CleanSlate Match
What filing for bankruptcy costs
If you are thinking about bankruptcy, cost is a fair question. Here are honest, general ranges for attorney fees and court fees, with no promises and no pressure.
Ranges are general estimates, not quotes. Court filing fees are set by the courts and can change. Some attorneys offer payment plans, and Chapter 13 attorney fees are often paid through the plan. Confirm the flat fee in writing with a licensed attorney in your area.
The short answer
Most consumer bankruptcy attorneys charge a flat fee, not an hourly rate. That means one set fee for the work covered in a typical Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 case, plus the court filing fee and a small required credit-counseling cost.
General ranges often look like this: Chapter 7 attorney fees are commonly about $1,000 to $2,500, and Chapter 13 attorney fees are often about $3,000 to $6,000 or more. Court filing fees are separate and are usually around $338 for Chapter 7 and $313 for Chapter 13. A required pre-filing credit-counseling course is often about $10 to $50.
These are general educational ranges, not quotes. The real number depends on your state, your judicial district, the attorney, the chapter you file, and how simple or complex your case is.
Why bankruptcy lawyers often use a flat fee
Bankruptcy cases follow a set legal process, so many consumer bankruptcy attorneys use flat fees to make cost more predictable. For someone already under stress, that can be easier to understand than hourly billing.
A flat fee also helps you compare attorneys more clearly. You can ask what is included, what is not included, whether the court filing fee is separate, and whether extra work could cost more later.
Even so, "flat fee" does not always mean every possible problem is included. Ask for a written fee agreement and read it carefully.
What can make the cost higher or lower
The chapter matters. Chapter 7 is often less expensive than Chapter 13 because Chapter 13 usually involves a repayment plan, more paperwork, and a case that stays open longer.
Your case details matter too. Fees may be higher if you own a home, have a business, have many creditors, recently sold or transferred property, are behind on taxes, have a wage garnishment or lawsuit, or need help stopping foreclosure. Local court practices and state exemption rules can also affect the work involved.
Rules about bankruptcy, exemptions, the means test, and local procedure vary by state and district and can change over time. CleanSlate Match is a free matching service, not a law firm and not your lawyer, so this page is general information only, not legal, tax, or financial advice.
What fees usually include — and what they may not
A typical flat fee often covers the attorney's review of your situation, preparation of the petition and schedules, filing the case, and guiding you through the usual steps, including the meeting of creditors. In a Chapter 13, it may also cover the plan and routine matters during confirmation.
Some things may cost extra, depending on the lawyer and the case. Examples can include adversary proceedings, motions to avoid certain liens, dealing with disputes from a trustee or creditor, amendments after filing, or extra court appearances.
Ask these questions clearly:
1. What exactly is included in the flat fee?
2. Is the court filing fee included or separate?
3. Is the credit-counseling course fee included?
4. What problems could lead to extra fees?
5. Can I get the fee agreement in writing?
Paying the fee and being realistic about results
Payment timing often depends on the chapter and the attorney's office policy. In many cases, Chapter 7 fees are paid before filing. In many Chapter 13 cases, part of the attorney fee may be paid before filing and part may be paid through the repayment plan, if the court and local rules allow.
Bankruptcy can bring real relief, but it does not erase every debt in every case. Some debts usually survive, including most student loans, recent income taxes, child support and alimony, most court fines, and debts tied to fraud. Outcomes depend on the facts of the case.
The good news is that when a bankruptcy case is filed, the automatic stay usually stops most collection actions right away, including most garnishments, lawsuits, and foreclosure activity. Many people also keep their home or car through exemptions or, in Chapter 13, through a repayment plan.
How CleanSlate Match can help
CleanSlate Match is free for people looking for help. We are not a law firm, do not file bankruptcy cases, and do not create an attorney-client relationship. We help connect you with a licensed bankruptcy attorney in your area so you can ask about cost, timing, and your options.
We only collect basic contact information and general intent, such as your name, phone number, optional email, state, a general description of the problem, and preferred language. We do not ask for a Social Security number, bank-account numbers, credit-card numbers, or detailed financial-account information.
If you want, you can get matched for free and speak with a local attorney. It is also wise to confirm the lawyer's bar license in your state before you hire anyone.
Bankruptcy has real costs, but many attorneys use a flat fee so the price is clearer, and you can get matched for free with a licensed local bankruptcy attorney to ask what applies in your area.
Common questions
Is bankruptcy always expensive?
Not always, but it is rarely free. Most people pay a flat attorney fee, a court filing fee, and a small required course fee, and the total depends on the chapter, the district, and the complexity of the case.
Why does Chapter 13 usually cost more than Chapter 7?
Chapter 13 cases are usually more involved and stay open longer because they include a repayment plan. That usually means more attorney work, which often leads to a higher flat fee.
Can I ask a lawyer for the total cost in writing?
Yes. You should ask for a written fee agreement that explains what the flat fee covers, what is separate, and what could cost extra.
Will paying for bankruptcy mean all my debts disappear?
No. Bankruptcy can help with many debts, but not all debts are discharged in every case. Some debts usually survive, including most student loans, recent taxes, child support, alimony, most court fines, and debts from fraud.
Do you need my Social Security number or bank account number to get matched?
No. CleanSlate Match only asks for contact information and a general sense of your situation and preferred language so we can help connect you with a lawyer.
Feeling buried in debt?
Get matched, free, with a licensed bankruptcy attorney near you. You compare attorneys and choose who to hire — and you confirm the flat fee before any work starts.