Federal filing fees are fixed. Attorney fees vary by region. All calculations stay in your browser. · Updated 2026
📋 Chapter 7 — Liquidation
Eliminates most unsecured debt in ~4 months. Must pass means test. Filing fee: $338.
📋 Chapter 13 — Reorganization
3–5 year repayment plan to keep assets. No income limit. Filing fee: $313.
Estimated Total Bankruptcy Cost
Court Filing Fee
Attorney Fees
Credit Counseling (required)
Debtor Education Course (required)
Credit Report (optional)
~$30
Miscellaneous Court Costs
⚠️ Bankruptcy has long-lasting credit consequences (7–10 years on credit report). Before filing, consult a bankruptcy attorney — many offer free consultations and can help determine if alternatives like debt negotiation or consolidation may be better options.
The federal court filing fee for Chapter 7 bankruptcy is $338; for Chapter 13 it's $313. Attorney fees are the variable: Chapter 7 attorneys typically charge $1,200–$3,500; Chapter 13 attorneys charge $3,000–$6,000 (paid over the plan period). Add mandatory credit counseling ($20–$100) and a debtor education course ($15–$100) and total costs run $1,500–$4,000 for Chapter 7 and $3,500–$7,000 for Chapter 13.
Chapter 7 vs Chapter 13: Which Is Right for You?
Chapter 7 ("liquidation bankruptcy") eliminates most unsecured debt — credit cards, medical bills, personal loans — in approximately 3–6 months. The catch: you must pass the means test (income below your state's median or pass a disposable income calculation), and you may lose non-exempt assets. Chapter 13 ("reorganization bankruptcy") lets you keep assets while repaying some or all debt over a 3–5 year plan. It's used when income exceeds Chapter 7 limits or when saving a home from foreclosure. Chapter 7 is faster and cheaper; Chapter 13 offers more flexibility but requires sustained income.
Bankruptcy Alternatives to Consider First
Before filing bankruptcy, consider: (1) Debt negotiation — many creditors will accept 30–60 cents on the dollar for lump-sum settlement, especially after default; (2) Debt management plans through nonprofit credit counseling agencies, which reduce interest rates to 6–8% and consolidate payments; (3) Debt consolidation loans if you have adequate credit; (4) Negotiating directly with creditors for hardship programs. Bankruptcy's 7–10 year credit impact is severe — exhaust alternatives first, but don't let that fear keep you in unmanageable debt forever.
Frequently Asked Questions
The federal court filing fee for Chapter 7 is $338. Attorney fees typically add $1,200–$3,500 depending on your location and case complexity. Mandatory credit counseling costs $20–$100, and the required debtor education course costs $15–$100. Total cost with an attorney: approximately $1,600–$4,000. Pro se filing (without attorney): approximately $400–$550. Note: the court may allow you to pay the filing fee in installments or waive it if your income is below 150% of the poverty line.
Chapter 7 eliminates most unsecured debt in 3–6 months through liquidation. You must pass an income means test. Non-exempt assets can be sold by the trustee to pay creditors. Chapter 13 allows you to keep assets while following a 3–5 year court-approved repayment plan. There's no income limit, but you must have regular income. Chapter 13 is better for: homeowners facing foreclosure, those with non-exempt assets to protect, or those who don't qualify for Chapter 7. Chapter 7 is faster and cheaper but eliminates less debt for those with assets.
Chapter 7 bankruptcy stays on your credit report for 10 years from the filing date. Chapter 13 stays on your credit report for 7 years. Both significantly impact your credit score — typically dropping it 130–240 points. However, many filers see their credit scores begin recovering within 2–3 years through responsible credit use after discharge. By year 4–5, many filers have scores in the 650–700 range, qualifying for basic credit products again.
Bankruptcy does NOT eliminate: student loans (except in rare cases of extreme hardship), recent tax debts (generally past 3 years), child support and alimony obligations, debts from fraud or intentional wrongdoing, criminal fines and restitution, and debts from drunk driving accidents. Secured debts (mortgage, car loan) can be discharged, but you lose the collateral (home, car) unless you reaffirm or redeem the debt. Social Security overpayments and government fines are also generally non-dischargeable.
Yes — filing "pro se" (without an attorney) is legal. However, bankruptcy paperwork is complex, and errors can result in dismissal, denial of discharge, or worse. Studies show pro se filers have significantly higher rates of case dismissal. For simple Chapter 7 cases with few assets and straightforward debt, pro se may be feasible with careful research. For Chapter 13, any business assets, significant property, or complex income situations, an attorney is strongly advised. Many bankruptcy attorneys offer free initial consultations.