Home Blog Lawyer for Bankruptcy

Lawyer for Bankruptcy

This page explains what a lawyer for bankruptcy does, what to look for when hiring one, and how much they charge based on ContractsCounsel's pricing data.

Jump to Section

Quick Facts — Reaffirmation Agreement Lawyers

A lawyer for bankruptcy is an attorney who advises clients about bankruptcy, drafting their legal documents and appearing on their behalf in court. A bankruptcy lawyer must have a law degree and must usually be admitted to practice in the state where they conduct business.

A lawyer can serve as your navigator through the bankruptcy procedure and guidance on issues like:

  • To file for bankruptcy or not
  • Which bankruptcy filing type to use
  • How to file for bankruptcy
  • Which court forms need to be filled out?
  • Which debts are eligible for reduction or elimination?
  • Whether or not you'll be allowed to keep your house, car, etc., once the bankruptcy process is through

What Does A Bankruptcy Lawyer Do?

Making important decisions throughout the complicated bankruptcy process, from before you file until your debts are dismissed, and the case is over, is something you must do. A bankruptcy lawyer can advise you on the bankruptcy process and whether it is appropriate for you at the onset. They assist you in critically evaluating your debts and assets, so you can decide whether filing for bankruptcy is the best course of action for you or whether it would be wiser to look for alternative ways to better your situation. If most of your debts, like student loans, are not dischargeable in bankruptcy, an attorney can help you determine if filing for bankruptcy would be in your best interests.

What to expect if you hire a bankruptcy attorney is as follows:

  • A formal contract in writing between you and the attorney. The agreement will probably include a summary of the bankruptcy lawyer's representation of you.
  • A description of the terms of payment. For example, would the attorney charge hourly or flat-rate fees? What will the costs be?
  • Ongoing conversations. You'll discuss the way the lawyer is handling your case.
  • A consensus. You will decide on the procedure and frequency of the attorney's case updates.
  • A list of the papers. You should receive a comprehensive list of all the paperwork required for your case from the lawyer.

Types of Bankruptcy Lawyers

There are two major types of bankruptcy lawyers: consumer bankruptcy lawyers and commercial bankruptcy lawyers. Consumer bankruptcy lawyers help you file for bankruptcy on your own or jointly with your spouse.

When filing for bankruptcy, commercial bankruptcy attorneys shield your company from creditors. They can also aid in debt repayment and time requests for business restructuring. Chapter 7 and Chapter 11 bankruptcy lawyers are among them (more information in the next section).

Consumer bankruptcy attorneys work with creditors, pay off debt, and set up payment plans to safeguard you and your partner during bankruptcy filing. Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy lawyers are among them (more information in the next section).

Meet some lawyers on our platform

Benjamin W.

180 projects on CC
CC verified
View Profile

Heather B.

115 projects on CC
CC verified
View Profile

Elizabeth J.

82 projects on CC
CC verified
View Profile

Dolan W.

1145 projects on CC
CC verified
View Profile

What to Look for in a Lawyer for Bankruptcy

Here are some important considerations as you search for a bankruptcy lawyer to assist you.

  • Select a lawyer with sufficient experience

    Inquire about the experience level of a lawyer. The assumption that someone with more experience is always better qualified than someone with less experience is not always true. The quantity of bankruptcy cases they have successfully handled is what counts.

    There are various approaches to looking for a lawyer's past work and experience. One is to question them directly; they'll frequently give you some background information about themselves and their prior cases. State bar associations often keep profiles for bankruptcy lawyers that include information about their specialties and the disciplinary actions they may have taken. Additionally, you can research an attorney's involvement in appeal court files to learn the outcomes of such cases.

  • Pay special attention to bankruptcy lawyers in your area

    The lawyer should be knowledgeable about bankruptcy laws and the local legislation of the court where your bankruptcy case will be filed. The bankruptcy process varies from one locality to the next. For this reason, you ought to look for a bankruptcy lawyer with experience in the area where you intend to file. They can help you by utilizing their understanding of the local court's processes and staff.

    Consult the state bar to discover qualified local attorneys. They typically keep a list of attorneys along with their areas of specialization. This is a good place to start looking for lawyers who practice in your area and are likely to be familiar with the local statutes and laws you will probably need to navigate during a case.

