How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Kentucky
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Filing bankruptcy in Kentucky can feel overwhelming, but many people do it on their own — and this guide shows you how. You’ll learn how to gather your paperwork, take the required courses, fill out your forms, and file everything with the court, step by step. It also explains how to protect the things you own, like your car, using Kentucky or federal bankruptcy exemptions. If your case is simple, you may qualify to use Upsolve’s free tool to help you through the process. No matter how you file, this guide is here to help you feel confident, informed, and supported every step of the way.
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer.
Updated July 2, 2025
How To File Bankruptcy in Kentucky for Free
Many people in Kentucky face tough financial circumstances, and Chapter 7 bankruptcy can offer a real way forward. It’s designed to wipe out certain debts like credit cards, medical bills, and payday loans so you can get a fresh start.
This guide walks you through every step of filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Kentucky without a lawyer. You’ll learn how to gather the right documents, complete the required courses and forms, and navigate the court process.
If your case is simple, you may be able to use Upsolve’s free filing tool to get started. It only takes a few minutes to see if you qualify.
Whether you use Upsolve or handle the process yourself, this guide can help you feel more confident, informed, and ready to take your next step.
- Collect Your Kentucky Bankruptcy Documents
- Complete the Bankruptcy Forms
- Take the Required Credit Counseling Course
- Get Your Filing Fee (or Fee Waiver Form)
- Print Your Bankruptcy Forms
- File Your Forms With Kentucky Bankruptcy Court
- Mail Documents to Your Trustee
- Take a Financial Management/Debtor Education Course
- Attend Your 341 Meeting
- Deal With Your Car
Collect Your Kentucky Bankruptcy Documents
To get started, you’ll need to gather some important documents. Some are required by the court or your bankruptcy trustee. Others aren’t required, but can make it easier to fill out your forms accurately.
Here’s what the court and trustee will ask for:
Your most recent 60 days of pay stubs to verify your income
Your federal income tax returns from the past two years
A bank statement that includes your bankruptcy filing date
It’s also helpful to gather these documents to make filling out your forms easier:
6–12 months of bank statements can help you track your income and spending.
Recent credit card, loan, and collection notices will help you list your debts accurately.
A current credit report can give you a full picture of who you owe and how much.
📄 You’re entitled to a free credit report every week from each of the three major credit bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com.
🛠️ If you use Upsolve’s free filing tool, it will pull your credit report for you.
Complete the Bankruptcy Forms
Once you’ve collected your documents and finished your credit counseling course, you’re all set to complete your bankruptcy forms. These forms are from the federal government, so they’re the same no matter what state you live in.
💻 You can download and fill them out for free as PDFs from USCourts.gov.
🧾 If you’re using Upsolve’s filing tool, you’ll answer an online questionnaire, then the tool will generate your completed forms based on your answers.
If you’re working with a lawyer, they’ll complete and file the forms for you using information you provide.
📌 Some bankruptcy courts also have local forms or requirements. You can find those details in the district-specific sections below.
Take the Required Credit Counseling Course
Before you can officially file your bankruptcy case, you’ll need to take a credit counseling course from an approved provider. This course helps explain your options and makes sure filing is the right step for you.
Here’s what to know:
What it is: A short class (usually less than two hours) that covers budgeting, credit basics, and how bankruptcy works.
How to take it: Online, by phone, or sometimes in person.
Cost: Usually $10–$50, but some providers offer fee waivers if you can’t afford to pay.
Deadline: You must complete the course within 180 days before you file.
⚠️ Be sure to include your course certificate when you file your forms. If it’s missing, the court may dismiss your case.
Get Your Filing Fee (or Fee Waiver Form)
Now that your forms are ready, it’s time to think about the $338 filing fee for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. If your income is below 150% of the federal poverty guideline, you may qualify for a fee waiver. Many people do.
🛠️ If you use Upsolve’s filing tool, it will fill out the fee waiver form for you, but you need to print and file it with the court yourself.
