Understanding Chapter 13 Lawyer Fees in NYC

Filing for bankruptcy is stressful enough without wondering how you’ll pay your attorney. Fortunately, Chapter 13 lawyer fees offer more flexibility than you might think—especially in New York City.

In this post, we’ll explain how attorney fees work in Chapter 13, what you need up front, and why this setup benefits clients who need strong legal help without paying everything at once.

What You Pay Up Front

At The Law Office of William Waldner, we start every Chapter 13 case with a clear, affordable structure:

  • We can start working on most cases for as little as $500 up front

  • Some cases can be filed for as little as $1,000 upfront attorney fee (some cases cost more up front)

  • $313 court filing fee(we are required to collect this before filing

That’s all you need to begin your case and get protection from collections, garnishments, foreclosures, and more.

We know that most people filing bankruptcy aren’t in a position to pay thousands in legal fees upfront. That’s why Chapter 13 allows the rest to be handled differently.

How the Rest of the Fees Are Paid

The remaining legal fees are paid over time—through your monthly Chapter 13 repayment plan. This is the same plan you use to catch up on mortgage arrears, car loans, or tax debt.

Here’s the key point: the fees paid through the plan typically come out of what would have gone to your unsecured creditors—not out of your pocket.

For example:

  • If the court approves a total attorney fee of $6,000

  • You paid $1,000 upfront

  • The remaining $5,000 gets paid over time through the plan

  • That $5,000 comes from the pool of funds that would have gone to credit card companies or medical bills

In other words, you’re not paying more—your creditors are just getting less.

Why Chapter 13 Lawyer Fees Make Legal Help More Accessible

Unlike Chapter 7, where attorneys are generally required to be paid in full before filing (or write off any balance), Chapter 13 gives both clients and attorneys more room to work:

  • Clients get more time to pay. You usually don’t need thousands up front.

  • Attorneys are more likely to take your case. Because they know they’ll be paid fairly over time.

  • You get better representation. Top attorneys can afford to take time on your case without financial shortcuts.

This setup creates a win-win. You don’t have to scrape together cash you don’t have. And you’re not forced to choose between an affordable lawyer and an experienced one.

Why It Matters in NYC

In New York City, the cost of living is high—and so are the stakes. Whether you’re trying to stop foreclosure in Brooklyn or manage tax debt in the Bronx, you need someone who knows local rules and judges.

With Chapter 13 lawyer fees spread over time, you can work with someone who understands NYC-specific bankruptcy issues—not just a cut-rate service that files and forgets.

Quick FAQ: Chapter 13 Fees

Q: What happens if my plan fails—do I still owe attorney fees?
A: Fees earned before the case was dismissed or converted are typically still due, but they are often reduced or written off depending on circumstances(my office has always written them off).

Q: Can I choose to pay more upfront and less through the plan?
A: Yes—this may reduce your monthly payment, but it’s optional.

Key Takeaways

  • You typicalle only need $1,313 to get started: $1,000 attorney fee + $313 court fee.

  • Remaining legal fe

    Chapter 13 legal fees as little as $1000 to file
    Person paying only $1000 to file a chapter 13 case

    es are paid through your Chapter 13 plan, usually from creditor funds.

  • You get quality representation without paying everything up front.

  • Chapter 13 lets you restructure your finances—including your legal costs.

If you’re considering Chapter 13 bankruptcy and want honest, experienced help, don’t let fear of legal fees stop you. The system is designed to work for people just like you.

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.

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