If you have called around to bankruptcy lawyers in Colorado to ask how much it costs to file bankruptcy, you are probably frustrated their answers.  Most bankruptcy lawyers will not quote a price for their services until they have analyzed your case.  This is because bankruptcy attorneys generally charge a flat-fee instead of the more typical hourly-fee charged by attorneys.  Some bankruptcy lawyers advertise set rates (e.g. “$499 Bankruptcy!”), however, many of these firms do not honor the advertised rates for clients with complicated cases.

In the Denver, Colorado area, attorney fees for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy typically range from about $1,000 to $5,000 or more (again, depending on the complexity of your bankruptcy).  There is also a filing fee of $335 which is paid to the bankruptcy court and is in addition to any attorney fees that you pay.  If you are considering filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Colorado, it is wise to consult with multiple bankruptcy attorneys to ensure you’re not paying too much in fees.

Attorney fees in a Chapter 13 bankruptcy are more complicated.  In Colorado, the Court has set a “presumptive fee” of $4,100 for attorneys; however, attorney fees can be much higher than that in complicated cases.  The good news is that attorney fees can be paid through your Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Plan and they do not have to be paid in full prior to filing your case.  Many bankruptcy lawyers in Denver charge some portion of the presumptive fee before filing (it is not uncommon for attorneys to want 1/2 of the $4,100 fee before filing).  In addition to the attorney fees, there is also a $310 filing fee which must be paid to the Court.

Ultimately, whether you are filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy or Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Colorado, the cost  will depend on how complex your case will be.  By meeting with multiple Colorado bankruptcy attorneys, you can make sure you pay a fair price for the services you receive.