How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Nevada
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If you’re struggling with debt in Nevada, Chapter 7 bankruptcy can offer a fresh start by clearing common debts like credit cards, payday loans, and medical bills. And you don’t have to hire a lawyer to get relief — many people file on their own and save on legal costs. This step-by-step guide walks you through the process, from gathering your documents and taking required courses to submitting your forms and attending your 341 meeting.
If your situation is straightforward, you may be eligible to use Upsolve’s free tool to prepare your forms.
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer.
Updated September 2, 2025
How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Nevada
If you're feeling overwhelmed by debt, you may already know that Chapter 7 bankruptcy can help you get a fresh start. It can wipe out credit card balances, medical bills, payday loans, and other debts.
Even better, you don’t need a lawyer to file Chapter 7. Many people successfully file on their own. This guide walks you through each step, from collecting documents and taking required courses to filling out forms and filing your case with the court.
✨ If your case is simple, you may be able to use Upsolve’s free filing tool to get started today. It only takes a few minutes to see if you qualify.
Collect Your Nevada Bankruptcy Documents
To get started, you’ll need to gather some key documents about your finances. Some are required, and others just make filling out your bankruptcy forms easier.
Start with the documents you must have:
Pay stubs or proof of income from the last six months
Tax returns from the past two years
A bank statement that includes your filing date
Other documents aren’t required, but they can help you list all your debts and expenses more accurately:
Credit card, loan, or medical bill statements
Letters or notices from debt collectors
Bank statements from the last 6–12 months
A recent credit report
📃 You can get a free credit report from all three major credit bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com. If you’re using Upsolve’s free filing tool, your credit report will be pulled for you automatically.
You may be asked for other documents as your case moves forward. It’s always a good idea to send them in as soon as you can to help keep things on track.
Take a Credit Counseling Course
Before you can file your bankruptcy forms, you’ll need to take a credit counseling course from a court-approved provider. This short course helps you understand your options for dealing with debt and confirms that bankruptcy is the right step for you.
Here are some important course details:
You can take the course online or by phone, but some providers also offer in-person options.
It must be completed within 180 days before you file.
The course usually costs $10–$50, but if you can’t afford it, you can ask for a fee waiver. Many providers will waive the fee based on your income.
After you finish, you’ll get a certificate of completion. You’ll need to file this with the court when you submit your bankruptcy forms. If you don’t, your case could be dismissed.
Complete the Bankruptcy Forms
After you’ve gathered your documents and finished the credit counseling course, the next step is to fill out your bankruptcy forms.
Most of the forms are federal, so they’re the same no matter where you live. You can download them for free as fillable PDFs from USCourts.gov. Some courts also require local forms in addition to the federal ones.
📋 The Nevada bankruptcy court’s website has a helpful Chapter 7 checklist and links to local forms. It’s a great way to stay organized and double-check that you’re completing everything you need.
🛠️ If you use Upsolve’s free filing tool, you won’t need to fill out the forms by hand. You’ll answer an online questionnaire, and the tool will generate your completed forms for you.
If you work with a lawyer, they’ll usually ask you to fill out a detailed intake form or questionnaire, and then they’ll prepare and file the forms for you.
Get Your Filing Fee
It costs $338 to file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case. If your income is low, you may be able to ask the court to waive this fee. Many people qualify for a fee waiver.
If you use Upsolve’s free filing tool, we’ll prepare the waiver form for you, and you can file it with the rest of your paperwork.
🛡️ If you don’t qualify for a waiver, you can ask the court to let you pay the fee in installments. This can be helpful if you need to file quickly to stop things like wage garnishment or collection calls. Filing your case gives you the protection of the automatic stay, which temporarily pauses most collection activity.
⏳ If you do choose the installment option, try to stay on top of the payments. If you miss one, the court can dismiss your case before you can get your debts wiped out.
Print Your Bankruptcy Forms
Once your forms are ready, it’s time to print and prepare them for filing. Using a checklist can help you stay organized.
🖨️ Here are some other tips for printing:
Use regular, white, letter-size paper (8.5” x 11”).
Print everything single-sided in black ink. Don’t use color ink.
Don’t print double-sided or use staples or hole-punches.
✍️ Be sure to sign every page that asks for a signature. It’s easy to miss one, so take your time and double-check.
✨ If you’re using Upsolve’s free filing tool, you’ll get a ready-to-print packet with all your forms. It includes helpful dividers that flag each place you need to sign, so nothing gets overlooked.
If you hire a lawyer, they’ll usually file your forms electronically for you.
