Maryland Bankruptcy Records

Are Bankruptcy Records Public Information in Maryland?

Bankruptcy records are, for the most part, public records. At the point of filing, records are categorized into regular and Highly Sensitive Documents (HSD). Separate from records that are under a seal, sensitive documents bear information that pertains to one of the following:

• Foreign sovereign interests
• National security
• Criminal cyber activity
• Intellectual property rights
• Trade or business secrets
• Investigation of public service
• Interests that border on the reputation of the federation.

HSDs are filed separately and restricted to paper formats only. In other words, they are not available in electronic form. It limits the risk of unguarded dissemination. Also, they do not belong under sealable documents.

Record seekers looking for an alternative to government sources may obtain bankruptcy records from third-party websites. These non-governmental websites often come with tools that help simplify the search for single or multiple records. However, record availability on third-party sites tends to vary because they’re independent of government sources. To obtain bankruptcy case information using third-party sites, record seekers may need to provide:

• A complete name of the debtor involved in the record
• A bankruptcy case number

What are Maryland Bankruptcy Records?

Bankruptcy records provide an official account of cases filed in the Federal Bankruptcy Courts within Maryland. Bankruptcy in Maryland is primarily a federal case unless there is direct involvement with the state authorities. The Federal Bankruptcy Court is a division of the United States District Court for the District of Maryland. This division operates separate clerical operations and keeps court dockets on bankruptcy cases only. Part of the court's activities includes administering the estates of debtor parties and hearing petitions of parties desiring relief from bankruptcy. Three courthouse locations serve the state. Green belt division is located at:

Federal Courthouse
6500 Cherrywood Lane
Suite 300
Greenbelt, MD 20770
Phone: (301) 344-8018

The division serves Alleghany, Calvert, Charles, Frederick, Garrett, Montgomery, Prince Georges, St. Marys, and Washington counties.

Baltimore Division serves Anne Arundel, Baltimore County, Caroline, Carroll, Cecil, Dorchester, Harford, Howard, Kent, Queen Annes, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico, and Worcester counties. Here is the ground address:

Garmatz Federal Courthouse
101 West Lombard Street
Suite 8530
Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone: (410) 962-2688

The Salisbury Courthouse address is the US Post Office Building, 129 East Main Street, Room 104, Salisbury, MD 21801. It is reserved for hearings only.

The District of Maryland United States Bankruptcy Court recorded 11,169 annual total bankruptcy filings in 2020.

Maryland bankruptcy records are documentation of personal and financial data of debtors that file bankruptcy in a bankruptcy court within the State. Bankruptcy records in Maryland are public records, pursuant to 11 U.S.C. § 107. The information includes the debtor’s gross income, sources of the debtor’s income, the debtor’s assets, and the creditors. Any member of the public can obtain the records by phone, in person, or by internet. The records can be accessed online through the Public Access to Court Electronic Records website (PACER). However, users shall need to register to use the service and pay 10 cents for each page. The records can be obtained by phone by calling (410) 962-2688 or (301) 344-8018. For in-person requests, the requester would need to visit the court that determined the bankruptcy proceedings. The records may be viewed without any fees. However, making copies of the records attracts fees.

What Do Maryland Bankruptcy Records Contain?

Unless under a seal, a bankruptcy record in Maryland should provide the following information:

• Basic information that identifies the record, such as the names of the filing party, the list of creditors, and their respective contact addresses;
• The type of bankruptcy claimed; most individuals and small businesses use either chapter 7 or 13 filing options;
• Copies of all applicable forms to the petition process;
• Official documentation of financial summaries, credit counseling programs, and the Maryland State Means Test;
• Copies of liens and other claims that may exist on the debtor's property.
• Information about adjoining issues, if there are any.

How to Get Maryland Bankruptcy Records

Unless the record is under a seal or has been expunged, bankruptcy records are public records. Therefore, interested parties in the state of Maryland can request to inspect or copy them. To begin the search for a record, ascertain which of the courts has custody of the record in question. The Southern (Greenbelt) District has custody of records of cases under its jurisdiction. The same rule applies to the Northern (Baltimore) district. The inquiring party may use the public terminals in the clerk's office premises to search for records or remotely using the Public Access To Electronic Records (PACER). PACER is the online resource provided by the United States District Court system for parties wishing to access court records remotely. This option requires an internet connection and a compatible device. Both options provide access to an electronic copy of the record in question. Still, it is the inquiring party's prerogative to decide to print copies: hence printing charges may apply. Be sure to have the filename and identification number.

