How Much Does It Cost to File Bankruptcy in Pennsylvania?
If you're researching bankruptcy in Pennsylvania, the first question is almost always the same: how much does it cost to file bankruptcy in Pennsylvania? The honest answer has three parts — court fees, required courses, and attorney fees. Here's what each one actually looks like in 2026.
Court filing fees (set by federal law)
Filing fees are the same in every Pennsylvania bankruptcy court — Eastern, Middle, and Western District:
- Chapter 7: $338
- Chapter 13: $313
If paying the Chapter 7 fee at once is impossible, the court can approve installments or, in narrow cases, waive the fee entirely for households below 150% of the federal poverty line.
Required credit counseling and debtor education
Federal law requires two short online courses — one before filing, one after. Approved providers in Pennsylvania typically charge $10 to $50 per course, and the fee is waived for low-income filers.
Attorney fees in Pennsylvania
This is where the range widens. In 2026, typical flat fees across Pennsylvania run:
- Chapter 7: $1,200–$2,500 for a straightforward consumer case
- Chapter 13: $4,500–$6,000 (most is paid through your plan, not up front)
Chapter 13 fees are reviewed and approved by the bankruptcy court, which is why they cluster in a tight range. Chapter 7 fees vary more based on case complexity — business income, prior bankruptcies, lawsuits, or non-exempt assets all push the number up.
So what's the realistic total?
For a typical Pennsylvania household, expect roughly $1,600–$2,900 all-in for Chapter 7 and $300–$500 out of pocket to start a Chapter 13, with the rest of the attorney fee built into the repayment plan.
Free consultation
Every case is different. A free, confidential consultation is the fastest way to get a written, flat-fee quote for your situation — no obligation, no pressure.