Standard (No-Look) Chapter 13 Lawyer Fees by Court (2026)
The presumptively reasonable Chapter 13 attorney fee each bankruptcy court publishes, by state and district.
| State | Standard Chapter 13 lawyer fee |
|---|---|
| Alabama | Northern District of Alabama: under Bankr. N.D. Ala. R. 2016-1(l), debtor's counsel in a chapter 13 case need not file a detailed fee application if total compensation does not exceed $5,000.00 (the "Exempt Fee"), effective October 1, 2026 (memorandum dated September 18, 2026; the prior figure was $4,500.00 for cases filed on or after October 1, 2022). If an Exempt Fee is charged, no other fee may be charged without prior court approval except filing fees and actual costs of each amendment to the schedules not attributable to attorney error. Middle District of Alabama: Administrative Order No. 2022-10 (effective for cases filed on or after October 1, 2022) presumes $4,500.00 to be the maximum reasonable compensation for all legal services rendered in a chapter 13 case by the debtor's attorney (the "Presumptive Chapter 13 Fee"); to earn it, the attorney must represent the debtor in all matters related to the main case, including the petition, schedules, plan and amendments, the meeting of creditors and confirmation hearings, claims review and objections, motions, hearings, and discharge filings. No other fees may be charged without court approval except filing fees and court costs. Southern District of Alabama: Administrative Order No. 2025-04 (dated June 25, 2025), for chapter 13 cases filed on or after July 1, 2025, sets "no look" compensation in confirmed cases at not more than the lesser of $4,800 or the amount proposed to be paid (including trustee's commission) to creditors through the plan, with a floor of $2,700 (cap of $1,700 if the court finds the case was filed primarily to finance attorney's fees); "no look" compensation in cases dismissed or converted before confirmation may not exceed $1,200. The order also allows add-on "no look" fees of $600 or 10% of the net settlement (whichever is less) for approval of tort claims, and $600 for substantial work on a sale of the debtor's real property. U.S. Bankruptcy Court, N.D. Ala., Chapter 13 Maximum Attorney Compensation Exempt from Fee Application, Effective October 1, 2026 (Sept. 18, 2026); Bankr. M.D. Ala. Administrative Order No. 2022-10; Bankr. S.D. Ala. Administrative Order No. 2025-04 |
| Alaska | District of Alaska (the state's only bankruptcy district): under AK LBR 2016-1(h)(3), in a chapter 13 case the attorney fees and expenses set out in paragraph 3(c) of the chapter 13 plan (AK LBF 5) are deemed approved on confirmation, with no separate fee application, if the total fees and costs to be paid, including any prepetition retainer applied and the chapter 13 filing fee, do not exceed $5,000.00 in consumer (non-business) cases or $6,500.00 in business (non-consumer) cases. If the plan does not pay allowed claims in full, any party in interest (including the U.S. trustee) may object before confirmation, and a fee application must then be filed and approved. Attorneys paid under this rule are not obligated to represent the debtor in adversary proceedings unless agreed. Fees above the approved amount require a supplemental fee application with an itemized statement. Local Bankruptcy Rules, District of Alaska (12/2023), AK LBR 2016-1(h)(3) |
| Arizona | District of Arizona (the state's only bankruptcy district): under Local Rule 2084-3(b)(2), the maximum fees that may be approved as a chapter 13 flat fee are $4,500 for a non-business case and $5,500 for a case where the debtor indicates in the statement of financial affairs that they are self-employed or engaged in business and required to file monthly operating reports under Local Rule 2084-2(b). An attorney electing a flat fee must provide listed minimum services through confirmation of the plan and then assist the debtor in obtaining a discharge (including reviewing financial information, preparing the petition, schedules and plan and amendments, attending the section 341 meeting, resolving creditor objections, objecting to proofs of claim, and responding to motions to dismiss and for stay relief). The plan must state the flat fee election and amount; the flat fee is available only if no party objects and the court confirms the plan or approves the fees. The election is generally irrevocable. Alternatively, counsel may elect hourly compensation subject to a fee application. Local Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure for the District of Arizona, Local Rule 2084-3 (as amended December 1, 2025) |
| California | Central District of California: under the Central Guide Supplement to LBR 3015-1(v) (May 2024), an attorney may receive an order approving fees up to a maximum of $8,500 in a case where the debtor is engaged in a business, or $7,000 in all other cases, without filing a detailed fee application, if the attorney has filed the Rule 2016 statement and a fully executed Rights and Responsibilities Agreement (RARA) and no objection is raised; these amounts apply to chapter 13 cases filed on or after May 1, 2024 (Public Notice PN 24-008), and cover the services described in bold face type in the RARA. Eastern District of California: under LBR 2016-1(c), counsel may elect a flat fee without court approval (filing Form EDC 3-096, Rights and Responsibilities); except for adversary proceedings, the flat fee includes all prepetition and postpetition services and costs. Amended General Order 25-11 (dated December 8, 2025), for cases filed as of January 1, 2026, sets the CPI-adjusted flat fees at $18,500.00 in business cases and $12,300.00 in nonbusiness cases, with costs of $00,520.00 (as printed in the order). Northern District of California: the court's Guidelines for Payment of Attorney's Fees in Chapter 13 Cases (effective for cases filed on or after 11/01/2023) allow an order approving presumptively reasonable fees without a detailed application if counsel has filed the executed Rights and Responsibilities of Chapter 13 Debtors and Their Attorneys and no unresolved objection is raised. Base case fee: $5,200 for a basic case, plus listed base-case additions (e.g., operating business 3,000; real property (principal residence) with liens 3,000; tax claims 1,200; student loans 500; cases with 25 or more creditors 500) and per-instance add-on fees (e.g., post-confirmation plan modification 1,000; Mortgage Modification Mediation Program 3,500). Southern District of California: under General Order 173-F (filed November 22, 2024) and the attached Rights and Responsibilities forms (revised 01/01/2025), guideline "initial fees" are $5,000 in consumer cases and $5,500 in business cases, with court-set "additional fees" for listed services; fees above guideline amounts require a fee application. U.S. Bankruptcy Court, C.D. Cal., The Central Guide Supplement to LBR 3015-1(v), Presumptively Reasonable Attorney's Fees in Chapter 13 Cases (May 2024); Bankr. E.D. Cal. LBR 2016-1 and Amended General Order 25-11; Bankr. N.D. Cal. Guidelines for Payment of Attorney's Fees in Chapter 13 Cases (eff. 11/01/2023); Bankr. S.D. Cal. General Order 173-F |
