How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Colorado Without a Lawyer
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Filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Colorado can help you wipe out debt and get a fresh start — and you may be able to do it for free without hiring a lawyer. This guide walks you through every step, from taking the required credit counseling course to filing your forms and attending your court hearing. You’ll learn how to gather documents, apply for a fee waiver, and protect your property using Colorado’s bankruptcy exemptions. If your case is simple, you may even qualify to use Upsolve’s free tool to file on your own.
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer.
Updated May 21, 2025
Table of Contents
How To File Bankruptcy in Colorado for Free
If you’re dealing with overwhelming debt, filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy might offer the fresh start you need — and you don’t have to pay a lawyer to do it. Many people file on their own and get their debts wiped out without spending thousands of dollars.
💡 Bankruptcy can help you get rid of credit card debt, medical bills, and other unsecured debts. Some debts — like alimony, child support, and certain tax debts — usually can’t be wiped out in Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
This guide walks you through each step of the bankruptcy process in Colorado, including:
What paperwork you’ll need to gather
How to take the required credit counseling course
How to complete and file your forms
What to expect after you file, including your court date and next steps
You’ll also learn about the court filing fee and how to ask for a fee waiver if you can’t afford it.
If you’d rather get started than read about the process, you can take Upsolve’s two-minute screener to see if you’re eligible to use our free filing tool. Upsolve has helped over 17,000 people get rid of over $700 million in debt… all for free.
- Collect Your Colorado Bankruptcy Documents
- Take the Required Credit Counseling Course
- Complete the Bankruptcy Forms
- Get Your Filing Fee
- Print Your Bankruptcy Forms
- File Your Forms With the Colorado Bankruptcy Court
- Mail Documents to Your Trustee
- Take the Required Debtor Education Course
- Attend Your 341 Meeting
- Deal With Your Car
Collect Your Colorado Bankruptcy Documents
Before you start your Chapter 7 bankruptcy case, it helps to gather key financial documents. Some are required when you file. Others aren’t mandatory, but they can make it easier to fill out your forms and stay organized.
Getting these papers together early can reduce stress and help you feel more confident as you move through the process.
✅ No matter how you file — on your own or with a lawyer — you’ll need these documents:
Tax returns from the past two years
Paycheck stubs from the last 60 days
A bank statement that includes the date you file your case
The court and trustee require these documents to verify your income and financial history.
Some documents aren’t required by the court, but they can help you fill out your forms more accurately. These include:
Bank statements from the past 6–12 months, which can help you fill out monthly income and expenses information
Bills or account statements from creditors, so you can list exactly what you owe
Letters from collection agencies, which are important for identifying all your creditors, even if the original account is no longer active
A recent credit report, which gives a full snapshot of your debts and accounts
📌 You’re entitled to a free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus every week at AnnualCreditReport.com. If you use Upsolve’s filing tool, we’ll pull a free report for you automatically.
Take the Required Credit Counseling Course
Before you can file your bankruptcy case, you’ll need to take a credit counseling course. Under bankruptcy law, everyone who files a case has to take this course first.
Here’s what to know:
⏱️ The course takes about one hour and must be completed within 180 days (about six months) before you file.
📄 Once you finish, you’ll receive a certificate of completion. You must include this with your bankruptcy paperwork when you file.
📅 The certificate is valid for six months from the date you complete the course.
💸 The course typically costs less than $50. If your income is below the federal poverty guideline, you may qualify for a fee waiver.
💻 You must take the course from a provider approved in Colorado. Most offer the course online or by phone.
If you’re using Upsolve’s free filing tool, we’ll help you choose a course and upload your certificate when you’re ready.
Complete the Bankruptcy Forms
Bankruptcy forms help the court understand your financial situation and decide whether to approve your case.
Even though you’re filing in Colorado, you’ll use the same forms as filers across the U.S. That’s because these are federal forms. You can download them as free, fillable PDFs from USCourts.gov.
