How Bankruptcy Attorney Fees Work

Attorney charges are not predicted here. Request a written quote and ask what the representation covers before signing. Fees and payment arrangements depend on the agreement, the case, the chapter, and local procedures.

Questions for a prospective attorney

• What is the fee and what is due before filing? Is the court filing fee included?
• Are credit counseling and debtor education included or paid separately? Are additional hearings, amendments, or disputes extra?
• For Chapter 13, is any portion of the attorney fee to be paid through the plan? What are the proposed payments and what else do they include? Avoid adding the same fee twice.
• What happens if the case is dismissed, converted, or requires work outside the agreement?

Under 11 U.S.C. § 329, a debtor’s attorney must file a statement of compensation paid or agreed for bankruptcy-related services within the statute’s stated time period; the court can review compensation. Ask the local court or an attorney about applicable rules. This does not establish a nationwide fee cap.