| Colorado | District of Colorado (the state's only bankruptcy district): General Procedure Order 2021-01, issued under L.B.R. 2016-3, sets the presumptively reasonable fee allowance at $4,500 ("PRF amount") as a total fee (including expenses), applicable to all cases filed on or after May 1, 2021. The PRF amount includes all costs incurred through confirmation; costs in excess of $200 are considered extraordinary and may be sought by Supplemental Fee Application. U.S. Bankruptcy Court, D. Colo., General Procedure Order 2021-01, In the Matter of Chapter 13 Fee (effective May 1, 2021); L.B.R. 2016-3 |
| Connecticut | District of Connecticut (the state's only bankruptcy district): under Interim Local Bankruptcy Rule 2016-2(b), adopted by General Order 2024-02 (dated July 15, 2024), if a chapter 13 debtor's attorney seeks allowance of fees, excluding costs, for services rendered before confirmation in an amount equal to or less than the amount stated in Section 4.3 of the Local Form Chapter 13 Plan (Appendix E), filing Form B2030 (Disclosure of Compensation) is sufficient and an itemized fee application under 11 U.S.C. 330 is excused. The current Local Form Chapter 13 Plan sets that "no look" fee at $6,000.00 ("If the total of the Debtor's attorney's fees prior to entry of a confirmation order is $6,000.00 or less"). The prior $4,000.00 no look fee continues to apply in cases filed before General Order 2024-02 unless the presiding judge orders otherwise. U.S. Bankruptcy Court, D. Conn., General Order 2024-02 (Interim Local Bankruptcy Rule 2016-2(b)); Local Rules with Appendix E, Local Form Chapter 13 Plan (revisions 2025-09-12) |
| Delaware | District of Delaware (the state's only bankruptcy district): the General Order Governing Debtor's Counsel and Creditor Fees in Chapter 13 Cases (dated June 12, 2024), for cases filed under chapter 13 on or after July 1, 2024, provides that in an individual, non-business case the Court deems $5,000 (the "Standard Fee") reasonable compensation and reimbursement of expenses for debtor's counsel, and will allow the Standard Fee plus bankruptcy clerk filing fees and the cost of a credit report for each debtor (the "Costs") without a fee application under 11 U.S.C. 330 and Bankruptcy Rule 2016(a). As guidelines, the Standard Fee is contemplated to include all conferences with the debtor; preparation of the petition, schedules and statement of financial affairs; a motion to continue or impose the stay; the section 341 meeting; the pre-hearing conference and confirmation hearing; one motion under 11 U.S.C. 362 (not including an evidentiary final hearing); motions to dismiss; uncontested lien-avoidance motions; one motion to reinstate; and listed documents and notices (including objections to claims and the plan). Fees above the Standard Fee and Costs require a formal application or a motion under the order. U.S. Bankruptcy Court, D. Del., General Order Governing Debtor's Counsel and Creditor Fees in Chapter 13 Cases (June 12, 2024) |
| District of Columbia | District of Columbia (one bankruptcy court): under Local Bankruptcy Rule 2016-2(a) (local rules effective February 1, 2026), total compensation for debtor's attorney of $6,750.00 or less per chapter 13 case, whether individual or joint, is presumed reasonable under 11 U.S.C. 329 and allowable under 11 U.S.C. 330, without a detailed fee application. If the chapter 13 trustee requires the debtor to file a business report, or the debtor holds a controlling interest in a corporation or LLC operating a business, the presumptively reasonable amount is $7,750.00 or less per case. Debtor's attorney may also receive expenses, including the filing fee and up to $150.00 in other estimated expenses. The presumptive fee covers, at a minimum, counseling the debtor, verifying identity and eligibility, preparing and filing the petition, schedules, statement of financial affairs, plan and all amendments, serving plans, attending the meeting of creditors, confirmation hearing(s) and other required hearings, and pre-confirmation motions, among other listed services; adversary proceedings, appeals and U.S. Trustee audits may be excepted if stated in the Rule 2016(b) disclosure. The rule says the amounts are periodically reviewed and adjusted by General Order. Local Rules of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Columbia (effective 2-1-26), Rule 2016-2, Compensation for Debtor's Attorney in Chapter 13 Cases |
| Florida | Northern District of Florida: the court's page on attorney fees in chapter 13 cases under (Amended) Standing Order No. 19 lists the presumptively reasonable ("normal and customary") fee for preparation and filing of a "routine" chapter 13 case as $5,000.00, effective November 16, 2023; it also lists $250.00 for preparation of annual statements and $500.00 for modifications to plan increasing plan base (both effective May 31, 2013). Middle District of Florida: the Amended Order Establishing Presumptively Reasonable Debtor's Attorney's Fees in Chapter 13 Cases for the Tampa and Fort Myers Divisions (filed 08/11/23), effective in cases filed on or after August 11, 2023, allows up to $5,000 for all bankruptcy-related matters required for the successful confirmation and completion of a debtor's case, plus a monthly monitoring fee of up to $50 per month after confirmation for routine postpetition services; $1,800 (up to $2,500 if complex) for the Mortgage Modification Mediation program; and $1,500 for the Student Loan Management program; no fee application or contemporaneous time records are required absent an objection or court order. The court's district-wide procedure page (last revised 8/14/2020) lists $4,500.00 for all bankruptcy related matters required for successful confirmation and completion of a debtor's case. Southern District of Florida: Court Guidelines CG-6 (rev. 06/01/2026) provide that, unless a vesting order has been entered, a base fee of up to $5,000.00 per case plus up to $200.00 in estimated expenses per case for a chapter 13 debtor's attorney is presumptively reasonable and allowed without a fee application; the fee must include, at a minimum, listed services such as verifying identity and eligibility, explaining the debtor's duties, and timely preparing and filing the petition, schedules and plan. U.S. Bankruptcy Court, N.D. Fla., Attorney Fees in Chapter 13 Cases in Accordance with Standing Order No. 19; Bankr. M.D. Fla. Amended Order Establishing Presumptively Reasonable Debtor's Attorney's Fees in Chapter 13 Cases for Tampa and Fort Myers Divisions (Aug. 11, 2023); Bankr. S.D. Fla. Guidelines CG-6 (rev. 06/01/2026) |
