How Much Does It Cost to File Bankruptcy in Arizona? Complete 2026 Guide

Filing bankruptcy in Arizona involves several costs that vary depending on which chapter you choose and whether you hire an attorney. Understanding these expenses upfront helps you plan your fresh financial start without surprises.

Key Takeaway

Filing bankruptcy in Arizona costs between $338-$5,000+ depending on your situation. Chapter 7 typically costs $338 in court fees plus $1,000-$2,500 in attorney fees (total $1,338-$2,838). Chapter 13 costs $313 in court fees plus $3,000-$5,000 in attorney fees (total $3,313-$5,313). Fee waivers and payment plans are available for qualifying low-income filers.

Court Filing Fees (Mandatory)

The United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Arizona charges standardized filing fees set by federal law under 28 U.S.C. § 1930.

Chapter 7 Filing Fees

| Fee Type | Amount | |----------|--------| | Filing Fee | $338 | | Credit Counseling (pre-filing) | $25-$50 | | Financial Management Course | $15-$35 | | Total Mandatory Costs | $378-$423 |

Chapter 13 Filing Fees

| Fee Type | Amount | |----------|--------| | Filing Fee | $313 | | Credit Counseling (pre-filing) | $25-$50 | | Financial Management Course | $15-$35 | | Total Mandatory Costs | $353-$398 |

Fee Waiver Eligibility

You may qualify for a filing fee waiver if:

Your household income is below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines
You cannot afford the fee in installments over 120 days
You provide documentation of financial hardship

2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines (150%) for Arizona:

1 person: $22,590
2 people: $30,660
3 people: $38,730
4 people: $46,800
Add $8,070 for each additional person

Apply for a fee waiver using Form 103B when filing your petition.

Attorney Fees in Arizona

While you can file bankruptcy pro se (without an attorney), the success rate is significantly lower. An experienced Arizona bankruptcy attorney ensures proper exemption claiming, accurate schedules, and representation at the 341 meeting.

Chapter 7 Attorney Fees

Typical Range: $1,000 - $2,500

What affects Chapter 7 attorney costs:

Complexity of your case
Number of creditors
Asset volume and types
Business ownership
Previous bankruptcy filings
Urgency (emergency filings cost more)

What's typically included:

Initial consultation and case evaluation
Preparation and filing of bankruptcy petition
Representation at the 341 Meeting of Creditors
Responding to trustee requests
Basic creditor communication

Additional costs that may apply:

Reaffirmation agreements: $200-$400 each
Motion to avoid judicial liens: $300-$600
Adversary proceedings: $2,000-$5,000+

Chapter 13 Attorney Fees

Typical Range: $3,000 - $5,000

Chapter 13 cases require significantly more attorney work over 3-5 years, including:

Drafting a feasible repayment plan
Negotiating with creditors
Annual plan modifications
Court appearances for plan confirmation
Handling trustee objections
Managing mortgage and vehicle cramdowns

Arizona Standard Chapter 13 Fee Guidelines:

Many Arizona bankruptcy courts have established "no look" fee amounts
These are presumptively reasonable fees that don't require court approval
Check with your local Arizona bankruptcy court for current standards

How Arizona Attorneys Structure Fees

Flat Fee: Most common for consumer bankruptcy

Single upfront payment (or payment plan)
Covers standard case through discharge
Clear expectations on both sides

Payment Plans: Many attorneys offer installment options

Typical structure: 50% before filing, 50% in monthly payments
Chapter 13: Often $0 down + payments through the plan
Some require full payment before filing Chapter 7

Hourly Billing: Less common for consumer cases

Usually reserved for complex business bankruptcies
Rates typically $200-$400/hour in Arizona

Credit Counseling and Education Course Costs

Federal law requires two financial education courses, which must be completed through approved providers.

Pre-Filing Credit Counseling

Cost: $25 - $50 When: Within 180 days before filing Providers: Approved by U.S. Trustee Program Format: Online, phone, or in-person Certificate: Must file with your bankruptcy petition

Post-Filing Financial Management Course

Cost: $15 - $35 When: After filing, before discharge Providers: Same approved agencies Certificate: Must file to receive discharge

Fee Waivers for Courses

Most approved agencies offer fee waivers or reduced fees based on income:

Provide proof of income below state median
Show receipt of government assistance
Demonstrate financial hardship

Additional Costs to Consider

Credit Reports

Cost: $0 - $50

You're entitled to one free credit report annually from each bureau
Many attorneys include credit report review in their services
Comprehensive 3-bureau reports cost $30-$50