File Your Forms With the Nevada Bankruptcy Court
If you’re filing without a lawyer, you can submit your forms by mail or take them to the courthouse in person.
Nevada has two bankruptcy court locations: one in Las Vegas and one in Reno. If you live in Clark, Esmeralda, Lincoln, or Nye counties, file your forms with the Las Vegas court. Everyone else files in Reno.
🏛️ Many people find that it is reassuring to file in person. A clerk can quickly check your forms and let you know if anything’s missing. It’s also the fastest way to start your case.
Once your forms are accepted, you’ll get a case number, and the automatic stay will kick in, protecting you from most collection efforts right away.
📬 If you don’t live near one of these cities, mailing your forms might be the easiest option. Include your $338 filing fee and a stamped, self-addressed envelope if you’d like the court to send you a copy of your stamped forms for your records. If possible, send the forms via certified mail so you can track when they’re received.
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 do this at a short meeting called the 341 meeting. The trustee also handles any property issues. Though in most Chapter 7 cases, filers keep everything they own.
Before your 341 meeting, most trustees will ask you to mail them copies of the following documents:
Your two most recent federal tax returns
A bank statement for each account that was open when you filed
A clear copy of your photo ID (like a driver’s license or passport)
Proof of your Social Security number (such as your Social Security card, W-2, or pay stub)
Proof of your current income, like a recent pay stub
📅 These documents must be sent at least two weeks before your 341 meeting. If you’re missing something, you can include a short note explaining why.
You’ll get your trustee’s name and contact information in an official court notice shortly after you file. Your trustee might ask for a few extra documents. Sending them in quickly can help keep your case moving.
Take a Debtor Education Course
There’s one more short course to take after you file, and it’s required before your debts can be wiped out. This second course is called debtor education or financial management. It covers topics like budgeting, saving, and using credit wisely to help you move forward and make the most of your fresh start.
✅ You must take the course from a court-approved provider. Most offer it online or by phone. 📅 You can take the course anytime after you file, but no later than 60 days after your 341 meeting.
📝 After you finish, you’ll get a certificate of completion. This must be filed with the court. Some providers will file it for you. Others will send it to you so you can file it yourself.
⚠️ The court can’t erase your debts unless your certificate is filed by the deadline. If it’s missing, your case can be dismissed.
Attend Your 341 Meeting
About a month after you file your case, you’ll attend a short meeting with your bankruptcy trustee. This is called the 341 meeting or the meeting of creditors. Creditors are invited, but in most cases, they don’t show up.
⏱️ The meeting usually lasts less than 10 minutes for Chapter 7 cases.
In Nevada, most 341 meetings now take place by Zoom videoconference. Some may still be held in person in Las Vegas, Reno, or Elko, but your official notice will tell you the time, date, and how to attend.
📑 What to bring:
A valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID (like a driver’s license or passport)
Proof of your Social Security number (such as your Social Security card, W-2, or pay stub with your full SSN)
🪪 At the start of the meeting, your trustee will confirm your identity using these documents. Then they’ll place you under oath and ask a few standard questions about your forms, your debts, and your finances.
This meeting might sound stressful, but most people are surprised by how quick and easy it is. And once it’s over, you’re usually just 60–90 days away from getting your fresh start.
Deal With Your Car
In Nevada, having a car is often essential. So it’s common to worry about losing your vehicle when filing bankruptcy. The good news is that many people are able to keep their car.
Whether you can keep yours depends on a few factors. Essentially, if the equity you have in your car is less than the state’s exemption, you can usually keep the vehicle.
💡 Exemptions are laws that protect certain property during bankruptcy. In Nevada, you can protect up to $15,000 of equity in one vehicle.
Equity is the value of your car minus what you still owe on it. If you own the car outright, your equity is equal to the car’s current fair market value, which you can find on a site like Kelley Blue Book.
If you’re making loan payments on your car, you usually have three main choices:
Reaffirm the loan: With a reaffirmation agreement, you agree to keep paying your car loan and keep the car. This is a common option for people who are current on payments and have equity that’s protected by the exemption.
Redeem the car: With redemption, you pay the lender the car’s current market value in one lump sum, and the rest of the loan is wiped out in bankruptcy. This can be a smart option if your car is worth significantly less than what you owe and if you have access to the money to make the payment.
Surrender the car: You return the car to the lender and the loan is wiped out. Many people choose this if they’re behind on payments or the car isn’t worth keeping. Learn more about when surrendering makes sense.