| Georgia | Middle District of Georgia: Administrative Order 2024-01 (Amended Order on Attorneys' Fees in Chapter 13 Cases, superseding Administrative Order #147 dated October 6, 2022), effective as to cases filed on or after February 1, 2024, allows a "Single Set Fee" agreed between debtor and attorney of a specific amount up to, but not to exceed, $3,900.00. The fee is expected to cover costs and expenses (other than the filing fee) and all services from the filing of the petition to the closing of the case; an attorney receiving it is excused from filing an initial fee application or reporting hours or expenses, and no supplemental fee application may be filed unless a significant matter arises that could not be anticipated. The order states it does not set any minimum or maximum fee; attorneys may instead seek fees by itemized application. Southern District of Georgia: General Order 2017-2 (Order on Compensation of Debtors' Attorneys in Chapter 13 Cases) provides that, effective in all chapter 13 cases filed on or after July 24, 2017, a claim for attorney's fees and expenses will be deemed automatically approved, absent objection, so long as it does not exceed $4,500.00 (commonly referred to as the no look fee). The fee is expected to cover costs and expenses (other than the initial filing fee) and all services from the filing of the petition to the closing of the case, including appearance at the section 341 meeting and all hearings. U.S. Bankruptcy Court, M.D. Ga., Administrative Order 2024-01; Bankr. S.D. Ga. General Order 2017-2 |
| Hawaii | District of Hawaii (the state's only bankruptcy district): under the court's Chapter 13 Attorney Fee Guidelines, an attorney who opts in may have presumptively reasonable fees allowed as part of plan confirmation without a detailed fee application; the amounts are stated in Local Form H2016R, Chapter 13 Rights, Responsibilities and Fee Agreement (4/25). That form sets a $5,650 Presumptive Fee for Standard Services (standard services through 1 year after plan confirmation), plus a $450 "success fee" if the plan is confirmed at or before the initially scheduled confirmation hearing, and additional presumptive fees of $1,150 per parcel of real property or vehicle for a plan requesting valuation of collateral, and $1,150 per real property parcel for a motion to avoid a lien in real property. Presumptive fee amounts include associated costs (including any general excise tax per the Guidelines). Opposed preconfirmation matters and uncovered services require a standard fee application. U.S. Bankruptcy Court, D. Haw., Local Form H2016R (4/25), Chapter 13 Rights, Responsibilities and Fee Agreement; Chapter 13 Attorney Fee Guidelines |
| Idaho | District of Idaho (the state's only bankruptcy district): Bankruptcy Local Rule 2016-2 provides a presumptive fee for representing debtors in a chapter 13 case, covering all services rendered, or to be rendered, throughout the duration of the case, inclusive of all costs and expenses except filing fees; the fee may be reviewed and reduced or modified by the court after hearing. The rule's Advisory Committee Notes state that as of January 2024, General Order 437 establishes a $5,500 presumptive fee. U.S. Bankruptcy Court, D. Idaho, Bankruptcy Local Rule 2016-2 and Advisory Committee Notes (citing General Order 437) |
| Illinois | Northern District of Illinois: Third Amended General Order No. 13-01 (May 28, 2025) provides that for all chapter 13 cases filed on or after June 1, 2025, the maximum Flat Fee authorized for debtor's counsel under Local Rule 5082-2 is $5,500, which may be requested where counsel and the debtor enter into the Court-Approved Retention Agreement; additional Flat Fees are presumptively allowed on the terms of the Addendum for the Mortgage Modification Program. Central District of Illinois: the Standing Order Regarding Attorney Fees for Debtor's Counsel in Chapter 13 Cases (effective January 1, 2024; dated December 20, 2023) sets the "no-look" flat fee at $4,500 ($3,000 in "fee-only" cases, i.e., plans that pay only attorney's and trustee's fees and provide no meaningful dividend to unsecured creditors), for cases filed on or after January 1, 2024. The no-look fee is expected to cover representation through the conclusion of the case, including the appended Duties of Debtor's Counsel; attorneys who do not charge the no-look fee must file an itemized fee application. Southern District of Illinois: General Order 26-1 (entered 3/5/2026) provides that, effective April 1, 2026, the total flat fee amount paid to debtor's counsel in chapter 13 cases increases to $5,500 for consumer cases and $5,700 for business cases. U.S. Bankruptcy Court, N.D. Ill., Third Amended General Order No. 13-01; Bankr. C.D. Ill. Standing Order Regarding Attorney Fees for Debtor's Counsel in Chapter 13 Cases (eff. Jan. 1, 2024); Bankr. S.D. Ill. General Order 26-1 |
| Indiana | Northern District of Indiana: Local Rule B-2016-1 provides that $4,500.00 is presumed to be a reasonable attorney's fee for counsel's services representing a debtor in a routine, consumer chapter 13 case (rebuttable on objection); a fee not exceeding that amount may be awarded, after notice to all creditors, on application or through the additional provisions (part 8.1) of a confirmed plan without supporting documentation such as time records. The rule's historical notes state it was revised by Order Amending Local Bankruptcy Rules dated July 27, 2026 to increase the amount to $4,500.00. Fees above the presumptive amount for extraordinary, unusual or unanticipated services require an application with supporting documentation. Southern District of Indiana: General Order 25-0001 (November 14, 2025), under Local Rule B-2016-1(c), sets the maximum fee allowable under the "Presumed Reasonable Fee" process at $5,000 for all cases filed on or after December 1, 2025, plus an additional $500 per adversary proceeding to avoid an unsecured mortgage under Local Rule B-4003-3 if disclosed in the Rule 2016(b) statement and included in counsel's proof of claim; the amount is subject to review by the court on or before December 1, 2028. U.S. Bankruptcy Court, N.D. Ind., Local Rule B-2016-1, Presumptively Reasonable Attorney's Fees in Chapter 13 Cases; Bankr. S.D. Ind. General Order 25-0001 |
| Iowa | Northern District of Iowa: Standing Order No. 26-03, Chapter 13 Attorney Fee Requests (effective July 1, 2026; vacates and replaces Standing Order 25-01), establishes a "NO-LOOK" Compensation Plan under which counsel for the debtor, without filing a fee application, is awarded a Standard Allowable Amount (SAA) not to exceed $5,300.00 ($4,900.00 fees and $400.00 out-of-pocket expenses), plus applicable filing fees paid by or through counsel, deemed allowed upon confirmation of the plan. The SAA covers all services typically performed up to and through confirmation of the debtor's original plan (including counseling, the section 341 meeting, preparing and filing the petition, plan, statements and schedules, pre-confirmation modifications and amendments, and confirmation hearings). Additional services may be compensated through court-set A La Carte (ALC) fees by certification and notice. U.S. Bankruptcy Court, N.D. Iowa, Standing Order No. 26-03, Chapter 13 Attorney Fee Requests (effective July 1, 2026) |