Document Copies and Notarization

Cost: $25 - $100

Copying tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements
Notarization of required documents
Some attorneys include this in their flat fee

Transportation and Time Off Work

Hidden costs to budget:

Travel to attorney consultations
Time off for 341 Meeting of Creditors (typically 30-60 minutes)
Parking at bankruptcy court or attorney office

Lost Asset Value (Chapter 7 Only)

Potential cost: Variable

If you have non-exempt assets, the trustee may sell them
Arizona exemptions protect most filers' property
Work with an attorney to maximize exemption claims

Total Cost Comparison: Chapter 7 vs Chapter 13

Chapter 7 Total Costs

| Component | Low Estimate | High Estimate | |-----------|--------------|---------------| | Court Filing Fee | $338 | $338 | | Credit Counseling | $25 | $50 | | Financial Management | $15 | $35 | | Attorney Fees | $1,000 | $2,500 | | Miscellaneous | $50 | $150 | | TOTAL | $1,428 | $3,073 |

Typical Chapter 7 Total: $1,500 - $2,500

Chapter 13 Total Costs

| Component | Low Estimate | High Estimate | |-----------|--------------|---------------| | Court Filing Fee | $313 | $313 | | Credit Counseling | $25 | $50 | | Financial Management | $15 | $35 | | Attorney Fees | $3,000 | $5,000 | | Miscellaneous | $100 | $250 | | TOTAL | $3,453 | $5,648 |

Typical Chapter 13 Total: $3,500 - $5,000

Ways to Reduce Bankruptcy Costs in Arizona

1. Fee Waivers

Apply for court filing fee waivers if your income qualifies (under 150% of federal poverty guidelines).

2. Reduced-Fee Credit Counseling

Request fee waivers from approved credit counseling agencies. Most will accommodate low-income filers.

3. Legal Aid and Pro Bono Services

Arizona Resources:

Community Legal Services (Phoenix/Tucson): Free for qualifying individuals
Arizona Bar Foundation: Pro bono attorney matching
Law school clinics: Reduced-fee services

4. Attorney Payment Plans

Most Arizona bankruptcy attorneys offer payment plans:

Spread attorney fees over 3-6 months
Chapter 13: Attorney fees often paid through the plan
Shop around—payment plan terms vary significantly

5. Pro Se Filing (DIY)

Cost: $378-$423 (court fees and courses only)

Consider DIY only if:

You have no assets beyond exemptions
Your income is clearly below the means test
You have no complex debts (taxes, student loans, fraud claims)
You're comfortable with legal paperwork

Warning: Pro se filers have much lower success rates. Mistakes can cost far more than attorney fees in lost assets or dismissed cases.

Is Bankruptcy Worth the Cost?

Return on Investment Analysis

Example scenario: $40,000 in dischargeable credit card and medical debt

| Cost Factor | Amount | |-------------|--------| | Attorney fees (Chapter 7) | $1,800 | | Court fees and courses | $400 | | Total Investment | $2,200 | | Debt Discharged | $40,000 | | Net Benefit | $37,800 |

ROI: 1,718% return on the cost of filing

Non-Financial Benefits

Automatic stay stops wage garnishment immediately
Stop creditor harassment — no more collection calls
Fresh start — rebuild credit sooner than you might think
Stress relief — end the cycle of minimum payments
Asset protection — keep your home, car, and retirement

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I include attorney fees in my bankruptcy?

Chapter 7: Attorney fees must be paid before filing. You cannot discharge attorney fees for your own bankruptcy case in Chapter 7.

Chapter 13: Attorney fees are typically paid through your repayment plan, making them more manageable over 3-5 years.

What happens if I can't afford the filing fee?

Apply for a fee waiver using Form 103B when you file your petition. If denied, you can pay the filing fee in up to four installments over 120 days using Form 103A.

Do all attorneys charge the same fees?

No. Attorney fees vary based on:

Experience and specialization
Case complexity
Geographic location (Phoenix metro may cost more than rural Arizona)
What's included in the representation

Get quotes from 2-3 attorneys before deciding.

Are there free bankruptcy attorneys in Arizona?

Legal aid organizations provide free or reduced-fee services for qualifying low-income individuals:

Community Legal Services (income limits apply)
Volunteer Legal Program through the State Bar of Arizona
Law school clinics at ASU and University of Arizona

Can I pay my bankruptcy attorney with a credit card?

