Bankruptcy can feel like an overwhelming journey, but understanding the cost to file and the estimated bankruptcy attorney fees in Wisconsin is the first step.
by:
Dave Te
,
February 14, 2025
Reviewed By:
,
February 14, 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, it'll set you back $338 for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy and $313 for a Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
That said, you may be like many people in Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin bankruptcy attorney cost calculator that can give you an all-in estimated cost for exactly which city in Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin. 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 Wisconsin?
As of 2025, Chapter 7 attorney fees in Wisconsin is estimated to be between $1,100 to $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 Wisconsin, 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 Wisconsin 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 Milwaukee or Madison, 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 Wisconsin. 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 Wisconsin
Although we have provided a range of bankruptcy attorneys' fees above, the exact price will depend on a few more factors. A few factors that affect the overall cost are the bankruptcy lawyer's location, the complexity of the case, the attorney-client relationship, and the expert's degree of knowledge. Given the significance of geography, let's examine the Wisconsin bankruptcy district map and the actual costs as shown by the Pacer filing data.
See the map below to determine which district you reside in, then scroll down to see actual legal fees.
Encompassing a significant expanse, the Eastern District of Wisconsin includes major urban centers like Milwaukee, Green Bay, and Racine. Operating within the Central Time zone, this district spans 28 counties. It features a central courthouse in Milwaukee and additional court facilities throughout the district, overseen by 6 active district judges and 3 magistrate judges. The diverse economic activities and vibrant communities in Wisconsin's Eastern District contribute to the overall richness of the region.
For residents in proximity to these major areas within Wisconsin's Eastern District, the expected bankruptcy filing cost can vary, often falling within a range from $1,452.00 to $1,812.00. It's crucial to keep 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.
Wisconsin Western District
Covering a substantial expanse, the Western District of Wisconsin includes major cities like Madison, La Crosse, and Eau Claire. Operating within the Central Time zone, this district spans 44 counties. It features a central courthouse in Madison and additional court facilities throughout the district, overseen by 3 active district judges and 2 magistrate judges. The varied economic activities and vibrant communities in Wisconsin's Western District contribute to the overall richness of the region.
For residents in proximity to these major areas within Wisconsin's Western District, the expected bankruptcy filing cost can vary, often falling within a range from $2,292.00 to $2,300.00. 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 Wisconsin
Chapter 13 bankruptcy attorneys in Wisconsin can charge around $4,500. Now, the actual fee might vary depending on the district you're in. While Chapter 7 attorney fees can differ quite a bit, Chapter 13 fees tend to be more similar. They are often based on something called "no-look fees," which are considered a fair cost for the services provided. However, it's worth noting that some attorneys may also charge an hourly rate for any extra work that needs to be done after filing for Chapter 13. So, it's always a good idea to check with your attorney about their specific fee structure.!
3. Bankruptcy Filing Costs
Bankruptcy filing costs in the United States are pretty much the same, no matter where you are. And that includes Wisconsin. There are some other costs you need to think about too. Let's dive in and find out what they are.
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.
If you're strapped for cash and can't afford the filing fee. There might be some options for you. You could pay the fee in installments or it could be waived altogether.
If you want more detailed information about the filing fee, you can check out the Wisconsin filing fee information. Just click here to find out more.
Wisconsin Filing Fee Waiver Guidelines
If you're considering filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Wisconsin, you might be able to get your filing fees waived if your income falls below 150% of the Wisconsin poverty guidelines. Be sure to check out Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Wisconsin Income Limit.
Mandatory Course Costs
When you're going through the process of filing for bankruptcy, there are a couple of courses you'll need to take in Wisconsin. First, there's a credit counseling course, which helps you understand your financial situation and explore alternatives to bankruptcy. Then, there's a debtor education course, which provides you with the tools and knowledge to manage your finances after bankruptcy. The good news is that you can often complete both of these courses online, making it convenient for you to fit them into your schedule. And the cost? Well, on average, you can expect to pay somewhere between $10 to $50 per course. It's important to note that these courses must be approved, so you'll want to make sure you're selecting from the list of approved Wisconsin credit counseling courses and debtor education courses.
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 bankruptcy courthouses in Wisconsin by district and looking up your nearest bankruptcy court.
Will Inflation Affect the Cost To File Bankruptcy in Wisconsin?
First things first, the Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing fee got a little update. It went from $335 to $338. And the Chapter 13 bankruptcy filing fee went from $310 to $313. Which is just a minor increase. So, I wouldn't sweat it too much. This slight bump shouldn't put a dent in your wallet. However, inflation can have a sneaky way of creeping into attorney fee costs. You see, as inflation kicks in, bankruptcy attorneys might find themselves shelling out more money to their employees. And let's not forget about the higher costs of living in cities like Madison or Green Bay, or even across the whole state of Wisconsin. All these factors could add up and result in some inflation-induced price hikes for attorney services. So, while the filing fee might not give you sleepless nights, keep an eye out for potential increases in attorney fees.
Would My Bankruptcy Cost Be Higher in Milwaukee Than in Green Bay?
Now, you might think that the cost of hiring a bankruptcy attorney in Milwaukee, the most populous city in Wisconsin with a population of 592,025 people, would be sky-high compared to a smaller city like Green Bay.
While it's true that the cost might be higher in Milwaukee, there's also a silver lining. The sheer number of bankruptcy attorneys in the city means there's fierce competition, leading to lower prices. So, believe it or not, filing bankruptcy in Milwaukee might end up being cheaper than in your city.
Most bankruptcy attorneys offer free consultations. You can get multiple perspectives without spending a dime. Our bankruptcy cost calculator below takes all these variables into account to give you an estimate of the all-in cost.
Why Do Some Attorneys Charge Higher Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Fees?
When it comes to Chapter 13 bankruptcy attorneys in Green Bay, things are a little different. They usually charge a fixed fee called a "no-look fee." It's like a standard fee that they charge for their services. So, you can expect the cost to be pretty similar no matter which attorney you choose.
When it comes to Chapter 7 bankruptcy attorneys, the fees can vary. And that's why it's important to understand what you're getting for the extra cost.
So, what factors determine the cost of a bankruptcy lawyer? Well, there are a few things to consider:
The type of bankruptcy you're filing. Are you going for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13?
The complexity of your case. Do you have any assets or is it a "no asset" case?
Your location. Are you in Milwaukee or Madison?
The lawyer's experience and connections. Are they well-established in the field?
The attorney's expertise. How many years have they been practicing?
Let me give you an example to make things clearer. Let's say you make $10,000 more than the median income in Wisconsin, and you want to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Well, in that case, the attorney may need to spend more time reviewing your expenses to see if you still qualify for Chapter 7, even though you're above the median income. And as you can imagine, more attorney time means a higher overall cost.
If you want to dive deeper into the world of bankruptcy lawyer fees, I recommend checking out this article: Understanding Bankruptcy Lawyer Fees. It'll give you a more detailed look at what to expect and help you make an informed decision.
Conclusion
I hope this article has given you some helpful info to understand the all-in costs of filing for bankruptcy with a lawyer. But hey, if you still have questions, don't hesitate to reach out. And if you wanna get a quick estimate of the costs specific to Wisconsin, check out the free Wisconsin 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.
