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

You don’t need a lawyer to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Tennessee. Many people successfully file on their own every year. If your case is straightforward and you don’t have valuable assets, you can get a fresh start without spending thousands. You’ll need to take a credit counseling course, complete and file your bankruptcy forms, and attend a 341 meeting. This guide walks you through each step.

How To File Bankruptcy in Tennessee for Free

Filing for bankruptcy without a lawyer is called filing pro se. Many people in Tennessee successfully file Chapter 7 bankruptcy on their own. If your case is simple and you don’t have valuable property to protect, this path makes sense.

If you have a more complicated case, it may be worth talking to a lawyer. Situations like owning a home, facing a lawsuit, or dealing with non-dischargeable debts need careful attention. Many bankruptcy attorneys offer a free consultation so you can explore your options.

1. Collect Your Tennessee Bankruptcy Documents

Before you file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case in Tennessee, gather important documents. These will help you complete the bankruptcy forms accurately. The forms ask for detailed information about your income, debts, property, and financial history.

Must-have documents:

• Tax returns from the last two years
• Paycheck stubs (or proof of income) from the last 60 days
• A recent bank statement

Helpful reference documents:

• Bank statements from the past 6-12 months
• Bills, debt collection letters, and creditor statements
• A recent credit report (you can request one free report each year at annualcreditreport.com)

Tips for Organizing Your Financial Info

Your credit report helps you identify all your debts and creditors. Compare it to any bills or letters you’ve received. Look for credit card debt, medical bills, personal loans, and student loans.

If you have a mortgage or car loan, gather your loan documents. If you’re paying or receiving child support or alimony, get a copy of your court order. Gather retirement account or pension documentation if applicable.

2. Take a Credit Counseling Course

Before you can file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case, you must take a credit counseling course. Federal law requires this step. The goal is to make sure you understand all your options for managing debt.

You must take the course within 180 days before filing your case. It must be from a provider approved by the Department of Justice. You can usually take the course online or over the phone.

Course Length, Certificate, and Cost

The course usually takes about 60-90 minutes. When you finish, you’ll get a certificate of completion. You’ll need to file that certificate with your other bankruptcy forms.

There’s a cost for the course, but you can ask for a fee waiver or reduction. Some providers offer a bundle deal that includes this course and the debtor education course you’ll take after you file.

3. Complete the Bankruptcy Forms

Filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Tennessee involves filling out more than 20 forms. That might sound overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone.

These forms come from the federal court system. They’re the same no matter where you live. If you decide to handle the paperwork yourself, you can download the fillable forms from USCOURTS.gov.

Depending on where you live in Tennessee, you might also need to complete some local forms. We’ll walk you through those later.

4. Get Your Filing Fee

Filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case in Tennessee costs $338. If you can’t afford to pay this all at once, you can apply for a fee waiver or request a payment plan.

Apply for a Fee Waiver

You may be able to have the fee waived if:

• Your household income is less than 150% of the federal poverty guidelines, and
• You can’t afford to pay the fee in installments

Request a Payment Plan

If you don’t qualify for a waiver but still can’t pay the full amount upfront, you can ask the court to let you pay the fee in up to four installments. Most people are approved for this option. If you’re approved, you’ll need to pay at least $85 as your first installment.

A payment plan can be a good option if you’re facing urgent collection actions. Filing your case gives you immediate protection through the automatic stay. Most collection efforts must stop while your case moves forward.

Note: If you don’t have an emergency and can afford to wait, save up and pay the full fee. If you miss an installment payment, the court may dismiss your case.

5. Print Your Bankruptcy Forms

Courts have strict rules about how documents must be printed. To file your Chapter 7 bankruptcy case in Tennessee, follow these guidelines:

• Use white, standard letter-size paper (8½” x 11″)
• Print in black ink only
• Use a font that’s at least 10-point size
• Print on one side of each page only

If you don’t have a printer at home, try a public library. Office supply stores and UPS stores also work. Once everything is printed, don’t staple the pages together.

Review and Sign Your Forms

After printing, go through your forms carefully:

• Make sure every section is filled out
• If something doesn’t apply, write “none” or “not applicable”
• Sign anywhere a signature is required

Some Tennessee courts ask you to include your address, phone number, and email under each signature. Many filers use blue ink so it’s easy to tell the original from a copy.

Before you file, make a full copy of everything. You might need to refer back to these documents later.

6. File Your Forms with the Tennessee Bankruptcy Court

If you’re filing without a lawyer, you’ll need to file your paperwork in person or by mail. You can’t file your case electronically in Tennessee unless you’re a lawyer.

If you’re filing in person, bring:

• Your full set of completed bankruptcy forms
• A list of all your creditors (creditor matrix)
• Your filing fee, or a request to pay in installments or have the fee waived

If anything is missing, the court might not accept your case. Many people choose to go in person so they can fix any issues on the spot.