Here’s how people usually complete these forms:
If you’re filing on your own without Upsolve’s help or an attorney, you can download the forms and fill out the information on your computer or print the forms and fill out the information by hand with black ink.
If you’re using Upsolve’s free filing tool, you’ll fill out an online questionnaire. Based on your answers, we’ll generate the forms you need to file your case.
If you’re working with a bankruptcy attorney, they’ll likely have you fill out a paper or online questionnaire. Their team will use that information to prepare and file the forms for you.
No matter how you file, these forms will ask for details about your income, property, debts, expenses, and financial history. It can feel like a lot at first, but taking it one step at a time can make it more manageable.
Get Your Filing Fee
If you’re filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Colorado, the court charges a $338 filing fee. This fee is due when you submit your paperwork.
💡 Your bankruptcy paperwork is usually referred to as your bankruptcy petition.
If you can’t afford the fee, you may have options:
Fee waiver: If your income is below 150% of the federal poverty guideline, you can ask the court to waive the filing fee completely.
You’ll need to fill out a fee waiver application, and the court must approve it.
Check the Colorado Fee Waiver Eligibility table below to see if you qualify based on your income.
Installment payments: If you don’t qualify for a waiver and can’t afford the full $338 up front, you can apply to pay in smaller chunks over time. When you file your case, the court will tell you:
How much you need to pay as a down payment
The deadline for your installment payments
If a creditor is threatening wage garnishment, foreclosure, or repossession, filing quickly can help. As soon as you file, creditors can’t contact you or collect from you thanks to a protection called the automatic stay.
⚠️ Paying in installments allows some people to get relief through the automatic stay, but it’s important to know the potential pitfalls. If you miss a payment, the court can dismiss your case, and you won’t get a refund.
Print Your Bankruptcy Forms
Before you print your bankruptcy forms, download and review the court’s Chapter 7 document checklist. For Colorado filers, the full list of required forms is on page 6 of this pro se filer guide.
💡 Pro se means you’re filing on your own without an attorney.
This checklist can help you stay organized as you gather and print your paperwork and double-check that you aren’t missing any required forms.
When you’re ready to print, make sure you:
Use white, letter-size paper (8.5 x 11 inches)
Print in black ink
Print single-sided only
Don’t staple the pages — the court prefers loose pages for easier processing
Sign every form where a signature is required
✍️ If you’re using Upsolve’s free filing tool, you’ll receive your completed bankruptcy packet as a single download. It includes clearly marked dividers that show you exactly where to sign so you won’t miss a thing.
File Your Forms With the Colorado Bankruptcy Court
If you’re filing bankruptcy on your own in Colorado, you can mail your bankruptcy forms to the court or submit them in person at the courthouse in Denver.
It’s usually best to go in person so you can get your case number as fast as possible. Mailing your forms can cause delays. Also, if you go in person, you may be able to correct any mistakes the clerk spots during the filing process.
In Colorado, only attorneys can file bankruptcy cases online.
Mail Documents to Your Trustee
After you file your bankruptcy forms, the court will assign a bankruptcy trustee to your case.
💡 The trustee’s job is to review your paperwork and make sure everything is accurate. They also oversee the process to make sure your unsecured creditors are treated fairly.
One of the first things your trustee will do is schedule a short meeting with you. This is called the 341 meeting or meeting of creditors.
To prepare for that meeting, the trustee will need to review some of your financial documents. At least seven days before your 341 meeting, you’ll need to send the trustee:
A bank statement that includes your filing date to show what was in your account the day you filed
Your two most recent federal income tax returns, so the trustee can verify your income and past finances
🔎 In some cases, your trustee may also request pay stubs or other proof of income, additional bank statements, or other financial records related to your property, debts, or expenses.
Most trustees will send you a letter with a list of the documents they need and instructions on how to send them. Some accept documents by email, while others may ask you to mail physical copies.
Take the Required Debtor Education Course
After you file your case, you’ll need to take a debtor education course.
