How Much Do Bankruptcy Lawyers Cost? Fees and Pricing Explained
Bankruptcy lawyer fees typically run $600 to $2,500 for Chapter 7 and $2,500 to $6,000 for Chapter 13, plus court filing fees and two required education courses.
Quick Answer
Chapter 7 attorney fees commonly run $600 to $2,500 as a flat fee. Chapter 13 attorney fees typically run $2,500 to $6,000, often set by court guidelines. Add the court filing fee ($338 for Chapter 7, $313 for Chapter 13) and two required courses, usually $20 to $100 combined.
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Everything to Know About Bankruptcy Lawyer Costs
All nine parts of this guide, covering Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 attorney fees, court costs, required courses, and how to compare quotes.
How Much Does a Bankruptcy Lawyer Cost Overall?
Bankruptcy lawyer costs depend mainly on which chapter you file and how complex your financial situation is. Chapter 7 attorney fees commonly run $600 to $2,500 as a flat fee, while Chapter 13 attorney fees typically run $2,500 to $6,000, reflecting the longer, more involved repayment process.
On top of attorney fees, every filer pays a court filing fee and completes two required education courses, so the full out-of-pocket cost is always somewhat higher than the attorney fee alone.
What Factors Affect Bankruptcy Attorney Fees?
A few variables consistently move the price up or down.
Which Chapter You File
Chapter 13's longer repayment process generally costs more than a straightforward Chapter 7 case.
Case Complexity
Owning a business, multiple properties, or back taxes typically adds attorney time and cost.
Asset or Income Issues
Recent asset transfers, gifts to relatives, or expected disputes with creditors can raise fees.
Location & Market
Attorney fees vary by judicial district and local market rates.
Attorney Experience
More experienced attorneys with strong track records often charge more per case.
How Organized Your Records Are
Complete, organized financial documents generally reduce the time (and cost) needed to prepare your case.
How Much Does Chapter 7 Cost?
Chapter 7 is generally the less expensive option, since it's typically resolved in a matter of months rather than years. Most attorneys charge a flat fee for Chapter 7, due in full before filing.
| Case Type | Typical Attorney Fee |
|---|---|
| Straightforward, no-asset case | $600–$1,500 |
| Standard case, moderate complexity | $1,500–$2,500 |
| Complex case (business, assets, disputes) | $2,500–$3,500+ |
How Much Does Chapter 13 Cost?
Chapter 13 involves ongoing attorney work over a three-to-five-year repayment plan, which is reflected in the higher fee. Many courts set a guideline fee for Chapter 13 cases, typically $2,500 to $6,000, and an attorney generally can't charge above that guideline without justifying exceptional circumstances.
Unlike Chapter 7, Chapter 13 fees don't have to be paid entirely upfront. A portion is usually due before filing, and the remainder is paid through the repayment plan itself, spread out over the life of the case.
What Are the Bankruptcy Court Filing Fees?
Court filing fees are separate from attorney fees and are set at the federal level, not by individual attorneys or firms.
The Chapter 7 fee includes a base filing fee, an administrative fee, and a small surcharge. The Chapter 13 fee includes a base filing fee and an administrative fee.
What Do the Required Courses Cost?
Every bankruptcy filer, in both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13, must complete two separate courses through an approved provider.
| Course | When | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Credit counseling | Before filing (within 180 days) | $20–$50 |
| Debtor education | After filing, before discharge | $50–$100 |
Both courses must be completed through a court-approved provider, and you can't finish your case without submitting the completion certificates. Providers are required to offer a reduced fee or a full waiver for filers who can't afford the cost.
Can You Get Fees Waived or Pay in Installments?
Some relief is available, though it works differently depending on the chapter and the type of fee.
Chapter 7 filing fee waiver: available if household income is below 150% of federal poverty guidelines.
Chapter 13 filing fee: cannot be waived, but can be paid through the repayment plan instead of upfront.
Filing fee installments: both chapters generally allow paying the court fee in installments, with the final payment due within 120 to 180 days of filing.
Course fee waivers: approved providers must offer a sliding scale or full waiver for filers below 150% of the poverty line.
