Thinking about filing for bankruptcy can feel overwhelming, not just emotionally, but financially, too. If you’re already struggling to make ends meet, the last thing you want is uncertainty about the cost.
One of the first questions we hear from people in Illinois is, “How much does it actually cost to file for bankruptcy?” The truth is, the price can vary. But at A Bankruptcy Law Firm, LLC, we make sure you have a clear picture from the very start. No confusing fine print. No surprise fees later.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the real costs of filing Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Illinois, from court fees to attorney fees to the required courses, so you know exactly what to expect before you begin.
| Expense | Chapter 7 Cost | Chapter 13 Cost |
| Court Filing Fee | $338 | $313 |
| Attorney Fee | $561 | $4,250 |
| Required Courses | $10-50 | $10-$25 |
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Costs in Illinois
If you’re filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Illinois, there are a few standard costs you’ll need to budget for. These aren’t unique to Illinois; they apply nationwide, but knowing what each one covers can make them feel less intimidating.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Court Filing Fee – $338. This is set by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court and is the same no matter where you live. You’ll pay it whether you hire an attorney or not (though having professional legal help can make a world of difference).
- Attorney Fee – $561. At our firm, we keep things straightforward with a flat, affordable rate for Chapter 7 cases. This one-time fee covers everything – preparing your paperwork, guiding you through each step, and representing you at court.
- Required Courses – Federal law requires two short educational courses: one before you file and one after. We take care of the cost of your pre-filing credit course. The post-filing course, which focuses on managing your finances going forward, usually runs between $10 and $50.
Estimated Total with an Attorney: $909 (court fee + attorney fee + $10-$50 for the second course)
What Does the Attorney Fee Cover?
When you hire A Bankruptcy Law Firm, LLC, you’re getting much more than someone to just “fill out the forms.” Our flat-rate fee is designed to cover everything you need for a smooth Chapter 7 filing, including:
- Pre-Filing Credit Counseling – We cover the costs, so you can check this requirement off your list without worrying about extra fees.
- Accurate, On-Time Papework – We prepare and file all the required documents so nothing slips through the cracks.
- Eligibility Review with Chapter 7 Means Test – This ensures you qualify before moving forward.
- Representation at Your 341 Meeting of Creditors – We’ll be there with you to answer questions and protect your interests.
- Ongoing Legal Guidance – From your first phone call to the moment your debts are officially discharged, we’re here to help.
We believe in complete transparency. If your case involves unusual complications that might add to the cost, we’ll explain them upfront—no surprises later.
And while it is possible to file on your own, bankruptcy law can be tricky. Even small mistakes can cause delays or jeopardize your case. Having an experienced bankruptcy lawyer on your side can make the process far less stressful and much more likely to end in success.
Payment Options: We know that if you’re thinking about bankruptcy, money is already tight. The last thing you need is added financial pressure. That’s why we offer flexible pre-filing payment plans, allowing you to spread out your attorney fees instead of paying them all at once.
By law, all attorney fees for a Chapter 7 case must be paid before we officially file your case. Our payment plans are designed to make that as manageable as possible, so you can move forward without extra stress.
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Costs in Illinois
Chapter 13 bankruptcy works a little differently from Chapter 7. Instead of wiping out most debts right away, it sets up a court-approved repayment plan that lasts 3 to 5 years. Because the process takes longer, the cost structure is a bit different, too.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Court Filing Fee – $313. This is set by the court and paid when we file your case.
- Attorney Fee – $4,250. In Illinois, bankruptcy courts use what’s called a “no-look fee” system. This means most Chapter 13 cases have a flat attorney fee set by the court, but some law firms could charge less. You typically don’t pay it all up front. It’s built into your repayment plan and spread out over time.
- Required Courses – Just like with Chapter 7, you’ll need to complete two short educational courses. We cover the cost of your pre-filing credit counseling. The post-filing debtor education course usually costs $10-$25.
Estimated Total Cost: $4,588 (court fee + attorney fee + second course—paid gradually through your repayment plan)
How Attorney Fees Work in Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
One of the biggest benefits of Chapter 13 is how accessible it can be. In many cases, you can file with a little—or even nothing—paid upfront. Your attorney fees are rolled into your repayment plan, so they’re paid gradually over the next few years. That means you can get the protection you need right away without waiting to save a large sum first.
