How much does it cost to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Fort Worth, TX?

The total cost to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Fort Worth typically ranges from $1,500 to $2,400. This includes the $338 court filing fee, attorney fees between $1,100 and $2,000 depending on case complexity, and two required credit counseling courses that usually run $10–50 each. Many Fort Worth bankruptcy attorneys, including Machi Wright & Associates, offer flexible payment plans.

Can I get the Chapter 7 filing fee waived in Texas?

Yes. If your household income is below 150% of the federal poverty line, you can apply to have the $338 court filing fee waived entirely. Your attorney can help you complete the fee waiver application when preparing your bankruptcy petition.

Do Fort Worth bankruptcy attorneys offer payment plans?

Most Fort Worth bankruptcy attorneys offer payment plans for attorney fees. However, attorney fees for a Chapter 7 case must typically be paid in full before the case is filed, so you would pay in installments leading up to your filing date. The $338 court filing fee is paid when the petition is submitted.

Is it cheaper to file Chapter 7 without an attorney in Texas?

While you can file without an attorney (called filing 'pro se'), most bankruptcy courts strongly caution against it. A mistake in your exemptions or petition can result in losing property you could have kept, or having your discharge denied. For most Fort Worth residents, hiring an experienced bankruptcy attorney is the most cost-effective choice in the long run.

How long does Chapter 7 bankruptcy take in Fort Worth?

A Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Fort Worth typically concludes in 3–4 months from the filing date. The Northern District of Texas processes Chapter 7 petitions efficiently. Once your discharge is granted, qualifying debts like credit cards, medical bills, and personal loans are legally eliminated.

Can bankruptcy stop a wage garnishment in Texas?

Yes. Filing for bankruptcy triggers an automatic stay under federal law, which immediately halts most wage garnishments. Both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy can stop a garnishment.

How much of my paycheck can a creditor garnish in Texas?

Creditors can generally garnish up to 25% of your disposable earnings or the amount by which your weekly disposable earnings exceed 30 times the federal minimum wage, whichever is less. Texas courts cannot garnish for most consumer debts.

Can a creditor garnish my wages in Texas for credit card debt?

Generally no - Texas law does not allow wage garnishment for most consumer debts through a Texas state court. However a creditor with a federal court judgment CAN garnish wages.

How quickly can a bankruptcy attorney stop a garnishment?

The automatic stay goes into effect the moment your bankruptcy petition is filed. An attorney can often file an emergency petition within 24-48 hours of your first consultation.

What happens to wages already garnished before I filed?

Your bankruptcy attorney may be able to recover wages garnished in the 90 days before your filing date as preferential transfers. Ted Machi can evaluate your situation during a free consultation.

How Chapter 13 Repayment Plans Work in Texas: What Determines Your Monthly Payment

What Is a Chapter 13 Repayment Plan?

A Chapter 13 repayment plan is a court-approved schedule that consolidates your debts into a single monthly payment. You pay a fixed amount each month to a bankruptcy trustee, who then distributes funds to your creditors according to a priority system established by federal bankruptcy law.

The plan allows you to keep your property — including your home, vehicles, and retirement accounts — while gradually paying down or eliminating your debts over the plan period.

How Long Does a Chapter 13 Plan Last?

In Texas, the length of your repayment plan depends on your household income relative to the state median:

Below-median income: Your plan can last as few as 36 months (three years). You may propose a shorter plan if it pays all required claims in full.

Above-median income: You must commit to a 60-month plan (five years). This is the maximum allowed under federal law.

For a single earner in Texas, the 2026 median income threshold is approximately $59,000. For a household of four, it rises to roughly $104,000. These figures are updated periodically by the U.S. Trustee Program.

The Five Factors That Determine Your Monthly Payment

1. Your Disposable Income

The foundation of your Chapter 13 payment is your “disposable income” — what remains after subtracting allowed living expenses from your current monthly income. The bankruptcy court uses standardized expense allowances from IRS guidelines combined with your actual secured debt payments (mortgage, car loan) to calculate this figure.

If your disposable income is $800 per month after allowed expenses, that becomes the baseline for your plan payment.

2. Priority Debts That Must Be Paid in Full

Certain debts must be paid 100% through your Chapter 13 plan, regardless of your disposable income calculation. These include recent income tax debts (generally within 3 years of filing), domestic support obligations such as child support and alimony arrears, trustee fees (typically 5-10% of plan payments in the Northern District of Texas), and attorney fees not paid upfront.

