Chapter 7 is the most common type of bankruptcy for individuals. It’s designed to eliminate debt completely, rather than reorganize it like Chapter 13 does. Most of the debts wiped out in Chapter 7 are unsecured, meaning they’re not tied to property you own. This includes things like credit card balances, medical bills, personal loans, and payday loans.
Here are the core costs:
- Court Filing Fee: The current federal filing fee for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy is $338.
- Credit Counseling & Debtor Education: These two required courses typically cost between $10 and $50 each. Some providers offer them for free based on income. (Evergreen charges $19.99 per course, and if you take your courses through Evergreen, you’ll be enrolled for free into a free bonus course: 7 Steps to a 720 Credit Score.
- Attorney Fees: This is where costs can vary widely. On the low end, you may find attorneys who charge $1,000 to $1,200. On the high end, fees can reach $2,000 or more, depending on the complexity of your case and your location.
For a look at the average bankruptcy fees in all 50 states, skip to the end of this article and check out Table 1: How Much Does It Cost to File Bankruptcy?
Why Some Attorneys Charge Less (and What That Means)
Attorney fees can vary quite a bit depending on how much support you’re getting. Some lower-cost firms keep prices down by handling a large number of cases and relying on assistants or paralegals to do most of the work. That might sound fine at first, but it can also mean you’re not getting much personal attention.
And when a bankruptcy petition isn’t looked over carefully, mistakes can happen. If the trustee catches those mistakes, it can slow things down, get your case dismissed, or even turn your bankruptcy into something more complicated, like a case where you have to pay back part of your debt. While a low fee might seem like a great deal, it’s worth doing a little homework first. Read some reviews, ask questions, and definitely check the fine print. Sometimes what looks affordable upfront can come with hidden costs or complications down the road.
What You Get with a Higher Fee
If an attorney is charging a bit more than the state average (see Table 1), that could mean they’re spending more time getting to know your case. A higher-priced attorney may be able to ask more detailed questions, spot red flags early, and help you move through the process with fewer surprises. Yes, they’ll file your paperwork; ideally, they will also guide you through each step, boost your confidence, and help make sure things go as smoothly as possible.
Many of the attorneys we work with choose Evergreen because we enroll their clients—at no extra cost—into a credit education program after their bankruptcy is discharged (Chapter 7) or confirmed (Chapter 13). These attorneys range from low-cost to high-cost, but they all have this in common: They care about long-term outcomes and go the extra mile for their clients.
The Real Cost of Filing Bankruptcy (Attorney Fees & Hidden Expenses)
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Costs
Chapter 13 bankruptcy is a court-approved repayment plan that helps individuals reorganize their debt and pay it off over three to five years. It’s often used by people who have a steady income and want to protect assets like a home or car. Instead of wiping out debt all at once like Chapter 7, Chapter 13 lets you catch up on missed payments (such as mortgage arrears) while staying protected from creditors.
Costs include:
- Court Filing Fee: $313 for Chapter 13.
- Attorney Fees: These are usually set by the court and are known as “no-look” fees. That means the court has already approved a flat fee amount that attorneys can charge without submitting a detailed billing.
Wondering how much it costs to file Chapter 13 bankruptcy in your state? Scroll to Table 1 at the end of this article to see the average fees across all 50 states.
Your bankruptcy fees are generally included in your repayment plan. That means you don’t pay the full amount upfront, just a small portion to get started. The rest is paid over time as part of your monthly Chapter 13 plan payments.
Hourly Billing Option
Some attorneys bill hourly for Chapter 13 cases, but this often results in higher costs than the flat fee. Most people choose the no-look fee for predictability and affordability.
How Filing Bankruptcy Frees Up Money
Here’s something most people don’t realize: Once you file bankruptcy, an automatic stay goes into effect. This is a federal court order that stops most collection activities immediately. That means:
- No more wage garnishments
- No more lawsuits
- No more harassing phone calls
This relief can free up hundreds of dollars each month. And that savings can go toward paying for your bankruptcy case. In fact, many attorneys use this window to structure no-pay or low-pay plans, allowing you to file quickly and settle the bill over time. That way, you’re not stuck in a catch-22 where you can’t afford to file because of your debt.
How Bankruptcy Stops Collection Agency Harassment Instantly
What About Filing Without an Attorney?
