All Options Compared
Filing for bankruptcy does not have to cost thousands of dollars. Several programs exist to help low-income individuals get through the process at little or no cost. The table below summarizes the main options available in 2026.
| Option | Total Cost | Legal Advice? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal aid | $0 | Yes | Low-income filers |
| Pro bono attorney | $0 | Yes | Qualifying cases |
| Law school clinic | $0 | Yes (supervised) | Teaching cases |
| Upsolve | $0-$400 | No | Simple Chapter 7 |
| Pro se + fee waiver | $0-$100 | No | Simple cases, low income |
| Petition preparer | $500-$600 | No | Help with forms only |
Legal Aid Organizations
Legal aid offices provide free legal representation to individuals who meet income guidelines, typically 125% to 200% of the federal poverty level. These organizations employ licensed attorneys who handle cases from intake through discharge. Because demand is high, there may be a waiting list. Apply early.
Legal Services Corporation (LSC) funds programs in every state. Visit lsc.gov to search by zip code and find your nearest legal aid office. Many programs accept applications online or by phone.
Pro Bono Attorneys
Many state and local bar associations maintain pro bono panels where private attorneys volunteer to handle bankruptcy cases for free. These attorneys are typically experienced practitioners who donate a set number of hours each year. Contact your local bar association and ask about the pro bono bankruptcy program. Some courts also maintain lists of volunteer attorneys willing to assist pro se filers.
Law School Bankruptcy Clinics
Law schools across the country operate bankruptcy clinics where law students, supervised by licensed professors, represent clients in real cases. The quality of representation is generally high because the supervising attorneys are experienced and the students are motivated. Clinics typically handle straightforward Chapter 7 cases and may take on Chapter 13 cases involving student loan adversary proceedings. Contact law schools in your area to ask whether they operate a bankruptcy clinic.
Upsolve and Online Tools
Upsolve is a nonprofit that provides a free tool to prepare Chapter 7 bankruptcy petitions. It guides you through the required forms, generates your filing documents, and provides educational resources. Upsolve does not provide legal advice, so it works best for simple cases with no significant assets, no business debts, and no complicated creditor disputes. If your case involves a Chapter 13 repayment plan, secured debt arrears, or potential adversary proceedings, you will likely need an attorney.
Filing Pro Se with a Fee Waiver
If your income is below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines, you can file Chapter 7 entirely for free by representing yourself (pro se) and requesting a fee waiver using Form 103B. The court waives the $338 filing fee, and you pay nothing. Pro se filing is feasible for simple cases but carries risk. Mistakes on your schedules can lead to denial of discharge, loss of property you could have exempted, or even allegations of fraud. See prosedebtors.org for a step-by-step guide to filing without an attorney.
For help determining whether your case is simple enough to file pro se, use the free chapter decision tool and the means test calculator.
Last updated: March 2026. Not legal advice.
Part of the Bankruptcy Transparency Network