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Do I need a bankruptcy lawyer, and how much does one cost?

Short answer
Not always: you may file without a lawyer, but the federal courts strongly recommend one. See a bankruptcy lawyer or legal aid if your income is above your state's median, you own a home or business, you filed before, or a lawsuit or foreclosure is coming. No law sets one price; the court can cut an excessive fee.
Key points
- The means test
- At or below your state's median income for your household size, no presumption of abuse arises. Above it, the full test with expenses decides. A family of 4 in Texas: $117,962.
- Filing again
- A new Chapter 7 discharge needs 8 years from the earlier Chapter 7 filing, or 6 years after a Chapter 13. A Chapter 13 discharge needs 4 years after a Chapter 7, or 2 years after a Chapter 13.
- The fee
- No law sets one price. The lawyer files the fee with the court on Form 2030, the court can cut an excessive fee, and you get a written contract within 5 business days.
- Court-set fees
- Some courts presume a Chapter 13 fee reasonable: $5,000 in the Southern District of Indiana, $5,500 in Idaho, $2,800 to $5,100 in Utah.
A bankruptcy lawyer advises you on whether to file, which chapter fits, which debts will be discharged and which property you can keep, then prepares the papers and goes with you to the 341 meeting and any hearing. This page helps you decide whether you need one: the means-test income limit for every state, the waiting periods if you filed before, the rules on what a lawyer may charge, the Chapter 13 fees some courts set, free help, and the official place to check a lawyer's license in all 50 states and D.C.
For how Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 work, the 341 meeting and the debts that remain, see Bankruptcy: Chapter 7 or 13. Nothing here ranks or recommends a lawyer or a firm.
Do I need a bankruptcy lawyer?
Not always. You can file without a lawyer; that is called filing pro se. But the federal courts strongly recommend the advice of a qualified attorney, because bankruptcy has long-term financial and legal outcomes, and court employees and bankruptcy judges are prohibited by law from giving legal advice. U.S. Courts
Talk to a bankruptcy lawyer or legal aid before you file if:
- a lawsuit, wage garnishment or foreclosure is coming: filing starts the automatic stay, which stops most collection (11 U.S.C. § 362(a)) and can stop a foreclosure, but you may still lose the home if the foreclosure sale was completed before you filed;
- your income is above your state's median for your household (see the means test);
- you own a home with equity, a business, or property you want to keep;
- you filed before, or a case of yours was dismissed in the past year (see filing again);
- you hope to discharge taxes, student loans or a debt from a divorce settlement, which often survive;
- a creditor says a debt came from fraud, or someone may object to your discharge.
Quick guide
Do you need a bankruptcy lawyer? Find the part that fits you
1. Which is closest to your situation?
Compared with your state's median income for your household, your income is:
It points to the part of this page that fits, in the page's own words. Nothing you choose is saved or sent. Not legal advice.
What a bankruptcy lawyer does in Chapter 7 and in Chapter 13
The federal courts list the ways a lawyer can help: advise you on whether to file, under which chapter, whether your debts can be discharged, whether you will be able to keep your home, car or other property, the tax consequences of filing and whether to keep paying creditors; explain bankruptcy law and procedures; and help you complete and file the forms. U.S. Courts
| The work | A Chapter 7 lawyer | A Chapter 13 lawyer |
|---|---|---|
| Before filing | Checks your income against the means test, the exemptions that protect your property, and the waiting periods. | The same checks, and the plan: what you pay each month, for 3 to 5 years. |
| The papers | The petition, schedules, statement of financial affairs and, in some cases, a statement of intention. § 527(b) | The same papers, and the Chapter 13 plan, filed with the petition or within 14 days. |
| The 341 meeting | The meeting of creditors, 21 to 40 days after you file, almost always on Zoom; the trustee and creditors ask the questions. | The same meeting, 21 to 50 days after you file. |
| Court | A typical Chapter 7 filer never appears in court unless someone objects. | The confirmation hearing on your plan before a bankruptcy judge, no later than 45 days after the meeting of creditors. |
| Special issues | A creditor may ask you to reaffirm a debt, for example to keep a car; you may want help deciding. A creditor may not coerce you. § 527(b) | Keeping a home or car while you bring missed payments current through the plan. |
| How the fee is paid | Disclosed to the court on Form 2030. | Disclosed on Form 2030; the court allows the fee, and an unpaid part can be paid through the plan (see the fee rules). |
- The trustee is not your lawyer. In Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 a trustee oversees the case. Trustees are private parties appointed by the U.S. Trustee Program; they do not give you legal advice, and neither do the court clerk and the judges.U.S. Trustee Program · uscourts.gov
- Litigation in bankruptcy court. Your case may also involve litigation. You are generally permitted to represent yourself in it, but only attorneys, not bankruptcy petition preparers, can give you legal advice.11 U.S.C. § 527(b)
- What the fee covers is in writing. Form 2030 lists what the lawyer agreed to do for the fee: analyzing your finances and advising you on whether to file; preparing and filing the petition, schedules, statements and plan; the meeting of creditors and the confirmation hearing; adversary proceedings and other contested matters. Item 6 lists what the fee does not include.Form 2030
Is your income below your state's median? The first step of the Chapter 7 means test
The means test starts with one comparison: your household's current monthly income times 12, against the median family income for your state and household size. At or below the median, no one may ask the court to dismiss your Chapter 7 case under the means test's presumption of abuse (§ 707(b)(2)). Above it, the full test with expenses decides. 11 U.S.C. § 707(b)(7)(A)
- Your current monthly income. The average monthly income from all sources that you receive, taxable or not, during the 6 full months before you file. If you are filing on September 15, the 6-month period is March 1 through August 31. If you are married, your spouse's income counts too when you file together or live in the same household and are not legally separated.11 U.S.C. § 101(10A) · Form 122A-1
- What does not count. Benefits under the Social Security Act; payments to victims of war crimes, crimes against humanity or terrorism; and certain military disability, combat-related and death benefits. Money someone else pays regularly for your household expenses does count.11 U.S.C. § 101(10A)(B)
- Times 12, against the median. For a household of 1, the median for 1 earner; for 2 to 4 people, the highest median for that many people or fewer; above 4, the 4-person figure plus a set amount for each extra person. The U.S. Trustee Program's table says: add $11,100 for each individual in excess of 4.11 U.S.C. § 707(b)(7)(A) · U.S. Trustee Program
- At or below: no presumption of abuse. On Official Form 122A-1 you check box 1, "There is no presumption of abuse," and you do not fill out the second form.Form 122A-1
- Above: the full means test. You also fill out Form 122A-2, which subtracts the IRS living-expense standards and certain debt payments from your income. Depending on the result, the U.S. trustee or creditors can ask the court to dismiss the case or, with your consent, convert it to Chapter 13.11 U.S.C. § 707(b)(1)-(2) · Form 2010
- Use the figures for your filing date. The table below is the one for cases filed on or after July 15, 2026, the latest set the U.S. Trustee Program lists on November 2, 2026. The figures change from time to time.U.S. Trustee Program
Calculator
Is your income below your state's median? The means test, first step
1. Your state or territory
2. People in your household
Pick your state and household size, then type your average monthly income for the last 6 full months, times 12.