| Kentucky | Eastern District of Kentucky: under Local Rule 2016-2 (local rules effective December 1, 2024), the debtor's attorney in a chapter 13 case may accept, in lieu of an itemized fee application, a presumptively reasonable fee in an amount up to and including $4,500, provided a plan is confirmed, the debtor and counsel execute the Rights and Responsibilities of Chapter 13 Debtors and Their Attorneys (Local Form 2016-2(a)(i)), and counsel files a certification within 14 days of the petition. The fee includes all services through confirmation, listed post-confirmation services, representation in any two listed post-confirmation matters (e.g., responding to a motion to dismiss or for stay relief, motions to modify, incur debt or sell property), and related expenses other than filing fees and credit counseling costs; it excludes adversary proceedings and certain other matters. It may be allowed in the confirmation order. Western District of Kentucky: the court's notice provides that, effective with plans confirmed on or after 2/17/2025, the chapter 13 "Flat Fee" is $4,750.00 for cases in which the amount being paid into the plan is $10,000.00 or more, and $2500.00 for cases in which the total amount paid into the plan is less than $10,000.00 (set out in Section 5.1 of the court's Administrative Manual under Local Rule 2012-1). Local Rules of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky, Rule 2016-2 (eff. Dec. 1, 2024); U.S. Bankruptcy Court, W.D. Ky., notice "Effective 2/17/25: Change to the Chapter 13 Flat Fee" |
| Louisiana | Eastern District of Louisiana: Amended General Order 2020-8 (dated April 29, 2021) sets the presumptive base fee for debtor's attorneys in chapter 13 cases filed on or after June 1, 2020 at $4,000.00 in confirmed "direct-payment" plans and $4,500.00 in confirmed "conduit" plans; if the total amount paid into the confirmed plan will be less than $6,000.00, the base fee is capped at $2,500.00. The base fee must be elected in the first plan (irrevocably) and is paid by the chapter 13 trustee upon confirmation without a fee application. It covers the usual and ordinary services in the case; listed "Non-Base Services" carry separate presumptive fees (e.g., $400 for a motion to refinance or modify a mortgage or an objection to a stay-relief motion; $250 for a section 1329 plan modification). Middle District of Louisiana: Standing Order 2023-3 (August 30, 2023) provides that, effective for chapter 13 cases filed on or after September 1, 2023, unless the court orders otherwise, $4,800 is a reasonable "no look" fee for debtor's counsel (plus reimbursement of filing fees). It covers all matters in the main case for one year from the petition and after plan completion through discharge, including preconfirmation matters, claim objections bearing on confirmation, defense of stay relief motions, and most contested matters; it excludes adversary proceedings and hardship discharge motions. Western District of Louisiana: General Order 2025-2 (amending General Order 2021-2, Chapter 13 Fixed ("No-Look") Fees) provides that the fixed fee payable to the debtor's attorney in chapter 13 cases filed on or after April 1, 2025 is $5,025, except that where the total amount to be paid in to the Trustee under a confirmed plan is $9,050 or less, the fixed fee is capped at $2,825. U.S. Bankruptcy Court, E.D. La., Amended General Order 2020-8; Bankr. M.D. La. Standing Order 2023-3; Bankr. W.D. La. General Order 2025-2 |
| Maryland | District of Maryland (the state's only bankruptcy district): Appendix F to the Local Bankruptcy Rules (Ver. 25.01, December 1, 2025) provides two fee arrangements presumed reasonable under 11 U.S.C. 329 and allowable under 11 U.S.C. 330 without application or approval (rebuttable on objection or an order to justify fee): (A) a flat fee not to exceed $5,300.00 for representation of the debtor for all matters in the main case, with additional fees available by application (Local Bankruptcy Form E-1) for unexpected, extraordinary work or work done more than 90 days after the confirmation order; or (B) a flat fee not to exceed $6,800.00 for all matters in the main case, with additional fees only for unexpected, extraordinary work and otherwise a waiver of further fee applications. The amounts adjust every 3 years on April 1 (starting April 1, 2025) by the CPI-U, rounded to the nearest $25, and do not apply to cases commenced before an adjustment. Representation covers all matters in the case except adversary proceedings, appeals and U.S. Trustee audits, for which separate arrangements may be made. Local Bankruptcy Rules of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Maryland, Appendix F, Chapter 13 Debtor's Attorney Responsibilities and Fees (Ver. 25.01, December 1, 2025) |
| Massachusetts | District of Massachusetts (the state's only bankruptcy district): under MLBR Appendix 1, Rule 13-7(e), "No Look" Amount, unless the court orders otherwise, if the debtor's attorney has been paid or accrued fees (1) for pre-confirmation services totaling $4,000 or less and Qualified Expenses totaling $1,000 or less, and (2) for post-confirmation services up to an additional $1,000 (plus any amount by which pre-confirmation fees were less than $4,000), plus Qualified Expenses, disclosure in the Rule 2016(b) statement and Statement of Financial Affairs is sufficient and an itemized fee application is excused. "Qualified Expenses" are listed out-of-pocket costs such as filing fees, appraisals, title examinations, credit reports and credit counseling and financial management courses. Fees not paid before the petition are paid through the plan. Compensation above the no-look amount requires an application (Official Local Form 17 for total fees up to $10,000). Massachusetts Local Bankruptcy Rules, Appendix 1 (Chapter 13 Rules), Rule 13-7(e) (version posted May 1, 2025) |
| Michigan | Western District of Michigan: paragraph 16 of the court's Memorandum Regarding Allowance of Compensation and Reimbursement of Expenses for Court-Appointed Professionals (effective January 1, 2024) provides that, for chapter 13 cases filed on or after January 1, 2024, the court may approve a "no look" fee not to exceed $3,400.00 (a $225.00 per hour presumptive hourly rate) for services rendered through confirmation; attorneys who personally attended at least seven hours of bankruptcy education seminars in the prior calendar year and so certify may be awarded up to $4,100.00 (a $300.00 per hour presumptive rate); and attorneys certified by the American Board of Certification may be awarded up to $4,675 (a $350.00 per hour presumptive rate). The memorandum states these fees are not entitlements; fees above them require an itemized fee application covering all services. Eastern District of Michigan: under Local Rule 2016-1(c) (local rules including amendments through December 10, 2018), notwithstanding the fee application requirement, an order confirming plan in a chapter 13 case may award the debtor's attorney fees and expenses up to $3,500.00 in total for pre-confirmation services; fee applications requesting more than $3,500.00 must identify the circumstances that make the amount reasonable. U.S. Bankruptcy Court, W.D. Mich., Memorandum Regarding Allowance of Compensation and Reimbursement of Expenses for Court-Appointed Professionals (eff. Jan. 1, 2024), para. 16; Bankr. E.D. Mich. Local Rule 2016-1(c) |
