How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Hawaii (2025 Guide)
You can file Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Hawaii without hiring a lawyer. The process involves gathering documents, taking two required courses, completing federal forms, and attending a short meeting with your trustee. Most Hawaii filers keep their property using exemptions and eliminate overwhelming debt within 3-4 months.
Get Free ConsultationDealing with overwhelming debt in Hawaii? You’ve tried everything, but you can’t get ahead. Bankruptcy might be your path to financial freedom.
You can file Chapter 7 bankruptcy without hiring a lawyer. The process involves gathering documents, completing required courses, and filling out court forms. Most Hawaii filers keep their property and get a fresh start.
Not Sure If Chapter 7 Is Right for You?
Speak with a bankruptcy attorney for free to review your Hawaii case. Get personalized advice on exemptions, means test qualification, and whether you can eliminate your debt through Chapter 7 or Chapter 13.
Talk to an Attorney FreeStep 1: Collect Your Hawaii Bankruptcy Documents
You need specific documents to paint a complete financial picture. Gather these items before you start your forms.
Required documents (submit with your petition):
- Paycheck stubs from the past 60 days
- Federal tax returns from the past two years
- Bank statement that includes your filing date
- Photo ID (driver’s license or passport)
- Proof of your Social Security number
Helpful documents:
- Credit card and loan statements
- Letters or notices from debt collectors
- Bank statements from the past 6-12 months
- Recent credit report
Having these documents ready makes completing your forms much easier.
Step 2: Take a Credit Counseling Course
Before filing Chapter 7, you must complete credit counseling. The course helps you understand your financial options and confirms bankruptcy is right for you.
Course requirements:
- Complete it within 180 days before filing
- Take it online, by phone, or in person
- Cost ranges from $10-$50 (waivers available)
- Use only court-approved providers
You’ll receive a certificate after completing the course. Submit this certificate with your bankruptcy forms. Missing this certificate can get your case dismissed.
Step 3: Complete the Bankruptcy Forms
Chapter 7 bankruptcy requires federal forms that detail your finances. Download free fillable PDFs from USCourts.gov.
Your forms must include accurate information about:
- Monthly income and income sources
- Monthly expenses and living costs
- Property you own
- Debts you owe
Some Hawaii courts require local forms. Check the Hawaii District section below for specific requirements.
The paperwork is legally binding. Be honest and thorough on every form.
If you need help, speak with a bankruptcy attorney for free to review your options.
Step 4: Handle Your Filing Fee
Filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy costs $338. Many Hawaii residents qualify for a fee waiver.
Fee Waiver Eligibility
You qualify for a waiver if your income is below 150% of the federal poverty guideline. Submit the fee waiver form with your bankruptcy paperwork.
Payment Plan Option
Can’t afford the full fee but earn too much for a waiver? Request a payment plan. The court allows up to four months to pay the $338 in installments.
Missing a payment deadline can result in case dismissal. Stay current on all payments.
Once you file, the automatic stay kicks in. Collection actions pause immediately.
Step 5: Print Your Bankruptcy Forms
Print your completed forms following these guidelines:
- Use standard 8.5″ x 11″ white paper
- Print single-sided only
- Use black ink
- Don’t staple or hole-punch pages
- Sign every page requiring a signature
Make copies for your records before filing. Use this printable checklist to track your documents.
Step 6: File Your Forms With the Hawaii Bankruptcy Court
Submit your forms in person or by mail to the Honolulu courthouse. Hawaii doesn’t allow electronic filing for self-represented filers.
Court address:
U.S. Bankruptcy Court — District of Hawaii
1132 Bishop Street, Suite 250
Honolulu, HI 96813
Filing in Person
The clerk reviews your packet immediately. You’ll know if anything is missing or unsigned. You’ll receive a stamped copy for your records.
Filing by Mail
Double-check that everything is signed and complete. Send documents via certified mail to track delivery and confirm receipt.
Paying Your Fee
Pay online through Pay.gov using debit card, bank account (ACH), or PayPal.
Pay by mail or in person using cashier’s check or money order payable to Clerk, U.S. Bankruptcy Court.
Personal checks, credit cards, and cash aren’t accepted.
Step 7: Mail Documents to Your Trustee
After filing, the court assigns a bankruptcy trustee. The trustee reviews your paperwork and ensures accuracy.
You’ll receive your trustee’s name and mailing address in the official court notice.
Send these documents to your trustee:
- Two most recent federal tax returns
- Bank statement for accounts open on your filing date
- Recent pay stub or proof of income
- Copy of your photo ID
- Proof of your Social Security number
Mail these documents at least 14 days before your 341 meeting.
Step 8: Take a Debtor Education Course
Complete a second course called debtor education to receive your discharge. The course covers budgeting, managing credit, and financial planning.
