How many installments can I split the filing fee into?

Up to 4 under Bankruptcy Rule 1006(b)(2). Most pro-se filers do exactly 4: roughly $85 each for Ch7. The first installment is due at filing.

Can the court deny my installment application?

Yes. The court has discretion. The most common denial is under FRBP 1006(b)(3) when the debtor paid an attorney any amount in connection with the case before filing. If you cannot afford even installments, Form 103B (waiver) is available for households below 150% of the federal poverty line.

What happens if I miss an installment?

The court can dismiss the case under FRBP 1017(b)(2). Most clerks send a deficiency notice with a short cure window before dismissal. Pay as soon as you can and consider asking the clerk for a brief extension.

Can I pay an attorney while I am on the installment plan?

No. Until the full filing fee is paid, you may not pay any attorney or any other person any money for services in connection with this case. FRBP 1006(b)(3). This is the key trade-off versus the waiver path.

Where do I file Form 103A?

With the bankruptcy clerk's office at the same time you file the voluntary petition (Form 101). Bring the first installment payment in cash, money order, or cashier's check (no personal checks). The clerk will stamp and route it to the judge.

Bankruptcy hubForm 103A — installments

Pay the filing fee over four months.

The Chapter 7 fee is $338 and the Chapter 13 fee is $313. Form 103A lets you split it into up to four installments under Bankruptcy Rule 1006(b)(2), all due within 120 days of filing. This wizard builds the application and checks the FRBP 1006(b)(3) attorney-payment disclosure that is the most common reason courts deny.

1Debtor info
2Case + chapter
3Installment plan
4Hardship statement
5Review

Debtor name (as on the petition) *

Street address

City, State, ZIP

Installments vs. waiver

If your household income is at or below 150% of the federal poverty line, you can request that the entire filing fee be waived under 28 U.S.C. § 1930(f)(1) using Official Form 103B. You cannot use both — pick the path that fits your budget. If you can fund $85/month for four months, installments are the more reliable path because waiver decisions are fact-bound and discretionary.

Pro tip

Calendar every installment date in your phone the day you file. Most courts that dismiss for missed installments will reinstate on a brief explanation if the cure is timely — but it is far easier to pay on schedule.