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

FEDERALFederal law: the Bankruptcy Code, title 11 of the U.S. Code, and each bankruptcy court's own rules. The means test uses your state's median income, and some courts set a presumptive Chapter 13 fee.Checked by the Justice legal team against official sources · Last reviewed 7 free tools on this page
Cyanotype print: a stack of folded blank statements held by a steel paper clip, beside a rubber hand stamp and a pocket calculatorAI-generated image

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.
Watch out. Tell your lawyer everything. What you file is under penalty of perjury. Hiding property or a false statement can mean fines up to $250,000, up to 20 years in prison, or both, and the judge can deny your discharge. A debt relief agency may not advise you to make an untrue or misleading statement in your papers (11 U.S.C. § 526(a)(2)).

Quick guide

Do you need a bankruptcy lawyer? Find the part that fits you

1. Which is closest to your situation?

Pick what is true for you.

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 workA Chapter 7 lawyerA Chapter 13 lawyer
Before filingChecks 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 papersThe 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 meetingThe 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.
CourtA 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 issuesA 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 paidDisclosed 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
Tip. Only for consumer debts. The means test applies to individuals whose debts are primarily consumer debts; if your debts are mainly business debts, or because of qualifying military service, you file Form 122A-1Supp with it. In Chapter 13 the same median sets the plan length: 3 years below it, generally 5 years above it.

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 territory1 earner2 people3 people4 people5 people6 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

1 person

Pick a household size, then tap a state to see its median family income.

See the table 51 rows
State1 person2 people3 people4 peopleLaw
Alabama$64,321$77,451$92,698$106,740U.S. Trustee Program median income table
Alaska$85,817$112,548$112,548$142,136U.S. Trustee Program median income table
Arizona$73,935$89,027$104,965$121,174U.S. Trustee Program median income table
Arkansas$58,421$73,630$82,329$97,054U.S. Trustee Program median income table
California$79,253$102,797$116,541$139,071U.S. Trustee Program median income table
Colorado$87,940$109,497$130,850$153,501U.S. Trustee Program median income table
Connecticut$84,302$106,224$134,470$159,934U.S. Trustee Program median income table
Delaware$69,515$94,877$111,273$132,244U.S. Trustee Program median income table
District of Columbia$85,391$161,397$161,397$166,598U.S. Trustee Program median income table
Florida$69,876$86,523$97,540$114,761U.S. Trustee Program median income table
Georgia$68,478$84,965$101,479$123,481U.S. Trustee Program median income table
Hawaii$85,254$106,202$123,454$142,181U.S. Trustee Program median income table
Idaho$73,413$86,160$98,381$119,662U.S. Trustee Program median income table
Illinois$73,180$93,934$113,625$137,902U.S. Trustee Program median income table
Indiana$64,461$81,986$95,627$115,656U.S. Trustee Program median income table
