How much does a bankruptcy attorney cost in New Orleans?

Bankruptcy attorney fees in New Orleans range from $1,050 for Chapter 7 cases to $5,300 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 New Orleans?

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 New Orleans.

Will bankruptcy stop foreclosure in New Orleans?

Filing bankruptcy triggers the automatic stay — which stops foreclosure proceedings immediately. Chapter 13 specifically allows New Orleans 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 New Orleans?

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 New Orleans bankruptcy attorney can evaluate your specific debt profile.

How does bankruptcy affect credit in New Orleans?

Chapter 7 bankruptcy remains on your credit report for 10 years; Chapter 13 for 7 years. However, many New Orleans 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 LA?

Verify any LA attorney's bar registration at Louisiana State Bar: lsba.org. Bankruptcy is a federal practice area — attorneys can represent clients in any federal bankruptcy court. Ask specifically about the attorney's experience in New Orleans's federal bankruptcy court and their relationship with the local trustees.

Bankruptcy Attorney Cost in New Orleans, LA — $1,050–$5,300 (2026)

Bankruptcy Attorney Cost
in New Orleans, LA

📍 New Orleans, LA · Updated March 2026 · ✓ Verified New Orleans data · BLS cost-of-living adjusted

Budget

$1,050

Basic / entry level

Most Common

$3,100

Standard quality

Average

Premium

$5,300

High-end / complex

Price Spectrum — New Orleans vs National Average

$1,050$5,300

New Orleans: $3,100

National avg: $3,500

11% below national avg

Typical range$1,050–$5,300

vs national avg12% below

Chapter 7 from$1,320

New Orleans — Bankruptcy Attorney Market 2026 Data

Typical cost

$3,100

$1,050–$5,300 full range

vs national avg

12% below national

COL index 88 · baseline 100

Filing fee

~$338 Ch7 / ~$313 Ch13

New Orleans market · 2026

New Orleans — Bankruptcy Attorney Market2026 Data

Court US Bankruptcy Court — LA district (federal, not LA state court)
Ch7 flat fee $880–$1,936 attorney fee + $338 filing fee
Ch13 flat fee $2,640–$5,280 attorney fee + $313 filing fee
Exemptions LA's exemption laws determine which assets you keep — ask your attorney specifically about LA exemptions
Verify lsba.org (Louisiana State Bar Association) before retaining anyone

Full Price Breakdown

Verified New Orleans attorney rates — COL-adjusted

Bankruptcy Attorney Cost in New Orleans — By Level

Level	Price Range	What This Gets You
Chapter 7 — debt elimination	$880	Discharge most unsecured debts in ~4 months — no repayment plan
Chapter 13 — repayment plan	$2,640	3–5 year plan to keep assets and catch up on secured debts
Complex / Business bankruptcy	$5,300	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

📍 New Orleans vs national average: New Orleans is a lower-cost market — Bankruptcy runs 12% below the $3,500 national average. Data sourced from BLS Regional Price Parities and updated quarterly.

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

Bankruptcy Attorney Cost
in New Orleans, LA

Full Price Breakdown

Estimate Your Cost in New Orleans

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Bankruptcy Attorney Costin New Orleans, LA

Full Price Breakdown

Estimate Your Cost in New Orleans

Find a Verified Attorney in New Orleans

Bankruptcy Attorney Cost
in New Orleans, LA