Application to Pay Filing Fee in Installments

Updated 3/24/2026

In General

Individual debtors filing chapter 7 petitions may request to pay the filing fee in installments so long as the last payment becomes due within 120 days after the petition is filed. Installment payments in Chapters 12 and 13 are disfavored. If you do request payment in installments, the court generally will order you to pay the filing fee in full within 14 days after you file your petition. The court generally will not grant a request to pay the filing fee in installments in Chapter 11 cases.

Hearing

A hearing is not required.

Form  

Application for Individuals to Pay the Filing Fee in Installments (Official Form 103A)

References

FRBP 1006(b)

Step-by-Step Instructions

  • Select Bankruptcy > Motions/Applications.
  • Enter Case Number.
  • Select Pay Filing Fee in Installments (Application).
  • Click Browse/Choose File and upload PDF.
  • Skip the Joint Filing screen. 
  • Select Party filer. Press and hold [Ctrl] key to select debtor and joint debtor.
  • Modify docket text, if appropriate.  
  • Verify final docket text. Click Next to complete the filing.
  • The Notice of Electronic Filing displays. This is the verification that the document has been electronically filed.