Iowa$67,617$88,800$104,133$126,058U.S. Trustee Program median income table
Kansas$69,197$87,441$103,852$125,971U.S. Trustee Program median income table
Kentucky$61,652$73,892$85,212$109,443U.S. Trustee Program median income table
Louisiana$59,447$72,348$84,602$103,628U.S. Trustee Program median income table
Maine$75,892$90,445$106,822$131,577U.S. Trustee Program median income table
Maryland$86,928$114,611$135,949$166,173U.S. Trustee Program median income table
Massachusetts$88,202$112,708$139,411$178,524U.S. Trustee Program median income table
Michigan$67,352$83,432$103,449$123,010U.S. Trustee Program median income table
Minnesota$77,696$98,328$126,487$149,882U.S. Trustee Program median income table
Mississippi$53,978$70,328$82,846$97,464U.S. Trustee Program median income table
Missouri$64,972$82,075$100,228$118,530U.S. Trustee Program median income table
Montana$71,310$91,452$103,285$121,698U.S. Trustee Program median income table
Nebraska$66,922$90,728$103,405$125,074U.S. Trustee Program median income table
Nevada$72,222$87,914$101,638$114,110U.S. Trustee Program median income table
New Hampshire$87,287$109,324$141,531$155,203U.S. Trustee Program median income table
New Jersey$87,173$106,876$137,136$168,127U.S. Trustee Program median income table
New Mexico$66,235$79,574$88,041$98,602U.S. Trustee Program median income table
New York$73,272$92,902$115,579$139,040U.S. Trustee Program median income table
North Carolina$67,117$84,384$101,535$116,737U.S. Trustee Program median income table
North Dakota$73,549$96,352$106,686$137,817U.S. Trustee Program median income table
Ohio$66,239$83,725$102,504$123,702U.S. Trustee Program median income table
Oklahoma$61,180$77,208$86,845$101,798U.S. Trustee Program median income table
Oregon$79,089$93,670$116,729$140,024U.S. Trustee Program median income table
Pennsylvania$72,230$87,534$110,151$135,862U.S. Trustee Program median income table
Rhode Island$77,653$98,736$119,419$137,479U.S. Trustee Program median income table
South Carolina$64,808$83,761$95,672$116,314U.S. Trustee Program median income table
South Dakota$69,190$89,809$100,883$130,738U.S. Trustee Program median income table
Tennessee$63,979$82,846$97,511$109,585U.S. Trustee Program median income table
Texas$66,837$86,714$99,273$117,962U.S. Trustee Program median income table
Utah$87,898$95,757$112,751$131,741U.S. Trustee Program median income table
Vermont$72,461$96,963$114,075$137,583U.S. Trustee Program median income table
Virginia$78,491$101,171$123,159$144,826U.S. Trustee Program median income table
Washington$88,585$107,100$131,737$156,567U.S. Trustee Program median income table
West Virginia$63,908$68,592$92,050$93,672U.S. Trustee Program median income table
Wisconsin$71,168$90,252$108,516$133,384U.S. Trustee Program median income table
Wyoming$71,745$91,502$98,476$110,297U.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 dischargeNew caseWait before the new case can end in a dischargeThe rule
Chapter 7 (or 11)Chapter 78 years11 U.S.C. § 727(a)(8)
Chapter 13Chapter 76 years, unless the plan paid 100 percent of the allowed unsecured claims, or 70 percent in a good-faith, best-effort plan11 U.S.C. § 727(a)(9)
Chapter 7 (or 11 or 12)Chapter 134 years11 U.S.C. § 1328(f)(1)
Chapter 13Chapter 132 years11 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