  • Find a lawyer that you feel comfortable with

    You ought to hire a bankruptcy lawyer with whom you are at ease. To best represent you, get a person who will pay attention to you and learn the details of your case.

    Don't base your choice only on cost. If your case is won, paying a good lawyer their standard fee will save you money. If someone charges a low price, they can cut corners, which could harm your bankruptcy case.

  • Look for a specialist

    Your best option would be to choose a bankruptcy law specialist among the several lawyers you may find. Attorneys who handle various areas of law are probably unaware of the specifics of bankruptcy law or current with its most recent legal developments.

    It's also beneficial to ask locals who have experienced a similar process. Even though this might be difficult, it also has a strong chance of yielding useful information because receiving firsthand accounts from people who have been in your shoes is frequently priceless.

How Much Do Bankruptcy Attorneys Charge?

A Chapter 7 bankruptcy typically costs $1,500, while a Chapter 13 bankruptcy typically costs $3,500. Other bankruptcy expenses include filing fees ($338 for Chapter 7 and $313 for Chapter 13) and between $10 and $100 for credit counseling and financial management classes. However, it’s important to understand that the cost of a bankruptcy lawyer varies depending on the type of bankruptcy you file, the complexity of your case, and your location.

Conclusion

Navigating bankruptcy proceedings can be challenging. This makes it essential to work with a bankruptcy lawyer. Depending on the type of bankruptcy case you file, your debt will either be lowered, removed, or reorganized so that you pay when you're able to. Creditors would rather get a lower amount of money than none, so they are willing to discount the amount you owe them. If you're filing a case for consumer bankruptcy, you may lose some assets, and if you're filing for commercial bankruptcy, you may lose your business. A bankruptcy lawyer will best evaluate your situation and recommend the type of bankruptcy case you should file. They will be there to help you through the process.

Deciding to file for bankruptcy is important. After all, depending on the type of bankruptcy, a bankruptcy filing stays on your credit report for seven to ten years. Think carefully about whether you want to handle your bankruptcy on your own, which is a more difficult option, or whether you want to hire a lawyer. Our expert attorneys at Contracts Counsel can help you draft bankruptcy documents so you can always be assured that you are taking a cautious and accurate action.


ContractsCounsel is not a law firm, and this post should not be considered and does not contain legal advice. To ensure the information and advice in this post are correct, sufficient, and appropriate for your situation, please consult a licensed attorney. Also, using or accessing ContractsCounsel's site does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and ContractsCounsel.


How ContractsCounsel Works
Hiring a lawyer on ContractsCounsel is easy, transparent and affordable.
1. Post a Free Project
Complete our 4-step process to provide info on what you need done.
2. Get Bids to Review
Receive flat-fee bids from lawyers in our marketplace to compare.
3. Start Your Project
Securely pay to start working with the lawyer you select.

Meet some of our Lawyers

Daehoon P. on ContractsCounsel
View Daehoon
4.8 (212)
Member Since:
November 26, 2021

Daehoon P.

Corporate & M&A | Venture Capital, Private Equity & Web3 Counsel | Real Estate Transactions
Free Consultation
New York, NY
10 Yrs Experience
Licensed in NY
American University Washington College of Law