If you owe $12,000 in tax debt and $6,000 in child support arrears, those $18,000 must be fully covered by your plan payments over the plan term.

3. Secured Debt Arrears

If you have fallen behind on your mortgage or car payment, Chapter 13 allows you to cure those arrears through the plan while continuing to make regular ongoing payments directly to the lender. This is one of the most powerful features of Chapter 13 for Arlington, Dallas, and Fort Worth homeowners facing foreclosure.

For example, if you are $9,000 behind on your mortgage, that amount gets spread across your plan payments — roughly $150 per month on a 60-month plan — while you resume making your regular mortgage payment.

4. The Liquidation Test (What Chapter 7 Creditors Would Receive)

Your plan must pay unsecured creditors at least as much as they would receive in a hypothetical Chapter 7 liquidation. In Texas, this calculation often works in your favor because of the state generous exemptions — particularly the unlimited homestead exemption and substantial personal property exemptions.

If all your assets are fully exempt under Texas law (which is common), unsecured creditors might receive 0% through your plan. This significantly lowers your required payment.

5. The Best Efforts Test

If your income exceeds the Texas median, you must dedicate all projected disposable income to the plan for the full 60 months. The court applies the “means test” — similar to the Chapter 7 means test but used here to determine your minimum payment commitment rather than eligibility.

A Real-World Payment Example

Consider a family of four in Arlington, Texas with combined household income of $7,500 per month, allowed expenses of $6,200, leaving disposable income of $1,300 per month. They owe $8,000 in tax debt (priority, paid in full), $12,000 in mortgage arrears (cured through plan), and $35,000 in credit card debt (unsecured). All assets are exempt under Texas exemptions.

Over 60 months at $1,300 per month, the plan would pay the $8,000 in tax debt at 100%, cure the $12,000 mortgage arrears in full, cover trustee fees of approximately $6,000, and distribute approximately $26,000 to unsecured creditors — about 74% of the $35,000 owed.

Every case is different. Some DFW families pay as little as $200-$400 per month when their income is below median and their priority debts are minimal.

What Happens If Your Income Changes During the Plan?

Life does not stand still during a three-to-five-year repayment period. Texas Chapter 13 filers can request a plan modification if their financial circumstances change significantly — job loss, medical emergency, divorce, or a substantial raise. The court can reduce your monthly payment temporarily or permanently, extend your plan term up to the 60-month maximum, convert your case to Chapter 7 if you truly cannot continue, or grant a hardship discharge in extreme circumstances.

This flexibility makes Chapter 13 a powerful tool for families who want to protect their home and manage their debts responsibly, even when the unexpected happens.

Why DFW Residents Choose Chapter 13

For many families across Dallas, Arlington, and Fort Worth, Chapter 13 offers advantages that Chapter 7 cannot.

Save your home from foreclosure. If you have fallen behind on your mortgage, Chapter 13 stops the foreclosure immediately and gives you up to five years to cure the arrears while making regular payments going forward.

Protect co-signers. If a family member co-signed a loan for you, Chapter 13 prevents creditors from pursuing them during your plan.

Keep non-exempt assets. If you have property that exceeds Texas exemption limits — a second vehicle, investment property, or business equipment — Chapter 13 lets you keep it by paying its non-exempt value through the plan.

Restructure car loans. If your vehicle loan is more than 910 days old, Chapter 13 may allow you to “cram down” the loan to the car current market value, potentially saving thousands.

Working With an Experienced Bankruptcy Attorney

Chapter 13 repayment plans involve complex calculations that directly affect your family finances for years. An experienced bankruptcy attorney can identify strategies to minimize your monthly payment while maximizing debt relief — from choosing the right expense deductions to timing your filing to coincide with favorable income periods.

At Machi Wright & Associates, attorney Daniel Wright has helped hundreds of DFW families develop Chapter 13 plans that protect their homes, their vehicles, and their financial futures. Whether you are facing foreclosure in Arlington, overwhelming credit card debt in Dallas, or tax problems in Fort Worth, we can help you understand your options.

Schedule a Free Consultation

If you are considering Chapter 13 bankruptcy and want to understand what your monthly payment might look like, contact Machi Wright & Associates today. We offer free initial consultations and can provide a preliminary estimate based on your specific financial situation. Call us or fill out our contact form to get started. There is no obligation, and all consultations are confidential.

Understanding the Chapter 7 Means Test in Texas: What DFW Residents Need to Know in 2026

What Is the Chapter 7 Means Test?

