Burlington, VT Bankruptcy Lawyers & Filing Guide
Local bankruptcy information for Burlington residents - court locations, filing fees, income thresholds, and step-by-step process guidance.
Do You Qualify for Chapter 7 in Burlington?
To file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you must pass the means test - a comparison of your income against the Vermont median income for your household size.
Which Median Income Applies
The means test compares your average monthly income over the past 6 months with the median income for your state and household size, not a city figure. The Burlington household income shown on this page is only a local reference. Current official median figures are published by the U.S. Trustee Program. If your income is above the median, a more detailed expense calculation is required.
Note that the means test uses your average income over the past 6 months, not your current monthly income.
If you don't qualify for Chapter 7 based on income, Chapter 13 may still be available to you. Explore debt relief alternatives as well.
Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13: Quick Comparison
| Factor | Chapter 7 | Chapter 13 |
|---|---|---|
| Process Type | Liquidation | Reorganization / Repayment Plan |
| Timeline | 3-6 months | 3-5 years |
| Filing Fee | $338 | $313 |
| Income Limit | Must pass means test | Must have regular income |
| Save Your Home | Difficult if behind on mortgage | Yes, can catch up on arrears |
What to Expect: The Bankruptcy Process in Burlington
Here is what typically happens from the moment you decide to file through to receiving your discharge.
Credit Counseling
You must complete a court-approved credit counseling course within 180 days before filing. This can usually be done online in about 60-90 minutes for a small fee (waivers available if you can't afford it).
File Your Petition
Submit your bankruptcy petition, schedules, and other required forms to the District of Vermont. The Chapter 7 filing fee is $338. Fee installment plans and waivers may be available if you qualify.
Automatic Stay Takes Effect
The moment your case is filed, an automatic stay goes into effect. This immediately stops most collection calls, wage garnishments, lawsuits, and foreclosure actions while your case is pending.
Meeting of Creditors (341 Meeting)
About 20-40 days after filing, you'll attend a brief meeting with the bankruptcy trustee. Creditors are invited but rarely appear. The trustee will ask you questions under oath about your finances. Most meetings last 5-15 minutes.
Discharge
In a Chapter 7 case, eligible debts are typically discharged 60-90 days after the 341 meeting, assuming no issues arise. You'll receive a court order officially releasing you from personal liability on discharged debts.
Free Burlington Bankruptcy Eligibility Checklist
Get a step-by-step checklist for filing bankruptcy in Burlington - including the documents you need, the forms to complete, and the local court contact information. Sent to the email address you enter.
Sources, accuracy and finding a lawyer
Income, homestead-exemption and population figures on this page are approximate, may be out of date and are not official figures; do not rely on them to decide whether to file. Current means-test median income by state and household size: U.S. Trustee Program. Court fees: U.S. Courts bankruptcy fee schedule (confirm the current amount). Exemptions: 11 U.S.C. 522 and your state statutes.
DebtFreeStart does not list, rate or recommend individual lawyers or firms. To find a bankruptcy attorney, contact your state or local bar association lawyer referral service (search for your state bar) or see ABA Find Legal Help; low-income filers can ask about free legal aid. Required credit counseling must come from an approved provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact your state or local bar association lawyer referral service, or see ABA Find Legal Help. DebtFreeStart does not list or recommend individual lawyers. Many bankruptcy attorneys offer a free or low-cost initial consultation, and free legal aid may be available if you have a low income.
Bankruptcy cases filed by Burlington residents are handled by the District of Vermont. All federal bankruptcy courts follow the same procedural rules, but local rules may vary. Visit the court's website for specific filing procedures, forms, and hearing schedules.
The means test for Burlington residents uses Vermont state median income figures. The median household income in Burlington is approximately $63,800, but the means test uses state-level figures for your household size, published by the U.S. Trustee Program. Whether you qualify depends on a detailed calculation, so confirm with a licensed attorney.
Bankruptcy attorney fees in Burlington vary widely by case complexity and the attorney, so ask for a written fee quote before hiring and ask about free or reduced-cost legal aid. In addition to attorney fees, you'll pay the court filing fee of $338 for Chapter 7 or $313 for Chapter 13.
When you file bankruptcy in Burlington, Vermont's exemption laws determine what property you can keep. The homestead exemption protects equity in your home, and other exemptions cover vehicles, personal property, retirement accounts, and tools of your trade. In most Chapter 7 cases, filers keep all of their property because it falls within exempt limits.
Exploring alternatives to bankruptcy? See Burlington debt relief options including consolidation, debt management plans, and settlement.