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

Filing bankruptcy can erase debts like credit cards, medical bills, and payday loans. You can start fresh without crushing financial pressure. Many people file Chapter 7 without a lawyer to avoid legal fees. You can do this too.

This guide walks you through the full process. You’ll learn how to gather documents, complete forms, and submit everything to the court. We’ll show you how to protect your property using Nebraska’s exemption laws. You’ll also discover what to expect during your 341 meeting.

If your case is simple, you may qualify for free assistance. You can speak with a bankruptcy attorney for free to discuss your options.

How To File Bankruptcy in Nebraska for Free

Chapter 7 bankruptcy gives you a fresh start. It erases debts like credit cards, medical bills, and payday loans. The process is designed to help people who don’t have much income or property.

You don’t need a lawyer to file Chapter 7. Many people file on their own and save thousands in legal fees. This guide shows you exactly how to do it.

Collect Your Nebraska Bankruptcy Documents

Filing Chapter 7 requires preparation. Collecting the right documents early makes the process much smoother.

You’ll need certain documents to file your forms. You’ll also need others to send to your bankruptcy trustee after filing. Start by gathering these required items:

• Pay stubs or other proof of income from the past six months
• Your two most recent federal tax returns
• A bank statement that includes the date you plan to file

Additional helpful documents include:

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

You can get a free credit report every week from AnnualCreditReport.com. This report lists your debts, account balances, and creditor contact information.

Take a Credit Counseling Course

Before you file your Chapter 7 case, you must complete a credit counseling course. This short class helps you review your finances and explore debt options.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Complete the course within 180 days before you file
• The course takes 1-2 hours to finish
• You can take it online, by phone, or in person
• It costs $10-$50, but you may qualify for a fee waiver
• You must use a court-approved provider

After you finish, you’ll receive a certificate of completion. You must file this certificate with the court along with your forms. Without it, your case could be dismissed.

Complete the Bankruptcy Forms

To file your Chapter 7 case, you’ll complete official bankruptcy forms. These are federal forms used nationwide.

You can download fillable PDFs from USCourts.gov for free. But the Nebraska Bankruptcy Court offers a Chapter 7 individual filing packet. It includes all required federal forms plus Nebraska-specific information in one place.

If you hire a lawyer, they’ll prepare and submit the forms for you. Most attorneys have you complete a questionnaire first.

Get Your Filing Fee

Filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case costs $338. Many people qualify for a fee waiver based on income.

If you don’t qualify for a waiver but can’t pay upfront, you can apply to pay in installments. Many people choose this option when they need to file quickly. Filing stops wage garnishments and other collection actions immediately through the automatic stay.

If you pay in installments, don’t miss a payment. The court may dismiss your case if you fall behind.

Print Your Bankruptcy Forms

If you’re filing Chapter 7 on your own in Nebraska, you’ll print your forms. Then mail them or bring them to the courthouse in person. Using a checklist helps you stay organized.

Follow these printing best practices:

• Use standard 8.5″ x 11″ white letter-size paper
• Print in black ink
• Print single-sided only
• Don’t staple, hole-punch, or bind your forms

You must sign every signature page. These are easy to miss, so double-check each section.

If you hire a lawyer, they’ll submit your forms electronically.

File Your Forms With the Nebraska Bankruptcy Court

In Nebraska, you can file your Chapter 7 forms by mail or in person. The court doesn’t allow electronic filing without a lawyer.

Many filers bring their forms to the courthouse in person. This is the fastest and most reliable option. If something’s missing or needs fixing, the clerk tells you right away. You won’t worry about delivery issues either.

If you mail your forms instead, include everything the court needs. Keep a copy for yourself. You can find the correct court address and filing instructions on the Nebraska Bankruptcy Court’s website.

Mail Documents to Your Trustee

After you file your case, the court assigns a bankruptcy trustee. This neutral person oversees your case. They double-check your paperwork and ensure everything looks right. They also handle property-related issues, though most Chapter 7 filers keep everything.

A few days after filing, you’ll receive an official court notice. It includes your trustee’s name and contact information. Most trustees ask you to send documents before your 341 meeting. Documents include:

• Your two most recent federal tax returns
• A bank statement for any accounts open on your filing date
• A clear copy of your photo ID
• Proof of your Social Security number
• Proof of current income, like a recent pay stub

Mail these at least 14 days before your 341 meeting. If you’re missing something, include a short note explaining why.

Some trustees may request additional paperwork like mortgage documents or car titles. Send requested items quickly to keep your case moving forward.

Take a Debtor Education Course

Before your debts can be wiped out, you’ll take a second required course. This is called a debtor education or personal financial management course. The class helps you prepare for a fresh start. Topics include budgeting, saving, and using credit wisely.

Here’s what to know:

• Complete the course within 60 days of your 341 meeting
• Use a court-approved provider
• Complete it online, by phone, or in person
• File your certificate with the court after completion

This course is the final step before you receive your discharge. That’s the court order that officially erases your qualifying debts.

