Bankruptcy Document Preparation Fees

Important Disclosure Regarding Bankruptcy Document Preparation (11 U.S.C. § 110)

We are not attorneys and do not provide legal advice.

Pursuant to 11 U.S.C. § 110, we act solely as a bankruptcy petition preparer, meaning our services are limited to clerical assistance only. Specifically:

We may type information that you provide into official bankruptcy forms. We do not advise you on:

Whether you should file bankruptcy;

Which chapter to file under (Chapter 7 or Chapter 13);

How to classify or treat debts;

What property to list or how to claim exemptions;

What forms to complete;

How to complete or modify a Chapter 13 plan;

The legal consequences of bankruptcy.

Any decisions reflected in your documents are entirely yours and must be based on your own understanding or advice from a licensed attorney.

Chapter 13 Plan Disclosure

Fresh Start Bankruptcy Services does not prepare, draft, design, calculate, or advise on Chapter 13 repayment plans. If you are filing a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, the Chapter 13 plan must be created and completed by you or your attorney. Our role is strictly limited to typing the plan exactly as provided by you, without modification, recommendation, or review. We do not determine plan terms, payment amounts, duration, feasibility, or creditor treatment, and we do not charge for our document preparation services beyond the standard bankruptcy petition preparer fees. We do not review Chapter 13 plans for accuracy, completeness, or legal sufficiency.

If you require assistance creating or understanding a Chapter 13 plan, you should consult a licensed bankruptcy attorney, as Chapter 13 cases involve complex legal requirements. Additionally, please be aware of any Chapter 7 fees that may apply, and consider all relevant bankruptcy fees before proceeding.

Required Information and Signatures

As required by federal law: We will place our name, address, and identifying number on all documents we prepare as part of our document preparation services. We will provide you with a copy of every document we prepare for you, ensuring transparency regarding bankruptcy petition preparer fees. Additionally, we will file the required Declaration of Non-Attorney Bankruptcy Petition Preparer with the court, disclosing our bankruptcy fees, including Chapter 13 fees and Chapter 7 fees.

Wooden blocks spelling FEE with a hand placing the letter S.

Fees and Court Filing Costs

Our fees are strictly for document preparation services and do not encompass any court filing fees associated with your bankruptcy case. We do not collect, receive, or handle court filing fees on your behalf, including any Chapter 13 fees or Chapter 7 fees. All bankruptcy petition preparer fees charged by us are fully disclosed in advance and will be separately reported to the bankruptcy court as required by law.

Fee Limits and Reasonableness

Federal law permits bankruptcy courts to review the reasonableness of bankruptcy fees charged by non-attorney bankruptcy petition preparers. Currently, except for Maryland, none of the jurisdictions where we offer document preparation services impose a fixed or published cap on bankruptcy petition preparer fees. Should any jurisdiction we serve establish a fee cap or guideline, that limitation will be clearly identified and reflected as a separate, jurisdiction-specific option in our fee schedule, including any applicable Chapter 13 fees or Chapter 7 fees.

Your Rights

By working with us, you understand and acknowledge that:

You have the right to consult with a licensed bankruptcy attorney at any time regarding bankruptcy fees. Court clerks may provide procedural information but cannot give legal advice, especially concerning bankruptcy petition preparer fees. You are responsible for reviewing all documents for accuracy before filing, including those related to Chapter 13 fees and Chapter 7 fees, as well as any document preparation services you may require.

Acknowledgement

By using our document preparation services, you acknowledge that you understand: We are not attorneys; we cannot give legal advice; and our role is limited to clerical document preparation as defined by 11 U.S.C. § 110. Additionally, please note that any bankruptcy fees, including bankruptcy petition preparer fees, Chapter 13 fees, and Chapter 7 fees, will be clearly outlined in our service agreement.

By clicking “Pay Now” below, you acknowledge that you have read, understand, and agree to the above disclosures. This includes understanding that Fresh Start Bankruptcy Services is not a law firm, does not provide legal advice, and that you are representing yourself in your bankruptcy filing. Additionally, you are aware of the bankruptcy fees associated with this process, including bankruptcy petition preparer fees, Chapter 13 fees, and Chapter 7 fees if applicable. For those utilizing our document preparation services, please note the specific requirements outlined.

MARYLAND RESIDENTS

If you reside in Maryland, you must pay using the option on the Maryland page.

Fresh Start Bankruptcy Services, LLC