An individual, a partnership, or a corporation or other business entity is eligible for relief under chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code. A husband and wife may file a joint petition or individual petitions. A debtor files chapter 7-bankruptcy petition with the bankruptcy court. The court must be serving the area where the individual lives or has its place of business or principal assets.

While filing the petition, one has to pay the fees. The courts charge a $220 case filing fee, miscellaneous administrative fee of $39 and $15 as trustee surcharge. The fees must be paid to the clerk of the court upon filing. However, sometimes court permits individual debtors to pay in four installments, and the debtor must make the final installment within 120 days after filing the petition. Failure to pay these fees may result in dismissal of the case. If the debtor’s income is 150% below the poverty level court waives the fee.