Court Filing Fee: $313
The Chapter 13 filing fee is $313. Unlike Chapter 7, the Chapter 13 filing fee cannot be waived -- but it can be paid in up to four installments over 120 days (180 days with court approval). Use Official Form 103A to request installments.
Attorney Fees: $3,000 - $5,000
Chapter 13 attorney fees are higher because the attorney manages your case for 3-5 years. The critical difference from Chapter 7: attorney fees are typically paid through the Chapter 13 plan, meaning you may pay little or nothing upfront.
Most districts set a no-look fee -- a presumptive reasonable amount attorneys can charge without detailed justification. This ranges from $3,000 to $5,000 depending on the district. Attorneys can request more than the no-look amount by filing a detailed fee application.
The Dismissal Risk Nobody Talks About
Here is the cost reality most attorneys will not emphasize: 40-50% of Chapter 13 cases are dismissed before discharge. If your case is dismissed, you have paid thousands in attorney fees and plan payments -- and received no discharge. The attorney gets paid even if your case is dismissed.
This makes the true expected cost of Chapter 13 significantly higher than the sticker price. If you pay $4,000 in attorney fees and $15,000 in plan payments over 2 years before dismissal, you have spent $19,000 with nothing to show for it.
Cost Comparison: Chapter 7 vs Chapter 13 vs Chapter 11
| Cost Component | Chapter 7 | Chapter 13 | Chapter 11 Sub V |
|---|---|---|---|
| Court filing fee | $338 | $313 | $1,738 |
| Attorney fees | $1,000-$2,500 | $3,000-$5,000 | $10,000-$50,000 |
| Duration | 3-4 months | 3-5 years | 3-5 years |
| Discharge rate | 93%+ | ~40-50% | Varies |
| Total | $1,400-$2,900 | $3,300-$5,400 | $12,000-$52,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Chapter 13 bankruptcy cost in total?
Chapter 13 costs $3,300 to $5,400 in attorney and court fees, plus your monthly plan payments over 3-5 years. The filing fee is $313, attorney fees range from $3,000 to $5,000 (usually paid through the plan), and credit counseling costs $30-$100.
Do I have to pay a Chapter 13 attorney upfront?
Usually not. Most Chapter 13 attorneys allow their fees to be paid through the repayment plan over 3-5 years. You may need to pay a small retainer ($0-$500) before filing, with the rest paid through monthly plan payments to the trustee.
What happens to attorney fees if my Chapter 13 is dismissed?
The attorney keeps whatever fees have been paid through the plan up to that point. If your case is dismissed after 2 years, the attorney may have received $2,000-$3,000 of their total fee. You do not get a refund for the dismissed case.
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