Court Filing Fee: $338
The Chapter 7 filing fee is $338 as of 2026. This is paid to the bankruptcy court clerk when you file your petition. Low-income filers with household income below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines can request a complete fee waiver using Form 103B. The court can also allow payment in up to four installments over 120 days.
Attorney Fees: $1,000 - $2,500
Chapter 7 attorney fees vary significantly by region. In rural areas, fees may be as low as $800-$1,200. In major metropolitan areas, expect $1,500-$3,000+. Most Chapter 7 attorneys require full payment before filing because the automatic stay prevents post-petition collection of pre-petition debts -- including attorney fees.
Many bankruptcy courts publish no-look fee guidelines that set a presumptive reasonable fee amount. You can check your district's guideline on the court's website.
Credit Counseling: $30 - $100
Two mandatory courses are required: pre-filing credit counseling ($15-$50, must be completed within 180 days before filing) and post-filing debtor education ($15-$50, completed after filing but before discharge). Both can be done online in 1-2 hours each. Many agencies offer fee waivers for low-income filers.
Chapter 7 vs Chapter 13 Cost Comparison
| Cost Component | Chapter 7 | Chapter 13 |
|---|---|---|
| Court filing fee | $338 | $313 |
| Attorney fees | $1,000-$2,500 | $3,000-$5,000 |
| Credit counseling | $30-$100 | $30-$100 |
| Payment timing | All upfront | Through plan |
| Total | $1,400-$2,900 | $3,300-$5,400 |
How to Reduce Chapter 7 Costs
The cheapest way to file Chapter 7 is pro se (without an attorney). Your total cost can be as low as $368 -- just the filing fee plus credit counseling. However, pro se Chapter 7 cases have higher dismissal rates due to paperwork complexity.
Other cost-reduction strategies: fee waiver (Form 103B for income below 150% poverty), installment payments (up to 4 payments over 120 days), legal aid (free representation through LSC-funded organizations at lawhelp.org), and law school clinics that provide free bankruptcy representation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy in 2026?
Chapter 7 bankruptcy costs $1,400 to $2,900 total. The court filing fee is $338, attorney fees range from $1,000 to $2,500, and credit counseling costs $30-$100 for two required courses. All fees must be paid before filing, though the court filing fee can be waived or paid in installments.
Can I file Chapter 7 for free?
The filing fee can be waived if your income is below 150% of federal poverty guidelines. Free legal representation is available through legal aid organizations and law school clinics. Credit counseling agencies may waive fees for low-income filers. So yes, it is possible to file Chapter 7 at zero cost.
Why are Chapter 7 attorney fees so different in different cities?
Attorney fees reflect local cost of living, competition, and court-set fee guidelines. In districts with many bankruptcy attorneys, competition keeps fees lower. Some courts publish no-look fee amounts that attorneys can charge without detailed justification.
Check your bankruptcy discharge eligibility with our free screening tool.
Free Discharge Screener