If you don’t qualify for a waiver and can’t afford the full $338 right away, you can ask the court to let you pay in installments. This can be helpful if you need to file quickly to stop something like wage garnishment. Filing your case triggers an automatic stay, which puts most collection efforts on pause.
⚠️ Just keep in mind that if you miss a payment, the court may dismiss your case.
Print Your Bankruptcy Forms
After you have a filing fee plan you feel good about, your next step is to print your forms so you can submit them to the court. Unless your local court allows you to file electronically, you’ll need to print everything to file in person or by mail.
It’s a good idea to print two copies — one for the court and one for your records. Follow these tips to make sure your forms are ready:
Use regular white 8.5" x 11" paper.
Print in black ink only.
Print single-sided pages only.
Don’t staple or hole-punch any pages.
Double-check that you’ve signed everywhere a signature is required.
✅ You can also review this Chapter 7 document checklist to make sure you’re not missing anything.
✨ If you’re using Upsolve’s filing tool, you’ll get a ready-to-print packet with everything you need. The signature pages will be flagged so you don’t miss anything.
If you’re working with a lawyer, they’ll file everything electronically for you.
File Your Forms With Kentucky Bankruptcy Court
Once your forms are printed (if needed) and your payment is ready, it’s time to file your case with the court. You can file by mail or in person, and in some Kentucky districts, you may also have the option to file online.
🌟 Many filers find it helpful to go in person to file if they’re able to. A clerk can check your forms while you’re there and let you know if anything’s missing. Your case may also get entered more quickly, and you won’t have to worry about mail delays.
Each district handles things a little differently, so we’ll go over the specifics later in this guide.
Mail Documents to Your Trustee
When you file your Chapter 7 case, the court assigns a bankruptcy trustee to oversee your case, verify your paperwork, and run the 341 meeting of creditors (more on this meeting later).
📃 You'll receive the trustee’s name and contact details in the official notice from the court.
The trustee’s office recommends sending the following documents 14 days before your meeting:
A copy of your federal income tax return for the last two years
A bank statement covering the filing date, including checking, savings, and investment accounts
A clear copy of a valid government-issued photo ID and proof of your Social Security number (or a written statement if you don't have one)
Recent proof of income (pay stubs)
If you’re missing any documents, you can include a short note explaining why.
Each trustee is different and may ask for different or additional documents. Be sure to follow their instructions carefully and provide the documents they request in a timely manner.
Take a Financial Management/Debtor Education Course
Before the court can officially wipe out your debts, you’ll need to take one more course.
📚 This second course is called the debtor education or financial management course. It teaches basic money skills to help you stay on track after bankruptcy.
The court requires you to complete it and file your certificate within 60 days after your 341 meeting. If you don’t, your case may be dismissed without a discharge, and that means your debts won’t be erased.
You’ll need to take the course through a state-approved provider. If you liked the company you used for the first course, check to see if they offer this one too. Some companies give a discount if you take both.
Attend Your 341 Meeting
The next big step is attending your 341 meeting, also called the meeting of creditors. This is a short, required meeting where you’ll speak with the bankruptcy trustee assigned to your case.
🗓️ It usually happens about a month after you file.
Most of these meetings are held online, via Zoom, though sometimes they’re held in person or over the phone. You’ll get a notice from the court with the date, time, and instructions for your meeting.
🏛️ The 341 meeting isn’t a court hearing, and you won’t see a judge — just the trustee.
You’ll need to have two things with you: a government-issued photo ID and a document that shows your full Social Security number, like your Social Security card or a W-2.
During the meeting, the trustee will ask you some simple, standard questions about your paperwork. Creditors are allowed to join and ask questions, but they rarely do. Most meetings are over in 10 minutes or less.
Many Upsolve filers find it comforting to prepare for their meeting by watching this mock 341 meeting video.
Deal With Your Car
In Kentucky, having a car can be a big part of getting to work, running errands, or caring for family. So it’s completely normal to worry about losing your vehicle when filing bankruptcy. Luckily, most filers get to keep their car.
