Filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy costs $338 in court fees plus $1,000 to $2,500 in attorney fees, for a typical total of $1,400 to $2,900. Chapter 13 costs $313 in court fees plus $2,500 to $5,000 in attorney fees. Filing pro se (without an attorney) reduces the cost to just the court filing fee.
Bankruptcy costs vary by chapter, location, and whether you hire an attorney. Here is a detailed breakdown.
Chapter 7 Costs
- Court filing fee: $338 (can be paid in installments or waived for low-income filers)
- Attorney fees: $1,000-$2,500 depending on your location and case complexity. Urban areas tend to cost more.
- Credit counseling courses: $20-$50 for the two required courses (pre-filing and pre-discharge)
- Total typical cost: $1,400-$2,900
Chapter 13 Costs
- Court filing fee: $313
- Attorney fees: $2,500-$5,000, usually paid through the repayment plan so you do not need the money upfront
- Credit counseling: Same $20-$50
- Total typical cost: $2,800-$5,400 (but attorney fees are usually built into the plan)
Filing Pro Se
You can file bankruptcy without an attorney. Your cost drops to the filing fee plus credit counseling -- roughly $400 total. Chapter 7 pro se is generally manageable for straightforward cases. Chapter 13 pro se is much harder due to the complexity of the repayment plan, and courts strongly discourage it.
Fee Waivers
If your household income is below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines, you can apply for a full fee waiver in Chapter 7. Many courts grant these routinely. In Chapter 13, the filing fee can be paid through the plan.