How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Massachusetts
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Filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Massachusetts can help you erase debts like credit cards, medical bills, and payday loans so you can get a fresh start. It might feel overwhelming, but many people file on their own, and this guide explains each step in a simple, clear way. You’ll learn how to gather your documents, take the required courses, complete the forms, and attend a short meeting with the bankruptcy trustee. Free tools like Upsolve’s filing assistant can help you file for free and keep the property you need.
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer.
Updated July 11, 2025
Table of Contents
- How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Massachusetts
- Massachusetts Bankruptcy Means Test
- Massachusetts Districts & Filing Requirements
- Massachusetts Bankruptcy Exemptions
- Massachusetts Bankruptcy Lawyer Cost
- Massachusetts Legal Aid Organizations
- Massachusetts Court Locations
- Massachusetts Judges
- Massachusetts Trustees
How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Massachusetts
Filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Massachusetts can help you get a fresh start by wiping out debts like credit cards, medical bills, and payday loans. It might seem overwhelming at first, especially if money is tight. But the good news is that many people file without a lawyer and complete the entire process for free.
This guide walks you through each step, from gathering your documents and taking required courses to filling out forms and having a short meeting to review your case. You’ll also learn about Massachusetts-specific rules, exemptions, and filing options so you can confidently move forward, even without legal help.
✨ If your case is simple, you may be able to use Upsolve’s free filing tool to get started today. This tool walks you through the bankruptcy process step by step. It only takes a few minutes to see if you qualify.
- Collect Your Massachusetts Bankruptcy Documents
- Complete the Bankruptcy Forms
- Take a Credit Counseling Course
- Get Your Filing Fee
- Print Your Bankruptcy Forms
- File Your Forms With the Massachusetts Bankruptcy Court
- Mail Documents to Your Trustee
- Take the Second Required Course (Financial Management/Debtor Education)
- Attend Your 341 Meeting
- Deal With Your Car
Collect Your Massachusetts Bankruptcy Documents
To get started with your bankruptcy case in Massachusetts, you’ll need to collect some important financial documents. You’ll have to show certain documents to the court or the bankruptcy trustee. Other financial documents are good to gather to help you fill out your forms, which ask about your income, expenses, and debts.
🗂️ Here are the documents you’ll need to submit or share:
Pay stubs from the last six months
Tax returns from the last two years
A bank statement that includes the date you filed your case
While you’re organizing your paperwork, it can also help to have:
Bank statements from the past 6–12 months
Bills or statements from creditors
Letters from collection agencies or debt collectors
A recent credit report
💻 You can get a free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com.
🛠️ If you're using Upsolve's free filing tool, your credit report will be pulled automatically. It’s one less thing to worry about and can save you time.
Complete the Bankruptcy Forms
To begin your bankruptcy case, you’ll need to fill out a set of official forms. These forms are the same across the country because bankruptcy is handled by federal law. You can download them for free from USCourts.gov.
🛠️ If you’re using Upsolve’s filing tool, you’ll answer an easy online questionnaire. Then, we’ll generate the completed forms for you based on your answers.
If you hire a bankruptcy lawyer instead, they’ll prepare and file the forms using the information you give them. You’ll still need to review everything carefully and sign the forms before they’re submitted.
📌 Some local courts ask for extra forms or documents. It’s helpful to check the local rules for your bankruptcy district, which we go over in more detail in the Massachusetts Districts & Filing Requirements section below.
Take a Credit Counseling Course
Before you can file your bankruptcy case, you need to take a credit counseling course. This is a one-time class that explains your debt relief options and helps you decide whether bankruptcy is the right step.
🗓️ You must complete the course within 180 days before you file. You’ll also need to file a certificate of completion with the court when you submit your bankruptcy forms. If you don’t, your case could be dismissed.
Here are some other important details:
You can take the class online, over the phone, or in person.
It usually takes about an hour to complete.
It costs $10–$50, but many filers qualify for a fee waiver and get to take it for free.
