Total Cost Summary
| Cost Component | Chapter 7 | Chapter 13 |
|---|---|---|
| Court filing fee | $338 | $313 |
| Attorney fees (typical range) | $1,000 - $2,500 | $3,000 - $5,000 |
| Credit counseling (2 courses) | $30 - $100 | $30 - $100 |
| Total upfront cost | $1,400 - $2,900 | $500 - $1,500* |
| Total cost over life of case | $1,400 - $2,900 | $3,300 - $5,300+ |
* Chapter 13 attorney fees are typically paid through the plan, so upfront cost is lower, but total cost is higher.
Court Filing Fees
The Chapter 7 filing fee is $338 as of 2026. The Chapter 13 filing fee is $313. These are set by the Judicial Conference and adjusted periodically. Both fees can be paid in installments with court permission, and Chapter 7 filers may qualify for a full fee waiver if household income is below 150% of the poverty line.
Chapter 13 filers cannot receive a fee waiver, but the filing fee can be paid through the repayment plan.
Attorney Fees
Chapter 7 attorney fees typically range from $1,000 to $2,500 depending on your location and case complexity. These must generally be paid in full before filing, since the attorney's fee would be dischargeable if billed after filing.
Chapter 13 attorney fees are higher, typically $3,000 to $5,000, but most of the fee is paid through the plan over 3-5 years. This makes Chapter 13 accessible even if you cannot afford the upfront cost of Chapter 7 -- which is somewhat paradoxical given that Chapter 7 is the "cheaper" option.
Watch out: Some "no money down" Chapter 13 firms charge $4,000-$5,000 in attorney fees while providing minimal service. If your case is dismissed, you may have paid thousands with nothing to show for it. Research your attorney carefully.
For detailed cost information by state, see howmuchdoesbankruptcycost.com.
Credit Counseling and Debtor Education
Both chapters require two courses: a pre-filing credit counseling course and a pre-discharge financial management (debtor education) course. Each costs $15-50 from approved providers and can be completed online in about 2 hours.
If you cannot afford the credit counseling fee, many approved agencies offer fee waivers for low-income debtors. The court's website lists approved providers for your district.
Hidden Costs of Chapter 13
The sticker price of Chapter 13 understates the true cost. Consider: plan payments over 3-5 years can total $20,000-$100,000+ depending on your income and debts. While this money pays down real debt, the trustee takes a percentage (typically 4-10%) as a commission.
If your Chapter 13 case is dismissed -- which happens roughly half the time -- you lose the trustee commission and attorney fees while retaining most of your original debt. A failed 3-year Chapter 13 with $2,000 in trustee fees and $4,000 in attorney fees means $6,000 spent with no debt relief.
Opportunity cost is another factor. During 3-5 years of Chapter 13, you cannot freely take on new credit, start businesses that require financing, or make major financial decisions without court approval.
Cost of Not Filing Bankruptcy
Sometimes the most expensive option is doing nothing. Wage garnishments can take 25% of your disposable income. Bank account levies can drain your savings overnight. Lawsuits result in judgments that accrue interest (often 9-12%) and can be renewed for decades.
For a complete analysis, see cost of not filing bankruptcy.
Pro Se Filing: Saving on Attorney Fees
Filing without an attorney (pro se) eliminates the largest cost component. Chapter 7 pro se cost: approximately $370-$440 total (filing fee + credit counseling). Chapter 13 pro se is strongly discouraged by courts due to the complexity of plan drafting and confirmation requirements. See filebankruptcywithoutlawyer.com for a complete pro se guide.
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Last updated: April 2026. Not legal advice.
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