If you’re struggling with overwhelming debt in Arlington, Fort Worth, or anywhere in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, Chapter 7 bankruptcy may offer a path to a fresh financial start. But before you can file, you’ll need to pass what’s known as the means test — a calculation that determines whether your income is low enough to qualify for Chapter 7 debt relief.

The means test was introduced by Congress under the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 (BAPCPA) to prevent higher-income filers from using Chapter 7 to discharge debts they could realistically repay. For Texas residents, the test uses state-specific income thresholds and allowable expense deductions that can significantly affect your eligibility.

At Machi Wright & Associates, attorney Daniel Wright has guided hundreds of North Texas families through the means test process. This guide explains exactly how the test works, what the current income limits are for Texas, and what your options are if you don’t pass.

Step 1: Comparing Your Income to the Texas Median

The first part of the means test is straightforward. You calculate your current monthly income (CMI) — the average of all gross income you received during the six full calendar months before your filing date. This includes wages, salary, tips, bonuses, unemployment compensation, rental income, pension and retirement distributions, and contributions from others in your household.

Your CMI is then annualized (multiplied by 12) and compared against the Texas median household income for a household of your size. As of the most recent data used in 2026 filings:

1-person household: approximately $58,886
2-person household: approximately $75,820
3-person household: approximately $82,637
4-person household: approximately $99,258

For each additional household member beyond four, you add roughly $9,900 to the threshold. These figures are updated periodically by the U.S. Trustee Program using Census Bureau data, so the exact numbers applicable to your case depend on your filing date.

If your annualized income falls below the Texas median for your household size, you pass the means test automatically. No further calculation is required, and you can proceed with your Chapter 7 filing.

Step 2: The Full Means Test Calculation

If your income exceeds the Texas median, that doesn’t necessarily disqualify you. You move to the second part of the means test, which deducts specific allowable expenses from your CMI to determine your disposable income. These deductions fall into several categories:

IRS National Standards

The IRS publishes national standards for food, clothing, housekeeping supplies, personal care, and miscellaneous expenses. These are fixed amounts — you claim them regardless of what you actually spend. For a single filer, the 2026 national standard for these living expenses is approximately $785 per month.

IRS Local Standards

Housing and transportation expenses use IRS Local Standards, which vary by county. For Tarrant County (Arlington, Fort Worth) and Dallas County (Dallas), these standards reflect the higher cost of living in the DFW metroplex compared to rural Texas. Housing allowances cover mortgage or rent payments plus utilities, while transportation covers vehicle ownership costs and operating expenses.

Actual Expense Deductions

Beyond the IRS standards, you can deduct certain actual expenses that are necessary and reasonable. These include:

Health insurance premiums and out-of-pocket medical costs beyond the IRS allowance
Court-ordered payments such as child support or alimony
Childcare and dependent care costs necessary for employment
Mandatory payroll deductions (taxes, Social Security, Medicare)
Term life insurance premiums
Education expenses for dependent children (up to $208.33 per child per month)
Telecommunications and internet services
Secured debt payments (car loans, mortgage arrears)
Priority debt payments (tax debts, domestic support obligations)

The Disposable Income Calculation

After subtracting all allowable deductions from your CMI, if your remaining monthly disposable income is less than approximately $234 per month (or the equivalent annual threshold), you pass the means test. If it falls between roughly $234 and $391, your eligibility depends on whether that amount would pay at least 25% of your unsecured debts over a 60-month period. Above $391 per month in disposable income, you are presumed to be abusing Chapter 7 and will likely need to consider Chapter 13 bankruptcy instead.

Special Rules and Exemptions That Texas Filers Should Know

The Texas Homestead Exemption Advantage

Texas has one of the most generous homestead exemptions in the country. Under Texas Property Code §41.001, your primary residence is exempt from creditors with virtually no limit on value (provided the property is 10 acres or less in an urban area, or 100 acres for a family in a rural area). This means filing Chapter 7 in Texas often lets you keep your home — a significant advantage over states with capped homestead exemptions.

For DFW homeowners in Arlington, Fort Worth, or Dallas, this exemption is particularly valuable given the region’s appreciation in property values over the past decade.

Military Service Members

Active-duty military personnel and National Guard members called to active duty may be exempt from the means test entirely under certain conditions. If you’ve served on active duty for at least 540 days in the four years preceding your filing, the means test does not apply.

