How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Nevada (2025 Guide)
Filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Nevada doesn't require a lawyer if your case is straightforward. You can wipe out credit card debt, medical bills, and payday loans while keeping most of your property. The process takes about four months and costs $338 in court fees, though many people qualify for a fee waiver.
Get Free ConsultationStruggling with debt in Nevada? Chapter 7 bankruptcy can offer you a fresh start. You can wipe out credit card balances, medical bills, and payday loans.
You don’t need a lawyer to file Chapter 7. Many people successfully file on their own and save thousands. Our step-by-step guide walks you through the entire process.
Ready To File Chapter 7 in Nevada?
Get connected with a bankruptcy attorney for a free consultation. Find out if you qualify for Chapter 7 and can eliminate your debt in just four months.
Check Your EligibilityFrom gathering documents to attending your 341 meeting, we cover everything you need to know.
How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Nevada
Chapter 7 bankruptcy helps you eliminate overwhelming debt. The process is straightforward if you follow each step carefully.
You’ll complete required courses, fill out forms, and attend one short meeting. Most cases take about four months from filing to discharge.
Collect Your Nevada Bankruptcy Documents
You need to gather financial documents before starting your case. Some documents are required by law. Others just make the process easier.
Here’s what you must have:
- Pay stubs or income proof from the last six months
- Tax returns from the past two years
- A bank statement that includes your filing date
Additional helpful documents include:
- Credit card and loan statements
- Letters from debt collectors
- Bank statements from the last 6-12 months
- A recent credit report
Send any additional requested documents promptly. Quick responses keep your case moving forward.
Take a Credit Counseling Course
You must complete credit counseling before filing your bankruptcy forms. The course helps you understand all your debt relief options.
Choose a court-approved provider from the official list.
Important course requirements:
- Take it online, by phone, or in person
- Complete it within 180 days before filing
- Cost ranges from $10-$50
- Request a fee waiver if you can’t afford it
- File the completion certificate with your bankruptcy forms
Missing this certificate can get your case dismissed. Keep it safe and include it with your filing.
Complete the Bankruptcy Forms
After gathering documents and finishing credit counseling, you’ll complete bankruptcy forms. Most forms are federal and standardized across all states.
Download free fillable PDFs from USCourts.gov. Nevada also requires two local forms.
Check the Nevada bankruptcy court’s Chapter 7 checklist for guidance. You’ll find links to all required local forms there.
If you need help preparing your forms, speak with a bankruptcy attorney for free to discuss your options.
Get Your Filing Fee
Filing Chapter 7 costs $338 in court fees. Many people qualify for a fee waiver based on income.
You can request to waive the fee completely. Or ask to pay in installments over several months.
Paying in installments helps if you need to file quickly. Filing immediately starts the automatic stay, which stops wage garnishment and collection calls.
Stay current on installment payments. Missing a payment can get your case dismissed before discharge.
Print Your Bankruptcy Forms
Once forms are complete, print them carefully following court requirements. Use a checklist to stay organized.
Printing requirements:
- Use white letter-size paper (8.5″ x 11″)
- Print single-sided in black ink only
- Don’t use color ink, double-sided printing, or staples
- Don’t punch holes in the documents
Sign every page requiring a signature. Double-check each page to avoid missing any.
File Your Forms With the Nevada Bankruptcy Court
Submit your forms by mail or in person. Nevada has two bankruptcy court locations.
Clark, Esmeralda, Lincoln, and Nye county residents file in Las Vegas. All other counties file in Reno.
Filing in person offers immediate confirmation. A clerk checks your forms and catches missing items right away.
Once accepted, you receive a case number immediately. The automatic stay begins protecting you from most collection efforts.
Mailing works well if you live far from the courthouse. Include your $338 fee and a stamped return envelope.
Use certified mail to track delivery confirmation.
Mail Documents to Your Trustee
After filing, the court assigns a bankruptcy trustee to your case. The trustee reviews your paperwork and conducts your 341 meeting.
Send these documents to your trustee at least two weeks before your 341 meeting:
- Two most recent federal tax returns
- Bank statements for each account open on your filing date
- Clear photo ID copy (driver’s license or passport)
- Social Security number proof (card, W-2, or pay stub)
- Current income proof like a recent pay stub
Your trustee’s name and contact information arrive in an official court notice. Send requested documents quickly to keep your case moving smoothly.
