At a Glance
- The Challenge: Paying for a lawyer while in debt feels impossible.
- Chapter 7: Attorneys usually charge a flat fee before filing, but many offer installment plans.
- Chapter 13: Fees are often built into the repayment plan, so little or no money may be required upfront.
- Bottom Line: Bankruptcy law provides options to make legal help more accessible, and thousands in Florida use them every year.
Legally reviewed by attorney Robert Stiberman
The Most Common Question We Hear
The first question anyone in financial hardship asks is: “If I can’t pay my bills, how can I pay a lawyer?”
Bankruptcy attorneys work with people in financial distress every day. The system—from federal law to local court practices—includes ways to make professional legal help more accessible.
💡 Key Takeaway: You do not need to pay thousands of dollars today to get help. The automatic stay stops creditors immediately, often with just a small initial payment.
More than 2500 clients have trusted us to file their bankruptcy in Florida. We offer a no obligation, complimentary consultation to discuss your options and available payment plans.
Schedule a free case consultation so we can tailor a plan that works for you.
You are not alone, please take a Look at the numbers
According to the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, over 400,000 consumer bankruptcy cases were filed nationwide last year (2024). Each filing represents someone who was overwhelmed by debt but found a way forward with legal guidance.
Bankruptcy Filings: A National Snapshot
✓ 400,000+ Filings: Bankruptcy is a common legal tool for a fresh start.
✓ Florida Among Leaders: Florida ranks high in filings, with experienced courts and attorneys.
✓ Goal of the Law: To help you recover, not create new burdens.
How Legal Fees Work in Bankruptcy: Two Clear Paths
Option 1: Chapter 7 with Payment Plans
Chapter 7 wipes out unsecured debt. Attorneys charge a flat fee, usually due before filing. To make this manageable, many firms allow installment payments, giving you time to pay while preparing your case.
Option 2: Chapter 13 with Low-to-No Upfront Costs
Chapter 13 reorganizes debt over 3–5 years. Because fees can be built into the repayment plan, attorneys can often file with little or no upfront payment, depending on local rules and firm policies.
The First Step is Free!
You don’t need all the answers before reaching out — that’s what we’re here for.
At Stiberman Law, we’ve guided more than 2,500 Floridians through bankruptcy — protecting homes, stopping creditor harassment, and giving families a true fresh start.
📞 Call us today at (954) 218-5056 or schedule your free consultation An experienced Florida bankruptcy attorney will listen, explain your options, and help you move forward with confidence.
Florida bankruptcy attorney Robert Stiberman explaining Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
