How much does a bankruptcy attorney cost in Madison?

Bankruptcy attorney fees in Madison range from $1,150 for Chapter 7 cases to $5,700 for complex Chapter 13 matters. Government filing fees are additional — $338 for Chapter 7, $313 for Chapter 13. Chapter 7 is generally faster (3–6 months) and less expensive than Chapter 13 (3–5 year repayment plan).

Should I file Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 in Madison?

Chapter 7 discharges most unsecured debt quickly but requires passing a means test and may require surrendering non-exempt assets. Chapter 13 allows you to keep assets and catch up on mortgage arrears through a 3–5 year repayment plan. Your income, assets, and specific debts determine which chapter best fits your situation in Madison.

Will bankruptcy stop foreclosure in Madison?

Filing bankruptcy triggers the automatic stay — which stops foreclosure proceedings immediately. Chapter 13 specifically allows Madison homeowners to catch up on mortgage arrears through the repayment plan while keeping the home. Chapter 7 stops foreclosure temporarily but does not address the underlying arrears.

What debts can't be discharged in Madison?

Bankruptcy cannot discharge: student loans (with very limited exceptions), child support and alimony, recent tax debts (generally taxes owed for the last 3 years), criminal restitution, and debts from fraud. If your primary debt is non-dischargeable, bankruptcy may not solve your problem. A Madison bankruptcy attorney can evaluate your specific debt profile.

How does bankruptcy affect credit in Madison?

Chapter 7 bankruptcy remains on your credit report for 10 years; Chapter 13 for 7 years. However, many Madison filers see their credit score improve within 12–24 months of discharge as the debt-to-income ratio improves dramatically. Rebuilding credit after bankruptcy is achievable with secured credit cards and consistent on-time payments.

How do I verify a bankruptcy attorney's licence in WI?

Verify any WI attorney's bar registration at State Bar of Wisconsin: wisbar.org. Bankruptcy is a federal practice area — attorneys can represent clients in any federal bankruptcy court. Ask specifically about the attorney's experience in Madison's federal bankruptcy court and their relationship with the local trustees.

Bankruptcy Attorney Cost in Madison, WI — $1,150–$5,700 (2026)

Bankruptcy Attorney Cost
in Madison, WI

📍 Madison, WI · Updated March 2026 · ✓ Verified Madison data · BLS cost-of-living adjusted

Budget

$1,150

Basic / entry level

Most Common

$3,300

Standard quality

Average

Premium

$5,700

High-end / complex

Price Spectrum — Madison vs National Average

$1,150$5,700

Madison: $3,300

National avg: $3,500

6% below national avg

Typical range$1,150–$5,700

vs national avgnear avg

Chapter 7 from$1,425

Madison — Bankruptcy Attorney Market 2026 Data

Typical cost

$3,300

$1,150–$5,700 full range

vs national avg

5% below national

COL index 95 · baseline 100

Filing fee

~$338 Ch7 / ~$313 Ch13

Madison market · 2026

Madison — Bankruptcy Attorney Market2026 Data

Court US Bankruptcy Court — WI district (federal, not WI state court)
Ch7 flat fee $950–$2,090 attorney fee + $338 filing fee
Ch13 flat fee $2,850–$5,700 attorney fee + $313 filing fee
Exemptions WI's exemption laws determine which assets you keep — ask your attorney specifically about WI exemptions
Verify wisbar.org (State Bar of Wisconsin) before retaining anyone

Full Price Breakdown

Verified Madison attorney rates — COL-adjusted

Bankruptcy Attorney Cost in Madison — By Level

Level	Price Range	What This Gets You
Chapter 7 — debt elimination	$950	Discharge most unsecured debts in ~4 months — no repayment plan
Chapter 13 — repayment plan	$2,850	3–5 year plan to keep assets and catch up on secured debts
Complex / Business bankruptcy	$5,700	Multiple creditors, business assets, or Chapter 11 territory
Filing fees	Ch7: $338 · Ch13: $313	Federal court filing fees — separate from and in addition to attorney fees

📍 Madison vs national average: Madison Bankruptcy costs ($3,300) are close to the $3,500 national average. COL index 95 — national baseline is 100. Data sourced from BLS Regional Price Parities and updated quarterly.

See Madison Quick Facts in the panel to the right — including how to verify any attorney's licence.

Bankruptcy Attorney Cost
in Madison, WI

Full Price Breakdown

Estimate Your Cost in Madison

Find a Verified Attorney in Madison

Bankruptcy Attorney Costin Madison, WI

Full Price Breakdown

Estimate Your Cost in Madison

Find a Verified Attorney in Madison

Bankruptcy Attorney Cost
in Madison, WI