How Much Does Bankruptcy Cost?
Last updated: March 2026 | Fee amounts verified against the U.S. Courts fee schedule
Filing for bankruptcy costs less than most people think. The total cost depends on which chapter you file under, where you live, and whether you hire an attorney. This page breaks down every cost so you know exactly what to expect.
For most consumers, total out-of-pocket costs range from $1,500 to $3,500 for Chapter 7 and $300 to $500 upfront for Chapter 13 (with attorney fees paid through the repayment plan). Some filers pay nothing at all through fee waivers and legal aid.
Current Bankruptcy Filing Fees (2024-2026)
Filing fees are set by the Judicial Conference of the United States and are the same in every federal bankruptcy court. These are the fees as of the most recent fee schedule update:
| Chapter | Filing Fee | Who Typically Files | Fee Waiver Available? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chapter 7 | $338 | Individuals, couples | Yes (in forma pauperis) |
| Chapter 13 | $313 | Individuals with regular income | No (installments only) |
| Chapter 11 | $1,738 | Businesses, high-debt individuals | No |
| Chapter 12 | $278 | Family farmers and fishermen | No |
These fees are paid to the bankruptcy court clerk when you file your petition. Every filer pays this fee regardless of whether they hire an attorney or file pro se (on their own). The filing fee does not include attorney fees, credit counseling fees, or other costs described below.
For a complete breakdown of each chapter's fee, payment options, and installment plans, see Bankruptcy Filing Fees by Chapter.
Attorney Fee Ranges by Chapter
Attorney fees are the largest component of bankruptcy cost for most filers. Fees vary significantly by location, case complexity, and the attorney's experience. Here are typical ranges based on national data:
| Chapter | Typical Attorney Fee | How It Is Paid |
|---|---|---|
| Chapter 7 | $1,000 -- $2,500 | Paid in full before filing |
| Chapter 13 | $2,500 -- $5,000 | Mostly paid through the plan |
| Chapter 11 | $10,000 -- $50,000+ | Paid as administrative expense |
| Chapter 12 | $2,000 -- $5,000 | Paid through the plan |
Why Chapter 7 Fees Are Paid Upfront
In Chapter 7, the bankruptcy discharge eliminates most debts -- including any unpaid attorney fees. If the attorney did not collect their fee before filing, their claim would be wiped out along with everything else. That is why Chapter 7 attorneys require full payment before they file your case.
Why Chapter 13 Is More Affordable Upfront
Chapter 13 works differently. Attorney fees are treated as a priority administrative claim and paid through the 3-to-5-year repayment plan. Most Chapter 13 attorneys require only a small retainer ($0 to $500) before filing, with the remaining fee paid monthly through the plan alongside your other debts. This makes Chapter 13 much more accessible for people who cannot afford a large upfront payment.
Regional Variation
Attorney fees vary considerably by region. Large metropolitan areas (New York, Los Angeles, Chicago) tend to have higher fees than rural areas. Some general patterns:
- Southeast U.S.: Chapter 7 fees often $800 -- $1,500; Chapter 13 fees $2,500 -- $3,500
- Midwest U.S.: Chapter 7 fees often $1,000 -- $1,800; Chapter 13 fees $2,500 -- $4,000
- Northeast U.S.: Chapter 7 fees often $1,200 -- $2,500; Chapter 13 fees $3,000 -- $5,000
- West Coast: Chapter 7 fees often $1,200 -- $2,500; Chapter 13 fees $3,000 -- $5,000
For a deeper look at how attorney fees work, no-look fees, and how to evaluate whether you are being charged fairly, see Bankruptcy Attorney Fees: What to Expect.
Total Cost Estimates by Chapter
Adding up filing fees, attorney fees, and mandatory costs (credit counseling and debtor education), here is what most consumer filers should expect to pay:
| Cost Component | Chapter 7 | Chapter 13 |
|---|---|---|
| Filing fee | $338 | $313 |
| Attorney fee | $1,000 -- $2,500 | $2,500 -- $5,000 |
| Credit counseling | $15 -- $50 | $15 -- $50 |
| Debtor education | $15 -- $50 | $15 -- $50 |
| Total | $1,368 -- $2,938 | $2,843 -- $5,413 |
| Upfront cost | $1,368 -- $2,938 | $300 -- $550* |
*Chapter 13 upfront cost assumes attorney fee paid through plan and filing fee paid in installments.
