How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Vermont
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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 Vermonters file wihout a lawyer or any filing costs. This guide covers everything you need to know to file in Vermont.
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer.
Updated April 16, 2026
5 Steps To File Chapter 7 in Vermont
If you're feeling overwhelmed by bills, collection calls, or the stress of making ends meet, you're not alone. Many people turn to bankruptcy when they've tried everything else and still can't get ahead. And many Vermonters do it successfully without a lawyer. This guide walks you through each step so you know exactly what to expect.
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 Vermont’s median for a household your size, you'll likely pass the means test and qualify to file with Upsolve.
Vermont 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
The forms you'll fill out are federal, so they're the same across the country. You can find them as free fillable PDFs at uscourts.gov. Some courts also require local forms.
If you use Upsolve, it creates your forms using the information you provide and organizes everything so it’s ready to print and sign.
You can file your forms by mail or in person at your local courthouse.
📍The Vermont Bankruptcy Court has one district with two locations: Burlington Courthouse Federal Building 11 Elmwood Ave, Room 200 Burlington, VT 05401
Rutland Courthouse U.S. Bankruptcy Court 151 West Street Rutland, VT 05701
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.
Vermont 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.
💰 Chapter 7 filers can pay the 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, debit cards, or personal checks from people filing without a lawyer.
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 Vermont
For the most part, Vermont uses the standard federal bankruptcy forms. But there are a few local forms to know about.
One is the mailing matrix, which is simply a list of names and addresses for all the people and companies you owe money to. The matrix must be formatted according to the court’s requirements. The court’s Guide for the Self-Represented Debtor explains these requirements.
Vermont also requires a local form called the Payment Advices Cover Sheet, when you file your pay stubs. You can find it on the court’s website along with any other local forms you might need.
Free Legal Aid in Vermont
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 Vermont through: Legal Services Vermont (802) 863-7153 274 North Winooski Ave. Burlington, VT 05401