Generally no. Paying attorney fees with a credit card shortly before filing may be considered a preferential transfer or even fraud. Most attorneys require cash, check, or money order. Some accept debit cards.

What's included in a typical flat fee?

Standard flat fees usually include:

Initial consultation
Petition preparation and filing
341 Meeting of Creditors representation
Basic correspondence with the trustee

Not typically included:

Reaffirmation agreements
Motions to avoid liens
Adversary proceedings
Appeals
Conversions to other chapters

Always ask your attorney what's included and what costs extra.

How much does it cost to convert from Chapter 7 to Chapter 13?

Conversion fee: $0 (no additional court fee) Attorney fee: $500-$1,500 additional (varies by attorney and complexity)

Your original Chapter 7 attorney fees don't cover the conversion process.

Are there ongoing costs after filing Chapter 13?

Yes. Your Chapter 13 plan payment includes:

Monthly trustee fee (percentage of payment, typically 3-10%)
Ongoing attorney fees (if not paid upfront)
Payments to secured creditors
Payments to priority creditors

These are part of your consolidated plan payment, not separate bills.

Does the trustee charge a fee?

Chapter 7: The trustee receives a percentage of any assets distributed to creditors (up to 25% of the first $5,000, sliding scale thereafter). If you have no non-exempt assets, the trustee receives nothing from you directly.

Chapter 13: The trustee charges a fee of approximately 3-10% of each plan payment. This is deducted automatically from your payment before distribution to creditors.

Can tax refunds be taken in bankruptcy?

Chapter 7: Tax refunds may be considered part of your bankruptcy estate. If not exempt, the trustee can take them to pay creditors. Plan your filing date carefully with your attorney.

Chapter 13: Tax refunds typically must be turned over to the trustee during your plan period unless you can demonstrate necessity for living expenses.

Arizona-Specific Cost Considerations

County Variations

While federal law governs bankruptcy fees, local practices vary across Arizona:

Maricopa County (Phoenix):

Higher attorney fees due to cost of living
More attorney options and competition
341 meetings held at federal courthouse

Pima County (Tucson):

Slightly lower attorney fees than Phoenix
341 meetings at Evo A. DeConcini U.S. Courthouse

Rural Counties:

May have fewer attorney options
Some attorneys practice in multiple counties
May require travel to nearest bankruptcy court

Arizona Exemptions Save You Money

Arizona's generous exemption laws often save filers thousands by protecting assets that would be lost in other states:

$250,000 homestead exemption — protect your home equity
$15,000 vehicle exemption — keep your car
Full retirement account protection — 401(k), IRA protected completely
$15,000 household goods exemption — keep your possessions

These exemptions mean fewer Chapter 7 cases involve asset liquidation, reducing overall costs and stress.

Getting Started: Budgeting for Bankruptcy

Step 1: Calculate Your Total Costs

Based on your situation:

Which chapter fits your needs?
Do you qualify for fee waivers?
What can you afford for attorney fees?

Step 2: Stop Paying Unsecured Debts

Once you've decided to file, stop paying credit cards and medical bills. Redirect that money toward your bankruptcy costs.

Important: Continue paying secured debts (mortgage, car loan) if you want to keep those assets.

Step 3: Gather Funds

Typical timeline to save:

Chapter 7: 2-4 months of redirected debt payments
Chapter 13: Often $0 down options available

Step 4: Schedule Consultations

Most Arizona bankruptcy attorneys offer free initial consultations. Meet with 2-3 attorneys to:

Compare fees and payment plans
Assess their experience and communication style
Understand what's included in their services

Step 5: File and Begin Your Fresh Start

With costs budgeted and an attorney selected, file your case and stop creditor harassment immediately through the automatic stay.

Conclusion: Bankruptcy Is an Investment in Your Future

While bankruptcy filing costs in Arizona range from $1,400 to $5,600 depending on your situation, the return on investment is typically enormous. Discharging tens of thousands of dollars in debt for a few thousand dollars in costs provides both immediate relief and long-term financial freedom.

The key is working with an experienced Arizona bankruptcy attorney who can:

Maximize your exemptions to protect assets
Recommend the right chapter for your situation
Ensure proper filing to avoid dismissal
Represent you effectively through the process

Don't let filing costs deter you from seeking the fresh start you deserve. Most attorneys offer payment plans, and the relief from overwhelming debt is worth the investment.

Attorney Advertising. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Bankruptcy costs vary based on individual circumstances. Consult with a licensed Arizona bankruptcy attorney for personalized guidance on your specific situation. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.