Filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy usually costs about $1,500–$3,500 in total with a lawyer, as of October 2026: the $338 court filing fee, roughly $20–$100 for the two required courses, and attorney fees that typically run $1,000–$3,000, with Nolo's typical total around $2,400 (U.S. Courts fee schedule, Nolo, debt.org, LegalShield).
Updated October 10, 2026. Source: U.S. Courts + 8 more. National US figures; your state and case will differ.
Below we keep each part separate so you can see what is fixed, what you can lower, and when the court can waive or split the filing fee. If you only want attorney pricing across Chapter 7 and Chapter 13, see our guide to bankruptcy attorney cost. If you're weighing an alternative to bankruptcy, compare debt settlement lawyer cost.
Chapter 7 costs at a glance
Official court fees from the U.S. Courts Bankruptcy Court Miscellaneous Fee Schedule (effective December 1, 2023, still current in October 2026); course and attorney figures from Nolo, debt.org, Upsolve and LegalShield.
| Fee arrangement or scenario | Typical cost | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Court filing fee (official) | $338 | Paid to the bankruptcy court clerk; same in every federal district. |
| Pre-filing credit counseling course | About $10–$50 | Required within 180 days before you file; approved providers only. |
| Post-filing debtor education course | About $10–$50 | Required after filing to receive a discharge. |
| Attorney fee, typical Chapter 7 (flat fee) | $1,000–$3,000 | Simple cases sit at the low end; complex cases or expensive markets can cost more. |
| Attorney hourly rate (if billed hourly) | Average $460/hour | Clio's 2025 national average for bankruptcy lawyers; most Chapter 7 cases use flat fees. |
| Filing without a lawyer (pro se) | $338 + courses | No attorney fee, but you handle forms, deadlines and the creditors' meeting yourself. |
Where the $338 Chapter 7 filing fee goes
The total is set by federal statute and the Judicial Conference fee schedule.
| Component | Amount | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Statutory filing fee | $245 | 28 U.S.C. § 1930(a) |
| Administrative fee | $78 | Item 8 of the Bankruptcy Court Miscellaneous Fee Schedule |
| Trustee surcharge | $15 | Item 9; paid to Chapter 7 trustees |
| Total due at filing | $338 | Effective Dec. 1, 2023 |
Other bankruptcy court fees you might pay
Examples from a federal bankruptcy clerk's fee schedule (S.D. California), effective December 1, 2023.
| Court action | Fee | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Amending schedules or creditor lists | $34 | Adding or deleting creditors or changing amounts after filing. |
| Reopening a closed Chapter 7 case | $260 | For example, to add a forgotten creditor or file a missing course certificate. |
| Converting Chapter 7 to Chapter 13 | No fee | Conversion to Chapter 11 costs $922. |
| Filing Chapter 13 instead | $313 | Chapter 11 costs $1,738. |
Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13: typical cost
| Chapter 7 | Chapter 13 | |
|---|---|---|
| Court filing fee | $338 | $313 |
| Typical attorney fee | $1,000–$3,000 | $3,000–$5,000, up to $1,500 more for extra work |
| How the lawyer is paid | Usually in full before filing | Much of it can be paid through the 3–5 year plan |
| Fee waiver available | Yes, if eligible | No (installments possible) |
Cost breakdown: a typical Chapter 7 case with a lawyer
Line-item estimate. National figures as of October 10, 2026; your state and court can differ.
| Cost item | Typical range | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Attorney fees | $1,000–$3,000 | Flat fee, usually paid before filing |
| Court filing fee | $338–$338 | Can be paid in installments or waived if eligible |
| Credit counseling + debtor education courses | $20–$100 | Two courses; free or reduced if you can't pay |
| Estimated total | $1,350–$3,450 | Before any fee waiver or award of fees |
Most filers land near the middle of the $1,000–$3,000 attorney range: Nolo estimates about $2,000 in attorney fees plus roughly $400 for the filing fee and courses.
What changes the price
- Where you live. Attorney fees run higher in major cities in states like California and New York. National Bankruptcy Forum research cited by debt.org found $1,500–$2,000 in Los Angeles and $1,000–$2,200 in New York.
- Case complexity. Business debts, a house or car with equity, recent large transfers or income near the means-test limit take more work and push fees toward $3,000 or more.
- Creditor challenges. If a creditor or the trustee files an adversary proceeding (a lawsuit inside the bankruptcy), many lawyers charge extra or won't handle it under the flat fee (Nolo).
