By John G. Merna, Esq. | Last Reviewed: June 2026 | The Merna Law Group, P.C.

Cost is one of the most practical questions clients ask at initial consultations, and the honest answer involves several components. Here is a complete breakdown of what it costs to file bankruptcy in Virginia.

Court Filing Fees — Set by Federal Law

The court filing fee is set by Congress and is the same at every firm and in every Virginia jurisdiction:

• Chapter 7: $338
• Chapter 13: $313

These fees are paid to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court when the petition is filed. If you cannot afford the fee, you can apply for a fee waiver (Chapter 7 only, if your income is below 150% of the federal poverty guideline) or request to pay the fee in installments.

Credit Counseling and Debtor Education Fees

Federal law requires two courses as part of the bankruptcy process:

• Pre-filing credit counseling: Required before you file. Available online, typically costs $10–25. Must be completed within 180 days before filing.
• Post-filing debtor education: Required before discharge. Available online, typically costs $10–25.

Merna Law provides clients with a list of court-approved providers for both courses. Fee waivers are available from many providers if you meet income requirements.

Attorney Fees

Attorney fees for bankruptcy vary by firm, the complexity of your case, and the chapter you file. In Virginia, Chapter 7 attorney fees at Merna Law are structured to be affordable, and Chapter 13 fees are set under court guidelines and can often be paid through the repayment plan itself — meaning you may not need to pay attorney fees in full before your case is filed.

For a specific fee quote for your situation, call us at 1-800-662-8813 or schedule a free consultation. We will give you an exact number, not a range, based on your specific case.

Payment Plans at Merna Law

We understand that if you could easily afford large upfront fees, you might not need bankruptcy. Merna Law offers flexible, no-interest payment plans to make the process accessible. In many Chapter 13 cases, attorney fees can be built into the plan payment, meaning you pay as you go rather than all at once.

What Does Bankruptcy Cost Compared to the Alternative?

It is worth comparing the cost of bankruptcy to what continued non-payment actually costs. If a creditor is garnishing 25% of your paycheck each week, the amount you lose in a single month may exceed the total cost of filing Chapter 7. If your home is at risk of foreclosure, the cost of losing the home — in terms of lost equity, moving costs, credit damage, and the cost of future housing — almost always exceeds the cost of a Chapter 13 filing that saves it.

A free consultation at Merna Law costs nothing and will tell you exactly what filing would cost, what it would eliminate, and how that compares to your current situation.

Last reviewed by John G. Merna, Esq. | June 2026 | The Merna Law Group, P.C. is a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code.