Bankruptcy can feel like an overwhelming journey, but understanding the cost to file and the estimated bankruptcy attorney fees in Hawaii is the first step.
by:
Dave Te
,
February 13, 2025
Reviewed By:
,
February 13, 2025
Information in this article does not constitute legal advice, it is for informational purposes only, and may not constitute the most up-to-date information. Readers should contact their attorney for advice on any particular legal matter.
In 2025, the filing fees are $338 for Chapter 7 bankruptcy and $313 for Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
That said, you may be like many people in Hawaii who would like a bankruptcy attorney to file your case at a low cost with a payment plan or you may want to get that filing fee waived.
In that case, the cost would vary. To get the most accurate estimate, we built the free Hawaii bankruptcy attorney cost calculator that can give you an all-in estimated cost for exactly which city in Hawaii you live in.
The calculator is based on exhaustive research we did to give you an accurate estimate of how much those attorney fees can set you back in the the State of Hawaii. We spent ~$1,000 on PACER, a public records database that provides information on actual bankruptcy attorney fees.
What's the estimated range that a lawyer would charge for bankruptcy in Hawaii?
As of 2025, Chapter 7 attorney fees in Hawaii is estimated to be between $1,170 and $1,500, but we will cover how that works below. However, keep in mind that this is just an estimate.
If you want a more precise figure based on your specific location in Hawaii, we've got you covered with the free calculator above.
Now, let's talk about a term everyone's wondering: affordability.
You might be wondering how on earth can you afford the cost of bankruptcy in Hawaii when you're already struggling to pay your bills? Especially with interest rates and inflation still wreaking havoc in 2025. While many bankruptcy costs, like the filing fee and credit counseling courses, are pretty similar across the board, attorney fees can vary dramatically. Whether you're in Honolulu or East Honolulu, the range can change significantly.
This article is here to give you the breakdown on the estimated all-in costs of filing for bankruptcy in Hawaii. We are going to spend the most time on attorney fees as that's often your biggest expense.
How much does a lawyer charge for Chapter 7?
How much does a lawyer charge for Chapter 13?
How to reduce your bankruptcy costs
Miscellaneous costs and FAQs
Also, this article places a greater weight on Chapter 7, but if you are unsure which you are going to file, please consider reading our article Chapter 7 vs Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
Table of Contents
1. Actual Lawyer Costs By District In Hawaii
A variety of bankruptcy costs for different situations have already been covered in previous posts. When bankruptcy is taken into account, there are a few more elements that will affect the overall amount. A few of these might be the bankruptcy attorney's location, the intricacy of the case, and the degree of experience your lawyer has. Furthermore, location has a major role in determining what you might pay. We've created a piece below that will guide you through the procedure and explain costs specific to your area. Let's take a closer look at the actual expenses listed in the Pacer filing information.
Hawaii District
Covering a substantial area, the District of Hawaii includes major cities like Honolulu, Hilo, and Kailua. Operating within the Hawaii-Aleutian Time zone, this district spans 4 counties. It features a central courthouse in Honolulu and additional court facilities throughout the district, overseen by 3 active district judges and 2 magistrate judges. The diverse economic activities and dynamic communities in Hawaii's District contribute to the overall richness of the region.
For residents in proximity to these major areas within Hawaii's District, the expected bankruptcy filing cost can vary, often falling within a range from $1,302.00 to $2,605.00. 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.
2. Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Attorney Fees Hawaii
Did you know that Chapter 13 bankruptcy attorneys in Hawaii can charge around $3,000? However, the actual fee might vary depending on the district you're in. When it comes to Chapter 7 attorney fees, they can differ quite a bit. However, with Chapter 13, things are a bit more predictable. You see, there's something called "no-look fees" that determine a reasonable cost for the services provided. These fees help establish a standard rate that many attorneys follow. But wait, there's more! Even though the no-look fees cover most of the work involved in filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, some attorneys might charge an additional hourly rate for any extra work they do after the filing. So, it's always a good idea to check with your attorney about any potential charges beyond the initial fee. Bankruptcy can be a complex process, but understanding the fees involved can help you navigate it more smoothly. So, if you're considering filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Hawaii, make sure you're aware of the potential costs and how they may vary.
3. Bankruptcy Filing Costs
Bankruptcy filing costs are pretty much the same all over the United States, not just in Hawaii. There are a few other costs you should keep in mind if you're thinking about filing for bankruptcy.
Now, if you're going for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, the filing fee is $338. That's broken down into a $245 filing fee, a $78 administrative fee, and a $15 trustee surcharge.
If Chapter 13 bankruptcy seems more like the way to go, the filing fee is a bit lower at $313. That includes a $235 filing fee and a $78 administrative fee. And in other cases, you might even be able to get the fee waived altogether. Check out the Connecticut filing fee information here. It's worth a look if you're in a tight spot.
If you want more details about filing fees in Hawaii, you can check out the Hawaii filing fee information.
