Introduction
Some Wyoming bankruptcy filings stay predictable because the court process moves in a straightforward sequence — petition, trustee review, and discharge or confirmation. Others expand in cost when unexpected procedural steps appear, such as extra hearings, reaffirmation decisions, or last-minute creditor disputes. The difference is rarely about hourly rates alone; it usually comes from how the case progresses once it enters the federal bankruptcy workflow. Attorney fees, filing expenses, and procedural complexity together determine the final price range. For a nationwide pricing comparison, see How Much Do Lawyers Cost in the United States.
Bankruptcy Lawyer Fees in Wyoming
Most bankruptcy attorneys in Wyoming charge flat fees for Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 consumer cases, while contested matters or business-related filings may involve higher flat fees or hourly billing.
Typical bankruptcy lawyer fees in Wyoming:
- Chapter 7 bankruptcy: $1,300 – $3,000 (attorney fees)
- Chapter 13 bankruptcy: $3,000 – $6,500+ (attorney fees)
- Complex or asset-heavy cases: $7,000 – $25,000+
- Hourly billing for litigation or objections: $225 – $425 per hour
Chapter 7 filings are usually faster and require fewer ongoing steps, while Chapter 13 cases involve long-term court supervision that increases attorney involvement. For broader regional comparisons, review Legal Costs by State.
Bankruptcy Cost Overview in Wyoming
| Case Path | Timeline | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Chapter 7 Consumer Filing | 3–6 months | $1,500 – $3,500+ |
| Chapter 13 Repayment Plan | 3–5 years | $3,500 – $7,500+ |
| Contested Consumer Case | Extended | $4,000 – $10,000+ |
| Complex Asset Case | Variable | $7,000 – $25,000+ |
| Billing Model | Typical Range | When Used |
|---|---|---|
| Flat Fee Consumer Filing | $1,300 – $6,500+ | Standard Chapter 7 or 13 |
| Hourly Litigation Billing | $225 – $425 per hour | Objections or hearings |
| Complex Asset Strategy | $7,000 – $25,000+ | Business or valuation disputes |
Unique Wyoming Cost Driver: Reaffirmation Decisions and Vehicle Retention Workflow
A distinctive feature in many Wyoming consumer bankruptcies is how reaffirmation agreements — especially involving vehicles — affect attorney workload. Decisions about keeping or surrendering secured assets can change the number of filings and court interactions required.
This reaffirmation-focused workflow influences costs because:
- attorneys may draft additional agreements or negotiate revised terms
- missed deadlines around reaffirmation can trigger extra hearings
- late changes to asset decisions often require amended schedules
Even otherwise simple filings may expand when reaffirmation strategy shifts during the case.
Cost Escalation Factors
Legal costs may increase when reaffirmation agreements require negotiation or when secured creditors request additional documentation before approving terms. Cases involving multiple vehicles or secured loans can lead to repeated filings as decisions evolve. Extra hearings, eligibility reviews after prior filings, or disputes over asset surrender timelines often add drafting work and extend attorney involvement.
Wyoming Bankruptcy Court and Administrative Costs
In addition to attorney fees, bankruptcy cases include federal filing and administrative expenses that apply nationwide. These costs remain fixed regardless of state but can increase when additional motions or amendments are required. For a detailed explanation of filing expenses, see Court Costs in the United States.
Common bankruptcy-related costs include:
- Motion or amendment filing fees if required
- Chapter 7 filing fee: $338
- Chapter 13 filing fee: $313
- Credit counseling course fees: ~$10 – $50
- Debtor education course fees: ~$10 – $50
FAQ — Wyoming Bankruptcy Costs
What happens if a debtor changes their mind about keeping a vehicle after filing?
A new reaffirmation strategy may require updated paperwork or court approval, which can increase attorney time.
Can reaffirmation agreements affect the total timeline of a case?
Yes. Negotiation delays or incomplete documentation sometimes push hearings further into the schedule.
Why do secured debts sometimes create extra legal work in Wyoming filings?
Process example: creditor proposal → attorney review → revised agreement → court submission.
Are Chapter 7 filings generally cheaper when no reaffirmation is needed?
Often they are, because fewer agreements or hearings must be prepared once unsecured debts are discharged.
Does surrendering collateral reduce attorney involvement?
In some cases it simplifies the process, but additional documentation may still be required to confirm the change
How can debtors avoid extra amendment fees related to secured assets?
Providing clear loan information and deciding early whether to keep or surrender property helps reduce revisions.
Is it common for reaffirmation decisions to change during the case?
It can happen when financial circumstances shift, which is why attorneys usually discuss multiple scenarios before filing.
Related Guides
Bankruptcy Legal Costs by State
Lawyer Fees in the United States
Legal Costs in Wyoming
External Resources
United States Bankruptcy Court District of Wyoming — official filing procedures and forms
Wyoming Judicial Branch — court information and public resources
Wyoming State Bar — attorney standards and legal information
Conclusion
Bankruptcy legal costs in Wyoming typically range from $1,500 to over $7,500, shaped by reaffirmation decisions, secured-asset strategies, and the level of court involvement required during the case. Filings that require additional agreements or late changes to asset retention often involve more attorney preparation than straightforward consumer cases. Planning secured-debt decisions early can help keep total expenses closer to predictable ranges.
Last Updated February 2026