Uses only the numbers on this page, each from its official source. Nothing you type leaves your device. Not legal advice.
Median family income for the means test, by state and household size
From the U.S. Trustee Program's table for cases filed on or after July 15, 2026 (Census Bureau median family income). A household of 1 uses the 1-earner figure. The 5-person and 6-person columns are the 4-person figure plus $11,100 for each person over 4, as the table's note says. U.S. Trustee Program
| State or territory | 1 earner | 2 people | 3 people | 4 people | 5 people | 6 people |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $64,321 | $77,451 | $92,698 | $106,740 | $117,840 | $128,940 |
| Alaska | $85,817 | $112,548 | $112,548 | $142,136 | $153,236 | $164,336 |
| Arizona | $73,935 | $89,027 | $104,965 | $121,174 | $132,274 | $143,374 |
| Arkansas | $58,421 | $73,630 | $82,329 | $97,054 | $108,154 | $119,254 |
| California | $79,253 | $102,797 | $116,541 | $139,071 | $150,171 | $161,271 |
| Colorado | $87,940 | $109,497 | $130,850 | $153,501 | $164,601 | $175,701 |
| Connecticut | $84,302 | $106,224 | $134,470 | $159,934 | $171,034 | $182,134 |
| Delaware | $69,515 | $94,877 | $111,273 | $132,244 | $143,344 | $154,444 |
| District of Columbia | $85,391 | $161,397 | $161,397 | $166,598 | $177,698 | $188,798 |
| Florida | $69,876 | $86,523 | $97,540 | $114,761 | $125,861 | $136,961 |
| Georgia | $68,478 | $84,965 | $101,479 | $123,481 | $134,581 | $145,681 |
| Hawaii | $85,254 | $106,202 | $123,454 | $142,181 | $153,281 | $164,381 |
| Idaho | $73,413 | $86,160 | $98,381 | $119,662 | $130,762 | $141,862 |
| Illinois | $73,180 | $93,934 | $113,625 | $137,902 | $149,002 | $160,102 |
| Indiana | $64,461 | $81,986 | $95,627 | $115,656 | $126,756 | $137,856 |
| Iowa | $67,617 | $88,800 | $104,133 | $126,058 | $137,158 | $148,258 |
| Kansas | $69,197 | $87,441 | $103,852 | $125,971 | $137,071 | $148,171 |
| Kentucky | $61,652 | $73,892 | $85,212 | $109,443 | $120,543 | $131,643 |
| Louisiana | $59,447 | $72,348 | $84,602 | $103,628 | $114,728 | $125,828 |
| Maine | $75,892 | $90,445 | $106,822 | $131,577 | $142,677 | $153,777 |
| Maryland | $86,928 | $114,611 | $135,949 | $166,173 | $177,273 | $188,373 |
| Massachusetts | $88,202 | $112,708 | $139,411 | $178,524 | $189,624 | $200,724 |
| Michigan | $67,352 | $83,432 | $103,449 | $123,010 | $134,110 | $145,210 |
| Minnesota | $77,696 | $98,328 | $126,487 | $149,882 | $160,982 | $172,082 |
| Mississippi | $53,978 | $70,328 | $82,846 | $97,464 | $108,564 | $119,664 |
| Missouri | $64,972 | $82,075 | $100,228 | $118,530 | $129,630 | $140,730 |
| Montana | $71,310 | $91,452 | $103,285 | $121,698 | $132,798 | $143,898 |
| Nebraska | $66,922 | $90,728 | $103,405 | $125,074 | $136,174 | $147,274 |
| Nevada | $72,222 | $87,914 | $101,638 | $114,110 | $125,210 | $136,310 |
| New Hampshire | $87,287 | $109,324 | $141,531 | $155,203 | $166,303 | $177,403 |
| New Jersey | $87,173 | $106,876 | $137,136 | $168,127 | $179,227 | $190,327 |
| New Mexico | $66,235 | $79,574 | $88,041 | $98,602 | $109,702 | $120,802 |
| New York | $73,272 | $92,902 | $115,579 | $139,040 | $150,140 | $161,240 |
| North Carolina | $67,117 | $84,384 | $101,535 | $116,737 | $127,837 | $138,937 |
| North Dakota | $73,549 | $96,352 | $106,686 | $137,817 | $148,917 | $160,017 |
| Ohio | $66,239 | $83,725 | $102,504 | $123,702 | $134,802 | $145,902 |
| Oklahoma | $61,180 | $77,208 | $86,845 | $101,798 | $112,898 | $123,998 |
| Oregon | $79,089 | $93,670 | $116,729 | $140,024 | $151,124 | $162,224 |
| Pennsylvania | $72,230 | $87,534 | $110,151 | $135,862 | $146,962 | $158,062 |
| Rhode Island | $77,653 | $98,736 | $119,419 | $137,479 | $148,579 | $159,679 |
| South Carolina | $64,808 | $83,761 | $95,672 | $116,314 | $127,414 | $138,514 |
| South Dakota | $69,190 | $89,809 | $100,883 | $130,738 | $141,838 | $152,938 |
| Tennessee | $63,979 | $82,846 | $97,511 | $109,585 | $120,685 | $131,785 |
| Texas | $66,837 | $86,714 | $99,273 | $117,962 | $129,062 | $140,162 |
| Utah | $87,898 | $95,757 | $112,751 | $131,741 | $142,841 | $153,941 |
| Vermont | $72,461 | $96,963 | $114,075 | $137,583 | $148,683 | $159,783 |
| Virginia | $78,491 | $101,171 | $123,159 | $144,826 | $155,926 | $167,026 |
| Washington | $88,585 | $107,100 | $131,737 | $156,567 | $167,667 | $178,767 |
| West Virginia | $63,908 | $68,592 | $92,050 | $93,672 | $104,772 | $115,872 |
| Wisconsin | $71,168 | $90,252 | $108,516 | $133,384 | $144,484 | $155,584 |
| Wyoming | $71,745 | $91,502 | $98,476 | $110,297 | $121,397 | $132,497 |
| Guam | $53,859 | $64,399 | $73,385 | $88,805 | $99,905 | $111,005 |
| Northern Mariana Islands | $36,168 | $36,168 | $42,080 | $61,891 | $72,991 | $84,091 |
| Puerto Rico | $30,665 | $30,665 | $40,976 | $50,543 | $61,643 | $72,743 |
| Virgin Islands | $42,734 | $51,360 | $54,760 | $59,995 | $71,095 | $82,195 |
State map · 51 of 51 with a value
The means-test median income, state by state
Show
- Under $65,00011
- $65,000 to under $70,00012
- $70,000 to under $75,00011
- $75,000 to under $85,0007
- $85,000 or more10
See the table 51 rows
| State | 1 person | 2 people | 3 people | 4 people | Law |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $64,321 | $77,451 | $92,698 | $106,740 | U.S. Trustee Program median income table |
| Alaska | $85,817 | $112,548 | $112,548 | $142,136 | U.S. Trustee Program median income table |
| Arizona | $73,935 | $89,027 | $104,965 | $121,174 | U.S. Trustee Program median income table |
| Arkansas | $58,421 | $73,630 | $82,329 | $97,054 | U.S. Trustee Program median income table |
| California | $79,253 | $102,797 | $116,541 | $139,071 | U.S. Trustee Program median income table |
| Colorado | $87,940 | $109,497 | $130,850 | $153,501 | U.S. Trustee Program median income table |
| Connecticut | $84,302 | $106,224 | $134,470 | $159,934 | U.S. Trustee Program median income table |
| Delaware | $69,515 | $94,877 | $111,273 | $132,244 | U.S. Trustee Program median income table |
| District of Columbia | $85,391 | $161,397 | $161,397 | $166,598 | U.S. Trustee Program median income table |
| Florida | $69,876 | $86,523 | $97,540 | $114,761 | U.S. Trustee Program median income table |
| Georgia | $68,478 | $84,965 | $101,479 | $123,481 | U.S. Trustee Program median income table |
