Filing fees range from $275 to $1,738 depending on the chapter. Attorney fees add $1,000-$4,500 for most consumer cases.
The U.S. Courts set filing fees for each chapter of bankruptcy. These fees are current as of 2024-2025:
| Chapter | Filing Fee | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Chapter 7 | $338 | Individual liquidation |
| Chapter 13 | $313 | Individual repayment plan |
| Chapter 11 | $1,738 | Business reorganization |
| Chapter 12 | $275 | Family farmer/fisherman |
Attorney fees vary significantly by location, complexity, and the attorney's practice:
| Chapter | Typical Attorney Fee Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chapter 7 | $1,000 - $2,500 | Usually paid in full before filing |
| Chapter 13 | $3,000 - $4,500 | Often paid through the plan (after a retainer) |
| Chapter 11 | $10,000 - $50,000+ | Varies widely by complexity |
In Chapter 13, most of the attorney fee can be paid through the repayment plan over 3-5 years, rather than upfront. The attorney typically collects a retainer of $0-$1,500 before filing, with the remainder paid as an administrative expense through the plan. This makes Chapter 13 more accessible to debtors who cannot afford a large upfront payment.
| Requirement | Cost | When |
|---|---|---|
| Credit counseling course | $15 - $50 | Before filing (within 180 days) |
| Debtor education course | $15 - $50 | After filing, before discharge |
| Credit report pull | $0 - $30 | Before filing (for schedule preparation) |
| Tax return preparation | $0 - $300 | If returns are not current |
If your household income is below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines, you can apply to have the Chapter 7 filing fee waived entirely using Official Form 103B. The court grants the waiver if it finds that you cannot pay the fee in installments.
Using Official Form 103A, you can request to pay the filing fee in up to 4 installments over 120 days. The first installment is due at filing. If you miss an installment, the court may dismiss your case.
If your case is dismissed, you do not get a refund of filing fees or attorney fees already paid. According to FJC data, approximately 60-67% of Chapter 13 cases end in dismissal. For a typical dismissed Chapter 13 case, the debtor may have spent $3,500-$5,000 in fees plus months of plan payments -- with no debt relief to show for it.
You have the legal right to file bankruptcy without an attorney (called filing "pro se"). There is no filing fee difference. However, bankruptcy involves complex procedural requirements, and errors can result in dismissal, loss of property, or loss of discharge rights. See Do I Need a Lawyer for Bankruptcy? for more information.
Check your eligibility before spending money on a filing.
Use the Eligibility CheckerThis page provides general information based on publicly available federal court records. It does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for advice on your specific situation.
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