fee (Southern District)

You can hand-deliver paperwork to any courthouse in your division. You can also mail your documents with filing fee or fee waiver form.

For Augusta and Dublin Divisions, mail to:

U.S. Bankruptcy Court
P.O. Box 1487
Augusta, GA 30903

For Brunswick and Waycross Divisions, mail to:

U.S. Bankruptcy Court
801 Gloucester St, Rm 314
Brunswick, GA 31520

For Savannah and Statesboro Divisions, mail to:

U.S. Bankruptcy Court
P.O. Box 8347
Savannah, GA 31412

Pay the filing fee by money order, certified check, or cash. Make checks payable to Clerk, U.S. Bankruptcy Court. Cash payments are accepted only if hand-delivered in exact amounts.

The court doesn’t make change. Never mail cash. Personal checks are not accepted. You can pay online using a bank account, debit card, or PayPal.

Georgia Bankruptcy Exemptions

When you file Chapter 7 bankruptcy, exemptions help protect your property. They let you keep certain things you need to live. Clothes, household items, and some income are protected.

In Georgia, you can also protect equity in your home and car. Protection applies up to certain limits. There are both federal and state exemptions.

Georgia doesn’t allow residents to use federal bankruptcy exemptions. If you’ve lived in Georgia for at least two years, you must use Georgia’s exemptions. Georgia filers can protect up to:

• $5,000 of the equity you have in your car
• $21,500 in home equity for individual filers ($43,000 if married filing jointly)
• $1,200 of any property using the wildcard exemption
• If you don’t use the homestead exemption, you get an additional $10,000 wildcard exemption

There are many other exemptions available. These are three of the most commonly used ones. Most people who file in Georgia can keep everything they own.

The wildcard exemption helps protect additional property. Equity equals the current fair market value minus what you owe. If the property is paid off, equity equals current fair market value.

Georgia Bankruptcy Lawyer Cost

In Georgia, bankruptcy attorneys usually charge a flat fee. Chapter 7 cases typically cost between $649 and $1,500. The exact amount depends on case complexity and location.

More complex cases cost more. Cases with multiple assets or income sources require more work. Simple cases with basic debts cost less.

If you’re considering professional help, speak with a bankruptcy attorney for free. Many offer free consultations to discuss your situation. You can learn about costs and options before committing.

Georgia Legal Aid Organizations

If hiring a lawyer feels out of reach, explore legal aid. Some people want assistance but can’t afford full representation. Local organizations offer free or low-cost legal advice.

Legal aid helps with form preparation and questions. Staff can review your documents and explain requirements. Many organizations serve specific counties or regions.

Contact organizations in your area to check eligibility. Most have income requirements. If you qualify, you can get valuable support throughout your case.