How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Wisconsin
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Filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Wisconsin can give you a fresh start by erasing debts like credit cards, medical bills, and payday loans — and you don’t necessarily need a lawyer to do it. The process involves gathering your financial documents, completing two short financial courses, filing your forms with the court, and attending a quick meeting with a trustee. Wisconsin law offers exemptions to help protect the things that matter most, like your home, car, and personal belongings. If you qualify, you may be able to use Upsolve’s free filing tool.
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer.
Updated October 8, 2025
How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Wisconsin
Filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Wisconsin can give you a fresh start if you're struggling with debt — and you don’t need a lawyer to do it. Many people file on their own to wipe out credit cards, medical bills, and payday loans.
This guide walks you through the full process, step by step.
✨ 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 Wisconsin Bankruptcy Documents
To get started with Chapter 7, you’ll need to gather some important financial documents. These items give the court a picture of your income, expenses, and debts. Some are required, while others are simply useful when you’re filling out your forms.
These documents are required:
Pay stubs from the past six months to show your income and eligibility
Your last two years of federal tax returns
A bank statement that covers the date you file
🗃️ These are helpful to collect as you prepare your forms:
Credit card and loan statements
Letters or notices from debt collectors
6–12 months of bank statements
A recent credit report that lists your debts and creditors’ contact information
📄 You can get a free credit report every week from each of the three credit bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com. If you’re using Upsolve, our tools will pull your credit report for you automatically.
Take Credit Counseling
Before you can file Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Wisconsin, you must complete a credit counseling course from an approved provider. This class is designed to help you review your income, expenses, and debt relief options.
🧠 Here’s what you need to know:
The course takes 1–2 hours and can be done online or over the phone.
It costs $10–$50, but you may qualify for a fee waiver if you can’t afford it.
You must take the course within 180 days before you file.
Once you finish, you’ll get a certificate of completion.
⚠️ Your certificate has to be submitted with the rest of your Chapter 7 forms when you file your case. If you don’t include it, your case could be dismissed.
Complete the Bankruptcy Forms
Most of the paperwork you’ll file in Chapter 7 bankruptcy is made up of federal forms that are the same in every state. These forms are available for free on USCourts.gov. Some courts also require local forms, which we’ll cover in the Wisconsin Districts & Filing Requirements section later.
🛠️ If you use Upsolve’s free filing tool, you’ll answer an online questionnaire about your finances, and the software will prepare your forms for you.
Get Your Filing Fee
Filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy costs $338, but many people qualify for a fee waiver.
If your income is below 150% of the federal poverty guideline, you can ask the court to waive the fee. If you qualify and the court approves your request, you won’t have to pay anything.
⚙️ If you’re using Upsolve’s free filing tool, we’ll prepare the fee waiver form for you. You’ll just need to file it with the court yourself.
⏸️ If you don’t qualify for a waiver, you can ask the court for permission to pay the fee in up to four installments. This can be a good option if you need to file quickly to stop a wage garnishment, foreclosure, or other collections. Once you file, the automatic stay goes into effect. This stops most collection efforts.
Just be careful: If you miss a payment or pay late, the court can dismiss your case — and you won’t get your money back.
Print Your Bankruptcy Forms
After you finish your bankruptcy forms, you’ll need to print them.
Even if your court allows online filing, you’ll need to sign and submit certain documents by mail or in person. Try to print your forms the same week you plan to file, since bankruptcy paperwork is time-sensitive.
🖨️ Here are some printing tips:
Use regular white letter-sized paper (8.5 x 11 inches).
Print in black ink.
Print single-sided only.
Don’t staple or hole-punch your forms.
🖊️ Go through each document to make sure everything is complete and signed. If you’re using Upsolve, your forms will come in one PDF file with dividers that clearly mark where to sign.
✅ A checklist can be a helpful way to keep track of what you've printed, signed, and prepared for filing. Staying organized now can save you time and stress later.