Whether or not 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 your car
What property exemptions you qualify for
🔎 We’ll go over Kentucky’s exemptions later in this guide. For now, here are your general options.
If you’re making loan payments on your car, you have three main paths:
Reaffirm the loan: A reaffirmation agreement lets you keep the car and keep paying your car loan like normal.
Many people choose this if they’re up to date on payments and the loan still fits their budget.
Redeem the car: With redemption, you pay the current market value of the car in a lump sum. If the car is worth less than what you owe, the rest of the loan is wiped out.
This can be a good option if you’re underwater on your loan and can come up with the lump sum.
Surrender the car: Also called voluntary surrender, this means you give the car back to the lender, and the rest of the loan is erased.
This is a common choice if you’re behind on payments, owe more than your car is worth, or simply don’t want the car anymore.
🚗 If you own your car outright, you can usually keep it as long as it’s worth less than Kentucky’s $2,500 motor vehicle exemption. You might also be able to use part of the $1,000 wildcard exemption to protect more value.
Leased cars are treated a little differently. You may be able to keep the lease or return the car, depending on your situation. You can learn more in our guide to leases.
Kentucky Bankruptcy Means Test
Chapter 7 bankruptcy offers a fresh start for people who truly can’t afford to pay back their debts. To make sure it’s used fairly, everyone who files must take a means test.
This is a two-step test that looks at your income and expenses to see if you qualify.
Step 1: Compare your average monthly income to the median income for a household your size in Kentucky. If your income is below the median, you pass the means test and can usually file for Chapter 7.
Step 2: If your income is above the median, you’ll move on to the second part. This factors in your necessary living expenses to figure out how much disposable income you have to put toward your debt. If there’s not enough to pay your debts, you may still qualify for Chapter 7. If there is, you may only be eligible for Chapter 13.
Many filers pass the means test based on their income alone. If you don’t, and you need to move on to the second step, it’s best to talk with a bankruptcy attorney to review your eligibility. Upsolve can connect you with a local bankruptcy lawyer for a free consultation.
Data on Median Income Levels for Kentucky
Kentucky Median Income Standards for Means Test for Cases Filed In 2025 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Household Size | Monthly Income | Annual Income |
| 1 | $4,813.67 | $57,764.00 |
| 2 | $5,780.92 | $69,371.00 |
| 3 | $7,015.25 | $84,183.00 |
| 4 | $8,829.58 | $105,955.00 |
| 5 | $9,754.58 | $117,055.00 |
| 6 | $10,679.58 | $128,155.00 |
| 7 | $11,604.58 | $139,255.00 |
| 8 | $12,529.58 | $150,355.00 |
| 9 | $13,454.58 | $161,455.00 |
| 10 | $14,379.58 | $172,555.00 |
Data on Poverty Levels for Kentucky
Kentucky 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 |
Kentucky Districts & Filing Requirements
Kentucky has two bankruptcy districts, and each one has its own filing requirements and payment rules.
🔎 Find your county in the chart below to see which district you’re in. Then, you can follow the instructions for that district in the next section.