Course details:
- Complete within 60 days after your 341 meeting
- Costs $10-$50 (waivers available)
- Use only court-approved providers
File your certificate of completion with the court. Your case can’t finalize without it.
Step 9: Attend Your 341 Meeting
About a month after filing, you’ll attend the meeting of creditors. Your trustee asks questions to verify your forms are accurate.
No judge attends this meeting. Creditors rarely show up.
Meeting Format
Most Hawaii 341 meetings happen virtually via Zoom. Some trustees schedule phone or in-person meetings. Check your official notice for details.
What to Bring
Have your photo ID and Social Security card ready. The trustee verifies your identity.
Most meetings last 5-10 minutes. Once complete, you’re one step closer to eliminating your debts.
Step 10: Deal With Your Car
Many Hawaii filers keep their car in Chapter 7. Transportation is essential in most parts of the islands.
Understanding Car Equity
Your equity determines if you can keep your car. Equity equals your car’s current value minus what you owe on any loan.
Your equity must be less than the exemption protecting it.
If You’re Still Paying a Car Loan
You can likely keep your car if you’re current on payments and the equity is protected.
Your options:
- Reaffirm the loan: Sign a reaffirmation agreement and continue making payments. You stay responsible for the loan.
- Redeem the car: Pay its current value in one lump sum. Works if the car is worth less than the loan balance.
- Surrender the car: Return it to the lender and eliminate the remaining balance.
If You Own Your Car Outright
You usually keep your car if its value is under Hawaii’s vehicle exemption.
If You Lease Your Car
Tell the court whether you want to keep the lease or return the car.
Hawaii Bankruptcy Means Test
Chapter 7 eligibility depends primarily on income. The means test compares your household income to Hawaii’s median income.
How the Means Test Works
Compare your income to the median for your household size. If your income is below the median, you automatically qualify.
If your income exceeds the median, you can factor in your expenses. The calculation becomes legally complex at this point. Most people hire a lawyer when income exceeds median levels.
2025 Hawaii Median Income Standards
Income limits vary by household size. Compare your annual or monthly income to these figures:
| Household Size | Monthly Income | Annual Income |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $6,037 | $72,444 |
| 2 | $7,856 | $94,272 |
| 3 | $9,256 | $111,072 |
| 4 | $10,656 | $127,872 |
2025 Fee Waiver Eligibility
Fee waivers are available when income is under 150% of the poverty level:
| Household Size | State Poverty Level | Fee Waiver Limit (150% PL) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,442.50 | $2,163.75 |
| 2 | $1,958.33 | $2,937.50 |
| 3 | $2,474.17 | $3,711.25 |
| 4 | $2,990.00 | $4,485.00 |
Hawaii Districts & Filing Requirements
Hawaii has one U.S. Bankruptcy Court district. All forms are submitted to the Honolulu courthouse.
Creditor List Requirement
Hawaii requires your creditor list in paper and electronic format.
Two options:
- Create a .txt file and submit it on USB drive or CD with your printed forms
- Use the court’s online creditor list tool to enter and send it electronically. Print a copy for your forms.
Check this sample creditor matrix for proper formatting.
You must also file the Verification of List of Creditors confirming your information is accurate.
Hawaii Bankruptcy Exemptions
Bankruptcy exemptions protect property you need for daily life. You don’t lose everything when filing Chapter 7.
Hawaii residents who’ve lived in the state for two years choose between Hawaii exemptions and federal bankruptcy exemptions. You can’t mix systems.
Key Exemption Comparisons
Homestead exemption:
- Hawaii: Up to $30,000 of home equity ($20,000 if not head of household)
- Federal: Up to $31,950 of home equity ($63,900 if married filing jointly)
Vehicle exemption:
- Hawaii: Up to $2,575 of vehicle equity
- Federal: Up to $5,025 of vehicle equity
Wildcard exemption (use on anything):
- Hawaii: None
- Federal: Up to $1,675 plus $15,800 of unused homestead exemption
Many Hawaii filers choose federal exemptions. They offer more protection for vehicles, cash, and personal belongings.
Hawaii Bankruptcy Lawyer Cost
Most bankruptcy attorneys charge flat fees for Chapter 7. Hawaii’s average fee ranges from $1,200 to $1,500.
The exact cost depends on case complexity and your location. Hawaii fees run slightly higher than the national average.
Legal help is valuable if you own a home, have valuable property, or feel overwhelmed. The lawyer fee is typically the biggest bankruptcy expense.
Need help deciding if you should hire an attorney? Speak with a bankruptcy attorney for free to discuss your options.
Hawaii Legal Aid Organizations
Legal aid groups provide free help to people who can’t afford lawyers. Hawaii’s Legal Aid Society and Volunteer Legal Services Hawaii offer Chapter 7 bankruptcy support on every island.
Nonprofit organizations serve low-income individuals and families. Contact these groups to see if you qualify for free legal assistance.