Corporate, M&A & Securities Lawyer | Managing Attorney, DP Counsel PLLC Practice Areas: Business Formation | Commercial Contracts | Contract Drafting & Review | Mergers & Acquisitions | Venture Capital | Securities Offerings | Franchise Law | Employment & Equity Compensation | Intellectual Property | Cross-Border Transactions About/Bio: I represent companies, investors, and fund sponsors in corporate transactions, commercial contracting, and private securities matters, from entity formation and early-stage financings to acquisitions, exits, and ongoing strategic counsel. As Managing Attorney of DP Counsel PLLC, I help clients structure transactions clearly, allocate risk thoughtfully, and move deals forward with documentation that is practical, enforceable, and aligned with business objectives. My practice includes both day-to-day commercial matters and more complex transactional work, including venture financings, private offerings, M&A deals, fund-related documents, and cross-border structuring. What I Do: Corporate & Commercial • Entity formation and structuring for corporations, LLCs, and limited partnerships • Operating agreements, shareholder agreements, and governance documents • Commercial contract drafting, review, and negotiation • Vendor, distribution, manufacturing, SaaS, and licensing agreements • Employment, consulting, confidentiality, and equity compensation agreements • Outside general counsel support for growing companies Securities & Private Capital • Private offerings under Regulation D and Regulation S • Private placement memoranda, subscription agreements, and investor documents • SAFE, convertible note, and priced equity financings • Venture capital and private fund formation matters • Fund governing documents and offering document packages • Securities law analysis for private capital raising transactions Mergers & Acquisitions • Letters of intent and term sheets • Stock purchase, asset purchase, and merger agreements • Due diligence coordination and transaction support • Disclosure schedules, closing documents, and post-closing matters • Earnouts, rollover equity, indemnity structures, and related deal terms • HSR, CFIUS, and related regulatory issue spotting for qualifying transactions Digital Assets & Emerging Technologies • Federal-law digital asset and token securities analysis • Entity structuring for blockchain and Web3 ventures • Digital asset fund and operating structures • AML/KYC documentation support and regulatory issue spotting Franchising • Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs) • Franchise agreements • Master franchise and area development agreements • Franchise structuring and registration coordination Real Estate Transactions • Commercial real estate acquisitions and dispositions • Real estate joint ventures and syndications • Commercial lease drafting and negotiation • Real estate investment structures and related offering documents Cross-Border & International • U.S. market entry and entity structuring for international clients • Delaware and multi-entity holding structures • Cross-border transaction planning and documentation • Coordination with foreign counsel and tax advisors on cross-border matters Why Clients Hire Me: • Big-law-level drafting with boutique responsiveness • Practical, business-focused advice grounded in execution reality • Clear scoping and transparent fee arrangements • Experience across financings, acquisitions, fund formations, and cross-border transactions Typical Projects: • Contract drafting and negotiation • Entity formation and governance packages • Private offering document suites • Venture financing documentation • M&A transactions from LOI through closing • Fractional or outside general counsel support Industries Technology | SaaS | FinTech | Digital Assets | E-commerce | Healthcare | Real Estate | Food & Beverage | Professional Services

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Thanks Daehoon for going above and beyond and helping me with a lot of detailed information regarding signing multiple contracts. I was very happy with the outcome. Best"

Jeremiah C. on ContractsCounsel
View Jeremiah
5.0 (68)
Member Since:
March 5, 2021

Jeremiah C.

Partner/Attorney at Law
Houston
18 Yrs Experience
Licensed in NV, TX
Thomas Jefferson

Creative, results driven business & technology executive with 27 years of experience (17+ as a business/corporate lawyer). A problem solver with a passion for business, technology, and law. I bring a thorough understanding of the intersection of the law and business needs to any endeavor, having founded multiple startups myself with successful exits. I provide professional business and legal consulting. Throughout my career I've represented a number large corporations (including some of the top Fortune 500 companies) but the vast majority of my clients these days are startups and small businesses. Having represented hundreds of successful crowdfunded startups, I'm one of the most well known attorneys for startups seeking CF funds. I hold a Juris Doctor degree with a focus on Business/Corporate Law, a Master of Business Administration degree in Entrepreneurship, A Master of Education degree and dual Bachelor of Science degrees. I look forward to working with any parties that have a need for my skill sets.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Jeremiah was pleasant to speak to and provided high quality work. I appreciate that he took the time to call me personally instead of a paralegal. Work delivered early and high quality! Highly recommend"

Jason H. on ContractsCounsel
View Jason
4.9 (21)
Member Since:
March 5, 2023

Jason H.

Managing Attorney
Free Consultation
Dallas, Texas
25 Yrs Experience
Licensed in TX, VA
Regent University, School of Law

Jason has been providing legal insight and business expertise since 2001. He is admitted to both the Virginia Bar and the Texas State Bar, and also proud of his membership to the Fellowship of Ministers and Churches. Having served many people, companies and organizations with legal and business needs, his peers and clients know him to be a high-performing and skilled attorney who genuinely cares about his clients. In addition to being a trusted legal advisor, he is a keen business advisor for executive leadership and senior leadership teams on corporate legal and regulatory matters. His personal mission is to take a genuine interest in his clients, and serve as a primary resource to them.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Wonderful attorney! He was extremely professional, answered all of my questions and was patient with my complicated legal situation. Don’t hesitate to hire him."