This is different from the credit counseling course you took before filing. The debtor education course focuses on financial management and offers practical tools to help you plan and manage your money after bankruptcy.
Here’s what you need to know about the course:
You must take it from a provider approved for Colorado.
It usually takes about 1–2 hours, and many people complete it online.
Once you finish, you’ll get a certificate of completion.
You must file this certificate with the court within 60 days of your 341 meeting.
⚠️ If you don’t complete the course on time or don’t file your certificate, the court can dismiss your case without wiping out your debts — even if everything else is in order.
Attend Your 341 Meeting
Every bankruptcy filer must attend a 341 meeting, also called the meeting of creditors. Many people get nervous about this meeting, but it’s usually straightforward and nothing to worry about!
In Colorado, your 341 meeting typically takes place 4–6 weeks after you file. A few days after you submit your paperwork, the court will send you a notice that tells you:
The date and time of your meeting
Whether it will be held in person, by phone, or over video
The location or call-in information, depending on the format
Read any notices you receive carefully so you know exactly how to attend.
Make sure to have your government-issued photo ID and proof of your Social Security number for the meeting.
To start the meeting, the trustee will check your ID and place you under oath. Then you’ll answer a few standard questions about your finances and the information in your forms. Most meetings last only 5–10 minutes.
Creditors are allowed to attend, but they rarely do.
Once your 341 meeting is complete, you’re one step closer to getting your debts discharged and finishing your case!
Deal With Your Car
If you have a car when you file bankruptcy in Colorado, you’ll need to decide what to do with it. That can feel overwhelming — especially if you're still making payments — but you have options, and many people are able to keep their vehicle.
If you’re still paying off a car loan, you have a few options:
Surrender the car: You return the car to the lender and don’t have to pay the rest of the loan — even if you owe more than the car is worth.
Redeem the car: You pay the lender the current value of the car (not the full loan balance), usually in one lump sum. After that, the car is yours, and the remaining loan is wiped out.
Reaffirm the loan: You keep the loan and continue making payments as usual. This might make sense if:
You’re current on your payments.
You’re happy with your loan terms.
You want to keep the car and avoid any changes.
If you stick with the loan and keep making payments, you can usually keep the car like nothing changed.
🚗 If you own your car outright (meaning it’s fully paid off), it may be considered an asset in your case. But Colorado law protects up to $15,000 of your car’s value, or $25,000 if you’re elderly or disabled. If your car is worth less than the exemption amount, it’s protected, and you can keep it. We’ll dig more into exemptions later in the article.
🔑 If you’re leasing a car, you may have the option to return it or keep the lease. Learn more about how leases work in bankruptcy.
Colorado Bankruptcy Means Test
To qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you’ll need to take something called the means test.
💡 The means test helps the court decide if you’re eligible to file Chapter 7 based on your income and ability to repay debt.
The means test has two parts:
Part one looks at your income. You’ll compare your average monthly income over the past six months to the median income for a household of your size in Colorado. If your income is below the median, you pass the means test and can usually file Chapter 7.
Many people pass the means test on the first part, but if you don’t, you can move on to the next part.
Part two applies if your income is above the median. This part looks more closely at your expenses and financial obligations to see if you have enough disposable income to repay some of your debts over time.
If your budget shows that you don’t have money left over after covering basic needs, you may still qualify for Chapter 7. If not, Chapter 13 bankruptcy might be a better fit.
If you don’t pass the first part of the means test, it’s usually a good idea to get legal advice from a bankruptcy attorney to see what type of bankruptcy you’re eligible for. Most attorneys offer a free consultation. If you decide to file Chapter 13, you have a better chance of completing the required repayment plan and getting debt relief with an attorney’s help.