Yes, you can file pro se (without an attorney). That means you’ll just pay the filing fee, credit counseling, and education course fees: roughly $400 total. But be careful. Bankruptcy law is complex, and mistakes can cost you far more in the long run.
If you are considering filing for bankruptcy without an attorney, be sure to read How to File Bankruptcy Without a Lawyer … and Whether You Should.
Filing Bankruptcy Can Be an Investment in Your Future
In the right circumstances, filing bankruptcy can be the smartest financial move if you’re overwhelmed by debt. It wipes out what you owe, frees you from collections, and gives you a real shot at rebuilding. And despite what people think, the cost of filing bankruptcy can be manageable. With payment plans, attorney support, and automatic debt relief, this step might be more affordable than you previously thought!
Need Help? If you’re considering bankruptcy and unsure about your next step, connect with a debt professional for a free consultation. You will learn your options, have your questions answered, and, if bankruptcy is right for you, be connected with an experienced attorney who offers flexible payment plans.
Let’s Recap: How Much Does It Cost to File Bankruptcy?
- Chapter 7 filing fee: $338
- Chapter 13 filing fee: $313
- Credit counseling and education: $20 to $100 total
- Chapter 7 attorney fees: $1,000 to $2,000+ (based on state and service level)
- Chapter 13 attorney fees: $3,000 to $8,500 (typically paid through the plan)
- Payment plans: Almost always available
So when asking—“How much does it cost to file bankruptcy?”—remember: It’s not just about the number. It’s about the relief, protection, and peace of mind that comes with it.
Table 1: How Much Does It Cost to File Bankruptcy?
| State | Total Estimated Chapter 7 Cost | Estimated Chapter 13 No-Look Fee |
| Alabama | $1,438 | $3,000 |
| Alaska | $1,588 | $3,200 |
| Arizona | $1,538 | $3,500 |
| Arkansas | $1,438 | $3,000 |
| California | $1,838 | $3,600 |
| Colorado | $1,738 | $4,000 |
| Connecticut | $1,788 | $4,500 |
| Delaware | $1,688 | $4,000 |
| Florida | $1,688 | $4,000 |
| Georgia | $1,538 | $3,500 |
| Hawaii | $1,788 | $4,000 |
| Idaho | $1,488 | $3,500 |
| Illinois | $1,738 | $4,000 |
| Indiana | $1,588 | $3,500 |
| Iowa | $1,438 | $3,200 |
| Kansas | $1,538 | $3,400 |
| Kentucky | $1,488 | $3,300 |
| Louisiana | $1,538 | $3,500 |
| Maine | $1,638 | $3,700 |
| Maryland | $1,788 | $4,200 |
| Massachusetts | $1,938 | $4,500 |
| Michigan | $1,488 | $4,000 |
| Minnesota | $1,688 | $4,200 |
| Mississippi | $1,438 | $3,200 |
| Missouri | $1,588 | $3,500 |
| Montana | $1,438 | $3,200 |
| Nebraska | $1,538 | $3,300 |
| Nevada | $1,688 | $4,000 |
| New Hampshire | $1,638 | $3,900 |
| New Jersey | $1,938 | $4,500 |
| New Mexico | $1,488 | $3,400 |
| New York | $1,938 | $4,500 |
| North Carolina | $1,588 | $3,700 |
| North Dakota | $1,488 | $3,400 |
| Ohio | $1,588 | $3,700 |
| Oklahoma | $1,538 | $3,500 |
| Oregon | $1,688 | $4,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $1,738 | $4,200 |
| Rhode Island | $1,788 | $4,300 |
| South Carolina | $1,538 | $3,600 |
| South Dakota | $1,438 | $3,300 |
| Tennessee | $1,488 | $3,500 |
| Texas | $1,638 | $4,000 |
| Utah | $1,588 | $3,700 |
| Vermont | $1,638 | $3,700 |
| Virginia | $1,688 | $4,000 |
| Washington | $1,738 | $4,100 |
| West Virginia | $1,488 | $3,600 |
| Wisconsin | $1,588 | $3,900 |
| Wyoming | $1,488 | $3,500 |
This chart shows the estimated total cost to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy in each state (including the $338 court filing fee) alongside the average Chapter 13 no-look fee. No-look fees are preset attorney fee amounts approved by each federal bankruptcy district court. These fees vary not only by state, but by district, so states with multiple districts may have different fee amounts depending on where the case is filed.
