Estimate Your Total Cost
Your total bankruptcy cost depends on several factors: which chapter you file, your state, your income level (which affects fee waiver eligibility), and your case complexity. This guide walks through each variable.
Chapter 7 Cost Formula
| Component | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Filing fee | $338 | Waivable if below 150% poverty |
| Attorney fee | $1,000-$2,500 | $0 if pro se or legal aid |
| Credit counseling (2 courses) | $30-$100 | Waivable if low income |
| Miscellaneous (copies, credit report) | $10-$50 | Optional |
| Total range | $0 - $2,900 |
Best case: $0 (fee waiver + legal aid + course fee waiver). Typical case: $1,500-$2,000. Complex case: $2,500-$2,900.
Chapter 13 Cost Formula
| Component | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Filing fee | $313 | No waiver available |
| Attorney fee | $3,000-$5,000 | Mostly paid through plan |
| Trustee commission | 4-10% of plan payments | Varies by trustee |
| Credit counseling (2 courses) | $30-$100 | |
| Plan payments | $200-$2,000+/mo | Based on disposable income |
| Total cash cost | $3,300-$5,300+ | Excludes plan payments to creditors |
The plan payments go to your creditors and are not a "cost" in the traditional sense -- you're repaying debt you owe. But the attorney fees and trustee commission are additional costs on top of what you'd pay creditors directly.
State-by-State Cost Variations
Attorney fees vary significantly by state. Use our state-by-state cost guides for specific estimates. General rule: higher cost of living = higher attorney fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Topics on This Site
Last updated: April 2026. Not legal advice.
Part of the Bankruptcy Transparency Network