Once the court stamps your paperwork, the automatic stay kicks in. Most creditors must stop calling, collecting, or suing you while your case is active.

7. Mail Documents to Your Trustee

After you file your Chapter 7 bankruptcy case, the court will assign a trustee. The trustee will review your paperwork and manage your case.

You’ll find your trustee’s name and contact information on the official notice of bankruptcy. The notice will also include the date and time of your 341 meeting. It usually arrives about two weeks before the meeting.

What Documents Will the Trustee Ask For?

Your trustee will ask for copies of some financial documents. At least seven days before your 341 meeting, you must send them:

• A bank statement that includes the date you filed your case
• Your two most recent federal income tax returns

The trustee may also ask for documents like:

• Pay stubs or a Statement of Payment Advices
• Proof of expenses
• Proof of investment accounts
• Deeds for any real estate you own
• Mortgage statements
• Car titles
• Proof of insurance
• Divorce decrees or child support orders

If you don’t send the documents your trustee asks for, your case could be dismissed.

8. Take a Debtor Education Course

Before your bankruptcy case can be finished, you need to take a second course. The course is called debtor education. It focuses on financial management skills, like budgeting and using credit wisely.

The course is short, usually one to two hours. You can often complete it online or over the phone. Many people take the course soon after filing so they don’t forget.

You must complete the course no later than 60 days after your 341 meeting. When you’re done, you’ll get a certificate of completion. You need to file that certificate with the court. If you don’t file it on time, the court may close your case without giving you a discharge.

Some course providers will file the certificate for you. Others will give it to you to file yourself.

9. Attend Your 341 Meeting

After you file your bankruptcy case, you’ll need to attend a short meeting called the 341 meeting. This is also known as the meeting of creditors, though creditors rarely attend. The meeting gives the bankruptcy trustee a chance to ask you questions about your finances.

When Is the Meeting of Creditors?

Your 341 meeting will be scheduled 20-40 days after you file. You’ll get a notice in the mail within 15 days of filing. If you don’t receive the notice, contact the court clerk.

What To Expect at the 341 Meeting

On the day of your meeting, bring:

• A government-issued photo ID (like your driver’s license)
• Proof of your Social Security number

You’ll be placed under oath and asked questions about your finances. The trustee is just trying to confirm that everything is accurate. Answer each question honestly and briefly. It’s okay to say “I don’t know” if you’re unsure.

10. Deal With Your Car

Many people filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Tennessee worry about their car. The good news is most people keep their car. You have options depending on your situation.

• If you’re still paying on a car loan and your payments are current: You can likely keep the car by signing a reaffirmation agreement with your lender. You agree to keep making payments after bankruptcy.
• If you owe more than the car is worth: You might be able to use a process called redemption. You can buy the car for its current value in one lump sum.
• If you’re behind on payments: You can return the car to the lender through voluntary surrender. Any remaining balance on the loan will be discharged.
• If you own your car: You may be able to protect it using a bankruptcy exemption. In Tennessee, you can protect up to $10,000 in personal property, including your car.
• If you’re leasing a car: You can either keep the lease or return the car and discharge the remaining lease amount.

Tennessee Bankruptcy Means Test

To qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Tennessee, you’ll need to pass the means test. The test looks at your monthly income to see if you’re able to repay your debts.

The first part of the test compares your income to the median income. If your income is below the median, you automatically pass and can file Chapter 7.

If your income is above the median, you’ll move on to the second part. This part looks at your expenses and disposable income. The goal is to see whether you still qualify based on your necessary living costs.

If your income is too high for Chapter 7, you can still consider Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Chapter 13 involves a repayment plan and takes longer. It may still offer the debt relief you need. Speak with a bankruptcy attorney for free to understand your options.

Tennessee Bankruptcy Forms

When you file for bankruptcy in Tennessee, you’ll use a mix of federal and local forms. The federal bankruptcy forms are the same no matter where you live. But each Tennessee bankruptcy district also has its own local forms.

Tennessee Districts & Filing Requirements

The Tennessee bankruptcy courts are divided into three districts:

• Eastern District
• Middle District
• Western District

Each district has several court locations.

How and Where To Pay Your Filing Fee in Tennessee

Across all districts, you can pay your bankruptcy filing fee using:

• Exact cash (only accepted at staffed locations)
• Money order
• Cashier’s check made payable to “Clerk, U.S. Bankruptcy Court”

Where to pay varies by district:

• Eastern District: Any of the three staffed locations (Chattanooga, Greeneville, or Knoxville)
• Middle District: Must pay by mail or in person at the Nashville office
• Western District: Cash payments only accepted at the Memphis office

Eastern District of Tennessee

The Eastern District of Tennessee has four locations. Each location has jurisdiction over Eastern Tennessee’s 41 counties, as follows:

• Chattanooga serves Bledsoe, Bradley, Hamilton, Marion, McMinn, Meigs, Polk, Rhea, and Sequatchie counties.
• Greeneville covers Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Hancock, Hawkins, Johnson, Sullivan, Unicoi, and Washington counties.
• Knoxville serves Anderson, Blount, Campbell, Claiborne, Grainger, Jefferson, Knox, Loudon, Monroe, Morgan, Roane, Scott, Sevier, and Union counties.
• Winchester covers Bedford, Coffee, Franklin, Grundy, Lincoln, Moore, Warren, and Van Buren counties.