The other option is to submit a Copy Work Request to the office of the Courthouse Clerk. Certified or exemplified copies of bankruptcy records are obtainable only at the clerk's office. After submitting a request, the clerk's office staff should contact the requester about the costs of copies. All payments must be complete before the court proceeds to process the request. Parties must make out payments to the Clerk, US District Court as a check, credit card, or money order. Cash payments are not acceptable. Credit card payments are receivable in person or through the CM/ECF. Use the District of Maryland Fee Schedule to get a rough estimate of what each type of record may cost.

The courts may have likely moved records older than a year to the National Archives and Records Administration agency office. To request records from the archives, parties must submit an Archives Record Request through the clerk's office or directly to the agency. The clerk's office has the added Smartscan Service that allows the federal record centers to locate paper records, convert them to digital PDF documents, and send them via email. This process is beneficial if the requester is definite about the exact document required. It is also limited to a maximum of 100 pages.

Where to Conduct a Free Bankruptcy Case Search in Maryland

Maryland bankruptcy case search can be conducted for free through the following medium:

• Public Terminals: An individual can obtain bankruptcy information by using the public terminals in the courthouses.
• Public Access to Electronic Records (PACER): Inquirers can access records for free via PACER if they are parties of bankruptcy cases, have been granted fee exemptions, seek to view case information at any federal court, or access court opinions.
• Voice Case Information System (VCIS): This tool permits parties to dial into the court's database to conduct a bankruptcy case search by calling (866) 222-8029. VCIS users can access free service anytime.
• National Archives and Records: An individual can perform a bankruptcy case search by email at kansascity.archives@nara.gov, postal mail, or phone at (816) 268-8000 for free if they are not requesting digital and paper reproductions of the case. Mail requests can be sent to:
  National Archives at Kansas City
  400 W. Pershing Road
  Kansas City, MO 64108

How Do I Find Out if My Bankruptcy Case is Closed in Maryland?

The United States Bankruptcy Court proceedings operate a system of communication and feedback with involved parties. Usually, parties get a mail notification regarding the closure of the case. Be aware that closure may mean dismissal or discharge. Either way, the court authorities use the contact information of the involved parties to communicate updates about the case. Chapter 7 bankruptcy cases usually get closure when the court releases an order to the filing party and the creditor about the repayment plan and liquidation.

Can a Bankruptcy Be Expunged in Maryland?

Bankruptcy cases are public records, and the information is not subject to the state expungement process. Bankruptcy filings form part of the credit report of an involved party. These filings may remain active for up to 10 years, but federal records can receive expungement if there has been a case of impersonation, bankruptcy filing under duress, or a case that has been dismissed. Also, there is privacy protection for filing parties for the following information:

• The last four digits of the social security number
• The year of an individual's birth
• Then last four digits of the financial account number
• The initials if there is an involved minor

The court can issue an order to place a filing under seal for a good cause. By doing so, the court limits or prohibits public access to the document.

Bankruptcy in Maryland

Bankruptcy in Maryland is a legal proceeding that allows a debtor unable to repay their debts to either obtain a discharge of the debts by liquidating their assets or restructuring the debts. There are federal laws and rules governing the procedure for bankruptcy in Maryland. These are the United States Bankruptcy Code and the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure. Also, bankruptcy cases can only be determined by federal courts. The bankruptcy courts are units of the federal district courts. If a debtor goes through bankruptcy proceedings, creditors become unable to reclaim debts outside of the bankruptcy process. It is to serve as an avenue for honest individuals and businesses to have another attempt through either a discharge of their debts or a repayment plan. The debtor can obtain a fresh start financially. However, some debts cannot be discharged by bankruptcy.

The exact result of the bankruptcy proceedings would depend on the type of bankruptcy the debtor files. However, the creditors are generally prevented from attempting to enforce their debts. Some bankruptcy filings involve a total discharge of the debt. In such cases, the debtor’s assets are liquidated and the proceeds are used to pay the creditors to the extent it can cover the debts. This usually takes a few months. In some other bankruptcy cases, there is a repayment plan voted on by the creditors to determine how the debtor would repay the debts over a few years.