| Hawaii | $85,254 | $106,202 | $123,454 | $142,181 | U.S. Trustee Program median income table |
| Idaho | $73,413 | $86,160 | $98,381 | $119,662 | U.S. Trustee Program median income table |
| Illinois | $73,180 | $93,934 | $113,625 | $137,902 | U.S. Trustee Program median income table |
| Indiana | $64,461 | $81,986 | $95,627 | $115,656 | U.S. Trustee Program median income table |
| Iowa | $67,617 | $88,800 | $104,133 | $126,058 | U.S. Trustee Program median income table |
| Kansas | $69,197 | $87,441 | $103,852 | $125,971 | U.S. Trustee Program median income table |
| Kentucky | $61,652 | $73,892 | $85,212 | $109,443 | U.S. Trustee Program median income table |
| Louisiana | $59,447 | $72,348 | $84,602 | $103,628 | U.S. Trustee Program median income table |
| Maine | $75,892 | $90,445 | $106,822 | $131,577 | U.S. Trustee Program median income table |
| Maryland | $86,928 | $114,611 | $135,949 | $166,173 | U.S. Trustee Program median income table |
| Massachusetts | $88,202 | $112,708 | $139,411 | $178,524 | U.S. Trustee Program median income table |
| Michigan | $67,352 | $83,432 | $103,449 | $123,010 | U.S. Trustee Program median income table |
| Minnesota | $77,696 | $98,328 | $126,487 | $149,882 | U.S. Trustee Program median income table |
| Mississippi | $53,978 | $70,328 | $82,846 | $97,464 | U.S. Trustee Program median income table |
| Missouri | $64,972 | $82,075 | $100,228 | $118,530 | U.S. Trustee Program median income table |
| Montana | $71,310 | $91,452 | $103,285 | $121,698 | U.S. Trustee Program median income table |
| Nebraska | $66,922 | $90,728 | $103,405 | $125,074 | U.S. Trustee Program median income table |
| Nevada | $72,222 | $87,914 | $101,638 | $114,110 | U.S. Trustee Program median income table |
| New Hampshire | $87,287 | $109,324 | $141,531 | $155,203 | U.S. Trustee Program median income table |
| New Jersey | $87,173 | $106,876 | $137,136 | $168,127 | U.S. Trustee Program median income table |
| New Mexico | $66,235 | $79,574 | $88,041 | $98,602 | U.S. Trustee Program median income table |
| New York | $73,272 | $92,902 | $115,579 | $139,040 | U.S. Trustee Program median income table |
| North Carolina | $67,117 | $84,384 | $101,535 | $116,737 | U.S. Trustee Program median income table |
| North Dakota | $73,549 | $96,352 | $106,686 | $137,817 | U.S. Trustee Program median income table |
| Ohio | $66,239 | $83,725 | $102,504 | $123,702 | U.S. Trustee Program median income table |
| Oklahoma | $61,180 | $77,208 | $86,845 | $101,798 | U.S. Trustee Program median income table |
| Oregon | $79,089 | $93,670 | $116,729 | $140,024 | U.S. Trustee Program median income table |
| Pennsylvania | $72,230 | $87,534 | $110,151 | $135,862 | U.S. Trustee Program median income table |
| Rhode Island | $77,653 | $98,736 | $119,419 | $137,479 | U.S. Trustee Program median income table |
| South Carolina | $64,808 | $83,761 | $95,672 | $116,314 | U.S. Trustee Program median income table |
| South Dakota | $69,190 | $89,809 | $100,883 | $130,738 | U.S. Trustee Program median income table |
| Tennessee | $63,979 | $82,846 | $97,511 | $109,585 | U.S. Trustee Program median income table |
| Texas | $66,837 | $86,714 | $99,273 | $117,962 | U.S. Trustee Program median income table |
| Utah | $87,898 | $95,757 | $112,751 | $131,741 | U.S. Trustee Program median income table |
| Vermont | $72,461 | $96,963 | $114,075 | $137,583 | U.S. Trustee Program median income table |
| Virginia | $78,491 | $101,171 | $123,159 | $144,826 | U.S. Trustee Program median income table |
| Washington | $88,585 | $107,100 | $131,737 | $156,567 | U.S. Trustee Program median income table |
| West Virginia | $63,908 | $68,592 | $92,050 | $93,672 | U.S. Trustee Program median income table |
| Wisconsin | $71,168 | $90,252 | $108,516 | $133,384 | U.S. Trustee Program median income table |
| Wyoming | $71,745 | $91,502 | $98,476 | $110,297 | U.S. Trustee Program median income table |
Each state's value is the one its row of this page's table states, with the law it cites. Nothing you tap is saved or sent. Not legal advice.
What will disqualify you from Chapter 7?
Chapter 7 is available whatever the amount of your debts. These are the rules that close it, or end it without a discharge, as the Bankruptcy Code states them:
- Presumed abuse. If your income is above the median and the full means test presumes abuse, the court can dismiss the case, or convert it to Chapter 13 with your consent. Where no presumption arises, the court still considers whether you filed in bad faith or whether the totality of your finances shows abuse.11 U.S.C. § 707(b)(1)-(3)
- A Chapter 7 discharge in the past 8 years. No discharge if you received a Chapter 7 or Chapter 11 discharge in a case filed within 8 years before the new filing.11 U.S.C. § 727(a)(8)
- A Chapter 13 discharge in the past 6 years. No discharge, unless the plan payments in that case totaled at least 100 percent of the allowed unsecured claims, or at least 70 percent under a plan proposed in good faith that was your best effort.11 U.S.C. § 727(a)(9)
- Some dismissals in the past 180 days. You cannot be a debtor at all if a case of yours was pending in the past 180 days and was dismissed for willful failure to obey court orders or to appear, or you dismissed it yourself after a creditor asked for relief from the automatic stay.11 U.S.C. § 109(g)
- No credit counseling. You must get a briefing from an approved nonprofit budget and credit counseling agency during the 180-day period ending on the day you file, with very limited exceptions.11 U.S.C. § 109(h)(1)
- Hiding property, records or the truth. The court denies the discharge if, to hinder, delay or defraud a creditor, you transferred or concealed property within one year before filing or after it; if you hid, destroyed or falsified financial records; or if you knowingly and fraudulently made a false oath. Not taking the financial management course after filing also blocks it.11 U.S.C. § 727(a)(2)-(4), (a)(11)
- Not an individual. A company or partnership can file Chapter 7, but only an individual receives a discharge.11 U.S.C. § 727(a)(1)
Some debts survive a discharge anyway, such as most taxes, child support and most student loans: see Which debts bankruptcy does not wipe out.