Primarily Non-Consumer Debt

If more than half of your total debt is business debt rather than consumer debt (credit cards, medical bills, personal loans), you may be exempt from the means test. This exception is particularly relevant for small business owners and entrepreneurs in the DFW area who accumulated debt through a failed business venture or SBA loan default.

Social Security Income Is Excluded

An important benefit for older filers and those receiving Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits: Social Security income of any kind — retirement, disability, or survivor benefits — is excluded from the means test calculation entirely. If Social Security represents all or most of your income, you will likely pass the means test easily.

What Happens If You Fail the Means Test?

Failing the means test doesn’t mean bankruptcy is off the table. It means that Chapter 7 liquidation bankruptcy carries a presumption of abuse given your income level. You have several options:

1. File Chapter 13 Instead

Chapter 13 bankruptcy allows you to keep all your property while repaying a portion of your debts through a court-supervised 3-to-5-year repayment plan. Your monthly plan payment is based on your disposable income — the same figure calculated in the means test. Many DFW families who earn above the median income find that Chapter 13 provides meaningful relief by reducing unsecured debt obligations and stopping creditor harassment, wage garnishments, and foreclosure proceedings.

2. Rebut the Presumption of Abuse

In rare circumstances, you can argue that special circumstances justify Chapter 7 filing despite failing the means test. This might include a serious medical condition requiring expensive treatment, a job loss that occurred after the six-month lookback period, or the loss of a spouse’s income due to military deployment. You’ll need to provide detailed documentation and the standard is rigorous.

3. Wait and Refile

Because the means test uses a six-month income lookback, a temporary spike in income (such as a severance package, overtime period, or seasonal work) can push you over the median. If your current income has since dropped, waiting a few months until the high-income months roll off the lookback window may bring you back below the threshold.

Common Mistakes DFW Filers Make on the Means Test

In our experience serving Arlington, Fort Worth, and Dallas bankruptcy clients, attorney Daniel Wright sees several recurring mistakes that can derail an otherwise qualifying Chapter 7 case:

Forgetting to include a spouse’s income. Even if you’re filing individually, your spouse’s income is included in the CMI calculation unless you are legally separated or living apart. In a two-income DFW household, this can push your combined income above the median when your individual income would have passed.
Missing allowable deductions. Many filers don’t realize they can deduct health insurance premiums, mandatory retirement contributions, education expenses for dependents, and other costs. These deductions can reduce your disposable income enough to pass the second part of the test.
Using the wrong household size. Your household size isn’t always the same as the number of people on your tax return. Dependents who live with you, even if not claimed on taxes, may count. A larger household size means a higher median income threshold — which works in your favor.
Timing the filing poorly. If you received a large bonus, tax refund, or insurance settlement within the last six months, it inflates your CMI. Strategic timing — filing after the high-income month drops out of the lookback window — can make the difference between passing and failing.

How an Experienced Texas Bankruptcy Attorney Can Help

The means test involves dozens of line items, IRS standards that change periodically, and strategic decisions about timing, household composition, and expense classification. A small error in any of these areas can mean the difference between a straightforward Chapter 7 discharge and a more complex — and more expensive — Chapter 13 case.

At Machi Wright & Associates, Daniel Wright works with bankruptcy clients throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area, including Arlington, Fort Worth, Dallas, Grand Prairie, Mansfield, and surrounding communities. With years of experience navigating Texas bankruptcy law, Daniel provides clear guidance on whether Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 is the right path for your specific financial situation.

Take the First Step Toward Debt Relief

If you’re considering bankruptcy and wondering whether you’ll pass the means test, don’t try to figure it out alone. The calculation is technical, and the consequences of filing under the wrong chapter can cost you time and money.

Contact Machi Wright & Associates today for a confidential consultation. We’ll review your income, expenses, and debts, run the means test calculation, and explain your options clearly — so you can make an informed decision about your financial future.

Call (817) 264-5800 or visit our contact page to schedule your free consultation. We serve clients throughout Arlington, Fort Worth, Dallas, and the entire DFW metroplex.

How to Apply for Social Security Disability in Texas: A Step-by-Step Guide for DFW Residents

Understanding Social Security Disability Benefits in Texas

Filing for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can feel overwhelming, especially when you are already dealing with a condition that prevents you from working. Thousands of Texas residents apply for disability benefits each year, and many face denials on their first attempt — not because they lack a qualifying condition, but because the application process is complex and unforgiving.