Individuals, couples, partnerships, and corporations may file for bankruptcy. The person filing for bankruptcy would disclose their income, expenses, assets, and liabilities to the court. The debtor would also be required to enroll in credit counseling within six months of filing for bankruptcy. The court would consider several factors to determine if the debtor should be allowed to complete the bankruptcy process. This involves examining the debtor’s ability to pay and the kind of debts. Business debts are often more likely to be discharged than consumer debts. The court would also determine if the debtor should obtain the specific type of bankruptcy the debtor filed for or if another kind of bankruptcy would be more suitable. Bankruptcy in Maryland is to grant honest individuals an opportunity to have financial forgiveness. Therefore, the court has a duty to ensure that the process is not taken advantage of.

A debtor in Maryland can file for bankruptcy in one of the following bankruptcy courts in Maryland:

Baltimore Division
Garmatz Federal Courthouse
101 West Lombard Street
Suite 8530
Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone: (410) 962-2688

Greenbelt Division
Federal Courthouse
6500 Cherrywood Lane
Suite 300
Greenbelt, MD 20770
Phone: (301) 344-8018

Salisbury
Salisbury Courthouse
U.S. Post Office Building
129 East Main Street
Room 104
Salisbury, MD 21801

What is the Downside of Filing for Bankruptcy in Maryland?

A primary downside of filing for bankruptcy in Maryland is that the debtor may lose their assets. In some bankruptcy cases, all assets not under the exemption list shall be liquidated to pay off the creditors. In some others, the debtor’s power over their assets becomes limited. A repayment plan is decided upon and the debtor becomes unable to do anything with their assets outside of the repayment plan. There are some other downsides to filing for bankruptcy in Maryland besides loss of assets. These downsides include:

• The debtor may experience a fall in their credit score. This may affect their ability to secure loans in the future.
• The bankruptcy proceedings may remain on the debtor’s credit report for up to ten years. The credit report shall be available to financial institutions.
• Bankruptcy does not lead to a discharge of all debts. Some taxes, penalty payments, and some mortgages may still remain.
• The debtor who successfully files for bankruptcy shall be unable to file for another bankruptcy for some years.

However, there are still some reasons why a debtor should still consider filing for bankruptcy despite the downsides, such as:

• A debtor can have most of their debt discharged or change the due date for debts through a repayment plan by filing for bankruptcy.
• A debtor can retain the exempted property they may have otherwise lost, such as the debtor’s home and vehicle, by filing for bankruptcy.
• Bankruptcy causes an automatic stay against the creditors, preventing the creditors from attempting to enforce collection. Even phone calls to the debtor shall become unlawful. The court shall give notice of the automatic stay order to all creditors provided by the debtor.

What is Chapter 11 Bankruptcy in Maryland?

A Chapter 11 bankruptcy in Maryland allows a debtor to remain in possession of assets, continue to operate its business, and potentially borrow more money with the court’s permission. A debtor that successfully files a Chapter 11 bankruptcy has the powers and duties of a trustee in relation to the assets.

A Chapter 11 bankruptcy starts with the debtor petitioning the bankruptcy court serving the area the debtor resides, is domiciled, or carries on business principally. Chapter 11 petitions may be voluntary or involuntary. A voluntary petition is usually filed by the debtor pursuant to 11 U.S.C. §§ 301. An involuntary petition is filed against the debtor by the creditors if they satisfy certain conditions pursuant to 11 U.S.C. §§ 303. A voluntary petition should be in accordance with Form B 101 of the Official Forms prescribed by the Judicial Conference of the United States. The debtor would also file the following with the court.