Filed before? When you can file again and get a discharge
The waiting periods count from the day the earlier case was filed, not the day it ended. Most of them limit the discharge, not the filing itself:
| Earlier case, with a discharge | New case | Wait before the new case can end in a discharge | The rule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chapter 7 (or 11) | Chapter 7 | 8 years | 11 U.S.C. § 727(a)(8) |
| Chapter 13 | Chapter 7 | 6 years, unless the plan paid 100 percent of the allowed unsecured claims, or 70 percent in a good-faith, best-effort plan | 11 U.S.C. § 727(a)(9) |
| Chapter 7 (or 11 or 12) | Chapter 13 | 4 years | 11 U.S.C. § 1328(f)(1) |
| Chapter 13 | Chapter 13 | 2 years | 11 U.S.C. § 1328(f)(2) |
- The 180-day bar after some dismissals. If a case was dismissed for willful failure to obey court orders or to appear, or you asked to dismiss it after a creditor filed for relief from the stay, you cannot be a debtor in a new case until 180 days have passed.11 U.S.C. § 109(g)
- One dismissal in the past year: a 30-day stay. If a case of yours was pending within the past year and was dismissed, the automatic stay in the new case ends as to you on the 30th day after you file, for actions about a debt, property securing it or a lease, unless a party asks and the court extends it after a hearing completed within those 30 days. The new case must be shown to be filed in good faith. This does not apply to a case refiled under a chapter other than Chapter 7 after a dismissal under section 707(b).11 U.S.C. § 362(c)(3)
- Two or more dismissals in the past year: no stay. If 2 or more of your cases were pending within the past year and dismissed, the stay does not go into effect when you file. A party can ask the court, within 30 days after the filing, to order it to take effect.11 U.S.C. § 362(c)(4)
Date calculator · 6 situations
When can you file again and get a discharge?
Read from 11 U.S.C. §§ 727(a)(8)-(9), 1328(f), 109(g) and 362(c)(3) · checked Nov 2, 2026
Each rule comes from the official source linked in the result. It runs on your device: nothing you type is stored or sent. General information, not legal advice.
How much does a bankruptcy lawyer cost? The rules on the fee
No law sets one price for a bankruptcy lawyer, and this page does not guess one. The lawyer's fee is on top of the court fee: $338 for Chapter 7 (a $245 filing fee, a $78 administrative fee and a $15 trustee surcharge) and $313 for Chapter 13 (a $235 filing fee and a $78 administrative fee). What the law does is put the lawyer's fee on the record and let the court cut it. Form 2010 · Fee Schedule
- The fee goes on file. Any attorney representing a debtor must file a statement of the compensation paid, or agreed to be paid, within one year before the petition, and where it came from. Rule 2016(b) requires it within 14 days after the order for relief, on Form 2030: the fee you agreed to, what was paid before the filing, the balance due, and the services the fee does not include.11 U.S.C. § 329(a) · Fed. R. Bankr. P. 2016(b) · Form 2030
- The court can cut it. If the compensation exceeds the reasonable value of the services, the court may cancel the agreement or order the return of any payment, to the extent excessive.11 U.S.C. § 329(b)
- In Chapter 13, the court allows the fee. The court may allow reasonable compensation to the debtor's attorney, based on the benefit and necessity of the services to you. An allowed fee is an administrative expense with second priority, and the trustee pays an unpaid one before or at the time of each payment to creditors: that is how part of a Chapter 13 fee can be paid through the plan.11 U.S.C. §§ 330(a)(4)(B), 503(b)(2), 507(a)(2), 1326(b)(1)
- Some courts presume a Chapter 13 fee reasonable. See the court-set Chapter 13 fees below.Bankruptcy court general orders and local rules
- A petition preparer's fee is on file too. A declaration filed with the petition discloses any fee the preparer received within 12 months before the case, and any unpaid fee. A preparer may not collect your court fees.11 U.S.C. § 110(g), (h)(2)
Bar-run referral services connect you with a lawyer for your kind of problem. The ones this guide has checked publish a first-consultation price: the State Bar of Texas service up to $20 for up to 30 minutes, The Florida Bar service up to $25 for 30 minutes, and the New York State Bar Association service normally $35 for the first half hour; California certifies its referral services, which you search by county. See Find a lawyer or free legal aid for the details.
- Can't pay the court fee at once? You can ask to pay it in up to four installments, within 120 days after you file (up to 180 days for cause). If your income is less than 150% of the poverty level and you can't pay even in installments, the court may waive the Chapter 7 fee (Official Form 103B). Form 103A · 28 U.S.C. § 1930(f)
- Credit counseling and the debtor education course are separate. Approved agencies must provide the counseling without regard to your ability to pay, and a household income under 150 percent of the poverty level is presumed to qualify for a fee waiver or reduction. U.S. Trustee Program
- Ask what the quote leaves out: Form 2030 item 6 lists the services the fee does not include. Item 5 covers adversary proceedings and other contested matters unless item 6 takes them out, so ask how anything left out is billed before you sign.
Chapter 13 lawyer fees that some bankruptcy courts presume reasonable
Some bankruptcy courts set, by general order or local rule, the Chapter 13 fee a debtor's lawyer can usually be allowed without a detailed fee application. They are the only official price figures for a bankruptcy lawyer this page found. They are not a price list: a lawyer can charge less, can ask for more with an application, and the court can still review the fee. Each order was read on the court's own website on November 2, 2026.
| Court | Presumptive Chapter 13 fee | Cases it covers | Order |
|---|---|---|---|
| Utah (District of Utah) | $2,800 if the case is dismissed before the plan is confirmed; $4,500 below the median with plan payments under $200 a month; $4,750 below the median with payments over $200 a month; $5,100 above the median or a business case | Cases filed on or after January 1, 2025; raised every other year from January 1, 2027, by the Consumer Price Index | General Order 24-002 |
| North Carolina (Middle District) | $5,200 below the median and $5,500 above it; $5,700 and $6,000 if the lawyer had at least 7 hours of bankruptcy continuing legal education (CLE) in the 12 months before filing; capped at $2,500 if the plan pays in less than $7,000 in total | Cases filed on or after July 7, 2023 (order dated May 16, 2025) | Standing Order 25-02 |
| Indiana (Southern District) | $5,000, the "presumed reasonable fee", up from $4,500 | Cases filed on or after December 1, 2025 | General Order 25-0001, under Local Rule B-2016-1(c) |
| Idaho (District of Idaho) | $5,500 for all services in the case, with the court's model retention agreement | As of January 2024 | LBR 2016-2 and General Order 437 |
| Florida (Middle District: Tampa and Fort Myers) | $5,000 for the case, plus up to $50 a month after confirmation for routine services | Cases filed on or after August 11, 2023 | Chapter 13 fee order of August 11, 2023 |
| South Carolina (District of South Carolina) | $5,000 for a consumer debtor and $6,000 for a debtor engaged in business (the "no look" fee) | Agreements and cases on or after July 1, 2024 | SC LBR 2016-1 |
Calculator
Is a Chapter 13 fee above what your court presumes reasonable?
1. Which court?
2. Which case?
Pick the court and the kind of case, then type the attorney fee you were quoted, without the court fee.
