Did anyone get their filing free waived?

[mikep]

I just recieved a letter in the mail stating that my filing fee won't be waived.I was told to write a letter to the judge explaining my situation.I've been unemployed for 4 months.Does this seem normal for the judge to deny the waiver?Edit filing fee.

[phoenyx]

Did you just send a letter, or fill out Form 3B (Application for Waiver of the Chapter 7 Filing Fee for Individuals Who Cannot Pay the Filing Fee in Full or in Installments) completely?

To be approved, you have to prove that your income is well below the poverty line (less than 150% of the official poverty line for your family size), AND that you can't pay the filing fee now, AND that you cannot pay the filing fee in installments.

It's pretty difficult to prove that you cannot pay the filing fee in four installments expanding over 120 days, or even 180 days if approved by the judge -- assuming that you are not disabled. The judge probably denied it on this basis, assuming that you could earn $299 within 120-180 days.

Bankruptcy Courts have been reluctant in waiving the filing fees, except in pretty extreme situations.


It's much easier to have your pre and post filing counseling fees waived, which I have done successfully. I looked into applying for the filing fee waiver, but wound up realizing my chance of success was about zero, so I didn't apply for it.

[mikep]

Yes, i filled out the form and my income is stated in my paper work.The clerk did say that the judge never waives the filing fee.I called the bk office later after i filed and the person i spoke to said to write a letter to the judge explaining my current situation.So, yes i 'm out of luck.I'll have to borrow the money to pay the fee.