The cost of working with a Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer in Pennsylvania is usually the first question clients raise. And understandably so—legal representation feels out of reach when money is already tight. In practice, though, the expenses are more predictable than most expect.
Attorney fees are generally set at a flat rate. Court costs are fixed. And while every case is different, an experienced bankruptcy lawyer in Philadelphia can usually outline the total Chapter 7 Bankruptcy cost up front.
That matters, because the ability to plan—knowing whether a payment arrangement is possible, or whether a fee waiver might apply—often determines whether someone feels able to file at all.
Attorney Fees in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, a Chapter 7 bankruptcy attorney typically charges between $995 and $1,850 for a standard case. Fees are usually flat, not hourly, and provide clarity at the outset.
Costs may rise if the case involves numerous creditors, urgent filing to stop foreclosure or repossession, or disputes over non-exempt property. In those circumstances, total Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Cost can exceed $2,000.
If your case is time-sensitive, learn more about emergency Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Philadelphia or how to stop foreclosure in Pennsylvania.
A Chapter 7 lawyer is not paid a percentage of the debt. Compensation reflects the work required to prepare and complete the petition. An experienced bankruptcy attorney in Philadelphia will provide a written fee agreement before filing begins.
Court Filing Fees & Required Costs
Every Chapter 7 case carries mandatory costs, separate from attorney fees. The filing fee in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania is $338 as of 2025. This figure is set by federal rule and does not change based on the debtor’s circumstances.
Two courses are also required: credit counseling before filing and a debtor education course after discharge. Most providers charge modest amounts, often in the $10–$50 range. While small compared to attorney fees, for someone already under financial pressure, even these costs can matter.
Payment in installments is possible. The court may allow up to four, using Official Form 103A. A complete waiver is available only in limited situations—typically when household income falls below 150% of the poverty line—through Official Form 103B. These waivers are not often granted, but they remain an option.
A chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer will advise on which of these options, if any, is realistic in a given case and how they affect the overall Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Cost.
Payment Plans & Installment Options
Chapter Bankruptcy 7 costs are not always due at once. Both attorney fees and the court filing fee may, in some circumstances, be spread out.
Attorney fees
Most Chapter 7 bankruptcy attorneys require payment before the petition is filed. The reason is simple: once the case is open, any unpaid fee could be discharged as part of the bankruptcy.
Some attorneys will accept installments in advance. These arrangements are usually short-term—two or three payments before filing—and depend on how quickly the case needs to move. Urgent filings, such as those to stop foreclosure, leave less room for installments.
Court filing fee
The $338 filing fee can be divided into as many as four installments with court approval. This is done through Official Form 103A.
Installments are fairly common, though the court may dismiss the case if a payment is missed.
Fee waivers
Available only for filers with income below 150% of the federal poverty level.
Approval is not automatic; judges review each request carefully. Official Form 103B is required.
A bankruptcy attorney in Philadelphia can advise whether installments or a waiver are realistic, and how they affect the timing of the case.
Exemptions & Eligibility: What You Can Keep
One of the first questions in a Chapter 7 case is what property a debtor can keep. Pennsylvania’s own exemptions are narrow—most notably a $300 personal property “wildcard.” For that reason, most filers use the federal exemptions, which are broader and often more practical.
As of 2025, the federal scheme protects:
Homestead – up to $27,900 of equity in a residence.
Motor vehicle – up to $5,025 in equity.
Household goods – generally $700 per item, with a $14,875 cap.
Wildcard – $1,475 in any property, plus up to $13,950 of unused homestead.
Eligibility is also tied to income. The Chapter 7 means test in Pennsylvania compares household income to the state median, adjusted twice a year by the U.S. Trustee Program. If income is above that figure, further analysis determines whether Chapter 7 is available.
A Chapter 7 lawyer will explain which exemption system makes sense in practice and what property is realistically at risk. For a Philadelphia resident, this guidance is critical—local courts apply the rules strictly, but predictably.
Chapter 7 in Pennsylvania: Your Path Forward
The costs of Chapter 7 bankruptcy —bankruptcy attorney Philadelphia fees, the $338 filing charge, and required courses—are predictable and manageable when outlined clearly. With guidance from a Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer, clients gain certainty about what the process will require before committing to file and how it affects their overall Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Cost.
In practice, fees vary by case. A straightforward petition may be close to $1,000, while complex or urgent matters can run higher. A bankruptcy lawyer in Philadelphia will explain not only the fee but also whether installments or a waiver might apply.
If you are considering Chapter 7, the next step is to consult with an experienced bankruptcy attorney in Philadelphia. Same-day filings are available when deadlines are tight. We handle the paperwork—so you can focus on your path forward.