Cost to File Bankruptcy in Illinois (2024)

1. Actual Lawyer Costs By District In Illinois

While we have shown a range of bankruptcy attorneys' fees above, there are a few more elements that will determine the final cost. The location of the bankruptcy lawyer, the intricacy of the case, the attorney-client dynamic, and the level of expertise of the expert are some of the variables that influence the total cost. But since the location is so crucial, let's look at the true expenses as shown by the data from Pacer filings and the Illinois bankruptcy district map.

See the map below to determine which district you reside in, then scroll down to see actual legal fees.

Illinois Northern District

Encompassing a substantial expanse, the Northern District of Illinois includes major urban centers like Chicago, Rockford, and Aurora. Operating within the central time zone, this district comprises 18 counties. It features a central courthouse in Chicago and additional court facilities throughout the district, overseen by 14 active district judges and 8 magistrate judges. The diverse economic activities and vibrant communities in the Northern District contribute to the overall richness of the region.

For residents in proximity to these major areas within Illinois's Northern District, the expected bankruptcy filing cost can vary, often falling within a range from $1,500.00 to $1,788.00. It's crucial to bear in mind that this is an estimate, and actual expenses may fluctuate based on factors such as your financial situation and the choice of legal representation.

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Illinois Central District

Covering a substantial expanse, the Central District of Illinois includes major urban centers like Springfield, Peoria, and Champaign. Operating within the central time zone, this district comprises 46 counties. It features a central courthouse in Springfield and additional court facilities throughout the district, overseen by 7 active district judges and 4 magistrate judges. The diverse economic activities and vibrant communities in the Central District contribute to the overall richness of the region.

For residents in proximity to these major areas within Illinois's Central District, the expected bankruptcy filing cost can vary, often falling within a range from $950.00 to $1,1,50.00. It's crucial to bear in mind that this is an estimate, and actual expenses may fluctuate based on factors such as your financial situation and the choice of legal representation.

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Illinois Southern District

Covering a substantial expanse, the Southern District of Illinois includes major urban centers like Carbondale, Belleville, and East St. Louis. Operating within the central time zone, this district comprises 39 counties. It features a central courthouse in East St. Louis and additional court facilities throughout the district, overseen by 7 active district judges and 3 magistrate judges. The diverse economic activities and vibrant communities in the Southern District contribute to the overall richness of the region.

For residents in proximity to these major areas within Illinois's Southern District, the expected bankruptcy filing cost can vary, often falling within a range from $800.00 to $1,137.00. It's crucial to bear in mind that this is an estimate, and actual expenses may fluctuate based on factors such as your financial situation and the choice of legal representation.

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2. Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Attorney Fees Illinois

Chapter 13 bankruptcy attorneys in Illinois can charge anywhere between $3500 to $3800. The actual fee may vary depending on the district you're in. Now, when it comes to Chapter 7 attorney fees, they differ quite a bit. However, Chapter 13 fees tend to be more consistent. This is because many attorneys follow "no-look fees," which are considered a fair and reasonable cost for the services provided. But here's something to remember: even with a no-look fee, it's still worth checking if the attorney charges an hourly rate for any additional work that may come up after you file for Chapter 13. So, it's always good to know all the potential costs involved.

3. Bankruptcy Filing Costs

Bankruptcy filing costs aren’t different in Illinois than other parts of the United States. So, if you're considering taking the plunge, there are a few other expenses. 

Bankruptcy Filing Fees

If you're considering filing for bankruptcy in the US, you should know a couple of things. First off, there's this thing called a fee schedule. It tells you how much you'll have to pay to file for bankruptcy in a US Courthouse. You can find this fee schedule on their website.

Now, let's talk about the different types of bankruptcy. There's Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. If you're going for Chapter 7, you must pay $338. That includes a $245 filing fee, a $78 administrative fee, and a $15 trustee surcharge. On the other hand, if you opt for Chapter 13, the filing fee will be $313, comprising a $235 filing fee and a $78 administrative fee.

What if you can't afford to pay the filing fee? Well, don't worry just yet. There are a couple of options for you. You might be able to pay the fee in installments, meaning you can break it down into smaller, more manageable payments. Or, if you're struggling financially, you might even be able to get the fee waived altogether. 

Illinois Filing Fee Waiver Guidelines

If you're considering filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, it’s important to check out Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Illinois income limits. You might be eligible to waive your filing fees if your income exceeds 150% of the Illinois poverty guidelines. Let me break it down for you. For instance, let's look at the poverty guidelines for cases filed within Illinois in 2022. These guidelines determine the income threshold for different household sizes. Check out the table below: - If you're single, your income should be below $13,590. - For a household of two, the income limit is $18,310. - If three people are in your household, the income should be less than $23,030. - For a family of four, the limit is $27,750. - The income should be below $32,470 if you have five people. - For six people, the limit is $37,190. - The income should be less than $41,910 if you have seven people. - For a family of eight, the limit is $46,630. - The income should be below $51,350 if there are nine people. And here's an important note: if your household has more than nine individuals, you can add $4,720 for each additional person. So, if your income falls below these thresholds, you may be eligible to have your Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing fees waived. It's worth exploring if you're in a tough financial spot.

Mandatory Course Costs

When you're in a tight financial spot and decide to file for bankruptcy, you need to take a couple of essential steps. One of those steps is completing an approved credit counseling course, which Illinois law requires. But don't worry; you can often do this course online from your home. Now, here's the deal. The average cost for these credit counseling courses is usually between $10 and $50 per course. Considering the valuable information you'll gain from it, it's not too bad. 