Which situation?

Pick your situation, then enter the date it asks for.

    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.

    CourtPresumptive Chapter 13 feeCases it coversOrder
    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 caseCases filed on or after January 1, 2025; raised every other year from January 1, 2027, by the Consumer Price IndexGeneral 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 totalCases 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 $4,500Cases filed on or after December 1, 2025General 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 agreementAs of January 2024LBR 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 servicesCases filed on or after August 11, 2023Chapter 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, 2024SC LBR 2016-1
    Tip. Your court not listed? Each bankruptcy court posts its local rules on its website; look there and in its general orders for "Chapter 13" and "attorney fees", or ask the clerk. Where no presumptive fee applies, the court decides what is reasonable under 11 U.S.C. § 330(a)(4)(B).

    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).
    Tip. Read the ad. A debt relief agency's advertising must say: We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code, or something substantially similar (11 U.S.C. § 528(a)(4)).

    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)
    Watch out. A preparer offering legal services, or not saying they are not a lawyer? Report it to a U.S. Trustee Program field office.

    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

    StateWhere to check a lawyer's licenseRun by
    AlabamaAlabama State Bar member search (alabar.org)A state bar
    AlaskaAlaska Bar Association member directory (alaskabar.org)A state bar
    ArizonaState Bar of Arizona lawyer search (azbar.org)A state bar
    ArkansasArkansas Judiciary attorney searchA court or court agency
    CaliforniaState Bar of California attorney searchA state bar
    ColoradoColorado Supreme Court attorney search (coloradosupremecourt.com)A court or court agency
    ConnecticutConnecticut Judicial Branch attorney and firm inquiryA court or court agency
    DelawareDelaware public attorney search, at the address the ABA listsAnother official site
    District of ColumbiaD.C. Bar member directory (dcbar.org)A state bar
    FloridaThe Florida Bar member searchA state bar
    GeorgiaState Bar of Georgia member search (gabar.org)A state bar
    HawaiiHawaii State Bar Association lawyer search (hsba.org)A state bar
    IdahoIdaho State Bar attorney rosterA state bar
    IllinoisIllinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission (iardc.org)A court or court agency
    IndianaIndiana Roll of AttorneysA court or court agency
    IowaIowa court commissions lawyer search (iacourtcommissions.org)A court or court agency
    KansasKansas courts attorney registration directory (kscourts.org)A court or court agency
    KentuckyKentucky Bar Association member search (kybar.org)A state bar
    LouisianaLouisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board search (ladb.org)A court or court agency
    MaineMaine attorney directoryAnother official site
    MarylandMaryland Courts attorney searchA court or court agency
    MassachusettsMassachusetts Board of Bar Overseers attorney lookup (massbbo.org)A court or court agency
    MichiganState Bar of Michigan member directory (michbar.org)A state bar
    MinnesotaMinnesota Lawyer Registration Office public searchA court or court agency
    MississippiThe Mississippi Bar lawyer directory (msbar.org)A state bar
    MissouriThe Missouri Bar lawyer directory (mobar.org)A state bar
    MontanaState Bar of Montana member search (montanabar.org)A state bar
    NebraskaNebraska lawyer searchAnother official site
    NevadaState Bar of Nevada lawyer search (nvbar.org)A state bar
    New HampshireCall the New Hampshire Bar Association at 603-224-6942By phone
    New JerseyNew Jersey Courts attorney search (njcourts.gov)A court or court agency
    New MexicoState Bar of New Mexico (sbnm.org)A state bar
    New YorkNew York State Unified Court System attorney searchA court or court agency
    North CarolinaNorth Carolina State Bar license verificationA state bar
    North DakotaNorth Dakota Courts lawyer searchA court or court agency
    OhioSupreme Court of Ohio attorney searchA court or court agency
    OklahomaOklahoma Bar Association member search (okbar.org)A state bar
    OregonOregon State Bar member search (osbar.org)A state bar
    PennsylvaniaDisciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania attorney search (padisciplinaryboard.org)A court or court agency
    Rhode IslandRhode Island Bar Association member directory (ribar.com)A state bar
    South CarolinaSouth Carolina Judicial Branch attorney search (sccourts.org)A court or court agency
    South DakotaCall the State Bar of South Dakota at 605-224-7554By phone
    TennesseeBoard of Professional Responsibility online attorney directory (tbpr.org)A court or court agency
    TexasState Bar of Texas Find a LawyerA state bar
    UtahUtah State Bar member directory (utahbar.org)A state bar
    VermontVermont Judiciary attorney licensing page, "Attorneys in Good Standing" (vermontjudiciary.org)A court or court agency
    VirginiaVirginia State Bar attorney search (vsb.org)A state bar
    WashingtonWashington State Bar Association lawyer directory (wsba.org)A state bar
    West VirginiaWest Virginia State Bar member search (wvbar.org)A state bar
    WisconsinState Bar of Wisconsin lawyer search (wisbar.org)A state bar
    WyomingWyoming 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

    Who runs the search

    Tap your state to see where to check a lawyer's license.