Uses only the numbers on this page, each from its official source. Nothing you type leaves your device. Not legal advice.
The contract, the notices and the red flags
Under the Bankruptcy Code, a lawyer or petition preparer who helps you with bankruptcy for pay is a debt relief agency (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit is not one), and its help is "bankruptcy assistance". The rules protect an "assisted person": someone whose debts are mainly consumer debts and whose property that is not exempt is below a dollar limit the Code sets. 11 U.S.C. § 101(3), (4A), (12A)
- A written contract within 5 business days. Not later than 5 business days after it first provides bankruptcy assistance, and before your petition is filed, the agency must sign a written contract with you that explains clearly the services, the fees or charges, and the terms of payment. You get a copy of the fully signed contract.11 U.S.C. § 528(a)(1)-(2)
- Written notices within 3 business days. Not later than 3 business days after it first offers help, it must tell you in writing that everything you file must be complete, accurate and truthful; that all assets and debts must be disclosed; that your current monthly income must be stated after reasonable inquiry; and that your information may be audited, and failing to provide it can mean dismissal or other sanctions, including criminal ones.11 U.S.C. § 527(a)(2)
- The statement on your choices. A separate statement titled "Important information about bankruptcy assistance services from an attorney or bankruptcy petition preparer" begins: "If you decide to seek bankruptcy relief, you can represent yourself, you can hire an attorney to represent you, or you can get help in some localities from a bankruptcy petition preparer who is not an attorney." It adds: "Ask to see the contract before you hire anyone."11 U.S.C. § 527(b)
- What it may never do. Fail to perform a service it promised; advise you to make an untrue or misleading statement in your papers; misrepresent its services or the benefits and risks of bankruptcy; or advise you to take on more debt because you plan to file, or to pay a lawyer's or petition preparer's fee.11 U.S.C. § 526(a)
- If it breaks the rules. A contract that does not meet these requirements is void, and no one but you can enforce it. The agency is liable to you for the fees it received, your actual damages, and reasonable attorneys' fees and costs if it intentionally or negligently failed to comply, or your case was dismissed or converted because it failed to file a required document.11 U.S.C. § 526(c)(1)-(2)
Red flags, from these rules and the U.S. Trustee Program's warnings:
- no written contract, or one that does not state the services, the fee and the terms of payment;
- advice to run up more debt before you file, or to borrow to pay the fee (11 U.S.C. § 526(a)(4));
- advice to leave a debt or property off your papers, or to change a number to look better;
- an ad about foreclosures, debt collection or a "federally supervised repayment plan" that never says the help may involve bankruptcy: the law requires an ad like that to say so (11 U.S.C. § 528(b));
- a non-lawyer who gives legal advice, or a petition preparer who calls the service "legal";
- an offer to save your home that ends with a bankruptcy filed in your name: report a foreclosure rescue scheme to a U.S. Trustee Program field office;
- a name you cannot find on the state's official license search (see the license check).
Free and low-cost bankruptcy lawyers, and the cheapest way to file
Free help exists, but it depends on your income and where you live. The bankruptcy court clerk and the U.S. Trustee Program are prohibited from giving legal advice, but they can point you to help:
- Legal aid. If you are unable to afford an attorney, you may qualify for free legal services. The Legal Services Corporation funds 129 independent nonprofit legal aid organizations in every state, the District of Columbia and the U.S. territories.uscourts.gov · lsc.gov
- Pro bono and reduced fees. The clerk of your bankruptcy court or your state bar association may know of people or organizations offering bankruptcy help on a reduced-fee or pro bono basis, the U.S. Trustee Program says. Some bankruptcy courts' websites, such as the Southern District of Indiana's, have a page on free or low-cost legal help.U.S. Trustee Program · insb.uscourts.gov
- A bar referral service. Its first consultation has a published price in the states this guide checked: see the fee rules.State bars
- Relief on the case's own costs. Installments or a waiver of the court fee, and a free or reduced fee for credit counseling on a low income (above).Form 103A · Form 103B · U.S. Trustee Program
The cheapest way to file Chapter 7 is on your own (pro se) with the free official forms, asking the court to waive the $338 fee if your income is under 150% of the poverty level, and taking the counseling and the course from approved providers that must serve you whatever you can pay. The federal courts warn that mistakes can affect your rights: see filing without a lawyer.
How to file bankruptcy without a lawyer, and what a petition preparer may not do
You may file pro se. You are then expected to follow the Bankruptcy Code, the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure and your court's local rules. Individuals use the free official forms numbered in the 100 series, and many courts require local forms too, so check your court's website before you file. U.S. Courts
The steps (counseling, the forms, the fee, the documents for the trustee, the 341 meeting and the course) are on How to file for bankruptcy, step by step.
- A petition preparer only types. A non-lawyer bankruptcy petition preparer may only enter the information you give into the forms. They must sign every document they prepare, give you a copy, and give you Official Form 119 before preparing anything or taking a fee.uscourts.gov · Official Form 119
- No legal advice of any kind. A preparer may not advise you whether to file or which chapter is right; whether your debts will be discharged; whether you can keep your home, car or other property; on taxes; whether to reaffirm a debt; how to characterize your property or debts; or on bankruptcy procedures and rights.11 U.S.C. § 110(e)(2)
- Not "legal", no court fees, no signing for you. A preparer may not use the word "legal" in ads, may not collect your court fees, and may not sign any document on your behalf.11 U.S.C. § 110(e)(1), (f), (g)
Check a lawyer's license in your state before you hire
Check the license before you sign the contract or pay anything. Use the official search of the state where the lawyer practices.
