Court filing fees are the same everywhere: $338 for Chapter 7, $313 for Chapter 13. Only attorney fees, credit counseling costs, and trustee commissions vary by location.
Top 25 States by Filing Volume
The following table shows the 25 states with the highest bankruptcy filing volumes, representing over 85% of all consumer bankruptcy filings nationally. Fees are approximate ranges based on survey data, published fee guidelines, and district court records.
| State | Ch.7 Attorney Fee | Ch.13 Attorney Fee | Median Income | State Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $1,000 - $1,500 | $2,800 - $3,500 | $59,609 | Guide |
| Arizona | $1,000 - $1,800 | $3,000 - $4,000 | $72,581 | Guide |
| California | $1,500 - $3,000 | $3,500 - $6,000 | $91,905 | Guide |
| Colorado | $1,200 - $2,000 | $3,000 - $4,500 | $87,598 | Guide |
| Florida | $1,000 - $2,000 | $3,000 - $4,500 | $67,917 | Guide |
| Georgia | $1,000 - $1,800 | $3,000 - $4,000 | $71,355 | Guide |
| Illinois | $1,200 - $2,200 | $3,000 - $4,500 | $78,433 | Guide |
| Indiana | $900 - $1,500 | $2,800 - $3,500 | $67,173 | Guide |
| Kansas | $900 - $1,500 | $3,000 - $3,800 | $69,747 | Guide |
| Kentucky | $800 - $1,200 | $2,500 - $3,500 | $60,407 | Guide |
| Louisiana | $1,000 - $1,500 | $3,000 - $3,800 | $57,852 | Guide |
| Maryland | $1,200 - $2,000 | $3,500 - $4,500 | $94,991 | Guide |
| Massachusetts | $1,500 - $2,500 | $3,500 - $5,500 | $96,505 | Guide |
| Michigan | $1,000 - $1,800 | $3,000 - $4,000 | $68,505 | Guide |
| Minnesota | $1,000 - $1,800 | $3,000 - $4,000 | $84,313 | Guide |
| Mississippi | $750 - $1,000 | $2,500 - $3,000 | $52,985 | Guide |
| Missouri | $900 - $1,500 | $3,000 - $3,800 | $65,920 | Guide |
| New Jersey | $1,500 - $2,500 | $3,500 - $5,000 | $97,126 | Guide |
| New York | $1,800 - $3,500 | $4,000 - $6,000+ | $75,910 | Guide |
| North Carolina | $1,000 - $1,600 | $3,000 - $3,800 | $66,186 | Guide |
| Ohio | $900 - $1,500 | $2,800 - $3,800 | $65,720 | Guide |
| Pennsylvania | $1,200 - $2,000 | $3,000 - $4,500 | $73,170 | Guide |
| Tennessee | $1,000 - $1,500 | $2,800 - $3,800 | $63,426 | Guide |
| Texas | $1,000 - $2,000 | $3,000 - $4,500 | $73,035 | Guide |
| Virginia | $1,200 - $2,000 | $3,500 - $4,500 | $87,249 | Guide |
Key Takeaways from the Data
Cheapest States for Chapter 7
The five states with the lowest average Chapter 7 attorney fees are Mississippi ($750-$1,000), Kentucky ($800-$1,200), Indiana ($900-$1,500), Kansas ($900-$1,500), and Ohio ($900-$1,500). In these states, the total cost of Chapter 7 (including the $338 filing fee and courses) can be as low as $1,100-$1,900.
Most Expensive States for Chapter 7
The five most expensive states for Chapter 7 attorney fees are New York ($1,800-$3,500), California ($1,500-$3,000), Massachusetts ($1,500-$2,500), New Jersey ($1,500-$2,500), and Colorado ($1,200-$2,000). Total Chapter 7 costs in these states can reach $2,200-$4,000+.
Why Median Income Matters
A $1,500 attorney fee in Mississippi (median income $52,985) represents a larger financial burden than a $2,500 fee in Massachusetts (median income $96,505). When evaluating whether bankruptcy "costs too much," consider the fee as a percentage of your income.
No-look fees set the floor. In many districts, the court publishes a "no-look" fee -- a presumptive reasonable amount that attorneys can charge without detailed justification. Ask your attorney whether they charge at, below, or above the local no-look fee. If above, they must justify the difference.
Chapter 13 Fee Patterns
Chapter 13 attorney fees follow the same geographic pattern as Chapter 7 but are higher in every state because the attorney manages the case for 3-5 years. The biggest price driver for Chapter 13 is the district court's no-look fee guideline, which exists in most districts and typically ranges from $3,000 to $5,000.
Factors Beyond Geography
- Case complexity: Cases involving a business, multiple properties, or contested creditor claims cost more
- Attorney experience: Board-certified bankruptcy specialists typically charge 20-40% more than generalists
- Firm size: Large consumer bankruptcy firms (sometimes called "mills") often charge lower flat fees but handle higher volume with less individual attention
- Rural vs. metro: Within the same state, fees can vary 50-100% between rural and metropolitan areas
How to Find the Best Price in Your State
- Get 3+ consultations -- most bankruptcy attorneys offer free initial consultations. Compare fees, scope of service, and communication style
- Ask about the no-look fee -- if your district has one, use it as a benchmark
- Ask what is included -- some quoted fees exclude motions, amendments, adversary proceedings, or reaffirmation agreements
- Check your local legal aid -- if your income qualifies, you may get free representation. Visit lawhelp.org
- Consider payment plans -- many Chapter 7 attorneys accept 2-3 monthly payments before filing
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Guides
Last updated: April 2026. Fee ranges based on survey data, published district court fee guidelines, and attorney directory research. Median household income from U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2023 estimates. Not legal advice.
Cited in Federal Rules Suggestion 26-BK-3