How Much Does Bankruptcy Filing Cost?
Updated for 2024 — national average costs with state-by-state breakdowns
What Does Bankruptcy Filing Include?
Filing for bankruptcy provides legal debt relief. Chapter 7 eliminates most debts while Chapter 13 creates a repayment plan. Attorney fees, court costs, and credit counseling are required.
The national average cost for bankruptcy filing is $2,500 per filing. Most homeowners pay between $1,000 and $5,000, though costs can vary significantly based on your location, the scope of work, and other factors outlined below.
What Affects the Price?
Chapter
Chapter 7: $1,000-$2,500 total. Chapter 13: $2,500-$5,000+ total
Court Fees
Chapter 7 filing: $338. Chapter 13 filing: $313
Required Courses
Credit counseling + debtor education: $50-$100 total
Key Cost Factors
- ✓Chapter 7 vs Chapter 13
- ✓Attorney fees
- ✓Court filing fees
- ✓Credit counseling costs
- ✓Case complexity
- ✓Location
💡 Tips to Save Money
- 1.Chapter 7 is less expensive than Chapter 13
- 2.Legal aid organizations may help if you qualify
- 3.Some attorneys offer payment plans
- 4.The court filing fee can be paid in installments
Bankruptcy Filing Cost by State
Costs vary significantly by state due to labor rates, cost of living, and local market conditions. Click any state for a detailed breakdown.
| State | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $820 | $2,050 | $4,100 |
| Alaska | $1,280 | $3,200 | $6,400 |
| Arizona | $950 | $2,375 | $4,750 |
| Arkansas | $800 | $2,000 | $4,000 |
| California | $1,350 | $3,375 | $6,750 |
| Colorado | $1,080 | $2,700 | $5,400 |
| Connecticut | $1,220 | $3,050 | $6,100 |
| Delaware | $1,050 | $2,625 | $5,250 |
| Florida | $980 | $2,450 | $4,900 |
| Georgia | $900 | $2,250 | $4,500 |
| Hawaii | $1,420 | $3,550 | $7,100 |
| Idaho | $920 | $2,300 | $4,600 |
| Illinois | $1,050 | $2,625 | $5,250 |
| Indiana | $880 | $2,200 | $4,400 |
| Iowa | $860 | $2,150 | $4,300 |
| Kansas | $850 | $2,125 | $4,250 |
| Kentucky | $840 | $2,100 | $4,200 |
| Louisiana | $870 | $2,175 | $4,350 |
| Maine | $1,020 | $2,550 | $5,100 |
| Maryland | $1,150 | $2,875 | $5,750 |
| Massachusetts | $1,300 | $3,250 | $6,500 |
| Michigan | $920 | $2,300 | $4,600 |
| Minnesota | $1,020 | $2,550 | $5,100 |
| Mississippi | $780 | $1,950 | $3,900 |
| Missouri | $870 | $2,175 | $4,350 |
| Montana | $950 | $2,375 | $4,750 |
| Nebraska | $880 | $2,200 | $4,400 |
| Nevada | $1,020 | $2,550 | $5,100 |
| New Hampshire | $1,120 | $2,800 | $5,600 |
| New Jersey | $1,250 | $3,125 | $6,250 |
| New Mexico | $900 | $2,250 | $4,500 |
| New York | $1,320 | $3,300 | $6,600 |
| North Carolina | $900 | $2,250 | $4,500 |
| North Dakota | $900 | $2,250 | $4,500 |
| Ohio | $900 | $2,250 | $4,500 |
| Oklahoma | $830 | $2,075 | $4,150 |
| Oregon | $1,100 | $2,750 | $5,500 |
| Pennsylvania | $1,020 | $2,550 | $5,100 |
| Rhode Island | $1,150 | $2,875 | $5,750 |
| South Carolina | $870 | $2,175 | $4,350 |
| South Dakota | $850 | $2,125 | $4,250 |
| Tennessee | $860 | $2,150 | $4,300 |
| Texas | $930 | $2,325 | $4,650 |
| Utah | $950 | $2,375 | $4,750 |
| Vermont | $1,080 | $2,700 | $5,400 |
| Virginia | $1,050 | $2,625 | $5,250 |
| Washington | $1,150 | $2,875 | $5,750 |
| West Virginia | $800 | $2,000 | $4,000 |
| Wisconsin | $940 | $2,350 | $4,700 |
| Wyoming | $920 | $2,300 | $4,600 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will bankruptcy ruin my credit?
Bankruptcy stays on your credit report for 7-10 years, but many people see their credit score begin recovering within 1-2 years.
What's the difference between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13?
Chapter 7 eliminates most unsecured debts in 3-6 months. Chapter 13 creates a 3-5 year repayment plan and lets you keep more assets.