Chapter 7
Focus on eligibility, nonexempt property, recent transfers, discharge questions, and the scope of a flat-fee agreement.
Compare Chapter 7 attorneysIndependent bankruptcy lawyer guidance
Find the Right Bankruptcy Lawyer for Your Situation
Compare Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 experience, attorney fees, payment terms, reviews, credentials, and consultation questions—without paid lawyer rankings.
General information only. This publication is not a law firm or lawyer referral service.
Choose your starting point
Match the lawyer search to the problem you need to solve.
Chapter 13
Focus on plan feasibility, mortgage or car arrears, trustee payments, local fee rules, and support during a three-to-five-year case.
Compare Chapter 13 attorneysFees and payment terms
Separate court charges, lawyer fees, required courses, plan payments, and services that may cost extra.
Build a bankruptcy cost estimateReviews and credentials
Use reviews for patterns, then verify license status, disciplinary history, written fee terms, and who will handle the case.
Evaluate reviews and ratingsWhat “best” should mean
Fit, clarity, and verified facts matter more than a badge.
A strong candidate explains the chapter being considered, identifies facts that could change the answer, gives written fee terms, and avoids guarantees. A directory score or advertisement cannot establish that fit by itself.
- Verify the attorney’s active license.
- Ask who will handle hearings and questions.
- Get included and excluded services in writing.
- Keep urgent court dates separate from shopping for price.
A safer comparison
Use the same questions in every consultation.
Consistent questions make quotes and promises easier to compare. Record the chapter, immediate risk, documents reviewed, total fee structure, response process, and likely next decision.
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Court costs
Know which charges are fixed and which are not.
As of August 13, 2026, official court sources list a $338 filing fee for Chapter 7 and $313 for Chapter 13. Attorney fees, course costs, payment timing, and extra services vary. Always verify the current court fee before filing.
See the fee worksheetOfficial information
Check the source that controls the next step.
Local preparation
Confirm the correct bankruptcy court before relying on a local listing.
Your residence, county, and court district can affect local forms, procedures, trustee information, and attorney fee practices. Start with a state guide or use the federal court directory to confirm the court serving your address.
More ways to prepare
Open the desk that matches today's task.
ConsultQuestions for a bankruptcy lawyerCredentials, fit, service, and follow-up
CostFees and payment termsWritten scope, court charges, and extras
PrepareBuild the document fileOriginal records, dates, and missing items
SortDebt and asset recordsOwnership, balance, value, liens, and disputes
VerifyLocal court and lawyer sourcesDistrict, local rules, access, and license status
ComparePut two choices side by sideThe same facts, costs, duties, and dates