How Much Does a Lawyer Charge for Chapter 7?

Most lawyers in Florida charge between $1,500 and $3,000 for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. If the debtor is not under median income, then attorneys will usually charge more to conduct what is called a means test. The means test determines whether the debtor is eligible to file bankruptcy. Expect a higher fee for debtors with complicated issues that may result in challenges from creditors or bankruptcy trustees.

Most Chapter 7 consumer bankruptcies are relatively standardized, and legal fees are low compared to other legal work. In 2011, one of the Orlando bankruptcy judges issued a Memorandum Opinion which discussed the market for Chapter 7 bankruptcy attorney fees in central Florida. The court stated that the average cost of hiring an attorney to file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy in central Florida ranges between $1,500 and $2,500 plus filing fees and other costs. Attorneys charging fees within this typical range, the court noted, meet with their clients as necessary. Still, they rely on paralegals to complete necessary pleadings, maintain client contact, and follow up on details involved in a bankruptcy case.