• A list of assets and liabilities for the debtor
• A financial statement of affairs
• The debtor’s current income and expenditures
• A list of executory contracts and unexpired leases the debtor is bound by

If the debtor is an individual or couple rather than a business, the debtor would also be required to file:

• A certificate showing that the enrolled in credit counseling and any repayment plan drafted during credit counseling
• Evidence of income earned from an employer within 60 days of filing, if such income exists
• A statement regarding how much income the debtor earns monthly and any anticipated increase in the income
• A record of any interest the debtor has in a federal or state qualified education or tuition accounts

A married couple may file for a Chapter 11 bankruptcy jointly or separately. A Chapter 10 bankruptcy filing remains on the debtor’s records for up to ten years. The effect of a Chapter 11 bankruptcy is that it makes the debtor a “debtor in possession”. The debtor has the powers and duties of a trustee regarding the assets. The debtor’s duties as debtor in possession include accounting for property, examining claims and objecting to them, and filing informational reports. The debtor performs many of the functions that the appointed trustees under other types of bankruptcies perform.

The debtor files a reorganization plan with the court. The reorganization plan includes the repayment plan, information about assets, liabilities, and the debtor’s business affairs. Creditors may then vote upon the plan. The court charges the debtor a $1,167 case filing fee and a $571 miscellaneous administrative fee. The fees should be paid to the clerk of the court. The fees should usually be paid upon filing for bankruptcy. However, it may be made in up to four installments, with the last installment paid within 120 days from the date the filing is made.

Who Files for a Chapter 11 Bankruptcy in Maryland?

Either debtors or creditors may file for a Chapter 11 bankruptcy in Maryland. The debtor files for voluntary bankruptcy, while the creditors file for involuntary bankruptcy against the debtor. An involuntary bankruptcy should be filed by three or more creditors acting jointly. The court would require the debtor to file the reorganization plan within a period of time once a Chapter 11 bankruptcy is filed in Maryland. If the debtor is not a small business, the court usually requires the debtor to file the reorganization plan within 120 days in accordance with 11 U.S.C. § 1121(b). The court can use its discretion to increase or reduce the period within which the debtor should file the reorganization plan. However, it should not be more than 18 months pursuant to 11 U.S.C. § 1121(d). If the debtor does not file the reorganization plan within the period of time required by the court, the court may permit the creditors to file the reorganization plan.

Why File for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy in Maryland?

A Chapter 11 bankruptcy in Maryland allows a debtor to come up with a repayment plan while continuing business operations. The bankruptcy proceedings prevent creditors from attempting to collect debts. It may also lead to a reduction in the amount to be paid in debts and a change in the due date for the debts. A Chapter 11 bankruptcy allows businesses that are likely to become profitable in the future to obtain a fresh financial start by reorganizing their business. The businesses, therefore, have more time to repay the debts, usually within three to five years. Also, it allows the debtor to hold on to their assets and avoid complete liquidation.

What is Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Maryland?

A Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Maryland involves a liquidation of the debtor’s assets that are not protected in the exemption list to repay creditors. A debtor filing for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Maryland may retain exempt property. However, all other assets shall be gathered and sold by the trustee to pay debts to the extent that the debts can be paid. A Chapter 7 bankruptcy discharges most debts once a debtor goes through it. It allows the debtor to restart financially with the exempted assets. Courts try to ensure that Chapter 7 bankruptcy filings are not abusive. Therefore, if the debtor’s income is above the median in Maryland, the court would use a means test to determine if the bankruptcy filing should be upheld.

A Chapter 7 bankruptcy begins with the debtor filing a bankruptcy petition to the bankruptcy court serving the area the debtor resides or principally carries on business. In accordance with 11 U.S.C. § 521, the debtor would be required to file the following with the court.

• A list of the debtor’s current assets and liabilities
• A list of unexpired leases and executory contracts the debtor has agreed to
• A statement of the debtor’s financial affairs
• A schedule of the debtor’s current income and expenditures

There are additional filing requirements if the debtor is an individual with majorly consumer debts, such as:

• A certificate to show that the debtor has enrolled in credit counseling within six months from the day of filing for bankruptcy
• A statement showing how much the debtor earns each month and any anticipated increase in earnings
• Evidence of income from an employer received with 60 days from the day of filing if such exists

There is a meeting of creditors held by the case trustee appointed by the court. The case trustee would explain the consequences of the bankruptcy proceedings to the debtor. The consequences include the effect on credit history, the effect on the debtor’s ability to file for bankruptcy under a different chapter, the effect of receiving a discharge of debts, and the effect of reaffirmed debts. At the meeting of creditors, the debtor is placed under oath and both the trustee and the creditors may ask the debtor questions regarding the property and the debtor’s financial position. The trustee would report to the court on whether the bankruptcy filing should be presumed to be an abuse.