How Much Can You Save Filing Without a Lawyer?
Filing pro se, without an attorney, is legally allowed for both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13, and it eliminates the attorney fee entirely, leaving only the court filing fee and course costs.
The savings come with real risk. Bankruptcy law is technical and deadline-driven, and a missed form, incorrect exemption claim, or procedural mistake can lead to losing an asset you could have protected, or having your entire case dismissed. For straightforward, no-asset Chapter 7 cases, some filers manage it successfully; for anything involving real estate, a business, or disputed assets, the risk of an expensive mistake generally outweighs the attorney fee saved.
How Do You Compare Quotes Between Bankruptcy Attorneys?
Comparing attorneys by price alone can be misleading. A few questions help you compare accurately.
Is the fee flat or hourly?
Most bankruptcy attorneys use flat fees; confirm which structure applies to your case before signing.
What's included?
Ask whether the fee covers the full case, including any amendments or a possible 341 meeting follow-up.
What could increase the fee?
Ask what circumstances, like a creditor objection, would trigger additional charges.
How is payment structured?
For Chapter 13, confirm how much is due upfront versus paid through the plan.
Who, What, Why, When, Where & How
Who typically pays bankruptcy costs?
The filer pays attorney fees, court filing fees, and course costs directly. In Chapter 13, part of the attorney fee is folded into the repayment plan and paid over time rather than entirely upfront.
What's included in a typical flat attorney fee?
A standard flat fee usually covers preparing and filing the petition, attending the 341 meeting of creditors, and guiding the case through to discharge. Unusual complications, like a creditor objection, may cost extra.
Why do fees vary so much between filers?
Case complexity is the biggest driver. A straightforward, no-asset Chapter 7 case takes far less attorney time than a case involving a business, multiple properties, or a creditor dispute.
When do you have to pay?
Chapter 7 attorney fees are typically due in full before filing. Chapter 13 fees are usually split: part upfront, and the remainder paid through the repayment plan over three to five years.
Where do filing fees actually go?
Court filing fees are paid directly to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, not to your attorney, and fund the administration of the court system itself.
How can you reduce your total bankruptcy costs?
Coming to your attorney with organized financial records reduces prep time. Checking whether you qualify for a Chapter 7 fee waiver or a course fee waiver can also lower your total out-of-pocket cost.
Estimate Your Bankruptcy Costs
Select the chapter you're considering to see a rough total cost range, including attorney fees, the court filing fee, and required courses. For illustration only, not a quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer cost?+
A Chapter 7 bankruptcy attorney commonly charges a flat fee of $600 to $2,500, though complex cases or expensive markets can run $3,000 or more. This is usually separate from the court filing fee and required course costs.
How much does a Chapter 13 bankruptcy lawyer cost?+
Chapter 13 attorney fees typically run $2,500 to $6,000, often set by court guideline fees in a given district. Unlike Chapter 7, Chapter 13 fees are usually paid partly upfront and the remainder through the repayment plan itself.
What are the bankruptcy court filing fees in 2026?+
As of 2026, the Chapter 7 filing fee is $338 and the Chapter 13 filing fee is $313. Chapter 7 filers who meet income requirements can request a fee waiver; Chapter 13 filers cannot waive the fee but can pay it through their repayment plan.
Do you have to pay for credit counseling and debtor education courses?+
Yes. The pre-filing credit counseling course typically costs $20 to $50, and the post-filing debtor education course typically costs $50 to $100. Providers are required to offer reduced fees or a waiver for filers who cannot afford the cost.
Can you file bankruptcy without a lawyer to save money?+
Yes, filing pro se is legally allowed, and it can save money upfront. However, bankruptcy law is technical and deadline-driven, and mistakes can result in losing assets you could have protected or having your case dismissed entirely.
Why does Chapter 13 cost more than Chapter 7?+
Chapter 13 involves a multi-year repayment plan that requires ongoing attorney involvement, court appearances, and plan modifications, while Chapter 7 is typically a shorter, more straightforward process, which is reflected in the higher Chapter 13 attorney fees.
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