    See the table 51 rows
    StateWho runs the searchThe ruleLaw
    AlabamaA state barAlabama State Bar member search (alabar.org)ABA: Lawyer Licensing
    AlaskaA state barAlaska Bar Association member directory (alaskabar.org)ABA: Lawyer Licensing
    ArizonaA state barState Bar of Arizona lawyer search (azbar.org)ABA: Lawyer Licensing
    ArkansasA court or court agencyArkansas Judiciary attorney search (arkansas.gov)ABA: Lawyer Licensing
    CaliforniaA state barState Bar of California attorney search (calbar.ca.gov)ABA: Lawyer Licensing
    ColoradoA court or court agencyColorado Supreme Court attorney search (coloradosupremecourt.com)ABA: Lawyer Licensing
    ConnecticutA court or court agencyConnecticut Judicial Branch attorney and firm inquiry (jud.ct.gov)ABA: Lawyer Licensing
    DelawareAnother official siteDelaware public attorney search, at the address the ABA listsABA: Lawyer Licensing
    District of ColumbiaA state barD.C. Bar member directory (dcbar.org)ABA: Lawyer Licensing
    FloridaA state barThe Florida Bar member search (floridabar.org)ABA: Lawyer Licensing
    GeorgiaA state barState Bar of Georgia member search (gabar.org)ABA: Lawyer Licensing
    HawaiiA state barHawaii State Bar Association lawyer search (hsba.org)ABA: Lawyer Licensing
    IdahoA state barIdaho State Bar attorney roster (isb.idaho.gov)ABA: Lawyer Licensing
    IllinoisA court or court agencyIllinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission (iardc.org)ABA: Lawyer Licensing
    IndianaA court or court agencyIndiana Roll of Attorneys (in.gov)ABA: Lawyer Licensing
    IowaA court or court agencyIowa court commissions lawyer search (iacourtcommissions.org)ABA: Lawyer Licensing
    KansasA court or court agencyKansas courts attorney registration directory (kscourts.org)ABA: Lawyer Licensing
    KentuckyA state barKentucky Bar Association member search (kybar.org)ABA: Lawyer Licensing
    LouisianaA court or court agencyLouisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board search (ladb.org)ABA: Lawyer Licensing
    MaineAnother official siteMaine attorney directory (maine.gov)ABA: Lawyer Licensing
    MarylandA court or court agencyMaryland Courts attorney search (mdcourts.gov)ABA: Lawyer Licensing
    MassachusettsA court or court agencyMassachusetts Board of Bar Overseers attorney lookup (massbbo.org)ABA: Lawyer Licensing
    MichiganA state barState Bar of Michigan member directory (michbar.org)ABA: Lawyer Licensing
    MinnesotaA court or court agencyMinnesota Lawyer Registration Office public search (lro.mn.gov)ABA: Lawyer Licensing
    MississippiA state barThe Mississippi Bar lawyer directory (msbar.org)ABA: Lawyer Licensing
    MissouriA state barThe Missouri Bar lawyer directory (mobar.org)ABA: Lawyer Licensing
    MontanaA state barState Bar of Montana member search (montanabar.org)ABA: Lawyer Licensing
    NebraskaAnother official siteNebraska lawyer search (ne.gov)ABA: Lawyer Licensing
    NevadaA state barState Bar of Nevada lawyer search (nvbar.org)ABA: Lawyer Licensing
    New HampshireBy phoneCall the New Hampshire Bar Association at 603-224-6942ABA: Lawyer Licensing
    New JerseyA court or court agencyNew Jersey Courts attorney search (njcourts.gov)ABA: Lawyer Licensing
    New MexicoA state barState Bar of New Mexico (sbnm.org)ABA: Lawyer Licensing
    New YorkA court or court agencyNew York State Unified Court System attorney search (courts.state.ny.us)ABA: Lawyer Licensing
    North CarolinaA state barNorth Carolina State Bar license verification (ncbar.gov)ABA: Lawyer Licensing
    North DakotaA court or court agencyNorth Dakota Courts lawyer search (ndcourts.gov)ABA: Lawyer Licensing
    OhioA court or court agencySupreme Court of Ohio attorney search (supremecourt.ohio.gov)ABA: Lawyer Licensing
    OklahomaA state barOklahoma Bar Association member search (okbar.org)ABA: Lawyer Licensing
    OregonA state barOregon State Bar member search (osbar.org)ABA: Lawyer Licensing
    PennsylvaniaA court or court agencyDisciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania attorney search (padisciplinaryboard.org)ABA: Lawyer Licensing
    Rhode IslandA state barRhode Island Bar Association member directory (ribar.com)ABA: Lawyer Licensing
    South CarolinaA court or court agencySouth Carolina Judicial Branch attorney search (sccourts.org)ABA: Lawyer Licensing
    South DakotaBy phoneCall the State Bar of South Dakota at 605-224-7554ABA: Lawyer Licensing
    TennesseeA court or court agencyBoard of Professional Responsibility online attorney directory (tbpr.org)ABA: Lawyer Licensing
    TexasA state barState Bar of Texas Find a Lawyer (texasbar.com)ABA: Lawyer Licensing
    UtahA state barUtah State Bar member directory (utahbar.org)ABA: Lawyer Licensing
    VermontA court or court agencyVermont Judiciary attorney licensing page, "Attorneys in Good Standing" (vermontjudiciary.org)ABA: Lawyer Licensing
    VirginiaA state barVirginia State Bar attorney search (vsb.org)ABA: Lawyer Licensing
    WashingtonA state barWashington State Bar Association lawyer directory (wsba.org)ABA: Lawyer Licensing
    West VirginiaA state barWest Virginia State Bar member search (wvbar.org)ABA: Lawyer Licensing
    WisconsinA state barState Bar of Wisconsin lawyer search (wisbar.org)ABA: Lawyer Licensing
    WyomingA state barWyoming 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?

