How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Utah
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If you're dealing with debt that feels impossible to get out from under, Chapter 7 bankruptcy may be the fresh start you need. It can erase eligible debts like credit cards, medical bills, and payday loans — and many Utahns file without a lawyer or any filing costs. This guide covers everything you need to know to file in Utah.
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer.
Updated April 15, 2026
5 Steps To File Chapter 7 in Utah
Struggling with debt can feel overwhelming, but there’s a way forward. Chapter 7 bankruptcy can wipe out many types of debt — including credit cards, medical bills, payday loans, and utility bills. If your case is straightforward, you may be able to file without a lawyer and save hundreds of dollars in legal fees.
Step 1: See If You Qualify
Chapter 7 has income limits, but most people who need it meet them. You'll answer a few questions about your household size and income. If you use Upsolve's free tool, it just takes two minutes to see if you qualify.
If your income is below Utah’s median for a household your size, you'll likely pass the means test and qualify to file with Upsolve.
Utah Median Income Standards for Means Test for Cases Filed In 2026 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Household Size | Monthly Income | Annual Income |
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Step 2: Gather Your Documents
Before you file, you'll need to pull together a few key documents. One of those is a certificate from a short credit counseling course, which you'll complete online. It takes 1–2 hours and costs $10–$50 (fee waivers available).
See the full document checklist →
Step 3: Complete Your Forms and File
Filing for bankruptcy requires the same federal forms no matter where you live. You can download them for free as fillable PDFs at uscourts.gov. Some courts also require local forms.
If you use Upsolve, we’ll walk you through the process step by step and generate your forms based on the information you enter.
Once your forms are complete, you can file them by mail or drop them off in person at the courthouse. Utah has one bankruptcy filing location: Frank E. Moss U.S. Courthouse 350 South Main Street Salt Lake City, UT 84101
How filing works with Upsolve →
Filing Fee Information & Fee Waiver Eligibility
There’s a $338 filing fee for Chapter 7. If you can’t afford it, you can ask the court to waive the fee when you file your paperwork.
People whose income falls below 150% of the federal poverty level may be eligible. A bankruptcy judge will review your income and expenses and decide whether to grant the fee waiver.
Utah Fee Waiver Eligibility for Cases Filed In 2026Eligible for fee waiver when under 150% the poverty level. | ||
|---|---|---|
| Household Size | State Poverty Level | Fee Waiver Limit (150% PL) |
| 1 | $1,330.00 | $1,995.00 |
| 2 | $1,803.33 | $2,705.00 |
| 3 | $2,276.67 | $3,415.00 |
| 4 | $2,750.00 | $4,125.00 |
| 5 | $3,223.33 | $4,835.00 |
| 6 | $3,696.67 | $5,545.00 |
| 7 | $4,170.00 | $6,255.00 |
| 8 | $4,643.33 | $6,965.00 |
| 9 | $5,116.67 | $7,675.00 |
| 10 | $5,590.00 | $8,385.00 |
If you don’t qualify for a fee waiver, you’ll need to pay the full filing fee or an installment payment (if approved) when you file your forms.
You can pay the $338 filing fee with a cashier’s check or money order made out to Clerk, U.S. Bankruptcy Court. The court doesn’t accept cash, credit cards, or personal checks.
Step 4: Attend Your 341 Meeting
About a month after you file, you'll have a short meeting with your bankruptcy trustee on Zoom. It typically takes about five minutes. The trustee will verify your identity and ask a few basic questions about your paperwork.
Upsolve can help you prep for your 341 meeting →
Step 5: Get Your Discharge
After your 341 meeting, you'll need to take one more short course — a debtor education course on budgeting and managing credit. Once that's done and any follow-up is resolved, the court erases your eligible debts. That's your fresh start, usually within 3–4 months of filing.
What debts does Chapter 7 discharge? →
Local Forms/Requirements for Utah
Utah mostly uses the standard federal bankruptcy forms, but the court has specific formatting rules for your creditor matrix.
The creditor matrix is a list of everyone you owe money to, along with their mailing addresses. The court uses this list to send notices about your case. You can submit your matrix by mail, in person, or by emailing it to the court clerk.
To help you stay organized, the court also provides a Chapter 7 Filing Checklist that walks you through what to submit and when.
Free Legal Aid in Utah
If your case is more complex — or you'd just feel better having an attorney review it — free and low-cost legal help is available across Utah.
Utah Legal Services, Inc. (801) 328-8891 960 South Main Street Salt Lake City, UT 84101
