The lawyer cost of a bankruptcy attorney in Tennessee can vary, depending on the issues involved. Bankruptcy law can be complicated to understand, especially when someone is already facing financial hardship.
Hiring a lawyer is one of the most important decisions someone can make during the bankruptcy process. Even though it feels like an additional expense during an already difficult financial time, having a legal professional handle the bankruptcy process will usually make a substantial difference in the outcome of the case.
This article will review how much a lawyer will cost as well as provide a bankruptcy checklist to help with making an informed decision. As an average amount, many bankruptcy lawyers charge anywhere between $1,000 and $3,500 for Chapter 7 bankruptcy cases and anywhere between $2,500 and $6,000 for Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases. These are just general estimates, however, and the actual fees charged can be higher or lower, depending on the circumstances of the case.
Specifically, in Tennessee, the cost of hiring a bankruptcy lawyer will typically range anywhere from $800 to $2,500 for Chapter 7 cases and $1,500 to $5,000 for Chapter 13 cases. Again, the actual fees that a lawyer charges will vary based on the lawyer’s experience and the issues and complexity of the case.
Tennessee lawyers can help their clients navigate the bankruptcy process in the state and ensure their rights are protected.
What Factors Affect Bankruptcy Lawyer Fees in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, the cost of hiring a bankruptcy lawyer can vary depending on several factors, such as the complexity of the case, the type of lawyer, and the location of the lawyer’s practice. One of the most impactful factors on the fees of a bankruptcy attorney is their fee structure.
In some cases, the bankruptcy lawyer will charge a flat fee. In other cases, the lawyer will bill by the hour.
In a Chapter 7 case, flat fees are more common. In Chapter 13 cases, hourly rates are more common.
It is important to discuss fee structures with any potential bankruptcy lawyer during the initial legal consultation to avoid any surprise fees down the road. The consultation fee can also impact the cost of hiring a bankruptcy attorney.
Many lawyers offer free initial consultations, while other bankruptcy lawyers will charge a fee for this first meeting. During this time, a potential client can discuss their situation, ask questions about their case, and try to determine whether the lawyer will be a good fit for their needs.
It is important to schedule a Tennessee lawyer consultation whenever someone is considering filing for bankruptcy in the state to ensure they follow the proper steps and meet all of the required deadlines. It can also be helpful to read LegalMatch’s top 10 bankruptcy articles to find out more information on the process.
Other Costs Associated With Filing Bankruptcy in Tennessee
There may also be other costs that are associated with filing bankruptcy in Tennessee, which are discussed below.
Filing Fees
When someone files for bankruptcy, they have to pay filing fees for their case. The fees for each chapter of bankruptcy are set by the federal government and can be changed at any time.
In 2025, the filing fee for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy is $338, and the filing fee for a Chapter 13 bankruptcy is $313. These filing fees have to be paid at the time the bankruptcy is filed.
The filing fees for a bankruptcy case are non-refundable, even if an individual’s case is dismissed or they withdraw their bankruptcy petition. When a petitioner is having a financial hardship and they cannot afford the filing fees, they may be eligible for an installment plan or a waiver.
As of April 1, 2024, more applicants can qualify for fee exemptions. This means, they can file bankruptcy for free without having to request a fee waiver.
In addition, if a petitioner does not qualify for a fee waiver, they can ask to pay their filing fee in installments over a period of no more than 120 days. It is very important to be aware that failing to pay these fees can result in dismissal of someone’s bankruptcy case.
Credit Counseling and Debtor Education Courses: Pre- and Post-Filing Requirements
In addition to paying the filing fees, a bankruptcy filer also has to complete two educational courses. One is a credit counseling course that must be completed before the individual files for bankruptcy and the other is a debtor education course that must be completed after filing.
These courses can both range from $20 to $100, depending on the format and the provider of the course. Once the course is completed, the individual will receive a certificate that they have to file with their bankruptcy petition.
Miscellaneous Expenses: Budgeting for Additional Costs in Bankruptcy
In addition to the costs discussed above, there may also be other miscellaneous costs that arise, depending on the case. One cost is the cost of getting credit reports and tax transcripts.
These documents will be needed for the bankruptcy lawyer to prepare the petitioner’s bankruptcy petition and schedules accurately. Even though everyone is entitled to one free credit report each year from all three major credit bureaus, getting additional reports or faster delivery may cost extra. In addition, getting tax transcripts from the IRS may have a fee as well.
Additional expenses may include transportation to and from court hearings and meetings with the bankruptcy lawyer. If a petitioner lives far from the lawyer’s office or the courthouse, they may also have to budget for public transportation, parking, gas, or other costs and fees. In certain situations, the petitioner may also have to take time off of work to attend their court hearings, which means they may lose some income.
If the petitioner files for Chapter 7 bankruptcy and they own non-exempt assets, they may have to liquidate those assets to pay off their creditors. This may involve appraisal fees, auctioneer fees, and transportation costs for delivering the assets to the trustee.
Even though these various miscellaneous expenses can add up, they are small in comparison to the fresh start someone can get with bankruptcy. When a petitioner works closely with their bankruptcy lawyer and carefully budgets for the costs, they can navigate the bankruptcy process confidently and come out with a brighter financial future.
What Do Bankruptcy Attorneys Do for Tennessee Filers?
Bankruptcy attorneys do many things for Tennessee filers, including providing valuable legal advice, helping them understand their options, and ensuring that they comply with all the necessary bankruptcy requirements. Bankruptcy attorneys also help ensure bankruptcy is the best choice for their client and advise them on which chapter is the best.
A Tennessee lawyer will:
- Discuss bankruptcy pros and cons and all legal options
- Prepare and file all the necessary paperwork with the court
- Represent their client at court hearings and meetings with creditors
- Negotiate with creditors to potentially reduce or eliminate certain debts
- Ensure that the client complies with all the requirements of the bankruptcy code
Advantages of Hiring a Bankruptcy Lawyer in Tennessee
Even though it is possible to file for bankruptcy in Tennessee without having a lawyer, there are many important reasons to hire one, including:
- Having knowledgeable legal representation by someone who is up-to-date on the latest laws and who can help avoid common pitfalls
- Saving time, especially with handing paperwork and documents that must be submitted to the court
- Ensuring that everything is submitted properly and on time to the court
- Having representation at every meeting and court appearing, taking away the stress of appearing alone
- Making it more likely to have a better outcome in the case, having debts discharged, and being less likely to have the case dismissed
- Having protection from creditor harassment during the bankruptcy process, as there is an automatic stay that goes into effect during the bankruptcy process
Should You Hire a Tennessee Bankruptcy Lawyer?
You may think you do not have the funds to hire a Tennessee bankruptcy lawyer when you are already considering filing for bankruptcy. It is free to use the lawyer matching services provided by LegalMatch to find a bankruptcy lawyer in your area of Tennessee who can help you make the best decisions for your current situation.
LegalMatch’s services make it quick and easy to find the right bankruptcy attorney for your case with detailed lawyer profiles, client reviews, and a satisfaction guarantee. Even though you may be concerned about the cost of finding a lawyer, LegalMatch’s attorney-client matching services are free.