    2. Tick what you have ready

    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

    1. U.S. Trustee Program: Means Testing, Census Bureau and IRS data (cases filed on or after July 15, 2026) justice.gov
    2. U.S. Trustee Program: Census Bureau Median Family Income by Family Size (cases filed on or after July 15, 2026) justice.gov
    3. Official Form 122A-1: Chapter 7 Statement of Your Current Monthly Income (PDF) uscourts.gov
    4. 11 U.S.C. § 707: dismissal or conversion, the means test (§ 707(b)(1)-(3), (b)(7)) govinfo.gov
    5. 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
    6. 11 U.S.C. § 330: compensation (Chapter 13 debtor's attorney, § 330(a)(4)(B)) govinfo.gov
    7. 11 U.S.C. § 503: allowance of administrative expenses (§ 503(b)(2)) govinfo.gov
    8. 11 U.S.C. § 507: priorities (§ 507(a)(2)) govinfo.gov
    9. 11 U.S.C. § 1326: payments under a Chapter 13 plan (§ 1326(b)(1)) govinfo.gov
    10. 11 U.S.C. § 541: property of the estate (§ 541(a)(1)) govinfo.gov
    11. U.S. Bankruptcy Court, District of Utah: General Order 24-002, presumptive attorney fees in Chapter 13 (PDF) utb.uscourts.gov
    12. U.S. Bankruptcy Court, District of Utah: notice of General Order 24-002 utb.uscourts.gov
    13. 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
    14. U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of Indiana: General Order 25-0001, the Chapter 13 "presumed reasonable fee" insb.uscourts.gov
    15. District of Idaho: Bankruptcy Local Rule 2016-2, debtor representation and compensation in Chapter 13 (General Order 437) idd.uscourts.gov
    16. 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
    17. U.S. Bankruptcy Court, District of South Carolina: amendment to SC LBR 2016-1 (the "no look" fee) scb.uscourts.gov
    18. Federal Trade Commission: Credit Scores (how to improve a credit score) ftc.gov
    19. U.S. Courts, Bankruptcy Basics: Process (title 11, the trustee, the 341 meeting, the chapters) uscourts.gov
    20. U.S. Courts, Bankruptcy Basics: Chapter 7 (means test, fees, automatic stay, meeting of creditors, discharge) uscourts.gov
    21. U.S. Courts, Bankruptcy Basics: Chapter 13 (eligibility, plan length, meeting of creditors, confirmation) uscourts.gov
    22. U.S. Courts, Bankruptcy Basics: Discharge in Bankruptcy uscourts.gov
    23. U.S. Courts: Filing Without an Attorney (pro se, petition preparers) uscourts.gov
    24. U.S. Courts: Bankruptcy Case Records and Credit Reporting uscourts.gov
    25. U.S. Courts: Bankruptcy Court Miscellaneous Fee Schedule (effective December 1, 2023) uscourts.gov
    26. Official Form 2010: Notice Required by 11 U.S.C. § 342(b) for Individuals Filing for Bankruptcy (fees, means test, warnings) (PDF) uscourts.gov
    27. Official Form 103A: Application for Individuals to Pay the Filing Fee in Installments (PDF) uscourts.gov
    28. Official Form 103B: Application to Have the Chapter 7 Filing Fee Waived (PDF) uscourts.gov
    29. Official Form 119: Bankruptcy Petition Preparer's Notice, Declaration, and Signature (PDF) uscourts.gov
    30. U.S. Trustee Program: Section 341 Meeting of Creditors justice.gov
    31. U.S. Trustee Program: Bankruptcy Information Sheet justice.gov
    32. U.S. Trustee Program: Credit Counseling and Debtor Education Information justice.gov
    33. U.S. Trustee Program: FAQs, Credit Counseling justice.gov