File Your Forms With the Wisconsin Bankruptcy Court
Once your forms are printed, signed, and ready to go, you’ll need to file them with the bankruptcy court. In Wisconsin, you can file in person or by mail, no matter where you live. Some courts also offer online filing if you’re filing without a lawyer. We’ll go over those options in more detail in the Wisconsin Districts & Filing Requirements section later on.
👥 Many folks choose to file in person because the clerk can quickly check that you’ve included everything you need. You’ll get your case number right away, and you won’t have to worry about delays in the mail.
📬 If going in person isn’t possible, you can send your paperwork by mail. Just be sure to use the correct court address and include everything required.
Mail Documents to Your Trustee
After you file your case, the court will assign a bankruptcy trustee to manage it. The trustee is a neutral person who reviews your paperwork, collects certain documents from you, and leads your 341 meeting. This is a short meeting where they ask you basic questions about your finances and bankruptcy forms.
📌 After you file your case, you’ll get an official court notice with your trustee’s name, contact information, and the date and time of your 341 meeting.
📬 To help confirm the details in your paperwork, you’ll need to send your trustee a few documents at least 14 days before the meeting (unless they give you a different deadline):
A copy of your most recent federal tax return (or a note explaining why you don’t have one)
A bank statement that covers the date you filed your case
A clear copy of your government-issued photo ID
Proof of your Social Security number (such as a copy of your Social Security card, W-2, or pay stub with your full SSN)
Your most recent pay stub or other proof of income
📄 Your trustee may also send you a letter requesting additional items. Follow their instructions carefully and be sure to send everything on time to avoid delays.
Take a Debtor Education Course
After you file your Chapter 7 case, you’ll need to complete a second financial course called debtor education. This course focuses on managing money, budgeting, and using credit wisely. It’s meant to help you make the most of your fresh start.
This second course is required to get your bankruptcy discharge. That’s the court’s official order that wipes out your eligible debts.
📌 Here’s the rundown:
You must take the course from a court-approved provider.
You can take it in person, online, or over the phone.
It usually takes about two hours to complete.
You must finish the course within 60 days after your 341 meeting.
⚠️ After you finish the course, you’ll get a certificate of completion. You must file this certificate with the court or you won’t get your debt discharged.
Attend Your 341 Meeting
About a month after you file, you’ll have a short video call with your bankruptcy trustee. This is called the 341 meeting or meeting of creditors. It’s a required step in every case and usually lasts less than 10 minutes.
💻 These meetings now happen online over Zoom, not in person. Your official court notice will list the date, time, and login instructions.
The trustee will verify your identity, place you under oath, and ask a few simple questions to confirm that the information in your forms is correct.
📄 It helps to have these nearby in case you need to reference something during the meeting:
A copy of your bankruptcy paperwork
Any documents you sent to the trustee (like your tax return or pay stubs)
The official case notice from the court
👉 Creditors are allowed to attend the meeting, but they rarely do.
🏁Most people feel nervous going in, but the meeting is usually over before you know it. Just be honest and clear in your answers. You’re almost at the finish line!
Deal With Your Car
Many people worry they’ll lose their vehicle when filing for bankruptcy, but that’s often not the case. Most filers are able to keep their vehicle. Your options will depend on your situation.
🚗 If you own your car outright: You may be able to keep it if the car’s value is covered by a bankruptcy exemption. Exemptions are legal protections that let you keep certain property during bankruptcy.
Wisconsin’s motor vehicle exemption protects up to $4,000 of equity, and the federal system protects up to $5,025. If that’s not enough, other exemptions may help, depending on which system you use. We’ll go over this more in the Wisconsin Exemptions section later.
🏦 If you’re still paying off a car loan: Your options depend on how much equity you have in your car. Equity is the car’s current market value minus what you still owe on it.
👉 If your equity is protected, you can usually keep your car by reaffirming the loan. This means you agree to keep the loan and keep making payments as usual.
People often choose reaffirmation when they’re current on payments, like the car, and find the loan terms reasonable. Both the lender and the bankruptcy judge must agree to the reaffirmation.
