Filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy yourself costs $338 for the court filing fee plus $30-50 for the two required credit counseling courses, for a total of approximately $370-390. Low-income filers can apply for a fee waiver, potentially reducing the cost to just the counseling courses. This compares to $1,400-$2,900 total when hiring an attorney.
The cost savings of filing pro se are significant, but you should weigh them against the risks.
Pro Se Cost Breakdown
- Court filing fee: $338 for Chapter 7, $313 for Chapter 13
- Pre-filing credit counseling: $10-25 (many approved agencies offer online courses)
- Post-filing financial management course: $10-25
- Total: Approximately $360-390
Fee Waivers
If your household income is below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines, you can apply to have the filing fee waived entirely. The court uses Form 103B for this request. Approval is common for filers at or near the poverty level. If you do not qualify for a full waiver, you can request installment payments over 120 days.
Hidden Costs to Consider
- Document preparation time: Expect 20-40 hours to properly complete all forms
- Potential errors: Mistakes can lead to case dismissal, which wastes the filing fee and delays relief
- Lost exemptions: Failure to properly claim exemptions could result in losing property you could have kept
When the Savings Are Not Worth It
If your case involves a home, a business, non-exempt assets, or any complexity beyond basic unsecured debt, the cost of an attorney is likely a wise investment. Many bankruptcy attorneys offer payment plans, and the protection they provide often exceeds their fee.