In Illinois, most bankruptcy filing projects cost between $1,000 and $5,000 per filing, with a typical price near $2,000. Local labour, permits and materials move the final price, so treat the range below as a planning guide.
Typical bankruptcy filing cost
$1,000 – $5,000
per filing · typical $2,000
A general planning range, not a quotation.
Bankruptcy filing cost breakdown
- Chapter 7 (no assets)$1,000 – $2,500typical $1,500
- Chapter 13 (repayment plan)$2,500 – $5,000typical $3,500
- Chapter 7 with complications$2,000 – $4,000typical $3,000
At a glance
- Typical range$1,000 – $5,000
- Unitper filing
- Cities covered50
What Bankruptcy costs
Legal fees for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Chapter 7 is simpler and cheaper; Chapter 13 involves a repayment plan and higher fees. Costs vary by attorney and location.
By city in Illinois
- Addison
- Alton
- Arlington Heights
- Belleville
- Berwyn
- Bolingbrook
- Buffalo Grove
- Calumet City
- Carbondale
- Carol Stream
- Carpentersville
- Champaign
- Chicago
- Cicero
- Crystal Lake
- DeKalb
- Decatur
- Des Plaines
- Downers Grove
- Elgin
- Elmhurst
- Evanston
- Glenview
- Hanover Park
- Hoffman Estates
- Joliet
- Kankakee
- Lombard
- Moline
- Mount Prospect
- Naperville
- Normal
- Oak Lawn
- Oak Park
- Orland Park
- Palatine
- Park Ridge
- Peoria
- Rock Island
- Rockford
- Romeoville
- Round Lake Beach
- Schaumburg
- Skokie
- Springfield
- Streamwood
- Tinley Park
- Urbana
- Waukegan
- Wheaton
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to file bankruptcy?
Attorney fees for Chapter 7 are $1,000–$2,500; Chapter 13 is $2,500–$5,000. Court filing fees add $300–$400.
What drives bankruptcy costs?
Chapter type, attorney experience, complexity of your debts, and location. Chapter 13 requires more work, hence higher fees.
Can I file bankruptcy without a lawyer?
Yes, but it's risky. Court fees are lower, but errors can lead to dismissal. Many attorneys offer payment plans.