John A. on ContractsCounsel
View John
Member Since:
July 24, 2023

John A.

Managing Attorney
Free Consultation
Baltimore, Maryland
14 Yrs Experience
Licensed in MD
Loyola University New Orleans College of Law

John Arthur-Mensah is a highly skilled attorney with extensive expertise in drafting contracts, information law, international law, insurance defense, and complex civil litigation. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a keen eye for detail and a strong ability to craft well-structured, comprehensive legal agreements. John's track record includes successfully managing the entire contract drafting process, from initial negotiation to final execution. His proficiency in legal research and documentation enables him to ensure that contracts comply with applicable laws and regulations. With a strategic approach and persuasive communication skills, John excels in negotiating contract terms and providing valuable counsel on contractual matters. Admitted to the Maryland Bar and the United States District Court in Maryland, he is well-equipped to handle a diverse range of legal challenges, making him a valuable asset in contract drafting and beyond.

Albert I. on ContractsCounsel
View Albert
Member Since:
July 25, 2023

Albert I.

Attorney
Free Consultation
Irvine, California
38 Yrs Experience
Licensed in CA
Pepperdine University SOL

Construction lawyer practicing in Southern California since 1988. Have extensive experience in construction contracts and forms drafting, negotiating. I also serve as counsel for large material suppliers and have extensive experience in commercial transactions, drafting and negotiation of commercial documents including dealerships, NDAs, etc.

Brad B. on ContractsCounsel
View Brad
Member Since:
July 28, 2023

Brad B.

Attorney
Free Consultation
Denison, Iowa
20 Yrs Experience
Licensed in IA, NE
University of South Dakota

Business attorney with over 15 years of experience serving companies big and small with contracting including business, real estate and employment.

Nicole W. on ContractsCounsel
View Nicole
Member Since:
July 26, 2023

Nicole W.

Managing Attorney
Free Consultation
Atlanta, GA
18 Yrs Experience
Licensed in GA
City University of New York School of Law

At Whalen Legal Group, PC, we strive to ensure that our clients are provided with the highest quality legal representation. Our team is committed to providing you with personalized and effective legal advice. We specialize in Business Law, Estate Planning and Trust, and Real Estate Law and have years of experience in these fields.Our goal is to provide our clients with the best possible service and to ensure that their legal matters are handled with compassion, integrity, and transparency. We understand that every situation is different and we take the time to listen and understand each and every one of our clients’ needs.

Find the best lawyer for your project

Browse Lawyers Now

Quick, user friendly and one of the better ways I've come across to get ahold of lawyers willing to take new clients.

View Trustpilot Review

Need help with a Reaffirmation Agreement?

Post Your Project

Get Free Bids to Compare

Hire Your Lawyer

CONTRACT LAWYERS BY TOP CITIES
See All Transactional Lawyers

Contracts Counsel was incredibly helpful and easy to use. I submitted a project for a lawyer's help within a day I had received over 6 proposals from qualified lawyers. I submitted a bid that works best for my business and we went forward with the project.

View Trustpilot Review

I never knew how difficult it was to obtain representation or a lawyer, and ContractsCounsel was EXACTLY the type of service I was hoping for when I was in a pinch. Working with their service was efficient, effective and made me feel in control. Thank you so much and should I ever need attorney services down the road, I'll certainly be a repeat customer.

View Trustpilot Review

I got 5 bids within 24h of posting my project. I choose the person who provided the most detailed and relevant intro letter, highlighting their experience relevant to my project. I am very satisfied with the outcome and quality of the two agreements that were produced, they actually far exceed my expectations.

View Trustpilot Review

How It Works

Post Your Project

Get Free Bids to Compare

Hire Your Lawyer

Want to speak to someone?

Get in touch below and we will schedule a time to connect!

Request a call

Find lawyers and attorneys by city