You will also need to complete an approved debtor education course. The U.S. Department of Justice should also have the cost associated with credit counseling and debt education courses in Illinois so you can plan and budget accordingly.

Miscellaneous Costs

One required step when filing for bankruptcy is attending a meeting of creditors at the courthouse. So it's essential to be prepared. One thing you might be wondering about is the cost involved. First, let's talk about transportation. Getting to the courthouse might not be as simple as just walking over. Depending on where you live, you might have to pay for transportation. If you're driving, it could be a bus fare, a train ticket, or even gas money. The exact cost will vary depending on your location and travel distance. Researching and estimating how much it might set you back is a good idea.

We’ve made it easier for you to figure that out by hovering over your district, using this interactive map below showing bankruptcy courthouses in Illinois by district, and looking up your nearest bankruptcy court.

Now, onto the credit report. When it comes to bankruptcy, clearly understanding your financial situation is crucial. Your attorney might ask you to provide a credit report. That document shows your credit history and helps them assess your financial standing. Usually, you have to pay for a credit report, but here's the silver lining - your attorney might assist you with getting one. They might have access to resources or be able to guide you through the process, potentially saving you some money. So, while there might be some costs involved in attending the meeting of creditors, it's important to remember that seeking legal advice and taking the necessary steps towards financial recovery can have long-term benefits. It's all about finding the right balance and making informed decisions. 

Will Inflation Affect the Cost To File Bankruptcy in Illinois?

There's been some talk about whether inflation will impact attorney fees in the coming years. With inflation projected to calm down in 2024, people wonder if attorney fees might rise as much. Let's dive into this topic and explore how inflation could affect Illinois filing fees and attorney costs. First, let's talk about the filing fee for bankruptcy cases. As of December 1st, 2020, the Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing fee was increased from $335 to $338, while the Chapter 13 bankruptcy filing fee went up from $310 to $313. Now, these changes are minor, so I don't expect them to have a significant negative impact on you. However, things are different when it comes to attorney fees. Inflation can pressure bankruptcy attorneys to pay their employees more and deal with higher living costs. This could be especially true in Aurora, Naperville, and Illinois. So, there might be some inflation-related increase in attorney fees. It's important to remember that while inflation can affect attorney fees, it's not the only factor at play. Other factors like market demand, competition, and individual attorney policies also come into play when determining fees. So, it's a complex situation with various factors influencing the costs. All in all, while the filing fee changes are quite minimal, there might be some inflation-driven impact on attorney fees. It's always a good idea to stay informed and discuss fees with your attorney to understand how they might be affected.

Would My Bankruptcy Cost Be Higher in Chicago Than Naperville?

You live in a suburb in Illinois, and you're debating whether to hire a local attorney or hire someone in a bigger city like Aurora to save on bankruptcy costs.

Now, Chicago, with its whopping population of 2,705,994, might make you think that bankruptcy attorney fees there would be sky-high compared to places like Naperville.

But here's the twist: while the cost may be higher in Chicago, the sheer number of bankruptcy attorneys creates fierce competition. And when competition gets tough, prices tend to drop. So, believe it or not, you might pay more to file for bankruptcy in your city than in Chicago.

Most bankruptcy attorneys offer free consultations. That means you can gather multiple perspectives without spending a dime. Our bankruptcy cost calculator below considers all these variables to give you a comprehensive estimate of the total cost. 

Why Do Some Attorneys Charge Higher Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Fees? 

Comparing prices for bankruptcy attorneys in Aurora can be a real eye-opener. The costs can vary quite a bit between attorneys. 

Now, here's the deal. When it comes to Chapter 13 bankruptcy attorneys in Naperville, they tend to charge the same amount. Why? They have a "no-look fee" (sounds fancy, right?). It's a set fee for the services they provide. So, no matter which attorney you choose, you'll pay the same amount. It's as simple as that.

With Chapter 7 bankruptcy attorneys. The fee for these guys can vary quite a bit. So, it's essential to understand what you're getting for that extra cost.

Now, let's break it down. The cost of a bankruptcy lawyer is usually based on a few factors. First, there's the type of bankruptcy you're filing. Are you going for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13? Then, your case is complex. Is it a "no asset" or an "asset" case? Your location also plays a role. Are you in Chicago or Aurora? And let's not forget about the level of attorney connection and expertise. How experienced is the attorney? All of these things can affect the cost.

Let me give you an example to make things more transparent. Imagine you're making $10,000 more than the median income for Illinois, and you still want to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. In that case, the attorney might have to spend extra time going through your expenses to see if you qualify. Being above the median income complicates things a bit. And when the attorney spends more time on your case, you can expect the overall cost to increase.

So, if you want to explore this topic further and learn more about bankruptcy lawyer fees, I've got a great article for you: Understanding Bankruptcy Lawyer Fees.

Conclusion

To sum up, the cost of bankruptcy largely depends on where you live and the type of bankruptcy you file.

The most significant factor that affects the total cost is the attorney fee. For a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you're looking at a range of $1075 to $2000. On the other hand, if you're filing for a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, be prepared to shell out around $3500 to $3800. It's important to note that these figures may vary depending on your circumstances, so keep that in mind.

I hope this article has shed some light on the all-in costs of filing bankruptcy with a bankruptcy lawyer in Illinois. If you still have questions swirling around in your head, don't hesitate to reach out. And hey, if you want to get an estimate tailored to your situation, give the free Illinois bankruptcy cost calculator below a try.