| Minnesota | District of Minnesota (the state's only bankruptcy district): the court's Guidance: Applications for Compensation by Debtors' Attorneys in Chapter 13 Cases (08/2026), under Local Rule 2016-1, provides that an attorney who performs the listed required prepetition and preconfirmation services may request an order awarding compensation using Local Form 2016-1 if the requested compensation, including amounts received prepetition, does not exceed $4,000 (the presumptively reasonable fee). The $4,000 fee does not include adversary proceedings, Rule 2004 examinations, postconfirmation hearings, and listed motions (e.g., to sell property or incur debt, claim objections, lien avoidance, plan modification, hardship discharge) or responses to stay-relief, valuation and postconfirmation dismissal motions. Separate presumptively reasonable fees apply of up to $1,500 per application for postconfirmation modified plans and up to $1,000 per application for listed other services. U.S. Bankruptcy Court, D. Minn., Guidance: Applications for Compensation by Debtors' Attorneys in Chapter 13 Cases (08/2026); Local Rule 2016-1 |
| Mississippi | Northern and Southern Districts of Mississippi (joint order): the Amended Standing Order Regarding Use of "No-Look" Fee in Awarding Reasonable Compensation and Reimbursable Expenses to Attorneys of Debtors in Chapter 13 Cases (Order 2025-02, dated February 10, 2025; effective May 1, 2025) allows debtor's counsel, absent objection, to charge a presumptively reasonable "No-Look Fee" of up to $4,600 for cases filed on or after May 1, 2025 ($4,000 for cases filed January 1, 2023 through April 30, 2025). The No-Look Fee covers representation during the pre-confirmation and post-confirmation stages of the chapter 13 case (not adversary proceedings) and is full compensation for services and expenses except the statutory filing fee, credit report charges, and the credit counseling fee. Counsel may seek an enhancement by itemized application for extraordinary matters, and the court may reduce the fee. U.S. Bankruptcy Court, N.D. and S.D. Miss., Amended Standing Order Regarding Use of "No-Look" Fee ... in Chapter 13 Cases (Order 2025-02, effective May 1, 2025) |
| Missouri | Eastern District of Missouri: under L.R. 2016-3(A)(1) (local rules dated December 1, 2025), attorneys for chapter 13 debtors who elect the "Flat Fee Option" may, without application to the court, be paid attorneys' fees, including expenses, not to exceed $5,800.00 for cases filed on or after December 1, 2024 (plus the filing fee if advanced). Under the alternative "Fee Application Option," in cases filed on or after December 1, 2025, counsel may be paid up to $3,600 (plus the filing fee if advanced) under a confirmed plan, subject to approval, modification or disgorgement, with fee applications required for other fees. The election is made through the CM/ECF Attorney Fee Election Form event. Western District of Missouri: under Local Rule 2016-2(B) (local rules adopted January 5, 2026), if the debtor's attorney's total fee for pre-confirmation services is a flat fee of $4,100 or less in a below median family income case or $4,600 or less in an above median income case, no separate application to approve the fee agreement is needed (the "No Look Fee"); the court presumes it is a reasonable fee for the services required under the Rights and Responsibilities Agreement (Local Form MOW 2016-1.4) to obtain confirmation. Adversary proceedings needed for confirmation may be compensated up to $1000 each without an itemized application; post-confirmation flat amounts are set separately in the rule. U.S. Bankruptcy Court, E.D. Mo., L.R. 2016-3 (Local Rules, Dec. 1, 2025); Bankr. W.D. Mo. Local Rule 2016-2(B) (Local Rules adopted Jan. 5, 2026) |
| Montana | District of Montana (the state's only bankruptcy district): under Mont. LBR 2016-1(b) (local rules dated December 15, 2023), absent an objection by a party in interest, fees incurred in a chapter 13 case in which a plan has been confirmed are presumed reasonable if debtor's attorney (1) uses the standard Attorney Retention Agreement (Mont. LBF 3-A), (2) discloses the terms of compensation under Fed. R. Bankr. P. 2016(b), and (3) seeks compensation for professional services that does not exceed $6,000.00 and costs that do not exceed $750.00. An attorney receiving presumptive compensation may seek additional fees by application for allowance of additional compensation. Local Bankruptcy Rules for the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, District of Montana (Dec. 15, 2023), Mont. LBR 2016-1(b) |
| Nebraska | District of Nebraska (the state's only bankruptcy district): chapter 13 attorney fees are governed by the No-Look Compensation Plan in Appendix B to the local rules (Rule 2016-1). The court's notice of General Order 26-03, Amendment to Local Rules regarding Chapter 13 Fees (posted January 23, 2026), states that it will "increase standard attorney fee in Chapter 13 cases to $4,800 ($5,000 including expenses)," a 20% increase over the original $4,000 "No Look Fee" set in 2019, and that several A La Carte (ALC) fees were also increased. U.S. Bankruptcy Court, D. Neb., General Order 26-03, Amendment to Local Rules regarding Chapter 13 Fees (notice posted Jan. 23, 2026); Neb. R. Bankr. P. 2016-1 and Appendix B |
| Nevada | District of Nevada (the state's only bankruptcy district): the Chapter 13 Presumptive Attorney's Fees Guidelines (effective 2/1/2021, adopted under Local Rule 2016.2) set the presumptive fee, including costs, at $5,000.00, which may be awarded through the confirmation order for cases filed on or after February 1, 2021. To receive it, the attorney must certify that the attorney has provided (or will provide without additional compensation) the listed services, including counseling the debtor, preparing and filing the petition, schedules, plan and amendments, necessary motions (such as motions to impose or extend the automatic stay), and attending the section 341 meeting. U.S. Bankruptcy Court, D. Nev., Chapter 13 Presumptive Attorney's Fees Guidelines (effective 2/1/2021); Local Rule 2016.2 |