👉 If you want to keep the car but you owe more than it’s worth, you can also try redeeming the car. Redemption means paying the lender a lump sum equal to the car’s current value. Then, the remaining debt on the loan is forgiven. This only works if you can afford to pay a lump sum and the lender agrees.
👉 If you don’t want to keep your car, you can surrender it. This means you return the car and the loan is wiped out in your bankruptcy. Many filers choose to do this when they owe a lot more than the car is worth.
📑 If you lease your car: You can usually keep the lease if you’re current on payments. If you don’t want to keep the car, you can return it without owing anything else. Read more in Upsolve’s Bankruptcy Guide to Leases article.
Wisconsin Bankruptcy Means Test
To qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you must pass something called the means test. This test looks at your income and expenses to make sure you truly can’t afford to pay back your debts.
In its simplest form, the means test compares your current household income to Wisconsin’s median household income.
✅ If your household income is below the state’s median income, you automatically pass the means test and can file Chapter 7. Many people pass at this stage.
If your income is above the state median, you can include allowable expenses in the calculation. This can get legally complex, so it’s best to speak with a bankruptcy attorney if you find yourself at this step.
Upsolve can connect you with a local bankruptcy lawyer for a free consultation.
Data on Median Income Levels for Wisconsin
Wisconsin Median Income Standards for Means Test for Cases Filed In 2025 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Household Size | Monthly Income | Annual Income |
| 1 | $5,622.42 | $67,469.00 |
| 2 | $7,158.33 | $85,900.00 |
| 3 | $9,082.17 | $108,986.00 |
| 4 | $10,559.00 | $126,708.00 |
| 5 | $11,484.00 | $137,808.00 |
| 6 | $12,409.00 | $148,908.00 |
| 7 | $13,334.00 | $160,008.00 |
| 8 | $14,259.00 | $171,108.00 |
| 9 | $15,184.00 | $182,208.00 |
| 10 | $16,109.00 | $193,308.00 |
Data on Poverty Levels for Wisconsin
Wisconsin 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 |
Wisconsin Districts & Filing Requirements
Wisconsin has two bankruptcy districts. The rules for filing are mostly the same in both, but each district has its own local forms and instructions. They also handle filing fees a little differently.
↘️ You can use the table below to find your county and see which district you’re in.
| District | Counties Served |
|---|---|
| Eastern District | Brown, Calumet, Dodge, Door, Florence, Fond du Lac, Forest, Green Lake, Kenosha, Kewaunee, Langlade, Manitowoc, Marinette, Marquette, Menominee, Milwaukee, Oconto, Outagamie, Ozaukee, Racine, Shawano, Sheboygan, Walworth, Washington, Waukesha, Waupaca, Waushara, Winnebago |
| Western District | Adams, Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Buffalo, Burnett, Chippewa, Clark, Columbia, Crawford, Dane, Douglas, Dunn, Eau Claire, Grant, Green, Iowa, Iron, Jackson, Jefferson, Juneau, La Crosse, Lafayette, Lincoln, Marathon, Monroe, Oneida, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Portage, Price, Richland, Rock, Rusk, Sauk, Sawyer, St. Croix, Taylor, Trempealeau, Vernon, Vilas, Washburn, Wood |
Eastern District of Wisconsin Requirements
In the Eastern District of Wisconsin, you can file your bankruptcy forms either in person or by mail:
📍 U.S. Bankruptcy Court Eastern District of Wisconsin 517 East Wisconsin Avenue, Room 126 Milwaukee, WI 53202
This court uses the standard federal bankruptcy forms, but there are a few extra local steps:
Pay Advice Cover Sheet: You’ll need to use this cover sheet when you turn in your recent pay stubs. It helps the court match your documents to your case.
Creditor Matrix: This is a list of everyone you owe money to, along with their mailing addresses. The court uses it to send out notices about your case. You can use the court’s online form to create your matrix.
Pay Your Filing Fee in the Eastern District
💰 If you’re paying in person, the court accepts cashier’s checks or money orders made out to Clerk, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, or cash in exact change.
