Q: What is the cost for filing bankruptcy?

A: The cost varies depending on which chapter you file and whether or not you choose to hire an attorney.  The bankruptcy court charges a filing fee, which can often be paid in installments with sufficient cause shown, and an attorney charges a separate fee for handling the case.  The 2005 Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act sparked an increase in attorney fees for the handling of a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, which became more complicated when the new law came into effect.  In general, a Chapter 13 bankruptcy is still more expensive than a Chapter 7 case.