Chapter 7 cost · Beverly Hills
What Chapter 7 Costs: Full Breakdown
What Chapter 7 costs with our office starts at a $1,200 flat attorney fee plus the $338 court filing fee. You also pay for two short courses, typically $50 or less each. Payment plans are available, so call (310) 362-9071 to find out your exact cost.
- Flat attorney fee starts at $1,200
- Court filing fee is $338
- Payment plans available before filing
At a glance
Every Chapter 7 cost, item by item
A Chapter 7 case has a short list of costs. Here is each one, what it is for and who gets the money.
| Item | Amount | Paid to | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attorney flat fee | Starts at $1,200 | Our office | In full before filing |
| Court filing fee | $338 | U.S. Bankruptcy Court | At filing, or in installments |
| Credit counseling course | Typically $50 or less | An approved provider | Within 180 days before filing |
| Debtor education course | Typically $50 or less | An approved provider | After filing |
| Credit reports | Free | No one | Before filing |
The $338 filing fee is set by the court's fee schedule effective December 1, 2023. Course providers set their own prices. The U.S. Trustee Program treats fees of $50 or less as reasonable, and providers must lower or waive the fee for many low-income filers. You can pull your credit reports free at AnnualCreditReport.com. We use them to make sure no creditor is left out.
Why the attorney fee is paid before filing
The Chapter 7 attorney fee is paid before filing because of how Chapter 7 works. It wipes out debts you owe on the day you file. A fee you still owe your lawyer on that day is one of those debts. So the fee needs to be paid before the case starts.
Our payment plans make this easier. You pay the fee over time. Once it is paid, we file your case. Meanwhile we gather your documents, run the means test and plan your exemptions, so you are ready to file.
If you face a wage garnishment, a bank levy or a foreclosure sale date, call us right away. Emergency filings are available. We will explain the fastest option that fits your situation.
What the flat fee covers
A typical Chapter 7 case follows the same steps. Your flat fee is meant to cover the normal work on those steps. In most cases that work includes:
- Reviewing your debts, income, property and credit reports
- Running the means test
- Choosing your California exemptions to protect your property
- Preparing and filing your petition and schedules
- Preparing you for the 341 meeting of creditors and appearing with you
We list what your flat fee includes in our written agreement, so there are no surprises.
What can raise the fee
The fee starts at $1,200. Some cases take more work, and some firms charge more for them. Common reasons include:
- Business debts or a recent business. More records to review and more questions from the trustee.
- Property that needs protecting. Home equity, a valuable car or other assets take more planning.
- A prior bankruptcy. Timing rules and stay limits need extra review.
- Married couples with complex finances. More income and property to sort out.
Work outside a normal case, like defending a creditor lawsuit inside the bankruptcy or a contested motion, may also be billed separately. We tell you in writing before you hire us.
Cost mistakes to avoid
- Comparing only the attorney fee. Ask whether the price includes the filing fee and the 341 meeting.
- Paying debts before you file. Large payments to family or friends shortly before filing can be undone by the trustee.
- Skipping the second course. Without it, your case closes with no discharge, and reopening costs more.
- Using a petition preparer to save money. They cannot give legal advice. See the risks of cheap filings.
What it costs
- Chapter 7: flat attorney fee from $1,200, plus the $338 court filing fee
- Chapter 13: attorney fee quoted in writing, and part of it can be paid through the plan
- Payment plans are available, and the first consultation is free
More on what bankruptcy costs
Chapter 7 cost questions
How much does Chapter 7 cost in Beverly Hills?
Chapter 7 in Beverly Hills with our office costs a flat attorney fee starting at $1,200, plus the $338 court filing fee. The two required courses add typically $50 or less each.
Can I pay the Chapter 7 fee in installments?
Yes, you can pay the Chapter 7 attorney fee in installments before filing through our payment plans. The court filing fee can also be paid in up to four installments within 120 days after filing. See filing fee installments and waivers.
Can I get the $338 filing fee waived?
Yes, the $338 filing fee can be waived if your household income is under 150% of the federal poverty guideline and you cannot pay in installments. You apply when you file, and the judge decides.
Why can't I pay my lawyer after I file?
You usually cannot pay your lawyer after you file Chapter 7 because the fee would be a debt that Chapter 7 wipes out. That is why the fee is paid before filing, often through a payment plan.
Is Chapter 7 cheaper than Chapter 13?
Yes, Chapter 7 is usually cheaper than Chapter 13. The case lasts a few months instead of three to five years. Compare them on our Chapter 13 cost page.
Free consultation
Get your Chapter 7 price in writing
Call (310) 362-9071 or send the form. We will review your case for free and tell you your fee.
Law Offices of John Asuncion9454 Wilshire Blvd., Penthouse Floor
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
(310) 362-9071
Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.