| New Hampshire | District of New Hampshire (the state's only bankruptcy district): under LBR 2016-1(b), Chapter 13 No-Look Fee (local rules and forms dated 2026.10.01), if the total fee for the debtor's attorney in a chapter 13 case is less than or equal to $6,500, the attorney need not file an application for compensation. The rule also states that if any debtor's attorney proposes to charge more than $7,500 or seeks more than $7,500 in compensation, an application for compensation must be filed. Local Bankruptcy Rules, U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Hampshire (2026.10.01), LBR 2016-1(b), Chapter 13 No-Look Fee |
| New Jersey | District of New Jersey (the state's only bankruptcy district): under D.N.J. LBR 2016-5(b) (local rules dated August 1, 2026), an attorney who charges a standard fee of $6,000 or less is not required to file an application for compensation. The standard fee includes all services and reimbursable necessary expenses required to confirm a plan, including administrative services required after confirmation; adversary proceedings, loss mitigation/loan modification, and postconfirmation filings and matters before the court are excluded and may be the subject of a fee application. The 2026 Comment states the standard fee was increased from $4,750 to $6,000 for cases filed on or after August 1, 2026, with later increases subject to adjustment of dollar amounts under 11 U.S.C. 104. Alternatively, counsel may elect hourly billing with a fee application. Local Rules of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, District of New Jersey (Aug. 1, 2026), D.N.J. LBR 2016-5, Compensation of Debtor's Attorney in a Chapter 13 Case |
| New York | Northern District of New York: Administrative Order 22-03 (signed April 7, 2022), Fees for Debtor's Counsel in Chapter 13 Cases, provides that a "Base Fee" paid upon confirmation as a Flat Fee from $3,500 to $6,500, determined by counsel at retention based on case complexity (e.g., business, consumer, W-2 wage earner or self-employed debtor, secured debt, mortgage arrears, taxes, stay extension, lien avoidance), is deemed presumptively reasonable under 11 U.S.C. 330(a) with no hearing or fee application; the order confirming the plan serves as the order approving compensation. The Base Fee covers 17 listed Base Legal Services through discharge (including the petition, schedules, plan, amendments needed for confirmation, the section 341 meeting, confirmation hearings, lien avoidance motions, pre-confirmation and two post-confirmation motions to dismiss or convert, and discharge certifications). Listed post-confirmation Additional Legal Services carry a presumed-reasonable fee of between $350 and $650 each (up to $750 for a motion to approve the sale of real property). Western District of New York: Administrative Order 2024-01-PRW (dated April 1, 2024), applicable to chapter 13 cases assigned to Judge Warren, sets the Presumptively Reasonable Base Legal Fee as a flat fee ranging from $3,750.00 (or less) to $6,750.00 depending on the nature and complexity of the case, paid upon confirmation for 17 listed Base Legal Services ("cradle-to-grave"); the order states that an award of those flat fees is not guaranteed and the court may reduce fees. U.S. Bankruptcy Court, N.D.N.Y., Administrative Order 22-03; Bankr. W.D.N.Y. Administrative Order 2024-01-PRW (Judge Warren) |
| North Carolina | Eastern District of North Carolina: the court's announcement of its Administrative Order on Compensation of Professionals (posted December 4, 2015) states that amendments to Local Rule 2016-1 and the Administrative Guide to Practice and Procedure include "an increase in the chapter 13 standard base fee from $3,700 to $5,000." A separate General Order (entered January 2, 2024) sets presumptive chapter 13 non-base fees effective January 1, 2024 of $600.00 each for listed debtor motions (e.g., turnover, lien avoidance (one per case), sale of property, defense of stay relief motions, hardship discharge, valuing collateral and avoiding a mortgage). Middle District of North Carolina: Standing Order 23-02 sets the presumptive base fee for chapter 13 cases filed on or after July 7, 2023 at $5,200 for below-median income debtors ($5,700 if the responsible attorney(s) attended at least 7 hours of bankruptcy-related CLE in the 12 months before the petition) and $5,500 for above-median income debtors ($6,000 with the same CLE), covering the usual and ordinary services from preparing the petition through closure of the case; if the total to be paid into the plan is less than $7,000, the presumptive fee is capped at $2,500. Listed non-base services carry separate presumptive fees (e.g., $500 for a motion to modify a chapter 13 plan). Western District of North Carolina: the court's notice of local rule changes effective May 1, 2026 (Administrative Order 1110) states that "The presumptive base fee for Chapter 13 debtor's attorneys will increase from $5,000 to $7,000." U.S. Bankruptcy Court, M.D.N.C., Standing Order 23-02; Bankr. W.D.N.C. notice, May 1, 2026 Changes to Local Rules for Chapter 13 Cases; Bankr. E.D.N.C. Administrative Order on Compensation of Professionals (notice Dec. 4, 2015) and General Order on Presumptive Chapter 13 Non-Base Fees (Jan. 2, 2024) |
| North Dakota | District of North Dakota (the state's only bankruptcy district): under Bankruptcy Rule 2016-1, Chapter 13 Compensation for Legal Fees and Expenses by Debtor's Attorney (effective April 3, 2023), an attorney is excused from the compensation application requirement if "the attorney's claim for compensation does not exceed a presumptively reasonable fee of $4,000." The fee is presumed to compensate a minimum level of listed services (prepetition counseling and analysis through steps needed for discharge); adversary proceedings, Rule 2004 examinations, postconfirmation hearings and certain motions are excluded. Postconfirmation simplified applications of $1,000 or less per application may be approved without a hearing. U.S. Bankruptcy Court, D.N.D., Bankruptcy Rule 2016-1 (effective April 3, 2023) |
| Ohio | Northern District of Ohio (set by division): Cleveland - Third Amended Administrative Order 25-01 (filed February 13, 2025), for cases filed in the Cleveland court on and after March 1, 2025, allows debtor's counsel to accept, in lieu of an itemized fee application, a presumptively reasonable fee up to and including $4,500.00 if a plan is confirmed, the Rights and Responsibilities agreement was executed before filing, and no party objects; if the agreement was not executed before filing, the presumptive fee is up to and including $2,500.00 on motion. If the case is dismissed before confirmation, the trustee pays counsel $450.00 to the extent funds are available. Toledo (Western Division) - Toledo Administrative Order 24-01 (Judges Whipple and Gustafson; dated April 24, 2024) allows a presumptively reasonable fee up to and including $3,500 if a plan is confirmed and the Rights and Responsibilities agreement was executed before filing (up to and including $2,500 if not), on motion or application with a proposed order. Southern District of Ohio: General Order No. 50-1 amended Local Bankruptcy Rule 2016-1(b)(2)(A), effective for cases filed on or after February 24, 2021, to provide that upon confirmation of the plan, fees may be allowed up to $4,350 ("no-look fee") without further application or specific itemization, covering the listed general legal services in a chapter 13 case whether performed preconfirmation or postconfirmation. U.S. Bankruptcy Court, N.D. Ohio, Third Amended Administrative Order 25-01 (Cleveland) and Toledo Administrative Order 24-01; Bankr. S.D. Ohio General Order No. 50-1 (Local Bankruptcy Rule 2016-1(b)(2)(A)) |