At Machi Wright & Associates, attorney Daniel Wright helps clients across Arlington, Fort Worth, and Dallas navigate the Social Security Disability process from initial application through appeal. This guide walks you through each step so you know what to expect and how to give yourself the strongest possible chance of approval.

Who Qualifies for Social Security Disability in Texas?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses strict criteria to determine disability eligibility. To qualify for SSDI, you must meet three basic requirements:

You have a medical condition that prevents substantial gainful activity (SGA). For 2026, the SGA threshold is approximately $1,620 per month for non-blind applicants. If you are earning above that amount, the SSA generally considers you capable of working regardless of your medical condition.

Your condition has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months, or is expected to result in death. Short-term disabilities, even severe ones, typically do not qualify. The SSA is looking for long-term impairment that fundamentally limits your ability to hold gainful employment.

You have earned enough work credits. SSDI is tied to your work history. Most applicants need 40 work credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years. Younger workers may qualify with fewer credits. If you do not have sufficient work history, you may still qualify for SSI, which is need-based rather than work-history-based.

Step 1: Gather Your Medical Documentation

Your medical records are the foundation of your disability claim. Before you file, collect as much documentation as possible, including:

Records from all treating physicians, specialists, and mental health providers. Hospital and emergency room records related to your condition. Laboratory results, imaging studies (MRIs, X-rays, CT scans), and diagnostic test results. A list of all medications you take, including dosages and side effects. Statements from your doctors about your functional limitations — what you can and cannot do physically and mentally on a daily basis.

The SSA places heavy weight on objective medical evidence. Subjective complaints of pain matter, but they carry far more weight when supported by clinical findings, diagnostic imaging, and consistent treatment records.

Step 2: File Your Initial Application

You can file your SSDI or SSI application online at ssa.gov, by calling the SSA at 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting your local Social Security office. For Arlington and Fort Worth residents, the nearest SSA offices are located in Arlington on East Lamar Boulevard and in Fort Worth on West Rosedale Street.

The application asks for detailed information about your medical conditions, treatments, work history, daily activities, and functional limitations. Be thorough and honest. Many initial denials stem from incomplete applications rather than ineligible conditions.

One critical tip: do not minimize your limitations. Many applicants instinctively downplay how much their condition affects them. If you cannot stand for more than 10 minutes, say so. If you need help with basic tasks like bathing or cooking, document it. The SSA evaluates what you cannot do, not what you push through despite the pain.

Step 3: The SSA Review Process

After you submit your application, it goes through several stages of review:

Initial review by a claims examiner and medical consultant. Your case is assigned to your state’s Disability Determination Services (DDS) office — in Texas, this is operated by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. A DDS examiner reviews your medical evidence alongside a physician or psychologist who evaluates whether your condition meets the SSA’s listing of impairments.

Consultative examination (if ordered). If the SSA determines your medical records are insufficient to make a decision, they may send you to a consultative examination (CE) with a doctor of their choosing. Attend this appointment. Skipping a CE almost guarantees a denial.

The initial decision typically takes three to six months. Unfortunately, Texas has one of the higher initial denial rates in the country — roughly 60 to 70 percent of initial applications are denied.

Step 4: Reconsideration (If Denied)

If your initial application is denied, you have 60 days from the date of the denial letter to file a Request for Reconsideration. This is essentially a second review by a different DDS examiner and medical consultant who were not involved in the initial decision.

The reconsideration stage is also where many applicants make a critical mistake: they simply resubmit the same information. If your initial application was denied, you need to strengthen your case. Submit updated medical records, new test results, additional doctor statements, and any evidence that addresses the specific reasons the SSA gave for the denial.

Reconsideration approval rates in Texas are low — often below 15 percent. This does not mean you should skip it. You must exhaust this step before you can request a hearing, which is where most successful claims are ultimately decided.

Step 5: Request a Hearing Before an Administrative Law Judge

The hearing stage is where having an experienced Social Security Disability attorney matters most. At the hearing, you appear before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) who reviews your entire file, hears testimony from you and potentially from medical or vocational experts, and makes an independent determination.

Hearings in the Dallas-Fort Worth area are typically conducted at the Office of Hearings Operations in Dallas. Wait times for a hearing have fluctuated but currently average 12 to 18 months in the DFW region. During this waiting period, continue all medical treatment and keep your attorney updated on any changes in your condition.

