What Does It Cost to File Bankruptcy?
Filing bankruptcy costs four things: the court filing fee ($338 Chapter 7 / $313 Chapter 13 per the Judicial Conference), attorney fees (roughly $1,000–$2,500 for Chapter 7, $2,500–$6,000 for Chapter 13), two mandatory courses ($10–$50 each), and a handful of small costs like credit pulls. The short answer — bankruptcy is cheaper than people think. Chapter 7 typically costs less than one month of minimum payments on $30,000+ in credit card debt.
This sounds like a lot, but filing bankruptcy costs money even when you're already in financial distress. Congress recognized this tension and built in provisions for installment payments and fee waivers. The reality is that bankruptcy is one of the most cost-effective debt relief options available — the total cost of a Chapter 7 filing is typically less than a single month's minimum payments on $30,000+ in credit card debt.
Our Court Filing Fees tool provides current filing fee information for all 50 states. This article goes deeper, covering every cost category plus strategies for minimizing your out-of-pocket expenses.
Court Filing Fees
The court filing fee is the one cost that is the same everywhere in the country — it is set federally by the Judicial Conference and published on the United States Courts website (uscourts.gov). The current filing fee for Chapter 7 is $338. The filing fee for Chapter 13 is $313. These fees are payable when you file your petition with the bankruptcy clerk's office.
If you can't pay the filing fee in full at the time of filing, you have two options. First, you can request permission to pay in installments by filing an application with the court. The court will typically allow you to pay in up to four installments over 120 days. You must stay current on the installment schedule — failure to pay can result in dismissal of your case.
Second, for Chapter 7 only, you may apply for a complete fee waiver if your household income is below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines. The 2026 federal poverty guidelines (published by the Department of Health and Human Services at aspe.hhs.gov) set the poverty threshold for a family of four at approximately $33,000, meaning a family of four earning below approximately $49,500 may qualify for a fee waiver. Fee waivers aren't available for Chapter 13 cases, but the fee can be paid in installments.
Attorney Fees: What to Expect by Chapter
Attorney fees represent the largest variable cost in a bankruptcy filing, and they vary significantly by geographic market, case complexity, and chapter filed. For Chapter 7, attorney fees typically range from $1,000 to $2,500. In rural areas and smaller cities, fees tend to be on the lower end ($1,000-$1,500). In major metropolitan areas like New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, fees of $2,000-$2,500 are common. Complex cases involving business assets, real property issues, or adversary proceedings may cost more.
Chapter 13 attorney fees are higher because the process is longer and more complex. Fees typically range from $2,500 to $6,000. However, Chapter 13 has a significant advantage: most attorney fees are paid through the plan itself, meaning you pay little upfront. Many districts have established "no-look" fee guidelines that allow attorneys to charge a preset amount without detailed fee applications. The no-look fee varies by district — for example, approximately $3,500-$4,500 in many Midwestern districts and $4,500-$6,000 in major coastal markets.
When shopping for a bankruptcy attorney, ask about their total fee (not just the quoted amount — ask about additional charges for court appearances, plan modifications, and other services), what is included, and what their payment terms are. Most Chapter 7 attorneys require full payment before filing. Some accept payment plans. Avoid any attorney who asks you to pay by credit card that will be discharged in the bankruptcy — this is unethical and potentially fraudulent.
Credit Counseling and Financial Management Course Fees
Bankruptcy law requires completion of two separate courses: a pre-filing credit counseling course (within 180 days before filing) and a pre-discharge financial management course (after filing but before receiving your discharge). Both courses must be taken from providers approved by the U.S. Trustee Program — the list is available at justice.gov/ust.
The credit counseling course typically takes 60-90 minutes and can be completed online, by phone, or in person. Costs range from $10 to $50, with most providers charging around $25. Some providers offer the course for free to low-income filers. The course covers budgeting, debt management, and an assessment of whether bankruptcy is appropriate for your situation.
The financial management course (also called the "debtor education" course) is statutorily required to be at least two hours / 120 minutes of instruction (28 CFR § 58.33(g)(1)(i)) and typically costs $15 to $50. It covers topics like money management, using credit wisely, and planning for the future. Both courses issue certificates that must be filed with the bankruptcy court. If you do not file the certificates, you won't receive your discharge — so complete them promptly and confirm that the certificates are filed.