| Oklahoma | Western District of Oklahoma: General Order No. 26-03, Chapter 13 Guidelines (Appendix C; dated January 15, 2026), section VII.G, provides that the debtor's attorney may be awarded a fee in the confirmation order up to $4,000, inclusive of any retainer received pre-petition, without filing a fee application, plus an additional $750 for motions to avoid lien filed preconfirmation; the fee covers all pre-confirmation services and nominal post-confirmation services and is paid at up to $400 per month or 50% of the monthly plan payment, whichever is less. Attorneys may alternatively bill hourly. Eastern District of Oklahoma: General Order No. 16-12 (December 12, 2016) provides that effective January 1, 2017 the court will allow $4,750 as a reasonable, presumptive fee for attorneys representing debtors in a basic chapter 13 case, covering routine legal services from preparation and filing through confirmation and including one post-confirmation modification; attorneys charging the presumptive fee need not file a fee application. U.S. Bankruptcy Court, W.D. Okla., General Order No. 26-03, Chapter 13 Guidelines, sec. VII.G; Bankr. E.D. Okla. General Order No. 16-12 |
| Oregon | District of Oregon (the state's only bankruptcy district): Local Bankruptcy Form 1305, Chapter 13 Debtor's Attorney's Compensation Disclosure and Application (12/1/2025), used under LBR 2016-1, sets maximum fixed fees: Schedule 1 (life-of-the-case fixed fee, all reasonably necessary services for the entire case including contested matter litigation but excluding adversary proceedings and appeals) of $6,225 maximum plus expenses of $675 maximum; and Schedule 2.(a) (fixed fee through confirmation and the initial audit of claims, including prepetition services) of $4,250 maximum. Under the hourly Schedule 2.(b), an itemization (LBF 1306) is required if the agreed estimated total compensation exceeds $4,250 (LBR 2016-1, as amended December 1, 2025). U.S. Bankruptcy Court, D. Or., Local Bankruptcy Form 1305 (12/1/2025); LBR 2016-1 (eff. Dec. 1, 2025) |
| Pennsylvania | Eastern District of Pennsylvania: under L.B.R. 2016-3(a) (local rules dated 2025-12-01), counsel may use a short form application (L.B.F. 2016-3A), or seek approval through Section 2(f) of the chapter 13 plan without a separate application, if total compensation for all services rendered before confirmation is $6,633 or less for an above-median-income debtor or $5,335 or less for a below-median-income debtor; otherwise a long form application is required. The clerk's notice dated March 26, 2025 states these thresholds were automatically adjusted (from $5,875 and $4,725) effective April 1, 2025, for cases commenced on or after that date. Middle District of Pennsylvania: L.B.R. 2016-2(c) allows an attorney to charge a Presumptively Reasonable Fee not to exceed $5,000.00 that includes all legal services through the conclusion of the case, plus up to $1,000.00 additional if the debtor must file business reports or controls an operating business, up to $600.00 for a conduit (mortgage-through-plan) plan, and up to $600.00 for each approved post-confirmation plan modification; the dollar amounts were updated in 2024 and apply to cases filed on or after October 1, 2024. Western District of Pennsylvania: Standing Order (Misc. Proc. #20-222, December 8, 2020) amended W.PA.LBR 2016-1(f) so that the chapter 13 "no-look attorney fee" is limited to a maximum of $5,000.00 and the "no-look expense charge" to a maximum of $500 (including the petition filing fee, postage, copying and similar costs); when counsel's fee and expenses are at or below those amounts, no fee application is required. The amounts include any retainer and are reduced for amounts the client pays directly. U.S. Bankruptcy Court, E.D. Pa., L.B.R. 2016-3(a) (Local Rules 2025-12-01) and Notice of Automatic Adjustment (Mar. 26, 2025); Bankr. M.D. Pa. L.B.R. 2016-2(c); Bankr. W.D. Pa. Standing Order Misc. Proc. #20-222 (W.PA.LBR 2016-1(f)) |
| Rhode Island | District of Rhode Island (the state's only bankruptcy district): Appendix III to the Local Bankruptcy Rules, District of Rhode Island Maximum Attorney Fee Without Written Fee Application (amended 12/1/19; rule book amended as of December 1, 2024), provides that under R.I. LBR 2017-1 a detailed fee application is required within 60 days after the section 341 meeting whenever the fee for an attorney for a chapter 13 debtor exceeds $4,000, plus $1,000 for post confirmation work, and $3,000 for services in connection with loss mitigation. Appendix III states these amounts only establish when a fee application must be filed, are not minimum fees, and that all fees remain subject to court approval (the court may require applications even below these amounts). Local Bankruptcy Rules and Forms, U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Rhode Island (amended as of December 1, 2024), Appendix III |
| South Carolina | District of South Carolina (the state's only bankruptcy district): the court's notice of Amendment to Local Rule 2016-1 states that amendments to SC LBR 2016-1 have been adopted setting the expedited ("no look") chapter 13 debtor's attorney fee at $5,000 for a consumer debtor and $6,000 for a debtor engaged in business, applicable to compensation or retainer agreements entered on or after July 1, 2024 in cases filed on or after that date. The initial disbursement to counsel after confirmation remains $1,500, and the debtor's attorney may apply for reimbursement of costs and expenses exceeding $50 for a matter. (The previous expedited amounts, announced May 11, 2023, were $4,300.00 for consumer cases and $4,800.00 for business cases.) U.S. Bankruptcy Court, D.S.C., Amendment to Local Rule 2016-1 (SC LBR 2016-1, effective July 1, 2024) |
| South Dakota | District of South Dakota (the state's only bankruptcy district): under Bankr. D.S.D. R. 2016-3 (Local Rules and Appendices as amended July 13, 2026), an attorney representing a chapter 13 debtor may use a simplified fee application (Appendix 2O-2) if the attorney's total claim for legal fees, costs, and expenses does not exceed a presumptively reasonable amount of $5,000.00, which is presumed to compensate the attorney for all services in a typical chapter 13 case, including listed minimum services. Notice with a 21-day objection period is required, and the court may issue the order without a hearing if no objections are filed. The simplified process is optional; attorneys may file a standard application instead. (An earlier version of this rule was withdrawn by General Order dated August 15, 2024 and later reinstated in revised form.) Local Bankruptcy Rules for the District of South Dakota, as amended July 13, 2026, Bankr. D.S.D. R. 2016-3 |
