How Much Does a Bankruptcy Attorney Cost? Is It Worth It?

The cost of hiring a bankruptcy attorney can be far less than the cost of going without.

Bankruptcy Attorney Cost: In Wyoming, most Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 cases handled by an attorney fall in the $2,000–$4,000 range before court filing fees, credit/asset report fees, and the required credit counseling and debtor-education courses. The exact price depends on your situation—individual vs. joint filing, Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13, and what services are included.

Bottom line: A good lawyer often pays for themselves by protecting assets, preventing mistakes, and reducing stress you don’t need.

Why representation matters: a real example

At a recent trustee meeting, a woman who filed on her own found out the $1,800 in her checking account wasn’t “income” the way she thought—it counted as an asset. The trustee explained that money belonged to the bankruptcy estate, so she’d have to turn it over. She was shocked; she’d kept that money to cover essentials. If she had used that same $1,800 to hire a lawyer, she likely wouldn’t be out any more money—and she’d have had someone to prepare her, explain the rules, and help her avoid that surprise. This kind of mix-up is common, and it’s preventable.

What drives the cost

• Chapter type:

  • Chapter 7 is usually simpler and less expensive.

  • Chapter 13 involves a 3–5 year repayment plan, extra paperwork, and ongoing work—so fees are higher.

• Individual vs. joint filing:Filing with a spouse can add complexity, but marriage does not require both spouses to file. Strategy matters.

• What’s included:Some firms bundle only pre-filing work; others include the §341 meeting, communications with the trustee, exemption strategy, and post-discharge guidance.

• Case complexity:Business ownership, recent transfers, tax debt, lawsuits, or wage garnishments can increase the time and skill required.

Typical price range in Wyoming: $2,000–$4,000 for attorney fees, plus court filing fees, credit/asset report fees, and mandatory courses.

What you actually get for that fee

1) Asset protection through smart exemptions: Wyoming (and federal) exemption rules can be powerful—but only if used correctly. An attorney helps match your property to the right exemptions, time your filing, and avoid actions that might cost you cash, cars, or tax refunds.

2) Clean paperwork and fewer headaches: Bankruptcy forms are long and technical. Errors can delay a discharge, trigger audits, or put assets at risk. A lawyer gathers, verifies, and files everything correctly—the first time.

3) Strategy that fits real life: An attorney looks at income, expenses, recent spending, bank balances, and goals (keep a car, protect a tax refund, stop a lawsuit) to help you choose Chapter 7 vs. 13, whether to file now or later, and whether to file individually or jointly.

4) Protection from creditor mistakes: Once the case is filed, the automatic stay stops most collections. If a creditor keeps calling, attempts a garnishment, or violates the stay, a lawyer handles it fast.

5) A guide at the trustee meeting: The §341 meeting can be intimidating. Your lawyer prepares you, attends with you, and answers the trustee’s questions the right way.

6) Clear plan for rebuilding credit: A good bankruptcy doesn’t end at discharge. Expect advice on credit rebuilding, budgeting, and avoiding the traps that caused problems in the first place.

“I can’t afford a lawyer. What now?”

Many people who need bankruptcy most feel least able to pay for it. Attorneys know this—and there are practical, ethical ways to make it work:

• Step-by-step budgeting for the short term (for example, redirecting payments that bankruptcy will discharge anyway).

• Transparent payment plans before filing, when appropriate.

• Bifurcated representation (two stages):In some cases, the work is split into (1) getting the petition prepared and filed for one fee, then (2) a second, separate fee for representing you through the §341 meeting and beyond. This structure can help people get protected sooner while keeping payments manageable.

• Fee-inclusive Chapter 13:In many Chapter 13 cases, part of the attorney fee can be paid through the plan over time.

If cost is a concern, ask. A short consultation can uncover options most people don’t realize they have.

DIY vs. hiring a lawyer: the quiet costs of “saving money”

Representing yourself looks cheaper—until it isn’t.

• Mislabeling assets vs. income, claiming the wrong exemptions, or filing at the wrong time can cost far more than a fee.

• Omitting a creditor or missing a deadline can delay or jeopardize your discharge.

• Trustees and courts cannot give legal advice; their role is to administer the case, not to help you represent yourself.

The question isn’t “What does a lawyer cost?” but “What could a mistake cost?”

What’s usually included (and what to ask)

Every firm’s scope is a little different. Consider asking:

• Does the quoted fee cover: petition prep, filing, credit report review, exemption strategy, communications with the trustee, and the §341 meeting?

• If the case becomes more complex (e.g., reaffirming a car loan, objecting to a claim, amending forms), how are extra costs handled?

• Do you offer payment plans or bifurcated representation?

• For Chapter 13, what portion of the fee is paid through the plan?

Clear answers up front remove surprises later.

Frequently asked questions

Do both spouses have to file if we’re married? No. Sometimes only one spouse files, depending on debts, income, and asset protection strategy.

Will hiring a lawyer make my case “look worse”? No. Courts expect most people to have counsel. It generally makes your case cleaner and faster.

Is bankruptcy the end of my credit? Not at all. Many filers see credit scores improve within a year after discharge with the right rebuild plan.

How fast can this stop collections? In most cases, immediately upon filing, thanks to the automatic stay. Timing and eligibility matter, which is why it helps to talk to a lawyer early.

Key takeaways

• In Wyoming, attorney fees commonly run $2,000–$4,000, plus court costs and other fees.

• A lawyer helps protect assets, prevent mistakes, and reduce stress, often saving more than they cost.

• If paying feels impossible, ask about options like payment plans, bifurcated representation, or Chapter 13 structures.

• The earlier you speak with an attorney, the more options you have.

This article is general information, not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney–client relationship. For advice about your specific situation, schedule a consultation.