Hawaii Filing Fee Waiver Guidelines
If you're considering filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you might be eligible to have your filing fees waived if you fall below 150% of the poverty guidelines in Hawaii. Be sure to check out Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Hawaii Income Limit.
Mandatory Course Costs
When you're in a tough financial spot and decide to file for bankruptcy, there are a couple of courses you'll need to take. You can usually do them online from the comfort of your own home. These courses are designed to help you get a better handle on your finances and make more informed decisions in the future. On average, you can expect to pay somewhere between $10 and $50 for each course. It's not too bad considering the knowledge you'll gain. However, the courses need to be approved. Be sure to check the approved credit counseling courses and debtor education courses in Hawaii.
Miscellaneous Costs
If you've got a meeting of creditors coming up at the courthouse, it's important to know that you might have to shell out some cash for transportation to get there. On top of that, you might also have to cover the cost of a credit report for your attorney. Your attorney might be able to lend a hand with getting that credit report sorted. Let's talk numbers. You're probably wondering how much this whole transportation thing is gonna set you back.
We’ve made it easier for you to figure that out by hovering over to your district using this interactive map below showing the bankruptcy courthouse in Hawaii.
Will Inflation Affect the Cost To File Bankruptcy in Hawaii?
The filing fees for Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy have had a minor update. The Chapter 7 fee went up from $335 to $338, and the Chapter 13 fee went up from $310 to $313. But honestly, with such a small change, I wouldn't sweat it too much. It's not gonna hit your wallet too hard. But here's the deal: attorney fees might see a bit of inflation. Why? Well, inflation can make bankruptcy attorneys shell out more moolah to their employees. Plus, they gotta deal with the higher cost of living in places like East Honolulu, Pearl City, and all across Hawaii. So, you might see an increase in attorney fees. It's just something to keep in mind. It's not gonna break the bank.
Would My Bankruptcy Cost Be Higher in Honolulu Than Pearl City?
You know, living in a suburb in Hawaii can make you wonder about some things. Like, should you hire a local attorney or go for someone in a bigger city, like East Honolulu, to save on bankruptcy costs?
Honolulu has the highest population in all of Hawaii, with around 347,397 people. With so many folks around, you might think that the cost of bankruptcy attorney fees would be higher there compared to Pearl City.
While the cost may indeed be higher in Honolulu, there's also a good chance that there are more bankruptcy attorneys in the area. And when the competition heats up, prices can cool down. So, believe it or not, you might just find that the total cost to file bankruptcy, including attorney fees, could be much higher in your city than in Honolulu.
If you're curious to learn more about bankruptcy lawyer fees and how they work, I recommend checking out this article: Understanding Bankruptcy Lawyer Fees. It's always good to be informed before making any decisions, especially when it comes to something as important as your financial future.
Why Do Some Attorneys Charge Higher Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Fees?
Let's talk about the difference between Chapter 13 and Chapter 7 bankruptcy. In East Honolulu, you'll find that Chapter 13 bankruptcy attorneys usually charge the same amount. They've got this thing called a "no-look fee" in Pearl City, which means they charge a standard fee for their services. Simple enough, right? But hold on, because Chapter 7 bankruptcy is a whole different ball game.
When it comes to Chapter 7, attorney fees can vary like crazy. So, it's crucial to understand what you're paying for. Now, let's break down the factors that determine the cost of a bankruptcy lawyer:
First, the type of bankruptcy you're filing. Are you going for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13?
Next, the complexity of your case. Do you have any assets or not? This can affect the amount of work your attorney has to put in.
Then, your location. Are you in Honolulu or East Honolulu? Believe it or not, geography plays a role in the cost.
Don't forget about the level of attorney connection. Are they well-connected in the bankruptcy world?
And finally, the attorney's expertise. How many years of experience do they have under their belt?
Let's say you're making $10,000 above the median income for Hawaii, and you're dead set on filing for Chapter 7. Well, in that case, your attorney might have to do some extra digging. They'll need to analyze your expenses to see if you still qualify for Chapter 7, even though you're above the median income. And guess what? More attorney time means a higher cost for you.
If you're curious to learn more about bankruptcy lawyer fees and how they work, I recommend checking out this article: Understanding Bankruptcy Lawyer Fees. It's always good to be informed before making any decisions, especially when it comes to something as important as your financial future.
Conclusion
I hope this article has given you some useful insights into the costs of filing bankruptcy with a lawyer. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. And hey, if you want to get an estimate of the bankruptcy costs specific to Hawaii, you can use the free bankruptcy cost calculator below.
Bankruptcy can be a great way to get a fresh start when your debt has become unaffordable due to financial hardship. Bankruptcy is for those who have a strong desire to pay their bills, but may not have the ability to pay those bills.
Trying to figure out if you can meet all the requirements for a bankruptcy discharge can be a challenge, especially if you don’t know where to start. The Bankruptcy Means Test form was created to help you navigate through to see if you qualify to file for bankruptcy discharge. The means test will look at your income to determine if you can qualify.
Yes, you can file bankruptcy while unemployed with no job, but please note that your unemployment income does count as income for the bankruptcy means test.
