Fees and payment timing
How much does it cost to file bankruptcy in Sacramento?
A straightforward Chapter 7 with this firm costs approximately $1,888: $1,500 in attorney fees, a $338 court fee and about $25 for each of two courses. Our Chapter 13 attorney fee is $2,400, with a $313 court fee and courses in addition. The Chapter 13 upfront portion is quoted at consultation; plan payments are separate from this fee comparison.
What is included in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 costs?
| Expense | Chapter 7 | Chapter 13 |
|---|---|---|
| Attorney fee | $1,500 for a straightforward case | $2,400 total, subject to court approval |
| Court filing fee | $338 | $313 |
| Credit counseling before filing | About $25 | About $25 |
| Debtor education after filing | About $25 | About $25 |
| Estimated fees and courses | $1,888 | $2,763, excluding debt repayment and trustee charges |
| Amount needed before filing | Set in your written agreement | Quoted at consultation; court and counseling charges also apply |
Court fees checked October 1, 2026 against the Eastern District fee schedule. Course amounts are estimates and vary by approved provider. These totals assume no waiver, no additional work and two courses at the estimated price.
What does the attorney fee cover?
For a straightforward case, representation includes chapter analysis, means-test and exemption review, petition preparation, the trustee meeting and routine document requests. Chapter 13 also involves drafting a plan and addressing confirmation. The written agreement identifies the included work and any separately charged proceedings.
What can increase the cost?
A business, rental property, disputed debt, recent transfer, nonexempt asset or separate lawsuit within the bankruptcy can require more work. Ask for a scope-specific quote before comparing prices. A quoted fee for a straightforward case is not a universal price.
How much do I need before filing?
Consultation and quote
The consultation is free. Review the total fee, exclusions and proposed payment schedule before signing.
Preparation and filing
Pay the agreed pre-filing attorney amount and complete counseling. The court fee is due at filing unless the court approves another arrangement.
After filing
Complete debtor education. In Chapter 13, the agreed remaining attorney fee can be paid through the plan; your budget must also cover debt payments and trustee charges.
What do these costs look like in practice?
These are illustrations of the listed fees, not client results or individual quotes.
A straightforward Chapter 7 renter
Using the $1,500 attorney fee, $338 court fee and two courses at $25 each gives $1,888. Renting alone does not establish eligibility or guarantee this scope.
A Chapter 7 case involving a business or rental property
The same court fee applies, but the attorney work must be reviewed before quoting. Request an itemized agreement that identifies additional investigation or litigation; do not budget using the straightforward-case total without that review.
A Chapter 13 household catching up a mortgage
The listed attorney, court and course amounts total about $2,763. That is not the total cost of the repayment plan. See the mortgage-arrears example for the separate ongoing mortgage and plan obligations.
Can I file Chapter 7 with no money?
A court fee waiver may help an eligible individual whose income is below 150% of the applicable poverty guideline and who cannot pay in installments. The court decides the request. A waiver does not pay the attorney fee, and provider course waivers have their own requirements.
The court also accepts applications to pay filing fees in installments. Start with the Eastern District's official forms (103A for installments, 103B for a Chapter 7 waiver) and the court's explanation of eligibility. A fee waiver generally requires an eligible individual to be below 150% of the poverty guideline and unable to pay in installments. The court decides each request. We discuss these options at the consultation.
Can I file without paying an attorney?
Individuals can represent themselves. Court fees, course requirements, deadlines and property risks still apply. Use the self-filing resources to understand the work before choosing a route. A free consultation covers the initial discussion; it does not mean free representation.