At the hearing, Daniel Wright represents clients by presenting medical evidence, cross-examining vocational experts, and arguing how your specific limitations prevent you from performing any work in the national economy. The ALJ hearing is often the turning point — national approval rates at the hearing level hover around 45 to 55 percent, significantly higher than at the initial or reconsideration stages.

Common Conditions That Qualify for SSD in Texas

The SSA maintains a “Blue Book” listing of impairments organized by body system. Conditions that frequently qualify Texas applicants include:

Musculoskeletal disorders such as degenerative disc disease, severe arthritis, and joint dysfunction. Cardiovascular conditions including chronic heart failure, coronary artery disease, and peripheral arterial disease. Neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and traumatic brain injuries. Mental health conditions including major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Autoimmune conditions such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease. Cancer at various stages and types. Respiratory disorders including COPD and chronic asthma.

Even if your condition is not specifically listed, you may still qualify if you can demonstrate that your combination of impairments prevents you from performing any substantial gainful activity.

Why Many Texas SSD Claims Are Denied — and How to Avoid Common Pitfalls

Understanding why claims fail helps you avoid those same mistakes:

Insufficient medical evidence. The single most common reason for denial. If you are not receiving regular treatment for your condition, the SSA may conclude it is not as severe as you claim. Continue seeing your doctors and following prescribed treatment plans.

Failure to follow prescribed treatment. If your doctor prescribes a treatment and you do not follow it without a valid reason (such as inability to afford medication or adverse side effects), the SSA can deny your claim on that basis alone.

Earnings above the SGA limit. If you are working and earning above the SGA threshold during your application, the SSA will likely deny your claim automatically.

Incomplete or inconsistent application information. Discrepancies between what you report on your application and what your medical records show raise red flags. Be accurate and consistent throughout the process.

How a Social Security Disability Attorney Helps

You are not required to hire an attorney to apply for SSD benefits, but representation significantly improves your odds — particularly at the hearing stage. An experienced disability attorney like Daniel Wright at Machi Wright & Associates can:

Evaluate your case before you file and identify potential weaknesses. Ensure your application is complete and supported by strong medical evidence. Communicate with the SSA on your behalf throughout the process. Obtain and organize medical records from all your treating sources. Prepare you for the ALJ hearing and represent you at the hearing itself. Handle appeals if a hearing decision is unfavorable.

SSD attorneys work on a contingency basis — you pay nothing unless your claim is approved. Attorney fees are regulated by the SSA and are typically 25 percent of your back pay, capped at a maximum set by federal regulation.

Take the First Step Toward Your Disability Benefits

If you are living in Arlington, Fort Worth, Dallas, or anywhere in the DFW Metroplex and your disability is preventing you from working, do not wait to explore your options. The sooner you file, the sooner the clock starts on your potential back pay.

Contact Machi Wright & Associates today for a free consultation with attorney Daniel Wright. Call our office or fill out the contact form on our website to get started. Daniel has helped clients across North Texas navigate the disability process and fight for the benefits they have earned.

How Much Does Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Cost in Fort Worth, TX? (2026 Guide)

When you’re drowning in debt—past-due credit cards, mounting medical bills, creditor calls that won’t stop—the last thing you want to hear is that getting relief is going to cost you more money you don’t have. That concern is completely understandable, and it’s one of the first questions we hear from Fort Worth residents who come to us for a free consultation: How much is this actually going to cost me?

The honest answer is: less than you probably think—and almost certainly less than you’re currently paying every month to stay afloat.

Here’s a straightforward breakdown of what Chapter 7 bankruptcy costs in Fort Worth, Texas in 2026, and how most of our clients find a way to afford it even when money is tight.

The Two Main Costs: Court Filing Fee + Attorney Fees

1. Court Filing Fee: $338

The United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas—which covers Fort Worth and the surrounding Tarrant County area—charges a filing fee of $338 for a Chapter 7 petition. This fee is set by the federal court and is the same regardless of which attorney you use or how large your debt is.

If your income is below 150% of the federal poverty line, you may qualify to have this fee waived entirely. Your attorney will help you complete a fee waiver application as part of the filing process, so you won’t need to figure that out on your own.

2. Attorney Fees: $1,100–$2,000 (Most Fort Worth Cases)

Attorney fees for Chapter 7 in the Fort Worth and DFW area typically fall between $1,100 and $2,000, with most straightforward consumer cases landing in the lower half of that range. Cases with more complexity—business debts, personal guarantees on SBA loans, or significant assets—may cost somewhat more.