Attend Your 341 Meeting

About a month after you file, you’ll attend a short appointment. It’s called a 341 meeting or meeting of creditors. This is standard in every bankruptcy case. It gives your trustee a chance to confirm your identity and ask questions.

Even though it’s called a meeting of creditors, creditors rarely show up. Most meetings are quick, usually 10 minutes or less. Almost all 341 meetings now happen over Zoom videoconference.

At the meeting, you’ll need:

• A valid photo ID
• Proof of your Social Security number

During the meeting, the trustee asks simple questions. They confirm everything in your paperwork is accurate and complete. Answer honestly, and it will be over quickly.

Once your 341 meeting is done, you’re one step closer to having your debts wiped out.

Deal With Your Car

Many people worry that filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy means losing their car. That’s not always the case. Many filers keep their vehicles.

If you own your car outright, you can usually keep it. It must be protected by a bankruptcy exemption. Exemptions are laws that protect certain property during bankruptcy.

Nebraska lets you protect up to $5,000 of equity in one vehicle. You may also use Nebraska’s $5,000 wildcard exemption to protect extra value.

If you’re still paying off a car loan, your options depend on equity and payment status. Equity is the difference between your car’s value and what you owe. If your equity fits within Nebraska’s exemption limits, you may be able to:

• Keep the car and keep paying: If you’re current on your loan and your equity is protected, keep the car by continuing payments. You may need to sign a reaffirmation agreement.
• Redeem the car: If your car is worth less than what you owe, you may redeem it by paying its current value in one lump sum.
• Surrender the car: If your loan is too expensive or you’re behind on payments, give the car back. The remaining balance gets wiped out through your bankruptcy.

If you’re leasing a car, you may keep the lease by continuing payments. Or return the car without penalty.

Nebraska Bankruptcy Means Test

The Chapter 7 means test ensures bankruptcy relief goes to people who truly need it. It’s based on your income. It helps determine whether you qualify to file Chapter 7.

The test has two steps:

• Step 1: Compare your income to Nebraska’s median income. If your household income is below the median for your household size, you automatically pass. You qualify for Chapter 7.
• Step 2: Calculate your disposable income. If your income is above the median, you’ll move to a second calculation. This step looks at your expenses and leftover money each month. It decides if you’re eligible.

Many filers pass the means test at Step 1. They can move forward with Chapter 7 right away.

If you don’t pass at Step 1, speak with a bankruptcy attorney for free. They’ll confirm your eligibility or discuss your options. Calculating allowable expenses can get legally complex.

Nebraska Districts & Filing Requirements

Everyone in Nebraska files through the District of Nebraska Bankruptcy Court. The court offers a helpful Pro Se Guide with instructions for filing without a lawyer. It includes local rules and tips for Nebraska-specific procedures.

You can file your bankruptcy forms in person at the clerk’s office. Visit either Omaha or Lincoln during public support hours.

If you’re mailing your forms, they must go to the Omaha office.

In-person filing locations:

Omaha – Walk-in Monday-Friday
Roman L. Hruska United States Courthouse
111 South 18th Plaza, Suite 1125
Omaha, NE 68102

Lincoln – Walk-in Tuesday & Wednesday
Robert V. Denney Federal Building
100 Centennial Mall North
Lincoln, NE 68508

Both offices have a drop box available Monday through Friday.

Nebraska District Filing Fee Information

The $338 court filing fee must be paid by money order or cashier’s check. Make it payable to Clerk, U.S. Bankruptcy Court.

You can also pay the fee online using a debit card, bank account, or PayPal.

If you can’t afford the full fee upfront, you can apply to pay in installments. Or request a fee waiver if your income is below the qualifying threshold.

The court doesn’t accept cash, personal checks, or credit cards.

Nebraska Bankruptcy Exemptions

Bankruptcy exemptions are laws that protect certain property. They protect things like your home, car, and household belongings. Most Chapter 7 filers keep everything they own. Their property falls within exemption limits.

Some states let residents choose between federal and state bankruptcy exemptions. Nebraska isn’t one of them. If you’ve lived in Nebraska for at least two years, you’ll use Nebraska state exemptions.

Here are key Nebraska exemptions:

• Vehicle exemption: up to $5,000 of equity in one vehicle
• Homestead exemption: up to $120,000 in equity in your primary residence
• Wildcard exemption: up to $5,000 in value for any property you choose

Nebraska Bankruptcy Lawyer Cost

You don’t have to hire a bankruptcy lawyer to file Chapter 7. But in some cases, it’s a good idea. This is especially true if you own a home or have a complex financial situation.

Most attorneys charge a flat fee for Chapter 7 cases. In Nebraska, that fee typically falls between $1,100 and $1,300. The cost depends on how complicated your situation is.

If you want legal help but can’t afford an attorney, you may access legal advice from a legal aid organization. These organizations provide free or reduced-cost legal aid to low-income residents.