Lawyers are licensed by a state agency in each state, and that agency can tell you whether a person has a law license and may practice there, the American Bar Association says. Its list names the agency in every state: in some it is the state bar, in others the state's highest court or one of its agencies. The table below gives each one, with a link where the site is a government or state-bar site this guide links to. ABA: Lawyer Licensing
| State | Where to check a lawyer's license | Run by |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Alabama State Bar member search (alabar.org) | A state bar |
| Alaska | Alaska Bar Association member directory (alaskabar.org) | A state bar |
| Arizona | State Bar of Arizona lawyer search (azbar.org) | A state bar |
| Arkansas | Arkansas Judiciary attorney search | A court or court agency |
| California | State Bar of California attorney search | A state bar |
| Colorado | Colorado Supreme Court attorney search (coloradosupremecourt.com) | A court or court agency |
| Connecticut | Connecticut Judicial Branch attorney and firm inquiry | A court or court agency |
| Delaware | Delaware public attorney search, at the address the ABA lists | Another official site |
| District of Columbia | D.C. Bar member directory (dcbar.org) | A state bar |
| Florida | The Florida Bar member search | A state bar |
| Georgia | State Bar of Georgia member search (gabar.org) | A state bar |
| Hawaii | Hawaii State Bar Association lawyer search (hsba.org) | A state bar |
| Idaho | Idaho State Bar attorney roster | A state bar |
| Illinois | Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission (iardc.org) | A court or court agency |
| Indiana | Indiana Roll of Attorneys | A court or court agency |
| Iowa | Iowa court commissions lawyer search (iacourtcommissions.org) | A court or court agency |
| Kansas | Kansas courts attorney registration directory (kscourts.org) | A court or court agency |
| Kentucky | Kentucky Bar Association member search (kybar.org) | A state bar |
| Louisiana | Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board search (ladb.org) | A court or court agency |
| Maine | Maine attorney directory | Another official site |
| Maryland | Maryland Courts attorney search | A court or court agency |
| Massachusetts | Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseers attorney lookup (massbbo.org) | A court or court agency |
| Michigan | State Bar of Michigan member directory (michbar.org) | A state bar |
| Minnesota | Minnesota Lawyer Registration Office public search | A court or court agency |
| Mississippi | The Mississippi Bar lawyer directory (msbar.org) | A state bar |
| Missouri | The Missouri Bar lawyer directory (mobar.org) | A state bar |
| Montana | State Bar of Montana member search (montanabar.org) | A state bar |
| Nebraska | Nebraska lawyer search | Another official site |
| Nevada | State Bar of Nevada lawyer search (nvbar.org) | A state bar |
| New Hampshire | Call the New Hampshire Bar Association at 603-224-6942 | By phone |
| New Jersey | New Jersey Courts attorney search (njcourts.gov) | A court or court agency |
| New Mexico | State Bar of New Mexico (sbnm.org) | A state bar |
| New York | New York State Unified Court System attorney search | A court or court agency |
| North Carolina | North Carolina State Bar license verification | A state bar |
| North Dakota | North Dakota Courts lawyer search | A court or court agency |
| Ohio | Supreme Court of Ohio attorney search | A court or court agency |
| Oklahoma | Oklahoma Bar Association member search (okbar.org) | A state bar |
| Oregon | Oregon State Bar member search (osbar.org) | A state bar |
| Pennsylvania | Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania attorney search (padisciplinaryboard.org) | A court or court agency |
| Rhode Island | Rhode Island Bar Association member directory (ribar.com) | A state bar |
| South Carolina | South Carolina Judicial Branch attorney search (sccourts.org) | A court or court agency |
| South Dakota | Call the State Bar of South Dakota at 605-224-7554 | By phone |
| Tennessee | Board of Professional Responsibility online attorney directory (tbpr.org) | A court or court agency |
| Texas | State Bar of Texas Find a Lawyer | A state bar |
| Utah | Utah State Bar member directory (utahbar.org) | A state bar |
| Vermont | Vermont Judiciary attorney licensing page, "Attorneys in Good Standing" (vermontjudiciary.org) | A court or court agency |
| Virginia | Virginia State Bar attorney search (vsb.org) | A state bar |
| Washington | Washington State Bar Association lawyer directory (wsba.org) | A state bar |
| West Virginia | West Virginia State Bar member search (wvbar.org) | A state bar |
| Wisconsin | State Bar of Wisconsin lawyer search (wisbar.org) | A state bar |
| Wyoming | Wyoming State Bar membership directory (wyomingbar.org) | A state bar |
- Search the exact name on the license, and check that the status is active and the person is allowed to practice now.
- Look for public discipline. Many of these searches show it, and the same agency handles complaints about lawyers.
- A lawyer from another state usually cannot handle a case in your state's courts unless the court lets them in for that case.
- A business name is not a license. Ask for the lawyer’s own name and check that person, not the firm.
State map · 51 of 51 with a value
Check a lawyer's license: who runs the official search in your state
- A state bar27
- A court or court agency19
- Another official site3
- By phone2
See the table 51 rows
| State | Who runs the search | The rule | Law |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | A state bar | Alabama State Bar member search (alabar.org) | ABA: Lawyer Licensing |
| Alaska | A state bar | Alaska Bar Association member directory (alaskabar.org) | ABA: Lawyer Licensing |
| Arizona | A state bar | State Bar of Arizona lawyer search (azbar.org) | ABA: Lawyer Licensing |
| Arkansas | A court or court agency | Arkansas Judiciary attorney search (arkansas.gov) | ABA: Lawyer Licensing |
| California | A state bar | State Bar of California attorney search (calbar.ca.gov) | ABA: Lawyer Licensing |
| Colorado | A court or court agency | Colorado Supreme Court attorney search (coloradosupremecourt.com) | ABA: Lawyer Licensing |
| Connecticut | A court or court agency | Connecticut Judicial Branch attorney and firm inquiry (jud.ct.gov) | ABA: Lawyer Licensing |
| Delaware | Another official site | Delaware public attorney search, at the address the ABA lists | ABA: Lawyer Licensing |
| District of Columbia | A state bar | D.C. Bar member directory (dcbar.org) | ABA: Lawyer Licensing |
| Florida | A state bar | The Florida Bar member search (floridabar.org) | ABA: Lawyer Licensing |
| Georgia | A state bar | State Bar of Georgia member search (gabar.org) | ABA: Lawyer Licensing |
| Hawaii | A state bar | Hawaii State Bar Association lawyer search (hsba.org) | ABA: Lawyer Licensing |
| Idaho | A state bar | Idaho State Bar attorney roster (isb.idaho.gov) | ABA: Lawyer Licensing |
| Illinois | A court or court agency | Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission (iardc.org) | ABA: Lawyer Licensing |
| Indiana | A court or court agency | Indiana Roll of Attorneys (in.gov) | ABA: Lawyer Licensing |
| Iowa | A court or court agency | Iowa court commissions lawyer search (iacourtcommissions.org) | ABA: Lawyer Licensing |
| Kansas | A court or court agency | Kansas courts attorney registration directory (kscourts.org) | ABA: Lawyer Licensing |
| Kentucky | A state bar | Kentucky Bar Association member search (kybar.org) | ABA: Lawyer Licensing |
| Louisiana | A court or court agency | Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board search (ladb.org) | ABA: Lawyer Licensing |
| Maine | Another official site | Maine attorney directory (maine.gov) | ABA: Lawyer Licensing |
| Maryland | A court or court agency | Maryland Courts attorney search (mdcourts.gov) | ABA: Lawyer Licensing |
| Massachusetts | A court or court agency | Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseers attorney lookup (massbbo.org) | ABA: Lawyer Licensing |
| Michigan | A state bar | State Bar of Michigan member directory (michbar.org) | ABA: Lawyer Licensing |