| District | Courthouse/Division | Counties Served |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern District of KY | Ashland | Boyd, Carter, Elliot, Greenup, Lawrence, Lewis, Morgan, and Rowan |
| Covington | Boone, Bracken, Campbell, Gallatin, Grant, Kenton, Mason, Pendleton, and Robertson | |
| Frankfort | Anderson, Carroll, Franklin, Henry, Owen, Shelby, and Trimble | |
| Lexington | Bath, Bourbon, Boyle, Breathitt, Clark, Estill, Fayette, Fleming, Garrard, Harrison, Jessamine, Lee, Lincoln, Madison, Menifee, Mercer, Montgomery, Nicholas, Powell, Scott, Wolfe, and Woodford | |
| London | Bell, Clay, Harlan, Jackson, Knox, Laurel, Leslie, McCreary, Owsley, Perry, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Wayne, and Whitley | |
| Pikeville | Floyd, Johnson, Knott, Letcher, Magoffin, Martin, and Pike | |
| Western District of KY | Bowling Green | Adair, Allen, Barren, Butler, Casey, Clinton, Cumberland, Edmonson, Green, Hart, Logan, Metcalf, Monroe, Russell, Simpson, Taylor, Todd, and Warren |
| Louisville | Breckinridge, Bullitt, Hardin, Jefferson, Larue, Marion, Meade, Nelson, Oldham, Spencer, and Washington | |
| Owensboro | Daviess, Grayson, Hancock, Henderson, Hopkins, McLean, Muhlenberg, Ohio, Union, and Webster | |
| Paducah | Ballard, Caldwell, Calloway, Carlisle, Christian, Crittenden, Fulton, Graves, Hickman, Livingston, Lyon, McCracken, Marshall, and Trigg |
Eastern District of Kentucky Requirements
The Eastern District of Kentucky is divided into six divisions:
Ashland: Serves Boyd, Carter, Elliot, Greenup, Lawrence, Lewis, Morgan, and Rowan counties
Covington: Serves Boone, Bracken, Campbell, Gallatin, Grant, Kenton, Mason, Pendleton, and Robertson counties
Frankfort: Serves Anderson, Carroll, Franklin, Henry, Owen, Shelby, and Trimble counties
Lexington: Serves Bath, Bourbon, Boyle, Breathitt, Clark, Estill, Fayette, Fleming, Garrard, Harrison, Jessamine, Lee, Lincoln, Madison, Menifee, Mercer, Montgomery, Nicholas, Powell, Scott, Wolfe, and Woodford counties
London: Serves Bell, Clay, Harlan, Jackson, Knox, Laurel, Leslie, McCreary, Owsley, Perry, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Wayne, and Whitley counties
Pikeville: Serves Floyd, Johnson, Knott, Letcher, Magoffin, Martin, and Pike counties
The county you live in determines which division will handle your case. In the Eastern District, you can file your forms online, via mail, or in person at your local division courthouse.
💻 There are two online filing options for self-represented filers:
The eSR (Electronic Self-Representation) is an online tool that helps you prepare and file a new Chapter 7 bankruptcy case without a lawyer. It walks you through the forms step by step and gives you 45 days to finish and submit your petition.
The eDS (Electronic Document Submission) allows filers to email follow-up documents to the court instead of mailing or delivering them. All documents must be signed by hand and sent as a single PDF file. This is for use after you’ve filed your bankruptcy petition with the court.
📬 If you file by mail, you'll send your petition to: United States Bankruptcy Court
Eastern District of Kentucky
100 East Vine Street, Suite 200
Lexington, Kentucky 40507-1430
🚶🏽♂️🏛️If you file in person, you’ll go to the courthouse for your local division. You can find the addresses on the court's website.
Eastern District: Local Forms, Requirements, and Filing Fee Information
The Eastern District requires filers to follow specific creditor matrix formatting guidelines. If you leave out the matrix or file it incorrectly, your case may be delayed or even dismissed.
The Eastern District also has some local forms. Most people can complete their bankruptcy using the national forms, but it's a good idea to check the court’s Local Forms page to see if any of these forms apply to your case.
💰 In the Eastern district, you can pay the $338 filing fee in person using a money order, certified check, cashier’s check, or exact cash. All payments must be made out to Clerk, U.S. Bankruptcy Court.
✉️ Mailing your payment is also an option. If you go this route, it’s safest to use a certified check or money order. The court isn’t responsible for cash or payments that get lost in the mail.
🕒 If you were approved to pay the filing fee in installments, you'll make your payments of $84.50 directly to the Clerk’s Office using a money order, cashier’s check, or certified check. The court may expect you to make your first payment when you file or shortly after. Be sure to follow any payment instructions the court gives you so your case isn’t delayed or dismissed.
🚫 Personal checks and credit cards are not accepted.