    34. U.S. Trustee Program: Means Testing (Census median income and IRS data) justice.gov
    35. U.S. Trustee Program: FAQs, Consumer Information (petition preparers, legal help, foreclosure rescue schemes) justice.gov
    36. 11 U.S.C. § 109: who may be a debtor (credit counseling, § 109(h); Chapter 13 debt limits, § 109(e)) govinfo.gov
    37. 11 U.S.C. § 110: penalty for persons who negligently or fraudulently prepare bankruptcy petitions govinfo.gov
    38. 11 U.S.C. § 362: automatic stay govinfo.gov
    39. 11 U.S.C. § 522: exemptions govinfo.gov
    40. 11 U.S.C. § 523: exceptions to discharge govinfo.gov
    41. 11 U.S.C. § 727: discharge (Chapter 7) govinfo.gov
    42. 11 U.S.C. § 1322: contents of a Chapter 13 plan (plan length, § 1322(d)) govinfo.gov
    43. 11 U.S.C. § 1328: discharge (Chapter 13) govinfo.gov
    44. Federal Trade Commission: How To Get Out of Debt (bankruptcy, credit counseling, debt settlement, credit repair scams) ftc.gov
    45. Legal Services Corporation: I Need Legal Help lsc.gov
    46. 11 U.S.C. § 329: debtor's transactions with attorneys govinfo.gov
    47. 11 U.S.C. § 526: restrictions on debt relief agencies govinfo.gov
    48. 11 U.S.C. § 527: disclosures by debt relief agencies govinfo.gov
    49. 11 U.S.C. § 528: requirements for debt relief agencies govinfo.gov
    50. U.S. Courts: Form 2030, Disclosure of compensation of attorney for debtor, and instructions (12/25, PDF) uscourts.gov
    51. State Bar of Texas: Lawyer Referral & Information Service texasbar.com
    52. The Florida Bar: Lawyer Referral Service floridabar.org
    53. New York State Bar Association: Lawyer Referral Service nysba.org
    54. State Bar of California: certified lawyer referral services calbar.ca.gov
    55. American Bar Association: Lawyer Licensing (the agency that licenses lawyers in each state, with its search), opened November 1, 2026 americanbar.org
    56. Arkansas: Arkansas Judiciary attorney search, as the ABA lists it attorneyinfo.aoc.arkansas.gov
    57. California: State Bar of California attorney search, as the ABA lists it apps.calbar.ca.gov
    58. Connecticut: Connecticut Judicial Branch attorney and firm inquiry, as the ABA lists it jud.ct.gov
    59. Florida: The Florida Bar member search, as the ABA lists it floridabar.org
    60. Idaho: Idaho State Bar attorney roster, as the ABA lists it isb.idaho.gov
    61. Indiana: Indiana Roll of Attorneys, as the ABA lists it courtapps.in.gov
    62. Maine: Maine attorney directory, as the ABA lists it maine.gov
    63. Maryland: Maryland Courts attorney search, as the ABA lists it mdcourts.gov
    64. Minnesota: Minnesota Lawyer Registration Office public search, as the ABA lists it lro.mn.gov
    65. Nebraska: Nebraska lawyer search, as the ABA lists it mcle.wcc.ne.gov
    66. New York: New York State Unified Court System attorney search, as the ABA lists it iapps.courts.state.ny.us
    67. North Carolina: North Carolina State Bar license verification, as the ABA lists it portal.ncbar.gov
    68. North Dakota: North Dakota Courts lawyer search, as the ABA lists it ndcourts.gov
    69. Ohio: Supreme Court of Ohio attorney search, as the ABA lists it supremecourt.ohio.gov
    70. Texas: State Bar of Texas Find a Lawyer, as the ABA lists it texasbar.com

    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.

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