Note that the Winchester office is unstaffed. You can’t pay your filing fee there. It’s used only for hearings or meetings.

Required Local Forms: Eastern District of Tennessee

The Eastern District requires certain local forms. If you don’t have pay stubs to submit to your trustee, fill out the Statement Regarding Payment Advice form.

If you want to receive your court notices via email, submit the Debtor Electronic Noticing Election form.

You need to submit a list of your creditors and their mailing addresses. The court has strict creditor matrix formatting requirements.

Middle District of Tennessee

The Middle District’s main office is in Nashville. That’s where you’ll need to send your bankruptcy paperwork and pay any filing fees.

This district also includes two satellite offices in Columbia and Cookeville. These offices are unstaffed. You can’t file documents or pay fees there. They’re sometimes used for in-person hearings or meetings.

The district is divided into three divisions:

• Nashville serves Cannon, Cheatham, Davidson, Dickson, Houston, Humphreys, Montgomery, Robertson, Rutherford, Stewart, Sumner, Trousdale, Williamson, and Wilson counties.
• Columbia serves Giles, Hickman, Lawrence, Lewis, Marshall, Maury, and Wayne counties.
• Cookeville serves Clay, Cumberland, DeKalb, Fentress, Jackson, Macon, Overton, Pickett, Putnam, Smith, and White counties.

Required Local Forms: Middle District of Tennessee

If you’re filing a straightforward Chapter 7 case without a lawyer, you usually don’t need to submit any extra local forms.

This district has strict rules for how to prepare your creditor matrix. You can find the full list of requirements in the Local Rules of Court.

If you want the court to send you notices by email, fill out the Debtor’s Electronic Noticing Request form.

Western District of Tennessee Requirements

The Western District of Tennessee offers two locations: Memphis and Jackson.

• The Memphis office serves Fayette, Lauderdale, Shelby, and Tipton counties.
• The Jackson office serves Benton, Carroll, Chester, Crockett, Decatur, Dyer, Fayette, Gibson, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Henderson, Henry, Lake, Lauderdale, Madison, McNairy, Obion, Perry, Shelby, Tipton, and Weakley counties.

Required Local Forms: Western District of Tennessee

There are currently no required local forms for Chapter 7 pro se filers in Western Tennessee. You can complete a local form to receive email notices from the court.

You also need to submit a list of creditors and a mailing matrix. This list must be specially formatted. Formatting requirements can be found in the Local Rules document.

Tennessee Bankruptcy Exemptions

Most people who file Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Tennessee keep everything they own. Tennessee law offers exemptions. Bankruptcy exemptions are legal protections for certain property, like your home, car, furniture, and some types of income.

If something isn’t protected by an exemption, the bankruptcy court could sell it. But this rarely happens in Chapter 7 cases.

Tennessee doesn’t allow filers to choose between state and federal exemptions. If you’ve lived in Tennessee for at least two years, you’ll use Tennessee’s state exemptions.

Homestead Exemption

If you own and live in a home in Tennessee, you can protect up to $35,000 of your home’s equity.

If you’re married and you and your spouse jointly own and live in the home, you can protect up to $52,500 total.

Personal Property (Wildcard) Exemption

Tennessee doesn’t have a specific exemption just for motor vehicles. But it offers a personal property exemption of up to $10,000.

This is sometimes called a wildcard exemption. You can use it to protect many types of property, including a car, money in a bank account, household items, or other personal belongings.

Tennessee Bankruptcy Lawyer Cost

Bankruptcy lawyers in Tennessee usually charge a flat fee. For Chapter 7 cases, the average cost is around $1,100-$1,200.

Fees vary based on the type of bankruptcy, the complexity of your case, and the lawyer’s experience. Chapter 13 cases usually cost more because they involve a repayment plan that lasts 3-5 years.

If you can afford it, hiring a lawyer may offer peace of mind. That said, many people file Chapter 7 bankruptcy successfully without a lawyer. This is especially true if they don’t own expensive assets.

Tennessee Legal Aid Organizations

If you can’t afford a lawyer but want legal advice, you might be able to get help. Tennessee has many legal aid organizations.

These organizations offer free or low-cost legal services for low-income individuals. Some organizations also serve specific groups like veterans and older adults.