You must take it from a state-approved provider in Massachusetts
✅ Once you finish the course and get your certificate, you’ll be one step closer to starting your case.
Get Your Filing Fee
There’s a $338 filing fee for Chapter 7. That might feel like a lot, especially if you’re already struggling with bills! But many people are able to get the fee waived. To qualify for a fee waiver, your income must be below 150% of the federal poverty guideline..
✨If you’re using Upsolve’s free filing tool, we’ll help you prepare the fee waiver application. You’ll just need to submit it with your forms.
If you don’t qualify for a fee waiver but can’t afford the full fee, you can ask the court for a payment plan. This lets you break the fee into smaller payments over time. It also gives you access to the automatic stay, a legal protection that stops most collection efforts right after you file.
👉 If you go this route, just be sure you can make all the payments on time. Missing one could lead to your case being dismissed. But for some people, this option offers a helpful path forward when money is tight.
Print Your Bankruptcy Forms
Unless you're filing online, you’ll need to print out your bankruptcy forms so you can submit them to the court by mail or in person.
If you’re printing your forms, here are a few helpful tips:
Use standard 8.5” x 11” white paper.
Print in black ink, single-sided only.
Don’t staple or hole-punch your forms.
Be sure to sign every page that requires a signature.
Double-check that everything is included.
✨ If you’re using Upsolve’s free filing tool, you’ll get a ready-to-print packet with everything you need. There are also helpful dividers pointing out each page that needs your signature.
If you’re working with a lawyer, they’ll usually file everything electronically for you.
💻 If you want to save on printing costs and a trip to the court, you can email your forms to prose_filings@mab.uscourts.gov. Your forms must be saved as PDFs. Be sure to follow the court’s complete instructions for electronic filing.
File Your Forms With the Massachusetts Bankruptcy Court
Once your forms are ready, you can file them with the Massachusetts Bankruptcy Court. You can submit them in person, by mail, or online. All three options are available in every Massachusetts bankruptcy district.
👣 Many people choose to file in person if they’re able. The clerk can review your paperwork and let you know right away if anything is missing. Bring your original forms and a copy so the clerk can stamp the copy for your records.
🏛️ Keep in mind, you’ll be going to a federal courthouse, so you’ll go through security when you enter.
We’ll go over where to file, how to submit your forms electronically, and what payment options are available in the Massachusetts Districts & Filing Requirements section.
Mail Documents to Your Trustee
After you file your bankruptcy forms, the court will assign a trustee to handle your case. The trustee’s job is to review your paperwork, confirm everything is accurate, and deal with any property issues. In most Chapter 7 cases, this part is straightforward, and you’re able to keep all your belongings.
You will have a meeting with your trustee, but before that, you’ll need to send them a few documents. You should get a court notice with your trustee’s contact details, and you may also hear from your trustee after you file. Gather any documents they request.
The U.S. Trustee website says filers should be prepared to send:
Your two most recent federal tax returns
A bank statement showing your balances on the day you filed
A clear copy of your photo ID (like a license or passport)
Proof of your Social Security number (such as a copy of your Social Security card, a W-2, or a pay stub)
A recent pay stub or other proof of your current income
📅 The trustee’s website recommends sending these documents at least 14 days before your meeting. If you’re missing something, you can include a short note to let the trustee know why.
Take the Second Required Course (Financial Management/Debtor Education)
Once your bankruptcy case is underway, there’s one final course you have to complete before your debts can be erased.
📚 This second course is called debtor education or financial management. It focuses on managing money, budgeting, and using credit wisely in the future. The goal of this course is to help you make the most of your fresh start.
Here are some important details:
The class takes about an hour to complete.
You need to take it within 60 days of your 341 meeting with your trustee (which we cover in the next section)
You’ll need to use a court-approved class provider.
When you finish, you’ll get a certificate. You need to file the certificate with the court.
⚠️ If you don’t take the class and file the certificate on time, you won’t receive the bankruptcy discharge (the court order that wipes out your debts) and your case will likely be dismissed.
