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How Much Does It Cost to File for Bankruptcy? Breaking Down the Real Expenses
How Much Does It Cost to File for Bankruptcy: Know the Expenses Upfront How much does it cost to file
June 20, 2025
How Much Does It Cost to File for Bankruptcy? Breaking Down the Real Expenses
How Much Does It Cost to File for Bankruptcy: Know the Expenses Upfront
How much does it cost to file for bankruptcy? This is one of the first things people want to know when considering a financial reset. Bankruptcy can offer relief from overwhelming debt, but it does come with out-of-pocket costs you’ll need to prepare for.
In this guide, we’ll break down what it costs to file for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, including court filing fees, required education courses, and optional attorney fees.
Understanding the Base Costs of Filing Bankruptcy
The cost of filing for bankruptcy depends on which chapter you file under—Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. These are the two most common types of personal bankruptcy.
Court Filing Fees
- Chapter 7: $338
- Chapter 13: $313
These fees are paid to the bankruptcy court and are required to begin your case. If you cannot afford the full amount, you may be able to:
- Pay in installments (Form 103A)
- Request a full fee waiver if your income is below 150% of the poverty line (Form 103B)
How Much Do Required Bankruptcy Courses Cost?
Federal law requires that all filers complete two financial education courses:
1. Credit Counseling Course (Pre-Filing)
- Must be completed before your case is filed
- Average cost: $10 to $50
- Must be from a court-approved provider
2. Debtor Education Course (Post-Filing)
- Must be completed before you receive a discharge
- Average cost: $10 to $50
- Also known as the financial management course
Combined, these courses may cost around $20 to $100, depending on your location and provider. Some low-income filers may qualify for reduced or waived course fees.
Attorney Fees: Optional But Common
Hiring a lawyer is not required, but it can significantly improve the accuracy and success of your case, especially for Chapter 13, which is more complex.
Chapter 7 Attorney Fees
- Range: $1,000–$2,500, depending on case complexity and region
- Covers case evaluation, form preparation, court communication, and representation at hearings
Chapter 13 Attorney Fees
- Range: $3,000–$5,000, with part often included in your repayment plan
- Involves negotiating with creditors and managing a 3–5 year payment plan
If you’re filing pro se (on your own), you’ll save these fees but carry a higher risk of dismissal due to paperwork errors.
Additional Costs to Consider
Other minor expenses may apply when calculating how much does it cost to file for bankruptcy:
- Credit report access: $30–$50
- Mailing/printing fees: Especially if filing on paper or mailing to creditors
- Travel or parking fees: If you must attend in-person hearings
- Document preparation services: $100–$300 if you use a filing assistant instead of an attorney
While these costs are small individually, they can add up, so it’s wise to plan ahead.
Total Bankruptcy Cost Summary
Category | Chapter 7 | Chapter 13 |
Court Filing Fee | $338 | $313 |
Mandatory Courses | $20–$100 | $20–$100 |
Attorney Fees (optional) | $1,000–$2,500 | $3,000–$5,000 |
Additional Costs | $50–$200 | $50–$200 |
If filing without an attorney, expect to spend $350–$450. With legal help, your total can range from $1,500 to $5,500, depending on the chapter and services needed.
Filing Bankruptcy: The Cost vs. the Relief
If you’re overwhelmed by debt, knowing how much does it cost to file for bankruptcy is key to making an informed choice. While the fees may seem high upfront, they’re small compared to the tens of thousands of dollars in debt relief bankruptcy can provide.
Get Help Understanding How Much It Costs to File
Still wondering how much it costs to file for bankruptcy in your situation? A qualified bankruptcy professional can review your income, debts, and eligibility to help you determine which chapter fits—and what your total costs will be.
Visit BankruptcyAttorneys.net to request a free evaluation and get clear answers from an experienced legal advisor.
Don’t let uncertainty hold you back—get the information you need to take control of your financial future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much does it cost to file for bankruptcy without a lawyer?
Roughly $350–$450, including court and course fees.
2. Can I pay the filing fee over time?
Yes. Most courts allow payment in 3–4 installments with court approval.
3. What if I can’t afford the filing fee at all?
You may request a fee waiver if your income is very low and you cannot make installment payments.
4. Do attorney fees have to be paid before filing?
For Chapter 7, yes. For Chapter 13, part of the fee can be included in your repayment plan.
5. Are there free bankruptcy resources available?
Yes. Legal aid groups and nonprofit agencies may offer free help or consultations.
Key Takeaways
- Chapter 7 filing costs around $338; Chapter 13 costs $313
- Two required courses may add $20–$100
- Attorney fees vary but may exceed $1,000–$5,000
- Additional costs like credit reports and mailing may apply
- Fee waivers and installment plans are available for qualified filers
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