Hourly rates for bankruptcy attorneys range from $200-$300. In total, customers spend an average of $999-$1,183 for their services. But because lawyers have different fee structures, you should always ask for an estimate from several bankruptcy attorneys in your area before hiring one.

You’ll need to conduct a little bit of research to find the best bankruptcy lawyer for your situation. Start by pulling up a list of attorneys near you. Identify a few lawyers who have high ratings, mostly positive customer reviews and the required credentials in your state.

Once you have a list of three to five potential attorneys you can hire, figure out how much they charge. Ask for a free cost estimate (what are their hourly rates?) and ask them to explain their fee schedule. Choose an attorney with a solid track record and reputation, fair pricing and the right credentials.

Lawyers typically charge for their time (typically a hourly rate) regardless of whether they win a case. Sometimes, the losing party is ordered to pay the other party’s lawyer fees on top of their own. Some lawyers also work on contingency, meaning they will take a percentage of the awarded amount only if they successfully win the case. 

Before hiring a lawyer, make sure you understand their fee structure.

It’s possible to file bankruptcy without a lawyer’s help (which is called “filing pro se”) — but consider the pros and cons before you do. The Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts strongly recommends you get advice from an attorney because of the “long-term financial and legal outcomes.”

You can find bankruptcy attorneys near you on Thumbtack. Start searching and comparing potential lawyers to hire.

A bankruptcy attorney helps individuals and corporations navigate the legal and court process of going through bankruptcy. They’ll explain the process to you, help you fill out forms, advise you on which chapter you should file under and more.