| Minnesota | A court or court agency | Minnesota Lawyer Registration Office public search (lro.mn.gov) | ABA: Lawyer Licensing |
| Mississippi | A state bar | The Mississippi Bar lawyer directory (msbar.org) | ABA: Lawyer Licensing |
| Missouri | A state bar | The Missouri Bar lawyer directory (mobar.org) | ABA: Lawyer Licensing |
| Montana | A state bar | State Bar of Montana member search (montanabar.org) | ABA: Lawyer Licensing |
| Nebraska | Another official site | Nebraska lawyer search (ne.gov) | ABA: Lawyer Licensing |
| Nevada | A state bar | State Bar of Nevada lawyer search (nvbar.org) | ABA: Lawyer Licensing |
| New Hampshire | By phone | Call the New Hampshire Bar Association at 603-224-6942 | ABA: Lawyer Licensing |
| New Jersey | A court or court agency | New Jersey Courts attorney search (njcourts.gov) | ABA: Lawyer Licensing |
| New Mexico | A state bar | State Bar of New Mexico (sbnm.org) | ABA: Lawyer Licensing |
| New York | A court or court agency | New York State Unified Court System attorney search (courts.state.ny.us) | ABA: Lawyer Licensing |
| North Carolina | A state bar | North Carolina State Bar license verification (ncbar.gov) | ABA: Lawyer Licensing |
| North Dakota | A court or court agency | North Dakota Courts lawyer search (ndcourts.gov) | ABA: Lawyer Licensing |
| Ohio | A court or court agency | Supreme Court of Ohio attorney search (supremecourt.ohio.gov) | ABA: Lawyer Licensing |
| Oklahoma | A state bar | Oklahoma Bar Association member search (okbar.org) | ABA: Lawyer Licensing |
| Oregon | A state bar | Oregon State Bar member search (osbar.org) | ABA: Lawyer Licensing |
| Pennsylvania | A court or court agency | Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania attorney search (padisciplinaryboard.org) | ABA: Lawyer Licensing |
| Rhode Island | A state bar | Rhode Island Bar Association member directory (ribar.com) | ABA: Lawyer Licensing |
| South Carolina | A court or court agency | South Carolina Judicial Branch attorney search (sccourts.org) | ABA: Lawyer Licensing |
| South Dakota | By phone | Call the State Bar of South Dakota at 605-224-7554 | ABA: Lawyer Licensing |
| Tennessee | A court or court agency | Board of Professional Responsibility online attorney directory (tbpr.org) | ABA: Lawyer Licensing |
| Texas | A state bar | State Bar of Texas Find a Lawyer (texasbar.com) | ABA: Lawyer Licensing |
| Utah | A state bar | Utah State Bar member directory (utahbar.org) | ABA: Lawyer Licensing |
| Vermont | A court or court agency | Vermont Judiciary attorney licensing page, "Attorneys in Good Standing" (vermontjudiciary.org) | ABA: Lawyer Licensing |
| Virginia | A state bar | Virginia State Bar attorney search (vsb.org) | ABA: Lawyer Licensing |
| Washington | A state bar | Washington State Bar Association lawyer directory (wsba.org) | ABA: Lawyer Licensing |
| West Virginia | A state bar | West Virginia State Bar member search (wvbar.org) | ABA: Lawyer Licensing |
| Wisconsin | A state bar | State Bar of Wisconsin lawyer search (wisbar.org) | ABA: Lawyer Licensing |
| Wyoming | A state bar | Wyoming State Bar membership directory (wyomingbar.org) | ABA: Lawyer Licensing |
Each state's value is the one its row of this page's table states, with the law it cites. Nothing you tap is saved or sent. Not legal advice.
Your first meeting with a bankruptcy lawyer: what to bring and ask
Many of the papers are the same ones the trustee will ask for later: your latest federal tax return, a photo ID and proof of your Social Security number, proof of current income such as pay stubs, and your bank and investment account statements. Bring as well a list of everyone you owe and how much, what you own, any lawsuit, judgment, garnishment or foreclosure notice, the papers of any earlier bankruptcy case, and your credit counseling certificate if you already have one.
Then ask:
- “Is your license active, and do you handle cases in this bankruptcy court?”
- “Is my income above or below the median, and which chapter fits my case?”
- “Does any waiting period apply because of my earlier case?”
- “Which property can I keep under the exemptions that apply to me?”
- “Which of my debts will not be discharged?”
- “What is the total fee, what does it leave out, and when is it due? Will it be in the written contract and on Form 2030?”
- “In Chapter 13, how much of the fee is paid through the plan, and does this court have a presumptive fee?”
- “Who will go with me to the 341 meeting?”
Checklist
Ready for the first meeting with a bankruptcy lawyer?
1. Which list?
Tick each point as you get it ready.
Every point comes from this page and its official sources. Your ticks are not saved or sent anywhere. Not legal advice.
Common questions about bankruptcy lawyers
How much does a bankruptcy lawyer cost?
No law sets one price. The fee is on top of the $338 Chapter 7 or $313 Chapter 13 court fee; the lawyer must file it with the court on Form 2030, and the court can cut a fee above the reasonable value of the services. Some courts presume a Chapter 13 fee reasonable, from $2,500 to $6,000 in the courts on this page.
How much does a lawyer charge for Chapter 7 in Georgia?
No Georgia law or court rule this page found sets a price for a Chapter 7 lawyer. The fee is disclosed to the bankruptcy court on Form 2030, the court can cut an excessive fee, and you must get a written contract with the fee and the terms of payment.
Can I file bankruptcy without a lawyer?
Yes. It is called filing pro se, with the free official forms, but the federal courts strongly recommend a qualified attorney, and court employees and judges cannot give legal advice. A petition preparer may only type your information into the forms. See filing without a lawyer.
What is the cheapest way to file Chapter 7?
Filing it yourself with the free forms, asking the court to waive the $338 fee if your income is under 150% of the poverty level (or paying in up to four installments), and getting counseling from an approved agency that must serve you whatever you can pay. Legal aid may help for free.
Can I get a free bankruptcy lawyer?
Possibly. If you can't afford one, you may qualify for legal aid; the Legal Services Corporation funds legal aid in every state. Your bankruptcy court's clerk or your state bar may know of pro bono or reduced-fee help. See free and low-cost help.
What will disqualify me from Chapter 7?
A presumption of abuse under the means test if your income is above the median; a Chapter 7 discharge in a case filed in the past 8 years, or a Chapter 13 discharge in the past 6 years; some dismissals in the past 180 days; no credit counseling; and hiding property or lying under oath. See what disqualifies you.
Can I keep my assets in Chapter 13?
Usually, yes: Chapter 13 is a repayment plan of 3 to 5 years that usually lets you keep your property, including a home if you keep up the mortgage payments. You can bring missed mortgage payments current through the plan over time.
Do they freeze your bank account when you file Chapter 7?
Filing is not a court order to freeze your account. But your property on the filing day, including money in the bank, becomes part of the bankruptcy estate (11 U.S.C. § 541(a)(1)), and the trustee asks about your bank accounts. The automatic stay stops a creditor's setoff of a debt against money it owes you (§ 362(a)(7)). If you owe money to your own bank, ask a lawyer before you file.
Does Chapter 7 wipe out all debt?
No. Most taxes, child support and alimony, most student loans, most fines and criminal restitution, and debts for injuries caused by driving while intoxicated remain, and a lien on a car or house survives. See the debts that remain.
Can you get a 700 credit score after Chapter 7?
No law or agency predicts a score. A bankruptcy may stay on your credit report for up to 10 years and is likely to lower your score. The FTC says that to improve a credit score you can focus on paying your bills on time, paying your outstanding balances, and not opening several new accounts at once.
How do I find a bankruptcy lawyer near me?
A state bar referral service can match you with one, at a published first-consultation price in the states this guide checked, and legal aid can help on a low income. Before you sign, check the lawyer's license on your state's official search: the table on this page has it for every state.
