How Much Does Bankruptcy Cost in Pennsylvania?

One of the most common questions I hear from people considering bankruptcy is also the most practical: how much is this going to cost me? It seems counterintuitive to spend money when you are already struggling with debt, and I understand that concern. But understanding the full cost picture helps you make an informed decision and plan accordingly.

Here is a straightforward breakdown of every cost involved in filing bankruptcy in Pennsylvania, from court fees to attorney fees to the required courses.

Court Filing Fees

The federal courts set uniform filing fees across the country. As of 2025, the filing fee for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case is $338. For a Chapter 13 case, the fee is $313. These fees are paid to the court clerk when your petition is filed.

If you cannot afford the full filing fee upfront, the court does offer options. In Chapter 7 cases, you can apply to pay the fee in up to four installments over 120 days. In limited circumstances, the court may waive the filing fee entirely if your income is below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines. Your attorney can help you determine whether you qualify for a fee waiver. You can find the current fee schedule on the United States Courts website.

Attorney Fees in the Pittsburgh Area

Attorney fees vary depending on the complexity of your case, the chapter you file under, and the specific firm you hire. In the Pittsburgh area, here is what you can generally expect:

Chapter 7 attorney fees typically range from $1,200 to $2,500. Most Chapter 7 cases are relatively straightforward, which keeps costs lower. Cases involving business assets, significant property, or potential litigation with creditors may fall toward the higher end of that range.

Chapter 13 attorney fees generally run between $3,000 and $4,500. Chapter 13 cases require more ongoing work from your attorney because the repayment plan spans three to five years. Your lawyer needs to draft the plan, negotiate with creditors, appear at confirmation hearings, and handle any modifications along the way.

One important distinction: in Chapter 13 cases, most or all of the attorney fees can be rolled into your repayment plan. That means you are not paying the full fee out of pocket before filing. This is a significant advantage for people who need debt relief but cannot come up with a large upfront payment.

Payment Plans for Legal Fees

Many bankruptcy attorneys in Pittsburgh, including our firm, offer payment plans for Chapter 7 fees. The way this typically works is that you pay a portion upfront and then make monthly payments until the balance is covered. Your case is filed once the fee is paid in full, though your attorney may begin preparing your paperwork during the payment period.

This arrangement is helpful because it lets you start the process while managing your current financial obligations. During the payment period, your attorney can gather documents, run the means test calculations, and have everything ready to file the moment the fee is satisfied.

Credit Counseling and Debtor Education Courses

Federal law requires two separate courses for anyone filing bankruptcy. The first is a credit counseling course that must be completed before you file your petition. The second is a debtor education course (sometimes called a financial management course) that must be completed after filing but before your debts are discharged.

Each course costs between $25 and $50, depending on the provider. Both can be completed online in roughly 60 to 90 minutes. The courses must be taken through an agency approved by the U.S. Trustee's office. Your attorney will typically provide you with a list of approved providers.

So for both courses combined, you are looking at $50 to $100 total. It is a modest expense relative to the overall cost of filing.

Total Cost Summary

When you add everything together, here is what a typical bankruptcy filing costs in Pennsylvania:

Chapter 7 total cost: Roughly $1,600 to $2,900. That includes the $338 filing fee, $1,200 to $2,500 in attorney fees, and approximately $50 to $100 for the two required courses.

Chapter 13 total cost: Roughly $3,400 to $4,900. That includes the $313 filing fee, $3,000 to $4,500 in attorney fees, and the same $50 to $100 for courses. Remember that most of the attorney fee can be included in your repayment plan.

Is Bankruptcy Worth the Cost?

I have worked with thousands of clients in the Pittsburgh area over the years, and the answer to this question is almost always yes. Consider what you are getting in return: the elimination of tens of thousands of dollars in debt (often much more), an end to creditor calls and lawsuits, and the legal protection of the automatic stay that stops garnishments, foreclosures, and collection actions the moment your case is filed.

Compare the cost of filing to what you are currently paying in minimum payments, interest charges, and late fees each month. For most people, the math strongly favors bankruptcy. A $2,000 investment to eliminate $30,000 or $50,000 or $100,000 in debt is a sound financial decision.

What About Filing Without an Attorney?

You are legally permitted to file bankruptcy without an attorney, which is called filing "pro se." This would eliminate the attorney fee portion of the cost. However, I strongly advise against it. Bankruptcy law is complex, and mistakes on your petition can result in your case being dismissed, your discharge being denied, or your assets being seized when they could have been protected through proper use of Pennsylvania's exemptions.

The cost of hiring an attorney is modest compared to the risk of losing property or failing to get the fresh start you need. The Western District of Pennsylvania bankruptcy court sees a much higher rate of case dismissals among pro se filers than among those represented by counsel.

Getting Started

If cost is a concern, the best first step is a free consultation. At our firm, we review your financial situation at no charge and give you an honest assessment of what filing would cost in your specific case. There is no obligation, and you will walk away with a clear understanding of your options and the associated costs.