Bankruptcy has real costs, but they are often far less than the debt you are trying to eliminate. Here is a transparent breakdown of every cost you should expect.
| Cost Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Court filing fee | $338 | Can pay in installments; fee waiver available |
| Attorney fees | $1,000 - $2,000 | Typical St. Louis range; usually paid upfront |
| Pre-filing credit counseling | $15 - $25 | Required within 180 days before filing |
| Post-filing debtor education | $10 - $25 | Required before discharge |
| Total estimate | $1,400 - $2,400 |
If your household income is below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines, you can apply to have the $338 filing fee waived entirely. You file the fee waiver application (Official Form 103B) with your petition.
| Cost Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Court filing fee | $313 | Can be paid through your plan |
| Attorney fees | $2,500 - $4,000 | Typical St. Louis range; mostly paid through plan |
| Pre-filing credit counseling | $15 - $25 | Required within 180 days before filing |
| Post-filing debtor education | $10 - $25 | Required before discharge |
| Total estimate | $2,900 - $4,400 | Most paid through plan, not upfront |
A major advantage of Chapter 13 is that attorney fees and the filing fee can be included in your repayment plan. You typically need only a small upfront payment, with the rest paid through monthly plan payments over 3-5 years.
The filing fee is $338. Attorney fees typically range from $1,000 - $2,000. Credit counseling costs about $25-50 total. Total: typically $1,400 - $2,400. National cost comparison.
The filing fee is $313 and attorney fees typically range from $2,500 - $4,000. Most costs can be paid through your repayment plan.
The filing fee can be waived in Chapter 7 if your income is below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines. Legal Services of Eastern Missouri may provide free representation.
For Chapter 7, most attorneys require full payment before filing. For Chapter 13, fees are typically included in your repayment plan.