State-by-State Attorney Fee Comparison
Attorney fees vary considerably by region. In the Southeast (Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee), Chapter 7 fees typically run $800-$1,500 and Chapter 13 fees $2,500-$3,500. In the Midwest (Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois), Chapter 7 fees are $1,000-$1,800 and Chapter 13 fees $2,500-$4,500. In the Northeast (New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut), Chapter 7 fees range from $1,500-$2,500 and Chapter 13 from $3,500-$5,500.
On the West Coast (California, Washington, Oregon), Chapter 7 fees typically range from $1,500-$2,500 and Chapter 13 from $3,500-$6,000. In Texas, fees are generally moderate — $1,000-$1,800 for Chapter 7 and $2,500-$4,000 for Chapter 13. Florida's fees are similar to Texas. These are approximations — actual fees depend on the specific attorney, the complexity of your case, and the local legal market.
To find a bankruptcy attorney in your area, the American Bar Association maintains a lawyer referral directory at americanbar.org. The National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys (NACBA) at nacba.org is another resource. Legal aid organizations in your area may provide free or reduced-cost representation if your income qualifies. Many bankruptcy attorneys offer free initial consultations — take advantage of these to compare fees, experience, and communication style before choosing an attorney.
Other Costs to Budget For
Beyond filing fees, attorney fees, and course fees, there are several smaller costs to budget for. You will need to obtain a copy of your credit report (available free at AnnualCreditReport.com). You will need copies of recent pay stubs, tax returns, and bank statements — most people already have these, but ordering duplicates may cost a few dollars each. If you need to value real estate or vehicles for your schedules, appraisals or valuation reports may be required (though Kelley Blue Book and Zillow estimates are often acceptable).
In Chapter 13, you should also budget for the trustee's commission, which is built into your plan payments (typically 7-10% of distributions). While this isn't an out-of-pocket expense (it is part of the monthly payment you would be making anyway), it means that not all of your plan payment goes to creditors — some goes to administrative costs. Our Chapter 13 Payment Plan Calculator factors in the trustee commission.
If your case involves special circumstances — an adversary proceeding to discharge student loans, a motion to strip a junior lien, or a contested matter — additional attorney fees will apply. Discuss potential complications with your attorney at the outset so you understand the complete cost picture. In most straightforward consumer cases, however, the total cost falls within the ranges described above.
Financial Assistance for Filing
If you can't afford to hire a bankruptcy attorney, several resources may help. Legal aid organizations in every state provide free legal services to low-income individuals, and many handle bankruptcy cases. The Legal Services Corporation (lsc.gov) maintains a directory of funded legal aid programs by state. Law school bankruptcy clinics are another option — students supervised by licensed attorneys handle cases at no cost.
Pro bono programs through local bar associations match low-income individuals with volunteer attorneys. Some bankruptcy attorneys offer reduced-fee arrangements for clients with very limited means. The U.S. Trustee Program's list of approved credit counseling providers (justice.gov/ust) includes agencies that offer their services at reduced or no cost based on ability to pay.
Filing pro se (without an attorney) is legally permitted but carries significant risks, as discussed in our Chapter 7 guide. If you are considering pro se filing due to cost, explore free and reduced-cost legal services first. The bankruptcy forms are complex, and errors can result in denial of discharge, loss of property, or other consequences that far exceed the cost of an attorney. Our Court Filing Fees tool and Chapter 7 Means Test Calculator can help you prepare for the initial consultation, making it more productive and efficient.
Disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Made For Law is not a law firm, and our team are not attorneys. We are not affiliated with any federal, state, county, or local government agency or court system. Content may be researched or drafted with AI assistance and is reviewed by our editorial team before publication. Laws change frequently — always verify information with official sources and consult a licensed attorney for advice specific to your situation. Full disclaimer
Our editorial team researches and summarizes publicly available legal information. We are not attorneys and do not provide legal advice. Every article is checked against current state statutes and official sources, but you should always consult a licensed attorney for guidance specific to your situation.