Can You Reduce the Cost?
Yes. There are several ways to lower what you pay:
- Fee waiver (Chapter 7 only): If your household income is below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines, you may qualify to have the $338 filing fee waived entirely. See Fee Waivers and Installment Plans.
- Installment payments: All chapters allow you to pay the filing fee in up to four installments over 120 days, extendable to 180 days with court approval.
- Legal aid: Legal aid organizations provide free bankruptcy representation in many areas. The American Bar Association and your local bar association maintain directories of legal aid providers.
- Pro se filing: You can file without an attorney, paying only the filing fee and course fees. However, bankruptcy law is complex, and pro se cases have significantly higher dismissal rates. Most bankruptcy judges strongly recommend hiring an attorney.
- Free credit counseling: Some approved credit counseling agencies offer their courses for free to low-income filers.
Hidden Costs to Watch For
Beyond the obvious fees, bankruptcy has additional costs that many guides do not mention:
- Document preparation: Gathering pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, and property valuations takes time and may involve copying costs.
- Lost wages: You will need to attend the 341 Meeting of Creditors (usually 10-15 minutes, but you may need to take time off work). Chapter 13 filers may have a confirmation hearing as well.
- Credit impact: A Chapter 7 bankruptcy remains on your credit report for 10 years; Chapter 13 for 7 years. This can increase borrowing costs for years, though the impact diminishes over time and many filers see their credit scores improve within 12-18 months of discharge.
- Amended schedules: If you need to amend your bankruptcy schedules after filing, some attorneys charge additional fees for the extra work.
For a complete list of costs people often overlook, see Hidden Costs of Bankruptcy.
The Most Important Cost Comparison
Before deciding that bankruptcy is "too expensive," consider the alternative. People who delay filing often lose far more to:
- Wage garnishments (up to 25% of disposable income, indefinitely)
- Vehicle repossession and deficiency balances
- Foreclosure and relocation costs
- Compounding interest and late fees on unpaid debts
- Lawsuit judgments and post-judgment interest
- Chronic stress and its health consequences
A $2,000 bankruptcy filing that eliminates $30,000 in debt is not an expense -- it is an investment with a 1,400% return. Read the full analysis at The Cost of NOT Filing Bankruptcy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy?
The Chapter 7 filing fee is $338. Attorney fees typically range from $1,000 to $2,500 depending on your location and case complexity. Additional costs include credit counseling ($15-50) and debtor education ($15-50). Total out-of-pocket costs usually range from $1,400 to $3,000. Fee waivers are available for filers earning below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines.
How much does Chapter 13 bankruptcy cost?
The Chapter 13 filing fee is $313. Attorney fees typically range from $2,500 to $5,000 and are usually paid through the repayment plan rather than upfront. Many districts have "no-look" fee amounts that courts approve without detailed review. Total costs depend on your district and case complexity, but upfront costs can be as low as $300-500.
Can I file bankruptcy for free?
Chapter 7 filers may qualify for a complete fee waiver (in forma pauperis) if their household income is below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines. All chapters allow filing fees to be paid in installments over 120 days (extendable to 180 days). Legal aid organizations and pro bono attorneys may provide free legal representation. See our complete guide to fee waivers.
Are bankruptcy attorney fees paid upfront?
In Chapter 7, attorney fees are typically paid in full before filing because the attorney's pre-petition claim would otherwise be discharged. In Chapter 13, most attorney fees are paid through the repayment plan, meaning you may only need to pay a small retainer ($0-500) upfront. Learn more about how attorney fees work.
What are the hidden costs of bankruptcy?
Beyond filing and attorney fees, hidden costs include: mandatory credit counseling ($15-50), debtor education course ($15-50), document gathering and copying costs, potential lost wages for court appearances, and the indirect cost of a bankruptcy notation on your credit report for 7-10 years. However, many people find these costs far less than the cost of not filing. See our hidden costs guide.