Data on Median Income Levels for Colorado
Colorado Median Income Standards for Means Test for Cases Filed In 2025 | ||
---|---|---|
Household Size | Monthly Income | Annual Income |
1 | $6,893.00 | $82,716.00 |
2 | $8,802.25 | $105,627.00 |
3 | $10,130.00 | $121,560.00 |
4 | $12,247.67 | $146,972.00 |
5 | $13,172.67 | $158,072.00 |
6 | $14,097.67 | $169,172.00 |
7 | $15,022.67 | $180,272.00 |
8 | $15,947.67 | $191,372.00 |
9 | $16,872.67 | $202,472.00 |
10 | $17,797.67 | $213,572.00 |
Data on Poverty Levels for Colorado
Colorado 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 |
Colorado Districts & Filing Requirements
There’s only one Colorado bankruptcy court. It’s located in Denver and services every county in the state.
You can go to the court in person to file your forms or mail them to the courthouse if you live far away.
The mailing address is:
721 19th St.
Denver, CO 80202
The court offers a few options for paying you filing fee:
Pay online via debit, PayPal, or ACH
Pay in person at the courthouse with a cashier’s check, money order, or exact cash (no change provided).
Pay via mail with a cashier’s check or money order. Don’t send cash via mail.
All cashier’s checks and money orders should be made payable to “Clerk, USBC”. The court does not accept personal checks or credit cards.
Colorado Local Forms & Requirements
If you don’t have 60 days of paycheck stubs (also called “payment advices”) to submit with your bankruptcy petition to the court, you need to submit this local form to explain why.
You’ll also need to submit information about your creditors. The Colorado Bankruptcy Court makes this easy to do electronically by using the Online Creditor Entry program
Upsolve Member Experiences
2,523+ Members OnlineColorado Bankruptcy Exemptions
Bankruptcy exemptions protect the things you need to live from being sold to pay your debts. Exemptions can help protect things like your home, car, clothes, and household items.
If something you own isn’t covered by an exemption, the trustee could sell it to repay your creditors. But don’t panic. Most people who file Chapter 7 in Colorado keep all of their property.
Here are a few key Colorado exemptions:
Homestead exemption: Protects up to $250,000 of equity in your home, or up to $350,000 if you’re 60 or older or have a disability
Vehicle exemption: Protects up to $15,000 of equity in a car, or $25,000 if you’re over age 60 or have a disability
Household goods: Protects up to $6,000 in household goods like furniture and appliances.
Colorado Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Lawyer Cost
Most bankruptcy attorneys in Colorado charge a flat fee for Chapter 7 cases and offer a free initial consultation. The total cost usually ranges from $599 to $1,200, depending on how complex your case is.
For example, you might pay more if you have many creditors, own valuable property, or have past legal issues related to your finances. A simpler case with just a few debts and no major assets usually costs less.
While price matters, it’s also important to find a lawyer who’s experienced, explains things clearly, and makes you feel comfortable asking questions. A good attorney can make the process feel less stressful — especially if your case is more complicated.
Upsolve can help you set up a free consultation with a Colorado bankruptcy attorney if you want some legal advice on your case.
Colorado Legal Aid Organizations
Even in the best of circumstances, filing bankruptcy can be stressful. Some filers will feel confident filing for bankruptcy without the help of an attorney. But it’s normal to feel overwhelmed.
If you need help but can't afford an attorney, you may qualify for free or low-cost legal help from a nonprofit legal aid organization in Colorado.
Colorado Legal Services
(303) 866-9399
1905 Sherman Street, Suite 400, Denver, CO 80203
Upsolve
Nationwide Service (NYC Office)
Colorado Court Locations
Colorado Judges
Colorado Bankruptcy Judges | |
---|---|
District | Judge Name |
District of Colorado | Hon. Michael E. Romero |
District of Colorado | Hon. Elizabeth E. Brown |
District of Colorado | Hon. Thomas B. McNamara |
District of Colorado | Hon. Cathleen D. Parker |
District of Colorado | Hon. Joseph G. Rosania |
District of Colorado | Hon. Kimberley H. Tyson |