- Reaffirmation and secured debts. Negotiating a car loan reaffirmation is often part of the basic fee, but ask, since add-on work changes the price.
- Chapter choice. If you don't qualify for Chapter 7 under the means test, Chapter 13 costs more in attorney fees, though much of it is paid through the plan.
How to save without sacrificing quality
- Ask the court to waive the $338 filing fee if your household income is below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines and you can't pay in installments (Official Form 103B).
- If you can't pay $338 at once, apply to pay the filing fee in installments (Official Form 103A); payments are generally due within 120 days.
- Ask the course provider for a fee waiver or reduced fee; approved providers must offer one to people who can't pay.
- Compare free consultations with two or three bankruptcy lawyers and ask what the flat fee includes.
- Contact legal aid or a law school clinic if your income is low; some handle simple Chapter 7 cases for free.
- Gather pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements and a list of debts before your consultation to reduce attorney time.
Related questions people ask
How much does Chapter 7 bankruptcy cost without a lawyer?
The minimum is the $338 filing fee plus about $20–$100 for the two required courses, or less if the court waives the fee. Filing alone saves the attorney fee, but you are responsible for the forms, exemptions and creditors' meeting.
Can you file Chapter 7 for free?
Sometimes. The court can waive the filing fee for individuals below 150% of the poverty guidelines, course providers can waive their fees, and some legal aid offices represent low-income filers at no charge.
Why do Chapter 7 lawyers want payment up front?
Attorney fees owed at filing could be wiped out by the discharge itself, so Chapter 7 lawyers usually require full payment before they file. Chapter 13 works differently, because fees can be paid through the plan. For how legal fees work generally, see how much a lawyer costs.
What to get in writing: the fee agreement
Bankruptcy lawyers must disclose their fees to the court, but get a written agreement first that spells out:
- The flat fee and exactly what it covers: petition and schedules, the meeting of creditors, reaffirmation agreements and amendments.
- That the $338 court fee and course fees are separate from the attorney fee, and who pays them.
- Hourly rates for anything outside the flat fee, such as adversary proceedings, motions or a case conversion.
- When the fee must be paid in full and whether a payment plan delays filing.
- The refund policy if you decide not to file or the case is dismissed.
FAQ
Is the Chapter 7 filing fee the same in every state?
Yes. The $338 fee is set at the federal level and applies in every bankruptcy court. Attorney fees are what vary by state and city.
What happens if I miss a filing fee installment?
If you don't follow an approved installment schedule, the court can dismiss your case without a discharge. Contact the clerk or your lawyer right away if you can't make a payment.
Do I need to take both bankruptcy courses?
Yes. Credit counseling must be completed within 180 days before filing, and the debtor education course must be completed after filing to receive a discharge. Use a provider approved by the U.S. Trustee Program for your district.
Can I pay a bankruptcy lawyer in installments?
Some lawyers accept payments before filing, but most won't file a Chapter 7 case until the fee is paid in full. Chapter 13 fees can usually be paid partly through the plan.
More Bankruptcy, Tax & Debt guides
Related fee guides
Sources
- U.S. Courts — Bankruptcy Court Miscellaneous Fee Schedule (effective Dec 1, 2023. Checked October 10, 2026.
- U.S. Bankruptcy Court, S.D. California — Filing Fees (effective Dec 1, 2023). Checked October 10, 2026.
- U.S. Bankruptcy Court, E.D. Tennessee — Instructions: Application to Have the Chapter 7 Filing Fee Waived (Form 103B) (accessed October 2026). Checked October 10, 2026.
- Nolo — Average Attorney Fees for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy (accessed October 2026). Checked October 10, 2026.
- Debt.org — The Cost of Bankruptcy (updated July 13, 2026). Checked October 10, 2026.
- LegalShield (company article) — How Much Does Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Cost? (Apr 7, 2026). Checked October 10, 2026.
- Upsolve — Bankruptcy Credit Counseling & Financial Management Courses (updated Jan 2, 2025). Checked October 10, 2026.
- FTC / U.S. Trustee Program — Before You File for Personal Bankruptcy: Credit Counseling and Debtor Education (May 2006 (fee-waiver rules)). Checked October 10, 2026.
- Clio — Legal Trends: Compare lawyer rates by practice area (2025 data, updated March 2026). Checked October 10, 2026.
Fee figures are estimates and vary by state, lawyer and case. See our methodology and editorial policy. Browse all bankruptcy, tax & debt fee guides.