If your case has unique complexities, like owning multiple properties or dealing with business-related debts, we’ll be upfront about any extra costs before they happen.
Additional Bankruptcy Costs to Keep in Mind
While the standard court and attorney fees cover most of the process, there are a few smaller costs you might run into along the way. Not everyone will have these, but it’s helpful to know about them so nothing catches you off guard.
- Certified Copies of Court Documents – Usually $0.50 to $1 per page.
- Service of Process Fees – Around $50-$100 if certain legal documents need to be formally delivered.
- Additional Court Motions – $25 to $338 for things like modifying your repayment plan, signing a reaffirmation, or scheduling extra hearings.
- Credit Reports or Appraisals – About $40 for a full three-bureau credit report through our office; most appraisals are under $100.
- Tax Transcripts – Around $10 from the IRS if they’re required.
- Postage Fees – Usually under $10 for mailing necessary documents.
These aren’t part of every case, but when they do come up, they’re generally small compared to the main bankruptcy costs.
Can I Pay Fees in Installments or Get a Waiver?
Yes, depending on your situation, there may be ways to spread out, delay, or even reduce your bankruptcy costs.
Installment Plans
If paying everything at once feels impossible, there are options to break it down.
- Court Filing Fees – With prior court approval, you may be able to pay your filing fee in up to four monthly installments instead of all at once.
- Chapter 7 Attorney Fees – We offer pre-filing installment plans, so you can make smaller, more manageable payments towards your total before we officially file your case.
- Chapter 13 Attorney Fees – These are usually built right into your repayment plan, meaning you can often get started with little to nothing upfront and pay the costs gradually over 3 to 5 years.
Fee Waivers
If your household income is less than 150% of the federal poverty level and you truly can’t afford the court filing fee, you can apply for a fee waiver. Approval isn’t guaranteed, but we’ll walk you through the requirements, help you determine if you qualify, and guide you through the application process.
Why Bankruptcy Attorney Fees Are Worth It
Filing for bankruptcy can be the first big step toward getting your life back—wiping out unmanageable debt, rebuilding your credit, and finally breathing a little easier. But the process isn’t just about filling out forms. It’s about making sure every detail is handled correctly so you get the best possible outcome.
While it’s legally possible to file bankruptcy on your own in Illinois, most self-filed cases get dismissed due to paperwork errors or missed deadlines. By hiring a bankruptcy lawyer, you dramatically increase your chances of a smooth, successful discharge.
That’s where having an experienced bankruptcy attorney makes all the difference. A skilled lawyer knows the ins and outs of the legal code and can use that knowledge to protect as much of your property as possible. They’ll guide you through each phase of the bankruptcy process, handle the paperwork, and stand up for you in court.
If your case hits a bump in the road, the value of a good attorney becomes crystal clear. Take Chapter 13 bankruptcies, for example. Sometimes, creditors file motions to lift the automatic stay, which is what keeps them from seizing your property. Whether you get to keep your assets can depend on filing a strong, accurate objection right away. Without experience, this can be confusing and stressful. With a trusted attorney, it’s handled for you.
At A Bankruptcy Law Firm, LLC, we’ve spent more than a decade helping Illinois residents through this exact process. When you hire us, you’re not just getting legal services; you’re getting the reassurance that comes from having a knowledgeable, compassionate guide by your side every step of the way.
Bankruptcy in Illinois Can Be Affordable
Filing for bankruptcy might feel like a setback at first, but in reality, it’s a legal tool designed to help you move forward. It gives you a fresh start, a way to regain control, and the chance to rebuild without the weight of overwhelming debt.
With clear costs, transparent fees, and our guidance at every step, we work to make the process as straightforward and stress-free as possible.
Serving clients across Southern Illinois, including Belleville, O’Fallon, and Fairview Heights, A Bankruptcy Law Firm, LLC is here to guide you through Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Call us at (800) 7-BENSON or contact us online to schedule your free consultation today—and take the first step toward your fresh start.