Attend Your 341 Meeting
About a month after you file your bankruptcy forms, you’ll attend a short meeting called the 341 meeting. It’s also called the “meeting of creditors,” but creditors rarely show up.
👀 This is a routine part of the process where the bankruptcy trustee reviews your paperwork and asks a few questions about your forms and finances.
In Massachusetts, most 341 meetings happen online through Zoom. You’ll get a notice from the court with the date, time, and instructions for joining.
These meetings are usually quick and low stress. Most last less than 10 minutes. You can watch a mock 341 meeting if you want to see what it's like.
🪪 You’ll need two documents for the meeting:
A government-issued photo ID (like a driver's license or passport)
Proof of your Social Security number (like your Social Security card, a W-2, or a pay stub with your full SSN).
If you don’t submit or show both, your meeting may be delayed or rescheduled.
If you’ve reviewed your forms ahead of time and have your documents ready, this meeting usually goes smoothly. After it’s done, you’ll be one step closer to getting your debts wiped out.
Deal With Your Car
It’s common to worry about losing your car when you file for bankruptcy. The good news is that many people are able to keep their vehicles.
Whether you can keep yours depends on a few key things:
How much your car is worth
Whether you own it outright, have a car loan, or lease it
What exemptions you can use to protect the car
🔎 Massachusetts has a $7,500 motor vehicle exemption. That means if your car’s value (or equity) is less than $7,500, you can usually keep it. We explain more about exemptions in the Massachusetts Bankruptcy Exemptions section.
If you’re still making loan payments, you have three main options:
Reaffirm the loan: If you’re current on your payments and want to keep the car, you can sign a reaffirmation agreement. This keeps the loan in place. You remain responsible for future payments and get to keep the car.
Redeem the car: If you’re upside-down on your car loan and owe more than it’s worth, you may want to consider redeeming the car. To redeem the car, you pay the lender the car’s current value in a lump sum in exchange for the title, wiping out the rest of the car loan.
Surrender the car: If the payments no longer work for you or the car isn’t worth keeping, you can give it back to the lender and erase the loan debt in your bankruptcy. This is called voluntary surrender.
🚗 If you own your car outright, you’ll be able to keep it if it’s worth less than the exemption amount. You can check the value by looking at local sale listings or online tools like Kelley Blue Book.
If you’re leasing your car, the process works a little differently. You’ll have the option to keep or reject the lease. Learn more in our Guide to Car Leases in Bankruptcy.
Massachusetts Bankruptcy Means Test
Chapter 7 bankruptcy eligibility is based on income. The test to ensure you’re eligible for Chapter 7 is called a means test. It looks at your income and expenses to decide if you qualify for debt relief under Chapter 7.
The means test has two steps:
Step 1: You’ll compare your household income to the median income for a household of your size in Massachusetts. If your income is below the median, you likely qualify without having to move to Step 2. You can use this means test calculator to see where you stand.
Step 2: If your income is over the limit, you’ll need to complete a second part of the test that looks at your monthly expenses. This includes things like rent, utilities, food, and medical costs. The aim is to see how much disposable income you have left over each month to pay your debts.
Many filers qualify based on income alone, so the process ends there. If your income is too high and you need to do the second step, it’s best to speak with a lawyer to confirm your eligibility.
🤝 Upsolve can connect you with a local attorney for a free consultation.