📬 If you want to mail your payment, call the Clerk’s Office first. The court’s rules don’t clearly say whether mailed payments are allowed.
🚫 The court doesn’t accept personal checks, debit cards, or credit cards.
Western District of Wisconsin Requirements
The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Wisconsin covers the western half of the state. It has offices in Madison and Eau Claire. In this district, you can file your bankruptcy forms in person, by mail, or using the court’s online tool.
🏛️ In-person filing: You can file your forms at either courthouse:
| Eau Claire Courthouse | Madison Courthouse |
|---|---|
| U.S. Bankruptcy Court Western District of Wisconsin 500 South Barstow Street, Room 223 Eau Claire, WI 54701-3608 | U.S. Bankruptcy Court Western District of Wisconsin 120 North Henry Street, Room 340 Madison, WI 53703-2559 |
📬 Mail filing: If you file by mail, send your documents to the Madison courthouse at the address above.
💻 Online filing: The court offers an online filing option through its Electronic Self-Representation (eSR) tool. This lets you complete your bankruptcy forms online without a lawyer. Once you start the eSR process, you have 45 days to finish and submit your forms.
But your case isn’t officially filed until you print, sign, and deliver the required documents to the Madison courthouse — either by mail or in person — within 14 days:
Bankruptcy forms that require your original signature
Credit counseling certificate
📄 No matter how you file, you’ll also need to include these local forms:
Creditor Matrix: This is a list of everyone you owe money to, along with their mailing addresses. The court uses it to send out notices about your case. You’ll need to format it according to the court’s rules.
Payment Advices Cover Sheet: You’ll need to use this cover sheet when you turn in your recent pay stubs. It helps the court match your documents to your case.
Pay Your Filing Fee in the Western District
💰 You must pay your filing fee in person or by mail to the Madison courthouse. The court accepts:
Exact cash (in person only)
Money orders or cashier’s checks made out to Clerk, U.S. Bankruptcy Court
🚫 The court doesn’t accept personal checks, debit cards, or credit cards.
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Wisconsin Bankruptcy Exemptions
It’s a common fear that filing bankruptcy means losing your home, car, or personal items. Thankfully, exemptions protect most of what you need to live and work. If you file Chapter 7 in Wisconsin, you can choose either the state’s exemption laws or the federal ones — but not both.
Here’s how some key exemptions compare:
🏡 Homestead: Wisconsin allows you to protect up to $75,000 of equity in your home if you file alone, or $150,000 if you file jointly. The federal homestead exemption protects up to $31,575.
🚗 Motor vehicle: Wisconsin protects up to $4,000 of equity in one car. If that’s not enough, you can apply any unused portion of the $12,000 personal property exemption to cover the rest. The federal exemption protects up to $5,025.
🎯 Wildcard (federal only): Available only if you choose the federal exemptions. This protects $1,675, plus up to $15,800 of any unused homestead exemption. You can use it to protect any kind of property — like extra vehicle equity, cash, or other personal belongings.
🛋️ Personal property (Wisconsin only): Wisconsin protects up to $12,000 in total value for everyday personal items you and your family use. This includes things like furniture, appliances, clothing, jewelry, keepsakes, books, musical instruments, firearms, sporting goods, and even pets. There is a $16,850 (max of $800 per item) federal exemption for household goods, which includes many of the same items.
Both systems fully protect child support, spousal support, veterans’ benefits, and workers’ comp.
Wisconsin Bankruptcy Lawyer Cost
For many people, the biggest cost in a Chapter 7 case is hiring a lawyer. In Wisconsin, bankruptcy attorneys usually charge a flat fee between $1,500 and $2,000, depending on how complex your case is. A lawyer can be especially helpful if you own a home, have valuable assets, or just want extra peace of mind. Most offer a free consultation, so you can ask questions and get a sense of whether working with one feels right for you.
Wisconsin Legal Aid Organizations
If you can’t afford a private bankruptcy lawyer, legal aid might be able to help. These nonprofit organizations offer free or low-cost help with civil legal matters like bankruptcy to people who qualify based on income.