The court charges a $245 fee for case filing, a $75 fee for a miscellaneous administrative fee, and a $15 fee for trustee surcharge. It should usually be paid to the court upon filing. However, the court may allow the debtor to pay in up to four installments, with the last installment to be paid within 120 days of filing for bankruptcy. The court may waive the fees if the debtor’s income is less than 150% of the poverty level. The debtor would need to provide the following information to the court:

• A list of the debtor’s assets
• The source of the debtor’s income, along with the amount and frequency of the income
• A list of the debtor’s monthly expenses
• A list of the creditors and the amount owed to each creditor

Do I Qualify for a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Maryland?

A Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Maryland is available to individuals, married couples, partnerships, and corporations pursuant to 11 U.S.C. §§ 101(41), 109(b). A debtor may file for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy irrespective of the amount of their debt. Individuals filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy should have received credit counseling within 180 days of filing. Additionally, an individual cannot file for bankruptcy if they had a bankruptcy case dismissed within the past 180 days because they disobeyed a court order or refused to appear before the court.

Why File for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Maryland?

A Chapter 7 bankruptcy allows a debtor to discharge a majority of their debts by liquidating non-exempt property. Therefore, the debtor shall be able to retain their house, retirement benefits, some personal property, and other exempt items, while obtaining a discharge of debts.

What is Chapter 13 Bankruptcy in Maryland?

A Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Maryland is a form of bankruptcy for earning individuals to repay their debts over a period of time. It is also referred to as a wage earner’s plan. The debtors repay their debts in installments for three to five years. A debtor that earns below the median in Maryland will generally have a payment plan of three years, while a debtor that earns above the median will usually have a payment plan of five years. This is in accordance with 11 U.S.C. § 1322(d).

A Chapter 13 bankruptcy begins with the debtor filing a petition to the bankruptcy court. The debtor would also file:

• A list of the debtor’s assets and liabilities
• A list of the debtor’s unexpired leases and executory contracts
• A schedule of the debtor’s income and expenditure
• The debtor’s statement of financial affairs
• Any interest the debtor has in federal or state qualified education or tuition accounts
• A certificate showing that the debtor attended credit counseling within 180 days from filing for bankruptcy and any payment plan developed during the credit counseling
• A statement of the debtor’s monthly net income and any anticipated increase in income
• Evidence of any payment received from an employer within 60 days of filing for bankruptcy

The court shall receive a $235 case filing fee and a $75 administrative fee from the debtor. The charge may be paid in installments not exceeding four, with the last installment to be paid within 120 days of filing the bankruptcy. The court may extend the deadline for payment to 180 days if there is cause. The bankruptcy case can be dismissed if the fees remain unpaid. The debtor would need to submit the following to the court.

• A list of property owned by the debtor
• A list of the debtor’s monthly expenses
• A list of creditors and how much each is owed
• The source and amount of the debtor’s income

Between 21 and 50 days after the debtor files the Chapter 13 bankruptcy, the trustee appointed by the court shall hold a meeting of creditors. The debtor shall be placed under oath and would answer questions from the trustee and the creditors.

There are three types of claims of creditors, priority, secured, and unsecured. Priority claims are claims that are granted special status by bankruptcy law. They include most taxes and costs of the bankruptcy proceedings. The debtor must have all priority claims paid in full. Secured claims are those for which the creditor has the right to take back certain property. For secured claims, the creditor should get at least the value of the property the creditor has the right to take back. Unsecured claims need not be paid in full. However, the debtor should commit all disposable income to repayment over a period of time and the creditor should receive at least as much as they would have under a Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

Do I Qualify for a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy in Maryland?

A Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Maryland is open to individuals with unsecured debts not more than $394,725 and secured debts not more than $1,184,200. A corporate entity cannot file for a Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Additionally, the debtor should have gone through credit counseling within 180 days of filing. A bankruptcy petition by the debtor should not have been dismissed in the past 180 days because the debtor disobeyed a court order or refused to appear before the court.

Why File for Chapter 13 Bankruptcy in Maryland?

A Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Maryland allows the debtor the opportunity to come up with a repayment plan for debts. New due dates can be decided upon for debts and the debts may even be reduced in some cases. Once a bankruptcy has been filed, the creditors become unable to enforce collection outside the repayment plan due to the automatic stay order issued by the court.

