Bankruptcy Fees

At Gupta & Ayres, we understand that individuals considering bankruptcy are often already facing financial stress. When you work with our firm, you communicate directly with an attorney who will review your financial situation, explain your options, and guide you step-by-step through your bankruptcy case.

Below is our full fee schedule for Chapter 13 cases and most non-business Chapter 7 cases. We know we are more expensive than some other firms that you may find on craigslist. That’s okay. Mr. Gupta is one of 8 certified bankruptcy specialists in the City of San Diego. He’s been filing bankruptcy cases for more than 15 years and he is confident that he will guarantee a discharge in most Chapter 7 cases. 

Transparent Fees and Personalized Guidance

We believe that individuals seeking financial relief deserve clear, transparent information about the costs of bankruptcy. Our goal is to make the process as straightforward and accessible as possible while helping you move toward a stronger financial future.

We are happy to discuss your options and answer any questions you may have about the bankruptcy process and associated costs.

Ch 7

Chapter 7 Attorney Fees

Chapter 7 bankruptcy is typically structured as a flat, one-time attorney fee. This means you know the total cost of legal representation upfront before your case is filed.

  • Base Attorney Fees

    • Individual Petition: $2,000 + filing fees*
    • Individual Petition (with home): $2,500 + filing fees*
    • Joint Petition: $2,500 + filing fees*
    • Joint Petition (with home): $3,000 + filing fees*

    Means Test Evaluation:
    If you have higher income, the Court requires a means test to determine whether you qualify for Chapter 7. If we need to run this test, there is an additional $500 fee.

*The $500 filing fee generally covers the bankruptcy court filing fee, credit report costs, and required credit counseling courses.

Our Guarantee

We are so confident in our ability to service your case. For most Chapter 7 petitions, we guarantee a discharge or your money back.  Terms and conditions apply and not all Chapter 7 petitions will qualify. We will discuss the guarantee at your consultation to determine whether you will qualify.

Ch 13

Chapter 13 Attorney Fees

Chapter 13 bankruptcy allows individuals with regular income to reorganize their debts into a structured repayment plan over three to five years. Unlike Chapter 7, Chapter 13 attorney fees are typically paid through the Chapter 13 repayment plan, rather than being paid entirely upfront.

  • Base Attorney Fees

    Chapter 13 fees are generally set by the Court for both consumer and business cases.

    • The initial fee plus filing fees* for your Chapter 13 bankruptcy will depend on the nature and complexity of your case and will be determined by the attorney.
    • The total fee will depend on factors such as income, assets, and the complexity of your financial situation.
    • A portion of the attorney’s fees may be paid through your repayment plan, making it more manageable upfront.

*The $500 filing fee generally covers the bankruptcy court filing fee, credit report costs, and required credit counseling courses.

Fee Disclosure

Fees may vary depending on the complexity of your bankruptcy case. Factors that may affect the total cost include the complexity of your financial situation, whether you own a business or multiple businesses, whether your household income is above the median income for your household size, the number of creditors involved, and the nature and value of your assets.

During your consultation, we will review your financial situation and provide a clear explanation of the expected fees for your specific case.

What Determines the Cost of a Bankruptcy Case?

While the amounts listed above represent typical starting fees, bankruptcy costs can vary depending on the complexity of the case.

Factors that may affect the total fee include:

  • The complexity of your financial situation
  • Whether you own one or more businesses
  • Whether your income is above the median income for your household size
  • The number of creditors involved in the case
  • The amount and type of assets involved
  • The need for additional legal planning or documentation

During your consultation, we will review your financial situation and provide a clear explanation of the expected costs for your specific case.

Payment Method

Attorney fees and bankruptcy-related costs cannot be paid using a credit card. Charging bankruptcy fees to a credit card immediately before filing may be considered bankruptcy fraud, because the debt could potentially be discharged in the case.

Additionally, our firm cannot be listed as a creditor in your bankruptcy case, which could occur if legal fees were charged to a credit card and then discharged.

For this reason, bankruptcy fees must be paid using approved payment methods such as cash, debit card, cashier’s check, or electronic bank transfer.

Additional Services and Costs

The base bankruptcy fees listed above cover the preparation and filing of your bankruptcy case and representation through the standard bankruptcy process. However, certain services may require additional legal work and may not be included in the initial fee agreement.

Examples of services that may involve additional fees can include, but are not limited to, matters such as adversary proceedings, lien avoidance motions, amendments to schedules or plans after filing, objections to motions or claims, or other issues that arise during the bankruptcy process that require additional legal representation.

For a full explanation of services that may or may not be included in the standard bankruptcy fee, please review the Rights and Responsibilities Agreement for your chapter of bankruptcy:

Schedule a Consultation

If you are considering bankruptcy and want to learn more about your options, contact our office today to schedule a consultation.
We offer both virtual and in-person meetings so you can receive the help you need in the way that works best for you.