Current court fee
The Chapter 13 filing fee is $313; the legal-fee structure is local.
Official court sources list a $313 Chapter 13 petition fee as of August 13, 2026. Attorney fees may include an amount paid before filing and an amount requested through the repayment plan, subject to court approval and local procedure. Ask for the total proposed fee and its plan treatment—not only the cash needed to start.
Do not confuse these payments
| Payment | What it covers | Question to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Court fee | Filing the Chapter 13 petition | Is it paid in full or under an approved installment application? |
| Attorney fee | Legal services described in the agreement | How much is due before filing, how much is requested through the plan, and what work is outside the base fee? |
| Trustee payment | Plan distributions and permitted administrative amounts | When does it start, how is it made, and which debts or fees are included? |
| Direct payments | Obligations paid outside the plan under local practice or plan terms | Which mortgage, vehicle, support, or other payments continue separately? |
What can change the attorney fee
- Mortgage arrears, foreclosure urgency, multiple vehicles, tax debt, or business income
- Claim objections, valuation disputes, lien issues, or contested confirmation
- Plan amendments, income changes, payment defaults, conversion, or dismissal
- Post-confirmation motions and work extending across several years
- Local presumptive-fee rules and whether the lawyer requests itemized compensation
Make the lawyer test affordability
A low initial payment does not establish that the case is affordable. Ask for a preliminary budget showing the proposed trustee payment, direct secured-debt payments, ordinary living costs, insurance, support, and a margin for predictable changes. Ask what happens if the plan estimate rises after claims are filed.
Written fee questions
- What is the total fee currently expected?
- Which services are included before and after confirmation?
- Which events require a separate application or additional charge?
- How are unpaid fees treated if the case converts or is dismissed?
- Will another financing agreement or service contract be involved?
- How will fee changes appear in the plan or court record?
Cost warning signs
- Only the pre-filing cash amount is disclosed.
- The firm will not provide the fee agreement before payment.
- The estimated plan omits known mortgage, vehicle, tax, or support obligations.
- “Court-approved fee” is presented as proof that the quote is complete or appropriate for your case.
- Long-term service and extra-work rules are left undefined.
Official sources
Use a Chapter 13 budget
Complete the Chapter 13 budget checklist before comparing quotes.
*Court fee current as of August 13, 2026; verify before filing.