What is the Difference Between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Bankruptcy in Maryland?

The primary difference between a Chapter 7 bankruptcy and a Chapter 13 bankruptcy is that while a Chapter 7 bankruptcy involves liquidation, a Chapter 13 bankruptcy only involves a repayment plan. In a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, the debtor’s nonexempt assets are liquidated to pay creditors. A Chapter 13 bankruptcy involves a repayment plan to determine how creditors may be paid within three to five years. Also, a Chapter 7 bankruptcy may be filed for regardless of the amount of debt. There is a limit to the amount of secured and unsecured debt a Chapter 13 bankruptcy filer can have. A Chapter 7 bankruptcy is open to individuals, couples, partnerships, and corporations. A Chapter 13 bankruptcy is only open to individuals and couples.

What is Bankruptcy Protection in Maryland?

Bankruptcy protection in Maryland is an order by the court issued when a debtor files for bankruptcy that prevents creditors from seeking to collect debts. The court issues the other to all creditors provided by the debtor and the court notifies the creditors at the address provided by the debtor for each creditor. It is referred to as an “automatic stay” order. It prevents all collection actions, including foreclosures, telephone calls, repossessions, beginning or continuing legal proceedings, enforcing judgments, and foreclosures. Creditors that fail to comply with the order may be subject to:

• Payment of attorney fees and court costs
• Fines and sanctions imposed by the court for contempt
• Award by courts of punitive damage

What are Maryland Bankruptcy Exemptions?

Maryland bankruptcy exemptions are the property that the debtor may keep after filing for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. In Maryland, the debtor is required to use only the exemptions in the state. Maryland Code, Courts & Judicial Proceedings § 11-504 provides for such exemptions. They include:

• Homestead: A debtor filing for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy may retain their home if they own not more than $25,150 equity in the home. However, the home shall be nonexempt if they have more equity in it.
• Personal property: Maryland allows debtors to exempt their personal property up to $6,000. Property that may be exempted as personal property includes tools, furniture, clothing, electronics, and other household goods.
• Insurance policy payments: Compensatory payments in Maryland are generally completely exempt. Therefore, the debtor may hold on to 100% of all compensatory payments.
• Retirement accounts: 401k accounts are completely exempted if a debtor files for bankruptcy. Creditors often attempt to enforce payment upon such accounts. However, the creditors shall be unable to do this once the debtor files for bankruptcy.
• Public benefits, earnings, and support: Social security benefits, disability benefits, and other such public benefits are completely exempt. Child support may also be exempt. 75% of unpaid wages that have been earned are exempt.
• Wildcard exemption: A debtor filing for bankruptcy may protect property that is ordinarily nonexempt to a value of $6,000. Often, debtors use the wildcard exemption to protect money in the bank and cars, as Maryland does not provide any exemptions for the debtor’s vehicle.

The value of the property used to determine whether or not it is exempt is the fair market value on the date the debtor files for bankruptcy and not the original purchase price. Also, even though the debtor cannot rely on federal bankruptcy exemptions in Maryland, they can rely on federal nonbankruptcy exemptions.

What are the Other Types of Bankruptcy in Maryland?

Maryland has a Chapter 12 bankruptcy. This is a form of bankruptcy for farmers and fishermen. It is streamlined to be less complicated and less expensive than other forms of bankruptcy. The debts should be primarily from the fishing or farming operation. Furthermore, the debt should not exceed $4,153,150 if it is a farming operation or $1,924,550 if it is a fishing operation. Other options for debtors to avoid liquidation or even bankruptcy include settling with creditors out of court or attending debt counseling. With debt counseling, a repayment plan to handle debt may be drafted.

How Much Does It Cost to File Bankruptcy in Maryland

The cost to file a bankruptcy petition in Maryland varies depending on the bankruptcy chapter. For instance, a Chapter 7 bankruptcy costs $338, a Chapter 11 bankruptcy costs $1738, a Chapter 12 bankruptcy filing fee is $278, and a Chapter 13 bankruptcy filing fee is $313. Individuals who cannot afford these fees can apply for a filing fee waiver through bankruptcy court or set up a payment plan to pay off the filing fee over time.