Additional costs you should budget for:

Credit counseling course: Required before filing, typically $10–$50 online
Debtor education course: Required after filing to receive your discharge, also $10–$50

Total range for most Fort Worth Chapter 7 cases: approximately $1,500–$2,400

Why the Cost Is Usually Worth It—Quickly

Consider this: the average Fort Worth resident who comes to us is paying $400–$700 per month in minimum payments on debt they’ll never realistically pay off at that rate. Chapter 7 takes roughly 3–4 months to complete. That means you could eliminate years’ worth of unmanageable debt for a one-time cost that’s often less than a single month of those payments combined.

Once your discharge is granted, qualifying debts—credit card balances, medical bills, personal loans, utility arrears—are legally wiped out. Gone. You no longer owe them, and creditors cannot attempt to collect.

For most people in financial distress, the real question isn’t Can I afford to file? It’s Can I afford not to?

Payment Plans: How Fort Worth Residents Afford Bankruptcy

We know that when you need bankruptcy, the idea of coming up with $1,500–$2,000 upfront feels impossible. Here’s how most of our clients handle it:

Installment plans before filing. Attorney fees for Chapter 7 must typically be paid before the case is filed (unlike Chapter 13, where fees can be rolled into the repayment plan). At Machi Wright & Associates, we work with clients to set up manageable payment plans so you’re paying in smaller amounts over a few weeks or months leading up to your filing date.

Stopping payments to unsecured creditors. Once you’ve decided to file for bankruptcy, many attorneys—and we include this in our free consultation—advise clients to stop making minimum payments on debts that will be discharged anyway. That money can go toward your filing costs instead. You’re not going to keep those accounts, so paying toward them doesn’t help you.

Filing fee waivers. As noted above, if your income qualifies, the $338 court fee can be eliminated entirely.

What the Chapter 7 Process Looks Like in Fort Worth

Once you’ve paid the required fees and filed your petition with the Northern District of Texas:

Automatic stay goes into effect immediately. Creditor calls stop. Wage garnishment halts. Foreclosure and repossession actions pause. This protection begins the moment your case is filed.
341 Meeting of Creditors (about 30–45 days after filing). This is a brief meeting—typically 5–10 minutes—with a bankruptcy trustee. It’s not a courtroom hearing. Most clients describe it as much less intimidating than they expected.
Discharge granted. For a no-asset Chapter 7 case (the most common type), your discharge is typically issued 60–90 days after the 341 meeting. That’s your fresh start.

The entire process runs 3–4 months from filing to discharge in the Fort Worth area.

Who Qualifies for Chapter 7 in Tarrant County?

Chapter 7 has income requirements. To qualify, you must pass the means test, which compares your household income to the Texas median income for your family size. If your income is at or below the median, you automatically pass.

If your income is above the median, you may still qualify through a more detailed expense analysis. Many higher-income filers with large medical bills, high housing costs, or other necessary expenses pass the full means test with an attorney’s help.

The only way to know for certain is to go through your numbers with an experienced attorney—which is exactly what our free consultation is designed to do.

Why Fort Worth Clients Choose Machi Wright & Associates

Ted Machi is board-certified in consumer bankruptcy law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization—a credential that fewer than 1% of Texas attorneys hold. With over 40 years representing Fort Worth, Arlington, and Tarrant County residents in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy, he brings a depth of experience that matters when your financial future is on the line.

We offer free, no-obligation consultations where we go through your debts, income, and assets together, explain exactly what you’d qualify for, and give you a clear cost estimate with no surprises.

You don’t have to keep carrying this. Let’s talk about what a path forward actually looks like for your situation.

Get a Free Consultation Today

Call us at (817) 335-8880 for a free consultation, or visit our Fort Worth Chapter 7 bankruptcy page to learn more. We serve clients throughout Fort Worth, Arlington, Grand Prairie, Mansfield, and all of Tarrant County.

For official U.S. Bankruptcy Court filing fee schedules, see the Northern District of Texas Bankruptcy Court fee schedule.

Can I Stop a Wage Garnishment in Arlington TX? What You Need to Know

When a paycheck you’ve been counting on suddenly comes up short—hundreds of dollars drained before you even cash it—the panic is immediate and real. A wage garnishment feels like losing control of your own financial life. If you’re facing this situation in Arlington, TX or anywhere in Tarrant County, you need to know that you have rights, and you have options—sometimes including the ability to stop a garnishment within 24 hours.