🚗 If you own your car outright, you can usually keep it as long as its value is below Nevada’s $15,000 vehicle exemption.
Do you lease your car? Leased vehicles work a little differently. You can choose to stay in the lease and keep the car or reject the lease and return it.
Nevada Bankruptcy Means Test
The bankruptcy means test helps decide if you’re eligible to file for Chapter 7 based on your income. It’s a two-step process, but many people qualify after just the first step.
Step 1 compares your household income to the Nevada median income for a household of your size. If your income is below the median, you pass the test and can move forward with your Chapter 7 case.
If your income is above the median, you’ll move on to Step 2. This step looks at your disposable income. That’s what’s left after subtracting certain allowable expenses, like living costs, car payments, and child support.
Most people who qualify for Chapter 7 pass at Step 1. If you don’t, it’s best to speak with an attorney to confirm your eligibility since the allowable expense calculation can get complicated. Upsolve can connect you with a local bankruptcy lawyer for a free consultation.
Data on Median Income Levels for Nevada
Nevada Median Income Standards for Means Test for Cases Filed In 2025 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Household Size | Monthly Income | Annual Income |
| 1 | $5,646.33 | $67,756.00 |
| 2 | $6,993.58 | $83,923.00 |
| 3 | $8,010.00 | $96,120.00 |
| 4 | $8,917.75 | $107,013.00 |
| 5 | $9,842.75 | $118,113.00 |
| 6 | $10,767.75 | $129,213.00 |
| 7 | $11,692.75 | $140,313.00 |
| 8 | $12,617.75 | $151,413.00 |
| 9 | $13,542.75 | $162,513.00 |
| 10 | $14,467.75 | $173,613.00 |
Data on Poverty Levels for Nevada
Nevada 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 |
Nevada Districts & Filing Requirements
Nevada has one bankruptcy district with two courthouses that serve different parts of the state:
📍Las Vegas Courthouse (for filers in Clark, Esmeralda, Lincoln, and Nye counties) Foley Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse 300 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas, NV 89101
📍Reno Courthouse (serving all other counties in Nevada) C. Clifton Young Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse 300 Booth Street, Reno, NV 89509
📑 You must bring one original set of all bankruptcy forms that the court will keep. If you'd like the court to stamp and return a copy for your records, bring one additional copy and include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
📝 Most of the forms you’ll use are federal forms, so they’re the same across the country. But in Nevada, you’ll also need to complete two local forms: the Creditor Matrix and the Verification of Creditor Matrix.
These forms are free to download from the Nevada bankruptcy court’s website.
Nevada District Filing Fee Requirements
💰 You have a few ways to pay the $338 filing fee when you file your case:
Pay in full using a cashier’s check or money order made out to Clerk, U.S. Bankruptcy Court.
Pay online by debit card, PayPal, or bank transfer.
Apply to pay in installments. If the court approves your installment application, you’ll need to make an initial payment of at least $80 within five business days. The court will give you a schedule for the remaining payments.
Submit a fee waiver application if you can’t afford the fee and your income qualifies.
🚫 The court does not accept personal checks, credit cards, or cash.
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Nevada Bankruptcy Exemptions
When you file Chapter 7 bankruptcy, the law protects certain property so you can keep the things you need to move forward. These protections are called exemptions. They cover things like your home, car, clothing, and household items.
If you’ve lived in Nevada for at least two years, you’ll use Nevada’s exemption laws. These rules explain what you’re allowed to keep and how much value is protected.
Here are some of the most commonly used exemptions in Nevada:
🏠 Up to $605,000 of equity in your home or mobile home
🚗 Up to $15,000 of equity in one vehicle
🧰 A $10,000 wildcard exemption to protect anything you choose
Some items, like Social Security benefits and certain retirement accounts, are fully protected with no dollar limit.
If you moved to Nevada in the last two years, you may need to use the federal exemptions instead.
Nevada Bankruptcy Lawyer Cost
In Nevada, most bankruptcy lawyers charge a flat fee of $1,100 to $1,500 for a Chapter 7 case. This is the biggest cost in most bankruptcies and doesn’t include the court filing fee or required courses.
Hiring a lawyer can be helpful if you have a complicated case. This is especially true if you own a home or have a financially complex situation.
🤝 Many attorneys offer a free consultation so you can ask questions and get a feel for whether they’re a good fit before you decide what’s best for you.
Nevada Legal Aid Organizations
If you’re unsure about navigating the bankruptcy process yourself, one of Nevada’s legal aid organizations may be able to help. These organizations provide free or low-cost legal assistance to qualified residents.