Data on Median Income Levels for Massachusetts
Massachusetts Median Income Standards for Means Test for Cases Filed In 2025 | ||
---|---|---|
Household Size | Monthly Income | Annual Income |
1 | $6,952.50 | $83,430.00 |
2 | $9,044.50 | $108,534.00 |
3 | $11,469.58 | $137,635.00 |
4 | $14,342.00 | $172,104.00 |
5 | $15,267.00 | $183,204.00 |
6 | $16,192.00 | $194,304.00 |
7 | $17,117.00 | $205,404.00 |
8 | $18,042.00 | $216,504.00 |
9 | $18,967.00 | $227,604.00 |
10 | $19,892.00 | $238,704.00 |
Data on Poverty Levels for Massachusetts
Massachusetts Fee Waiver Eligibility for Cases Filed In 2025Eligible for fee waiver when under 150% the poverty level. | ||
---|---|---|
Household Size | State Poverty Level | Fee Waiver Limit (150% PL) |
1 | $1,255.00 | $1,882.50 |
2 | $1,703.33 | $2,555.00 |
3 | $2,151.67 | $3,227.50 |
4 | $2,600.00 | $3,900.00 |
5 | $3,048.33 | $4,572.50 |
6 | $3,496.67 | $5,245.00 |
7 | $3,945.00 | $5,917.50 |
8 | $4,393.33 | $6,590.00 |
9 | $4,841.67 | $7,262.50 |
10 | $5,290.00 | $7,935.00 |
Massachusetts Districts & Filing Requirements
📍The state of Massachusetts is covered by one bankruptcy district and has three court divisions:
Court Divisions | Physical and Mailing Address |
---|---|
Boston (Eastern Division) | John W. McCormack Post Office and Court House 5 Post Office Square, Suite 1150 Boston, MA 02109-3945 |
Worcester (Central Division) | Donohue Federal Building 595 Main Street, Room 311 Worcester, MA 01608-2076 |
Springfield (Western Division) | United States Courthouse 300 State Street Springfield, MA 01105 |
📃 Be sure to include any required local forms with your bankruptcy petition.
❓The Massachusetts Bankruptcy Court has a helpful list of bankruptcy FAQs and a free detailed guide for people filing bankruptcy without a lawyer.
Filing Options in the District of Massachusetts
In all divisions, you can file your Chapter 7 bankruptcy forms in person at the courthouse, via mail, or via email.
🏛️ While you can file at any of the above courthouses, your case will be routed to and processed through the courthouse serving your district.
💻 As of May 1, 2025, you can file your bankruptcy petition electronically in the District of Massachusetts. To do so, you must email all forms as PDFs to prose_filings@mab.uscourts.gov. Be sure to follow the court’s complete instructions for electronic filing.
Payment Options in the District of Massachusetts
💰You can pay the bankruptcy filing fee with a money order or cashiers check. When you submit your application, be prepared to pay the filing fee in or full or submit either a fee waiver form or request for installment payments.
❌ The court does not accept personal checks, credit cards, or cash for the bankruptcy filing fee.
Upsolve Member Experiences
3,877+ Members OnlineMassachusetts Bankruptcy Exemptions
You may be under the impression that filing bankruptcy means you’ll lose everything you own, but this isn’t true. You’re protected by bankruptcy exemptions. Exemptions allow you to keep some property from being sold. In fact, most Chapter 7 filers are able to protect all their property using exemptions.
If you’ve lived in the Bay state for at least two years when you file your Massachusetts bankruptcy, you can choose between Massachusetts bankruptcy exemptions and the federal bankruptcy exemptions. Massachusetts’ state bankruptcy exemptions are more generous than the federal exemptions and protect more of your belongings from liquidation. Among other things, you can protect a (declared) homestead with equity of up to $500,000 and a vehicle worth up to $7,500. A homestead is your home, the land it’s located on, and any outbuildings.
Massachusetts law even includes a wildcard which allows an exemption for any item of your choosing up to $1,000. You can add to this up to $5,000 of any other unused exemption as well.
Massachusetts Bankruptcy Lawyer Cost
Though you may want to save money by filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Massachusetts without a lawyer, this may not always make sense. That’s especially true if the cost of a bankruptcy attorney is less than the assets you might lose without legal advice. Massachusetts bankruptcy lawyers charge an average flat fee of $1,100 to $1,700 for legal services, but the cost varies depending on the complexity of the case. When choosing a lawyer, you’ll want to look at several factors, not just the cost.
Massachusetts Legal Aid Organizations
Legal aid in Massachusetts is available for low-income individuals and families needing help with civil matters, including Massachusetts bankruptcy cases. If you’re worried about filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Massachusetts by yourself, the court has listed several resources for Massachusetts legal aid organizations as well as pro bono lawyer referral resources.