Plain-English answer
Zero down does not necessarily mean zero cost.
An advertisement may refer to the attorney retainer due before filing while leaving the court fee, required courses, post-filing legal fees, financing charges, or Chapter 13 plan treatment to a later explanation. Ask for every agreement and a total-payment schedule before authorizing a filing.
Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 are different
| Question | Chapter 7 | Chapter 13 |
|---|---|---|
| Court fee | $338 as of August 13, 2026 | $313 as of August 13, 2026 |
| Attorney payment | Often structured around pre-filing payment; some firms use separate or financed arrangements that require careful review | May involve an upfront amount plus court-approved fees requested through the plan |
| Main concern | Know exactly which pre- and post-filing services are covered and by which agreement | Know the total fee, plan treatment, direct payments, and whether the overall plan is feasible |
Request a complete payment map
- Amount due to the law firm before filing
- Court fee and whether an installment application is proposed
- Credit counseling and debtor education charges
- Every post-filing payment, recipient, due date, interest or financing term
- Services provided before filing and after filing
- Consequences of missed payments, dismissal, conversion, or early termination
Contract questions
- Is there one legal-services agreement or more than one contract?
- Does a lender, finance company, or payment processor have separate rights?
- Who performs the post-filing work and what happens if payments stop?
- Can the fee change if documents, assets, creditors, or litigation are more complex?
- What cancellation and refund terms apply before and after filing?
Pause if the ad or intake process
- Uses “free” or “zero” without a written total-cost explanation.
- Pressures you to file before the responsible attorney reviews documents.
- Hides the court fee or presents an installment application as guaranteed.
- Does not identify a financing provider or separate contract.
- Promises a discharge, confirmed plan, or protected asset.
Official sources
Compare the total, not the first payment
Open the attorney fee checklist and record every payment on the same timeline.