Take a Debtor Education Course
Complete a second required course after filing your case. Debtor education covers budgeting, saving, and credit management.
You must finish this before receiving your debt discharge.
Choose a court-approved provider. Most offer online or phone options.
Take the course anytime after filing, but no later than 60 days after your 341 meeting.
You’ll receive a completion certificate. File it with the court or verify your provider files it automatically.
Missing this certificate deadline can get your case dismissed.
Attend Your 341 Meeting
About one month after filing, you’ll attend a short meeting with your trustee. Called the 341 meeting or meeting of creditors.
Creditors rarely attend these meetings.
Most Nevada 341 meetings happen by Zoom videoconference. Some occur in person in Las Vegas, Reno, or Elko.
Your official notice includes the date, time, and attendance instructions.
Bring these items:
- Valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license or passport)
- Social Security number proof (card, W-2, or pay stub)
Your trustee confirms your identity using these documents. They’ll place you under oath and ask standard questions.
The meeting usually lasts less than 10 minutes for Chapter 7 cases.
After your meeting, you’re typically 60-90 days from receiving your discharge.
Deal With Your Car
Most Nevada bankruptcy filers keep their vehicles. Whether you can keep yours depends on your equity and loans.
Nevada protects up to $15,000 of equity in one vehicle. Equity equals your car’s value minus what you owe.
Find your car’s value on Kelley Blue Book.
If you’re making car loan payments, you have three main options:
- Reaffirm the loan: Keep paying and keep the car
- Redeem the car: Pay the current market value in one lump sum
- Surrender the car: Return it and wipe out the loan
If you own your car outright, you typically keep it when its value is below $15,000.
Leased vehicles work differently. You can stay in the lease or return the vehicle.
Nevada Bankruptcy Means Test
The bankruptcy means test determines Chapter 7 eligibility based on income. It’s a two-step process, but many qualify after step one.
Step 1 compares your household income to Nevada’s median income. If you’re below the median, you pass and can file Chapter 7.
Step 2 applies if you’re above the median. The court examines your disposable income after subtracting allowable expenses.
Expenses include living costs, car payments, and child support.
Nevada Districts & Filing Requirements
Nevada has one bankruptcy district with two courthouses serving different regions:
- Las Vegas Courthouse (Clark, Esmeralda, Lincoln, and Nye counties)
Foley Federal Building, 300 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas, NV 89101 - Reno Courthouse (all other Nevada counties)
C. Clifton Young Federal Building, 300 Booth Street, Reno, NV 89509
Bring one original set of all bankruptcy forms. Include one additional copy with a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want stamped copies returned.
Nevada requires two local forms beyond federal forms: the Creditor Matrix and Verification of Creditor Matrix.
Download them free from the court’s website.
Nevada District Filing Fee Requirements
Pay the $338 filing fee in several ways:
- Pay in full using a cashier’s check or money order to Clerk, U.S. Bankruptcy Court
- Pay online by debit card, PayPal, or bank transfer
- Apply for installments with an initial $80 payment within five business days
- Submit a fee waiver if your income qualifies
The court doesn’t accept personal checks, credit cards, or cash.
Nevada Bankruptcy Exemptions
Chapter 7 exemptions protect property you need to move forward. Nevada law specifies what you can keep and protected values.
If you’ve lived in Nevada for at least two years, use Nevada exemptions.
Commonly used Nevada exemptions:
- Up to $605,000 equity in your home or mobile home
- Up to $15,000 equity in one vehicle
- $10,000 wildcard exemption for anything you choose
Social Security benefits and certain retirement accounts have full protection with no dollar limit.
If you moved to Nevada within the last two years, you may use federal exemptions instead.
Nevada Bankruptcy Lawyer Cost
Most Nevada bankruptcy lawyers charge $1,100 to $1,500 for Chapter 7 cases. This flat fee doesn’t include the court filing fee or required courses.
Hiring a lawyer helps with complicated cases. Homeowners and those with complex finances benefit most from professional help.
Nevada Legal Aid Organizations
Nevada’s legal aid organizations provide free or low-cost assistance to qualified residents. Reach out if you need help navigating the bankruptcy process.
Many organizations offer consultations and guidance for straightforward cases.