Introduction
Some South Carolina bankruptcy cases remain straightforward from start to finish, while others become more complex once repayment plans, property exemptions, or creditor priorities come into play. Much of the cost difference depends on how early decisions are made about chapter selection and financial disclosure strategy. In regions such as Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville, filings may move quickly through court review, which encourages attorneys to prepare detailed documentation at the outset. Compared with many coastal legal markets, South Carolina attorney fees often remain moderate, but preparation quality still shapes the overall expense. For a national comparison of legal pricing patterns, see How Much Do Lawyers Cost in the United States.
Bankruptcy Lawyer Fees in South Carolina
Most bankruptcy attorneys in South Carolina use flat-fee structures for standard Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filings. When cases involve business debts, significant assets, or contested issues, attorneys may charge higher flat fees or use hourly billing depending on the level of court involvement.
Typical bankruptcy lawyer fees in South Carolina:
- Chapter 7 bankruptcy: $1,200 – $2,800
- Chapter 13 bankruptcy: $3,500 – $6,500+
- Business or complex bankruptcy cases: $5,000 – $12,000+
- Hourly billing for contested matters: $225 – $450 per hour
Attorney fees often increase when exemptions are challenged or when multiple creditors require negotiation. For broader state comparisons, review Legal Costs by State.
Bankruptcy Cost Overview in South Carolina
| Case Type | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Chapter 7 Bankruptcy | $1,200 – $2,800 |
| Chapter 13 Bankruptcy | $3,500 – $6,500+ |
| Business or Complex Filing | $5,000 – $12,000+ |
| Hourly Litigation Work | $225 – $450 per hour |
Unique South Carolina Cost Driver: Priority Creditor and Secured Debt Catch-Up Strategies
A distinctive aspect of many South Carolina bankruptcy filings is the emphasis on catching up with secured debts — such as mortgages or vehicle loans — through Chapter 13 repayment plans. Courts may closely evaluate how repayment proposals address priority creditors and overdue secured balances, which can shape the level of attorney preparation required.
This repayment-focused environment influences total costs because:
- attorneys often build detailed payment schedules to address arrears
- creditors may review repayment plans closely before confirmation
- revised proposals sometimes require additional negotiation or amended filings
Even otherwise simple filings may involve extra planning when repayment strategy is central to the case.
Cost Escalation Factors
Legal expenses tend to rise when repayment negotiations become more complex or when secured debts require restructuring. If creditors challenge the feasibility of a Chapter 13 plan, attorneys may need to revise budgets and submit updated filings. Disputes over exemption eligibility or tax obligations can also trigger additional hearings. When cases convert between chapters, new schedules must be prepared, which increases drafting time and court coordination.
South Carolina Bankruptcy Court and Filing Costs
In addition to attorney fees, bankruptcy cases include federal filing fees and mandatory administrative expenses that apply uniformly nationwide. These costs typically cover counseling programs, trustee-related charges, and document filing fees. Although federal fees remain fixed, cases involving multiple amendments or repayment adjustments may require additional administrative work. For a detailed breakdown of filing-related expenses, see Court Costs in the United States.
Common bankruptcy-related court costs include:
- Administrative or amendment filing expenses
- Chapter 7 federal filing fee
- Chapter 13 federal filing fee
- Required credit counseling course
- Required debtor education course
FAQ — South Carolina Bankruptcy Costs
When do repayment plan negotiations increase legal costs in South Carolina?
If creditors question whether a Chapter 13 plan can realistically catch up on missed payments, attorneys may need to revise repayment schedules and submit updated documentation before confirmation.
Does keeping a home or vehicle through Chapter 13 change attorney workload?
Yes. Plans that include mortgage or car loan arrears often require detailed payment calculations and closer court review.
Why do priority debts affect total bankruptcy expense?
Priority creditors may require specific repayment structures.
Mini-workflow: arrears calculation → repayment proposal → creditor response.
Are Chapter 7 cases usually less expensive than Chapter 13 filings?
In most situations, yes. Chapter 7 cases typically conclude faster, while Chapter 13 involves long-term supervision and ongoing plan adjustments.
Can creditor objections delay confirmation and increase legal fees?
They can. When objections arise, attorneys often prepare responses or attend hearings, which adds drafting time beyond routine preparation.
How do tax debts influence the complexity of a bankruptcy case?
Tax-related obligations may require additional documentation or revised repayment schedules before the court approves the plan.
What preparation step helps keep bankruptcy costs predictable in South Carolina?
Providing clear records of secured debts and payment history allows attorneys to design repayment plans that meet court expectations from the start.
Do business-related filings automatically cost more than consumer cases?
Not always, but business debts often require additional analysis and creditor negotiation, which can increase attorney involvement.
Related guides
Legal Costs in South Carolina
Bankruptcy Legal Costs by State
Lawyer Fees in the United States
External Resources
United States Bankruptcy Court District of South Carolina — official filing procedures and forms
South Carolina Judicial Branch — court resources and public legal information
South Carolina Bar — attorney standards and legal resources
Conclusion
Bankruptcy legal costs in South Carolina typically range from $1,200 to over $6,500, shaped by chapter selection, repayment strategy, and the treatment of priority creditors and secured debts. Chapter 13 filings often require more detailed preparation because repayment plans must address arrears while remaining feasible under court review. Organizing payment histories and secured debt information early can help reduce amendments and keep total legal expenses closer to expected ranges.
Last Updated February 2026