How Much Does Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Cost?
Make sure you know the exact costs before you decide what to do.
Many people think filing for bankruptcy is free or very cheap, and they are often surprised by the real costs. It doesn't have to be confusing. The cost of a Chapter 7 bankruptcy depends on a few main things:
Filing Individually or With Your Spouse?
You can file for bankruptcy by yourself or with your spouse. While many married couples file together, it's not something you have to do. Sometimes, one spouse decides not to file for personal or financial reasons. Filing together will add extra costs for credit reports and legal work.
Your Household Income vs. the Government Median
The court looks at the income of everyone living in your home, not just the person filing. The income limits depend on your household size and change every few months. If your income is even a little above the median, the court will need more paperwork. Having an income above the median does not mean you can't file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, but we can't guarantee you'll qualify without a detailed review of your finances.
Are You or Your Spouse Self-Employed?
If you or your spouse is self-employed, there will be extra paperwork. Even if you don't make much from self-employment, the court still needs more documents, which means more legal work.
The Down Payment & Timeline
The standard down payment is $450 (for clients on a payment plan). The balance of the fee must be paid over 5 months because bankruptcy documents expire after 6 months. Most of the time, you need to pay the full fee before your case is filed.
Quick Fee Estimator
Get a personalized estimate based on your situation. This is not a guarantee, but it will give you a realistic range.