How Much Does It Cost to File Bankruptcy? Average Price Guide (2026)

Bankruptcy feels like a last resort, but for many people drowning in debt it’s a legal tool designed to give them a fresh start. The catch: it costs money to file — and if you’re broke, that’s exactly what you don’t have. Understanding the full cost upfront helps you budget for the process and avoid surprises.

This guide breaks down every cost: filing fees, attorney fees, mandatory courses, and the differences between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. Bankruptcy law is federal but applied locally, so fees vary by region — verify current fees before filing.

Federal Filing Fees (Set by the Courts)

Court filing fees are set by federal law and are the same nationwide:

• Chapter 7 (liquidation): $338 filing fee
• Chapter 13 (repayment plan): $313 filing fee
• Chapter 11 (mostly businesses): $1,738 filing fee

If you can’t afford the fee, you can ask the court to pay it in installments or (for Chapter 7 only) request a fee waiver if your income is below 150% of the federal poverty line. See the official fee schedule at the official federal bankruptcy court fee schedule.

Attorney Fees: The Biggest Cost

Most people hire a bankruptcy attorney, and this is where the real cost lies. Prices vary by region and case complexity:

Chapter 7 attorney fees

• Typical range: $1,200 to $2,500 (some areas as low as $750, major cities can exceed $3,000)
• Why it varies: Simple cases with few assets cost less; cases with business debts, lawsuits, or contested issues cost more.
• Payment: Usually paid upfront, since Chapter 7 discharges your debts — attorneys can’t collect afterward.
• Total Chapter 7 cost: Roughly $1,500 to $2,800 all-in.

Chapter 13 attorney fees

• Typical range: $3,000 to $5,000+ (some courts cap fees with “no-look” amounts, commonly $4,000–$5,000)
• Payment: Often paid through the 3–5 year repayment plan, so little or nothing is due upfront — a major advantage if you’re cash-strapped.
• Total Chapter 13 cost: Roughly $3,300 to $5,300+ including the filing fee.

Mandatory Course Fees

Federal law requires two courses, and they cost extra:

• Pre-filing credit counseling: $15 to $50, must be completed within 180 days before filing.
• Post-filing debtor education: $15 to $50, required before your debts can be discharged.
• Both must be taken from agencies approved by the US Trustee Program. Fee waivers are available for those who can’t pay. Find approved providers at the the US Trustee Program list of approved credit counseling agencies site.

Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13: Cost Comparison

• Chapter 7: Cheaper and faster (3–6 months). Best if you have mostly unsecured debt (credit cards, medical bills) and limited income. Debts are discharged; some non-exempt assets may be sold.
• Chapter 13: More expensive but lets you keep property. Best if you have regular income, are behind on a mortgage or car loan, or don’t pass the Chapter 7 means test. You repay a portion of debts over 3–5 years.

Can You File Without an Attorney?

Yes — it’s called filing “pro se.” You’ll pay only the filing fee plus course fees (roughly $370–$440 for Chapter 7). But bankruptcy has strict rules, deadlines, and paperwork. Mistakes can get your case dismissed, leaving you without protection and having paid the fee for nothing.

• Pro se works best for: Very simple Chapter 7 cases — no assets, no secured debts, no lawsuits.
• Hire an attorney when: You own a home or car, have business debts, face creditor lawsuits, or are considering Chapter 13.
• Free/low-cost help: Legal Aid societies, law school clinics, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau money guides offer guidance; many bankruptcy attorneys give free initial consultations.

Other Costs to Budget For

• Means test preparation: If your case is borderline, your attorney may charge extra for detailed means-test analysis.
• Reaffirmation agreements: Keeping a car loan through bankruptcy requires a reaffirmation agreement, which may add $200–$500 in legal fees.
• Amendments: Changing schedules after filing can cost $30+ in court fees plus attorney time.
• Credit report monitoring: After discharge, verify your reports show debts as discharged — errors are common and free to dispute.

Related money guides: how does a certificate of deposit work and how long should you keep tax returns.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy?

About $1,500 to $2,800 total: a $338 federal filing fee, $15–$50 per mandatory course, and $1,200 to $2,500 in attorney fees. Filing without an attorney costs roughly $370–$440.

How much does Chapter 13 bankruptcy cost?

About $3,300 to $5,300+ total: a $313 filing fee plus $3,000 to $5,000+ in attorney fees. The good news is attorney fees are usually paid through the repayment plan, so little is due upfront.

Can the filing fee be waived?

For Chapter 7 only: yes, if your income is below 150% of the federal poverty line and you can’t pay in installments. File Form 103B with the court. Chapter 13 fees cannot be waived but can be paid in installments.

Is it worth paying for a bankruptcy attorney?

For most filers, yes. Attorneys dramatically reduce the risk of dismissal due to paperwork errors, and many offer free consultations and payment plans. Simple, asset-free Chapter 7 cases are the main exception where pro se filing can work.

Will bankruptcy wipe out all my debts?

No. It discharges most unsecured debts (credit cards, medical bills, personal loans), but student loans, recent taxes, child support, and court fines are generally not dischargeable. Secured debts like mortgages survive unless you surrender the property.

How long does bankruptcy stay on my credit report?

Chapter 7 stays for 10 years from filing; Chapter 13 stays for 7 years. Your score will drop sharply at first, but many filers start rebuilding credit within a year of discharge.