Official sources
- U.S. Trustee Program: Means Testing, Census Bureau and IRS data (cases filed on or after July 15, 2026) justice.gov
- U.S. Trustee Program: Census Bureau Median Family Income by Family Size (cases filed on or after July 15, 2026) justice.gov
- Official Form 122A-1: Chapter 7 Statement of Your Current Monthly Income (PDF) uscourts.gov
- 11 U.S.C. § 707: dismissal or conversion, the means test (§ 707(b)(1)-(3), (b)(7)) govinfo.gov
- 11 U.S.C. § 101: definitions (current monthly income § 101(10A); assisted person § 101(3); bankruptcy assistance § 101(4A); debt relief agency § 101(12A)) govinfo.gov
- 11 U.S.C. § 330: compensation (Chapter 13 debtor's attorney, § 330(a)(4)(B)) govinfo.gov
- 11 U.S.C. § 503: allowance of administrative expenses (§ 503(b)(2)) govinfo.gov
- 11 U.S.C. § 507: priorities (§ 507(a)(2)) govinfo.gov
- 11 U.S.C. § 1326: payments under a Chapter 13 plan (§ 1326(b)(1)) govinfo.gov
- 11 U.S.C. § 541: property of the estate (§ 541(a)(1)) govinfo.gov
- U.S. Bankruptcy Court, District of Utah: General Order 24-002, presumptive attorney fees in Chapter 13 (PDF) utb.uscourts.gov
- U.S. Bankruptcy Court, District of Utah: notice of General Order 24-002 utb.uscourts.gov
- U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Middle District of North Carolina: Standing Order 25-02, Chapter 13 attorney's fees (PDF, May 16, 2025) ncmb.uscourts.gov
- U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of Indiana: General Order 25-0001, the Chapter 13 "presumed reasonable fee" insb.uscourts.gov
- District of Idaho: Bankruptcy Local Rule 2016-2, debtor representation and compensation in Chapter 13 (General Order 437) idd.uscourts.gov
- U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Middle District of Florida: amended order on presumptively reasonable Chapter 13 debtor's attorney's fees, Tampa and Fort Myers Divisions (August 11, 2023) flmb.uscourts.gov
- U.S. Bankruptcy Court, District of South Carolina: amendment to SC LBR 2016-1 (the "no look" fee) scb.uscourts.gov
- Federal Trade Commission: Credit Scores (how to improve a credit score) ftc.gov
- U.S. Courts, Bankruptcy Basics: Process (title 11, the trustee, the 341 meeting, the chapters) uscourts.gov
- U.S. Courts, Bankruptcy Basics: Chapter 7 (means test, fees, automatic stay, meeting of creditors, discharge) uscourts.gov
- U.S. Courts, Bankruptcy Basics: Chapter 13 (eligibility, plan length, meeting of creditors, confirmation) uscourts.gov
- U.S. Courts, Bankruptcy Basics: Discharge in Bankruptcy uscourts.gov
- U.S. Courts: Filing Without an Attorney (pro se, petition preparers) uscourts.gov
- U.S. Courts: Bankruptcy Case Records and Credit Reporting uscourts.gov
- U.S. Courts: Bankruptcy Court Miscellaneous Fee Schedule (effective December 1, 2023) uscourts.gov
- Official Form 2010: Notice Required by 11 U.S.C. § 342(b) for Individuals Filing for Bankruptcy (fees, means test, warnings) (PDF) uscourts.gov
- Official Form 103A: Application for Individuals to Pay the Filing Fee in Installments (PDF) uscourts.gov
- Official Form 103B: Application to Have the Chapter 7 Filing Fee Waived (PDF) uscourts.gov
- Official Form 119: Bankruptcy Petition Preparer's Notice, Declaration, and Signature (PDF) uscourts.gov
- U.S. Trustee Program: Section 341 Meeting of Creditors justice.gov
- U.S. Trustee Program: Bankruptcy Information Sheet justice.gov
- U.S. Trustee Program: Credit Counseling and Debtor Education Information justice.gov
- U.S. Trustee Program: FAQs, Credit Counseling justice.gov
- U.S. Trustee Program: Means Testing (Census median income and IRS data) justice.gov
- U.S. Trustee Program: FAQs, Consumer Information (petition preparers, legal help, foreclosure rescue schemes) justice.gov
- 11 U.S.C. § 109: who may be a debtor (credit counseling, § 109(h); Chapter 13 debt limits, § 109(e)) govinfo.gov
- 11 U.S.C. § 110: penalty for persons who negligently or fraudulently prepare bankruptcy petitions govinfo.gov
- 11 U.S.C. § 362: automatic stay govinfo.gov
- 11 U.S.C. § 522: exemptions govinfo.gov
- 11 U.S.C. § 523: exceptions to discharge govinfo.gov
- 11 U.S.C. § 727: discharge (Chapter 7) govinfo.gov
- 11 U.S.C. § 1322: contents of a Chapter 13 plan (plan length, § 1322(d)) govinfo.gov
- 11 U.S.C. § 1328: discharge (Chapter 13) govinfo.gov
- Federal Trade Commission: How To Get Out of Debt (bankruptcy, credit counseling, debt settlement, credit repair scams) ftc.gov
- Legal Services Corporation: I Need Legal Help lsc.gov
- 11 U.S.C. § 329: debtor's transactions with attorneys govinfo.gov
- 11 U.S.C. § 526: restrictions on debt relief agencies govinfo.gov
- 11 U.S.C. § 527: disclosures by debt relief agencies govinfo.gov
- 11 U.S.C. § 528: requirements for debt relief agencies govinfo.gov
- U.S. Courts: Form 2030, Disclosure of compensation of attorney for debtor, and instructions (12/25, PDF) uscourts.gov
- State Bar of Texas: Lawyer Referral & Information Service texasbar.com
- The Florida Bar: Lawyer Referral Service floridabar.org
- New York State Bar Association: Lawyer Referral Service nysba.org
- State Bar of California: certified lawyer referral services calbar.ca.gov
- American Bar Association: Lawyer Licensing (the agency that licenses lawyers in each state, with its search), opened November 1, 2026 americanbar.org
- Arkansas: Arkansas Judiciary attorney search, as the ABA lists it attorneyinfo.aoc.arkansas.gov
- California: State Bar of California attorney search, as the ABA lists it apps.calbar.ca.gov
- Connecticut: Connecticut Judicial Branch attorney and firm inquiry, as the ABA lists it jud.ct.gov
- Florida: The Florida Bar member search, as the ABA lists it floridabar.org
- Idaho: Idaho State Bar attorney roster, as the ABA lists it isb.idaho.gov
- Indiana: Indiana Roll of Attorneys, as the ABA lists it courtapps.in.gov
- Maine: Maine attorney directory, as the ABA lists it maine.gov
- Maryland: Maryland Courts attorney search, as the ABA lists it mdcourts.gov
- Minnesota: Minnesota Lawyer Registration Office public search, as the ABA lists it lro.mn.gov
- Nebraska: Nebraska lawyer search, as the ABA lists it mcle.wcc.ne.gov
- New York: New York State Unified Court System attorney search, as the ABA lists it iapps.courts.state.ny.us
- North Carolina: North Carolina State Bar license verification, as the ABA lists it portal.ncbar.gov
- North Dakota: North Dakota Courts lawyer search, as the ABA lists it ndcourts.gov
- Ohio: Supreme Court of Ohio attorney search, as the ABA lists it supremecourt.ohio.gov
- Texas: State Bar of Texas Find a Lawyer, as the ABA lists it texasbar.com
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This page explains the law in general terms. It is not legal advice about your situation. Justice is not a law firm and is not affiliated with any court or government agency.