Bankruptcy Lawyer Costs: What Chapter 7 and 13 Really Cost NYC

You’re in debt. The bills are piling up. And now you’re wondering: how much is it going to cost to get a lawyer to help?

If you’re exploring Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy in New York City, understanding

Legal fees have not increased since 2010

can help you plan your next steps with confidence—and avoid sticker shock.

Here’s a breakdown of what most firms charge, how fee structures work, and how my office keeps things transparent and affordable.

Chapter 7 Fees: Usually Paid Up Front

In Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you must typically pay your attorney in full before the case is filed. This is a key difference from Chapter 13.

Why? Because under bankruptcy law, if you still owe your lawyer money at the time of filing, they may be considered a creditor—and any unpaid balance might get wiped out in the bankruptcy.

That’s why most Chapter 7 attorneys require full payment before your petition is submitted.

At my firm, Chapter 7 cases start at:

$1,338 flat fee
This includes petition preparation, filing, and representation through your 341 meeting (Meeting of Creditors)

This rate hasn’t changed in over 15 years, even though inflation has skyrocketed.

Flexible payment plans are available. Most clients start with $500 down, and we work together to pay the rest before your case is filed.

Chapter 13 Fees: Small Upfront, Remainder in the Plan

As detailed in our Chapter 13 legal fees guide, this chapter allows a more flexible fee structure:

Often as low as $1,000 upfront attorney fee
$313 court filing fee
The rest of the attorney fees (typically $3,000–$7,500) are paid over 3–5 years through your monthly Chapter 13 plan

Best of all? That remaining amount usually comes out of what your unsecured creditors would have received anyway—not out of your budget.

In short, you’re not paying more—typicalle your credit card companies are just getting less.

Flat Fees vs. Hourly Billing

Most consumer bankruptcy lawyers agreements—including most of mine—work on a flat fee basis, meaning:

You know the cost up front
You’re not billed for every phone call or email
The price covers most or all of the work involved

Occasionally, additional charges may apply if legal work is required after the case is filed—like filing motions, opposing creditor lawsuits, or modifying a Chapter 13 plan.

That said, post-filing charges are rare, and I always disclose them before proceeding.

Why Legal Fees Are Worth It

Here’s the truth: most bankruptcy attorneys haven’t raised their rates in years. Many of us, myself included, are charging the same rates we did in 2008 or earlier.

Yet the value you get is massive:

You avoid costly mistakes that can get your case dismissed
You protect your assets—like your home, car, and retirement
You get peace of mind knowing it’s handled properly

You’re not just paying for paperwork—you’re buying legal protection.

My Office’s Fee Structure (Transparent & Flexible)

Here’s what you can expect at The Law Office of William Waldner:

Chapter 7: Starts at $1,338 flat fee
– Flexible plans starting at $500 down
Chapter 13: Starts at $1,000 upfront + $313 court fee
– Remaining legal fees paid through your 3–5 year repayment plan

No hidden costs. No games. Just honest, experienced representation.

Key Takeaways

Bankruptcy lawyer costs in NYC are affordable—especially with Chapter 13’s built-in payment structure
Chapter 7 requires payment up front (to comply with federal law), but flexible plans are available
Chapter 13 allows you to pay most of the fee over time, using creditor payments
The legal fee is one of the best investments you can make to protect your future
Most of my fees have not increased in 15+ years, and I work with nearly every budget

If you’re considering bankruptcy or simply want to understand your options, we’re here for you. Call or text us at 212-244-2882, email us at info@midtownbankruptcy.com, or visit www.midtownbankruptcy.com to get started. At The Law Office of William Waldner, P.C., we’ve helped countless New Yorkers take control of their financial future — and we’re ready to help you, too.