Is Bankruptcy Expensive in Texas?

 Posted on May 06, 2026 in Bankruptcy

When you're already struggling financially, the idea of paying for bankruptcy might feel like a cruel irony. "How much will this cost me?" is one of the most common questions people have when they’re considering bankruptcy.

Bankruptcy costs in 2026 vary depending on the type you file. For many people, though, the cost is worth the chance to offload or reorganize their debt. A Waller County bankruptcy lawyer can help you understand what kind of financial impact bankruptcy will have on you.

What Costs are Part of Bankruptcy in Texas?

Bankruptcy costs fall into two main categories: court filing fees and attorney fees.

Court Filing Fees in 2026

The filing fees for bankruptcy are set by the federal court system and are the same regardless of where in Texas you file. For Chapter 7 bankruptcy, courts charge a $338 filing fee. This includes a $245 filing fee, a $78 administrative fee, and a $15 surcharge. For Chapter 13 bankruptcy, it’s $313, including the filing and administrative fees.

These fees can sometimes be waived or paid in installments if your income is low enough. Under 28 U.S.C. § 1930, courts have the authority to waive the filing fee for Chapter 7 filers whose income falls below 150 percent of the federal poverty line. If you can't afford to pay the full fee upfront, you can also apply to pay it in up to four installments.

Attorney Fees

Attorney fees vary based on the complexity of your case and the type of bankruptcy you file. Chapter 7 cases, which are typically simpler and faster, generally cost less in attorney fees than Chapter 13 cases, which involve a multi-year repayment plan and require more ongoing legal work.

Even though it may cost more, many people find that paying for a knowledgeable bankruptcy attorney is ultimately a good financial decision. Filing incorrectly or without guidance can result in a dismissed case, lost assets, or debts that aren’t discharged. These will all cost you more in the long run.

Is the Cost of Bankruptcy Worth It Compared to Keeping Your Debt?

For most people who file, paying for the bankruptcy process is better than just continuing on with their debts. Even if they develop good money habits, debts are often so large that there’s no way to get out from under them by saving money alone. Bankruptcy is a legal tool designed to give people a real path forward when debt has become unmanageable, like this.

If you’re debating whether filing is the right move for you, it may be helpful to consider what bankruptcy can help you accomplish if you go about it the right way.

For example, a successful Chapter 7 filing can eliminate unsecured debt in as little as three to four months.. This includes things like credit card balances, medical bills, and personal loans. Chapter 13 allows you to restructure what you owe and catch up on things like mortgage arrears over a three-to-five-year plan, often while keeping property you might otherwise lose.

Other Financial Protections

There are other financial protections that bankruptcy can offer, depending on the situation:

• The automatic stay, which applies to all bankruptcy filings, immediately stops most collection calls, wage garnishments, and lawsuits when you file.

• It offers protection from foreclosure proceedings while your case is pending.

• Under certain circumstances, it can offer the ability to strip certain liens.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether it’s preferable to pay down tens of thousands of dollars of debt yourself or pay a small percentage of that up front for a chance to have healthier finances going forward.

Call a Montgomery County, TX Bankruptcy Lawyer Today

You do not need to guess when making decisions about bankruptcy. Our Waller County bankruptcy attorney is Board-Certified in Consumer Bankruptcy Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and has helped thousands of people and businesses find real debt relief. At The Fealy Law Firm, PC, we focus on helping good people through hard times and will help you understand exactly what the trade-offs are in your situation. Call us at 713-526-5220 to schedule your free consultation today.