Find a Bankruptcy Attorney — All 50 States
Bankruptcy law, while federal, is administered through 94 local federal bankruptcy court districts, each with its own local rules, trustee practices, and judge preferences. Hiring an attorney who regularly practices in your local district — not just someone licensed in your state — makes a meaningful difference in case outcomes. Our attorney directory features licensed bankruptcy attorneys with active practices in their listed states and districts.
The attorneys listed here are sponsored placements — they have paid for visibility on BankruptcyByState.net because they actively seek clients filing Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases. We verify state bar membership before activating any listing. These are not referrals or endorsements; they are paid advertising placements. You should interview any attorney before retaining them.
Questions to Ask a Bankruptcy Attorney
- How many consumer bankruptcy cases do you file per year, and in which districts?
- Will you personally handle my case, or will it be delegated to a paralegal or associate?
- What is your total fee including filing fees and all attorney costs?
- What is your process for the means test and exemption analysis?
- What is your typical timeline from engagement to discharge for a no-asset Chapter 7?
- Have you had cases dismissed or denied discharge? What was the reason?
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a bankruptcy attorney?
You can file bankruptcy "pro se" (without an attorney), but it is rarely advisable. Bankruptcy involves federal procedural rules, local district rules, and substantive law decisions (exemption planning, means test strategy, lien avoidance) where an experienced attorney provides significant value. Filing errors can result in dismissal, loss of the automatic stay, or denial of discharge. For simple no-asset Chapter 7 cases, attorney fees typically start at $1,000-$1,500 — an amount that is almost always recovered through the debts discharged.
What is a bankruptcy petition preparer and should I use one?
A bankruptcy petition preparer (BPP) is a non-attorney who charges a fee to type or prepare bankruptcy forms. They are not attorneys and cannot provide legal advice, appear in court, or advise you on exemption choices or the means test. BPPs are regulated by 11 U.S.C. § 110 and must sign the documents they prepare. Using a BPP instead of an attorney saves upfront fees but creates significant risks — an error in exemption selection, for example, cannot be "fixed" by a BPP. For most filers, a licensed bankruptcy attorney is the appropriate choice.
How much does a bankruptcy attorney cost?
Chapter 7 attorney fees typically range from $1,000 to $2,500 for straightforward consumer cases, depending on your state, local market, and case complexity. Chapter 13 attorney fees are higher — generally $3,000 to $5,000 — but are paid through the bankruptcy plan over 3 to 5 years rather than upfront. Most bankruptcy attorneys offer a free initial consultation. The filing fees paid directly to the bankruptcy court are $338 for Chapter 7 and $313 for Chapter 13 regardless of whether you use an attorney.