At Machi Wright & Associates, board-certified bankruptcy attorney Ted Machi has spent more than 40 years helping families and individuals in the Arlington and Fort Worth area fight back against crushing debt and the legal enforcement actions that follow. This post explains exactly how wage garnishment works in Texas, when it can and can’t be used against you, and what steps you can take right now to regain control.

What Is a Wage Garnishment—and How Does It Happen?

A wage garnishment is a court-ordered process that forces your employer to withhold a portion of your paycheck and send it directly to a creditor. It’s not something a creditor can just decide to do on their own—it requires a legal judgment against you first.

A creditor sues you for an unpaid debt (credit card, medical bill, personal loan, etc.)
If you don’t respond or lose the case, the court enters a judgment against you
The creditor then requests a writ of garnishment from the court
The court orders your employer to begin withholding a portion of your wages

The process can move faster than many people expect. From the time a lawsuit is filed to the point a garnishment begins, it may be only a matter of months—sometimes less.

Does Texas Allow Wage Garnishment for Consumer Debt?

Texas is one of the most debtor-friendly states in the country when it comes to wage garnishment. Texas courts cannot issue wage garnishment orders for most consumer debts—credit cards, personal loans, or medical bills—when the case is pursued in Texas state court.

However, there are important exceptions:

Child support and alimony — these can result in garnishment, sometimes up to 50-65% of disposable income
Federal student loans — the Department of Education can garnish without a court order
Federal and state taxes — the IRS and Texas Comptroller have garnishment authority
Federal court judgments — if a creditor sues you in federal court, they may be able to garnish your wages in Texas

Don’t assume you’re protected simply because you live in Texas—some creditors know exactly how to work around the state’s protections.

The Fastest Way to Stop a Wage Garnishment: Filing for Bankruptcy

If you’re looking for the most immediate, legally enforceable way to stop a wage garnishment, filing for bankruptcy activates something called an automatic stay. Under federal law (11 U.S.C. § 362), the moment your bankruptcy petition is filed with the court, an automatic stay goes into effect that prohibits most collection actions—including wage garnishments.

This is not a delay or a negotiation. It is a federal court order. Your employer is legally required to stop withholding your wages immediately upon receiving notice of the filing.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

Chapter 7 is often called “liquidation bankruptcy,” though most of our Arlington clients keep all of their essential property thanks to Texas’s generous exemption laws. Eligible unsecured debts are discharged—permanently eliminated—typically within 3-6 months. The automatic stay stops the garnishment immediately while the case proceeds.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Chapter 13 is a structured repayment plan that allows you to catch up on missed mortgage payments, back taxes, and other debts over 3-5 years—while the automatic stay protects you from garnishment the entire time. This is often the right choice for homeowners trying to save their home or individuals who don’t qualify for Chapter 7.

What About Non-Bankruptcy Options?

Negotiating with the creditor. Some creditors will agree to a settlement or a payment plan in exchange for releasing the garnishment. This is rarely guaranteed and often requires skilled negotiation.

Claiming exemptions. If the garnishment involves exempt income such as Social Security benefits, your attorney can file a claim of exemption to stop or reduce it.

Challenging the judgment itself. If you were not properly served with the lawsuit, or if there was a procedural error in the judgment, it may be possible to have the judgment vacated—eliminating the basis for the garnishment entirely.

What Happens to Wages Already Taken?

Federal bankruptcy law allows trustees to recover certain payments made to creditors in the 90 days before you filed bankruptcy, known as “preferential transfers.” If a significant amount was garnished in that window, your attorney may be able to recover those funds.

This is a nuanced area of bankruptcy law. It’s one of the many reasons it pays to work with an experienced bankruptcy attorney in Arlington, TX rather than trying to navigate this alone.

Time Is Working Against You

Wage garnishment doesn’t pause. Every paycheck you wait is another 25% (or more) withheld from your family’s budget. The sooner you act, the sooner that stops.

At Machi Wright & Associates, we offer free, confidential consultations for Arlington and Fort Worth residents facing garnishment, creditor lawsuits, or any debt crisis. Ted Machi has more than 40 years of experience and is board certified—that’s a standard of expertise that few Texas attorneys can claim.

Call us today at (817) 335-8880 or visit our office at 401 W. Sanford St., Suite 103, Arlington, TX 76011. We’re available Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. You don’t have to watch your paycheck disappear. Let’s talk about stopping it.

Machi Wright & Associates serves clients throughout Arlington TX, Fort Worth TX, Tarrant County, and the greater DFW Metro area. This post is for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.