Worried about the cost of bankruptcy? You’re not alone. One of the most common reasons people delay filing Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 is simple: they don’t know what it will cost, what’s included, and what surprises to watch for.
This post answers the top 10 bankruptcy cost questions in plain English—so you can plan your next step with fewer unknowns.
1) How much does it cost to file bankruptcy?
Bankruptcy costs usually fall into three buckets:
- Court filing fees (paid to the bankruptcy court)
- Attorney fees (paid to your lawyer)
- Required courses (credit counseling + debtor education)
Total cost depends on whether you file Chapter 7 or Chapter 13, how complex your case is, and your location.
2) What are the bankruptcy court filing fees for Chapter 7 and Chapter 13?
The bankruptcy court charges a filing fee in most cases:
- Chapter 7 filing fee: typically a few hundred dollars
- Chapter 13 filing fee: also typically a few hundred dollars (often slightly lower than Chapter 7)
These fees can change, so always confirm current fees with your attorney or the court.
Tip: Some filers may qualify to pay the filing fee in installments, and in limited cases, a Chapter 7 filer may qualify for a fee waiver.
3) How much does a bankruptcy lawyer cost?
Attorney fees vary widely based on:
- your state and local market,
- whether you have a business, real estate, or complex assets,
- whether there are lawsuits, garnishments, or prior filings,
- and how much work is needed to prepare accurate schedules.
In general:
- Chapter 7 is often a flat fee in many markets.
- Chapter 13 is often structured differently because it’s a 3–5 year repayment plan and involves ongoing work.
4) Why is Chapter 13 usually more expensive than Chapter 7?
Chapter 13 typically costs more because it’s more work over a longer period. A Chapter 13 case can include:
- drafting and confirming a repayment plan,
- responding to trustee requests,
- dealing with objections,
- plan modifications,
- and ongoing compliance issues over years.
The good news: many Chapter 13 attorney fees are paid through the plan, which can reduce the amount you need upfront (depending on your case and local rules).
5) Can I file bankruptcy without a lawyer to save money?
You can file without a lawyer (called filing “pro se”), but it’s risky. Bankruptcy paperwork is detailed and mistakes can lead to:
- delays,
- dismissal,
- loss of property you could have protected,
- or denial of discharge in extreme situations.
If cost is the barrier, ask about:
- payment plans,
- limited-scope help (where allowed),
- or whether Chapter 13 plan payments can cover some fees.
6) What are the required bankruptcy courses and how much do they cost?
Most people must complete two courses from an approved provider:
- Credit counseling (before filing)
- Debtor education (after filing)
They’re usually low-cost compared to attorney fees, but they are mandatory in most cases. Some providers offer fee reductions based on income.
7) Are there hidden costs in bankruptcy?
There can be, depending on your situation. Common “extra” costs include:
- fees to obtain credit reports or records,
- appraisals (rare, but sometimes needed),
- amended schedules if something changes,
- costs related to turning over non-exempt assets (Chapter 7),
- or costs to deal with a creditor lawsuit if you wait too long.
A good consultation should surface likely add-ons early.
8) Will I have to pay my creditors during bankruptcy?
It depends on the chapter:
- Chapter 7: usually no ongoing payments to unsecured creditors (credit cards, medical bills) once filed, but you may keep paying secured debts (car/mortgage) if you’re keeping the collateral.
- Chapter 13: yes—most filers make a monthly plan payment for 3–5 years.
Important: A Chapter 13 plan payment is not the same thing as “attorney fees,” but it affects affordability.
9) What if I can’t afford bankruptcy right now?
If you can’t afford to file today, you still have options:
- Ask about installment payments for the court filing fee
- Consider whether Chapter 13 is more realistic because it can spread some costs out
- Get a plan for timing if you’re facing:
- wage garnishment,
- bank levy,
- repossession,
- foreclosure, or
- a lawsuit
Sometimes waiting costs more than filing—especially if a creditor gets a judgment first.
10) Is bankruptcy “worth it” financially?
For many people, bankruptcy is less about the upfront cost and more about what it can stop or prevent, such as:
- wage garnishments,
- bank levies,
- lawsuits,
- repossessions,
- foreclosure actions,
- and years of high-interest debt that never goes down.
Whether it’s worth it depends on your goals (fresh start vs. saving a home vs. catching up on a car) and your full financial picture.
Bottom line: bankruptcy cost is predictable when you plan early
The biggest cost surprises usually happen when someone waits until the last minute—after a lawsuit, garnishment, or repossession is already in motion.
If you’re considering bankruptcy, a consultation can help you map out:
- which chapter fits,
- what the real total cost will be,
- what you need to pay upfront,
- and how to avoid expensive mistakes.