Western District of Kentucky Requirements
The Western District of Kentucky has four divisions:
Bowling Green: Serves Adair, Allen, Barren, Butler, Casey, Clinton, Cumberland, Edmonson, Green, Hart, Logan, Metcalf, Monroe, Russell, Simpson, Taylor, Todd, and Warren counties
Louisville: Serves Breckinridge, Bullitt, Hardin, Jefferson, Larue, Marion, Meade, Nelson, Oldham, Spencer, and Washington counties
Owensboo: Serves Daviess, Grayson, Hancock, Henderson, Hopkins, McLean, Muhlenberg, Ohio, Union, and Webster counties
Paducah: Serves Ballard, Caldwell, Calloway, Carlisle, Christian, Crittenden, Fulton, Graves, Hickman, Livingston, Lyon, McCracken, Marshall, and Trigg counties
🏛️ If you're filing in this district, you’ll need to submit all forms and fees either in person or by mail to the courthouse in Louisville. This is the only location that accepts filings from people who aren’t using a lawyer.
📬 If you file by mail, you'll send your petition to:
U.S. Bankruptcy Court
601 West Broadway, Suite 450
Louisville, KY 40202
👤 If you file in person, you’ll go to:
Gene Snyder Courthouse
601 West Broadway, Suite 450
Louisville, KY 40202
The court has a useful guide for pro se (self-represented) filers.
Western District: Local Forms, Requirements, and Filing Fee Information
Most people filing Chapter 7 in the Western District of Kentucky can use the national bankruptcy forms, but there are a few local forms that might apply depending on your situation.
If you need more time to take the credit counseling course, you can file a Motion and Order to Extend Time for Credit Counseling.
If you're trying to remove a lien on exempt property, you may need the Motion and Order to Avoid Lien.
You’ll also need to include a creditor matrix — a simple mailing list of everyone you owe money to. Each court has its own formatting rules, so be sure to follow the instructions for your district.
💰 In the Western District, you can pay the filing fee in person or by mail using a cashier’s check, certified check, or money order payable to Clerk, U.S. Bankruptcy Court.
If you’re sending your fee by mail, include a note or copy of your court document so the clerk knows why you’re sending the payment. If the purpose isn’t clear, your payment may be returned.
🚫 Personal checks, cash, and credit cards aren’t accepted.
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Kentucky Bankruptcy Exemptions
When you file for bankruptcy, you may be able to keep more than you think thanks to bankruptcy exemptions. These are laws that protect certain property from being taken to pay your debts, so you have what you need to live and work, like clothing, household items, and a car.
In Kentucky, you can choose to use either state exemptions or federal exemptions, but not both. If you’ve lived in Kentucky for at least two years, you can compare the two sets and choose the one that protects more of what you own. Many filers choose to use the federal exemptions, which are more generous than the state exemptions in most cases.
Here’s how the main exemptions compare for three of the most commonly used exemptions:
| Property Type (Exemption) | Kentucky Exemption | Federal Exemption |
|---|---|---|
| Home (Homestead Exemption) | $5,000 | $31,575 for individual filers (double if married and filing jointly) |
| Car (Motor Vehicle Exemption) | $2,500 | $4,450 |
| Wildcard Exemption | $1,000 | $1,475, plus up to $13,950 of any unused portion of the homestead exemption |
These amounts change, so it’s a good idea to check the most up-to-date numbers before you file.
Kentucky Bankruptcy Lawyer Cost
In Kentucky, hiring a bankruptcy lawyer for a Chapter 7 case usually costs between $1,100 and $2,000. Most lawyers charge a flat fee, not an hourly rate.
Though it can be expensive to hire an attorney, some filers find it’s worth doing if they own a home or have a complicated case.
Most bankruptcy attorneys offer a free consultation so you can ask questions and see if they’re a good fit before deciding.
Kentucky Legal Aid Organizations
If you can’t afford a lawyer, you may be able to get free help from a legal aid organization. Kentucky has four legal aid programs that help people with low incomes. Legal aid lawyers are a great option if you’re nervous about handling the bankruptcy process on your own. They can help answer your questions and guide you through the steps if you qualify for their services.