| Tennessee | Eastern District of Tennessee: under Local Rule 2016-1(b) (local rules amended effective December 1, 2024 by General Order 2024-05), without filing a Rule 2016(a) application, a chapter 13 debtor's attorney may request a reasonable flat fee for representing the debtor in an amount not to exceed $4,500, based on a good-faith estimate of services and the 11 U.S.C. 330(a)(3)-(4) factors; the flat fee is contemplated to cover all services and expenses, though the disclosure may exclude certain listed matters. The request must be set forth in the chapter 13 plan and may be objected to like the plan. Middle District of Tennessee: Administrative Order 23-1, Standing Order Relating to Attorney Fees in Chapter 13 Cases (entered January 9, 2023; amending and restating AO 20-2), for cases filed on and after January 1, 2023, allows a presumptively reasonable "No App Fee" for services in filing, administering and closing a chapter 13 case without a lodestar application, not to exceed $4,950 for attorneys certified in consumer bankruptcy by the American Board of Certification and $4,700 for attorneys who are not certified (including prepetition payments; other amounts may be added as allowed by the order). Western District of Tennessee: Standing Order No. 24-0001, effective March 1, 2024, sets the presumptively reasonable fee for debtor's attorneys in chapter 13 cases filed on and after that date at $4,750.00, covering all reasonably necessary services and expenses from the outset of the case (counsel may exclude adversary proceedings, contempt proceedings, expert witnesses and appeals); if a case is dismissed before confirmation, the presumptively reasonable fee is $1,200.00. U.S. Bankruptcy Court, E.D. Tenn., Local Rule 2016-1(b) (General Order 2024-05); Bankr. M.D. Tenn. Administrative Order 23-1; Bankr. W.D. Tenn. Standing Order No. 24-0001 |
| Texas | Northern District of Texas: General Order 2026-01, Standing Order Concerning All Chapter 13 Cases (effective February 11, 2026), provides that in an individual non-business case or Level 1 business case the court presumes $4,250.00 (the "Standard Fee") to be reasonable compensation and reimbursement of expenses for debtor's counsel under 11 U.S.C. 330(a)(3)(B), and in a Level 2 business case presumes $5,000.00 (the "Business Standard Fee"); the court allows these fees plus costs without a fee application. Southern District of Texas: under the court's fixed fee procedure, Form No. 13-10, Standard Application for Fixed Fee Agreement (effective April 1, 2025), caps the agreed fixed fee (including all expenses except the filing fee) at $5,000.00 ($4,500.00 maximum if the case is dismissed before confirmation or less than 120 days after confirmation), with separate capped fixed fees for listed later matters; Form No. 13-11, Non-Standard Application for Fixed Fee Agreement (effective April 1, 2025), used in listed complex cases (e.g., multiple real properties or larger businesses), caps the fixed fee at $6,200.00 ($5,700.00 if dismissed before confirmation or within 120 days after). Eastern District of Texas: under LBR 2016(h)(1) (local rules revised August 22, 2022), a formal fee application is not required if counsel requests $4,500 or less for the Benchmark Fee Period (through the first post-confirmation modification after the trustee's claims reconciliation, or the trustee's certification that claims are reconciled) where counsel handled no automatic stay litigation, or $5,000 or less where counsel did handle stay litigation; each benchmark includes prepetition payments and may be increased by $500 for a debtor engaged in business when certified by the trustee. Western District of Texas: the Standing Order Regarding Benchmark Fees in Chapter 13 Cases (signed December 18, 2024; Order 25-04), under Local Rule 2016-1(f)(2), sets the benchmark fee for basic required services in cases filed on and after February 3, 2025: Austin $5,400 business / $4,900 non-business (plus an additional $300 if the plan is confirmed at the first hearing); El Paso, San Antonio, Waco and Midland $5,000 business / $4,500 non-business; supplemental benchmark fees apply to listed non-basic services (e.g., $750 for a post-confirmation contested stay relief motion). U.S. Bankruptcy Court, N.D. Tex., General Order 2026-01; Bankr. S.D. Tex. Forms 13-10 and 13-11 (eff. April 1, 2025); Bankr. E.D. Tex. LBR 2016(h)(1) (rev. Aug. 22, 2022); Bankr. W.D. Tex. Standing Order Regarding Benchmark Fees in Chapter 13 Cases (Order 25-04) |
| Utah | District of Utah (the state's only bankruptcy district): under Local Rule 2083-2 and General Order 24-002 (Presumptive Attorney Fee Awards in Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Cases), the court's Policy and Procedures page lists chapter 13 presumptive fees for debtors' counsel in cases filed on or after January 1, 2025: $2,800 if the case is dismissed before a plan is confirmed; $4,500 for a below-median-income debtor whose confirmed plan pays less than $200/month; $4,750 for a below-median-income debtor whose confirmed plan pays at least $200/month; and $5,100 for an above-median-income debtor with a confirmed plan or a chapter 13 business case. (For cases filed before January 1, 2025: $2,500, $3,500, $3,750 and $4,000 respectively.) Fees beyond the presumptive fee require a fee application with notice and an opportunity to object. U.S. Bankruptcy Court, D. Utah, Policy and Procedures (Chapter 13 Presumptive Fees for Debtors' Counsel); General Order 24-002 |
| Vermont | District of Vermont (the state's only bankruptcy district): under Vt. LBR 2016-2(a), a chapter 13 debtor's attorney's fees are presumed reasonable up to the amounts in Vt. LB Appendix XI. The posted Appendix XI (02/2022) states that as of February 1, 2022 the presumed reasonable fee is: up to $2,675 for a simple chapter 13 case (e.g., plan pays only unsecured claims and attorney's fees); up to $3,750 where the debtor pays ongoing mortgage payments directly (up to $2,900 pre-confirmation plus up to $850 post-confirmation); and up to $4,600 in a Conduit Mortgage Payments case (up to $3,950 pre-confirmation plus up to $650 post-confirmation). It also sets presumed reasonable fees for routine motions (e.g., up to $750 for a motion to modify a confirmed plan). Appendix XI provides that, unless the court orders otherwise, each amount automatically increases every February 1 by the change in the CPI-U, rounded to the nearest $25. U.S. Bankruptcy Court, D. Vt., Vt. LB Appendix XI, Local Fees Schedule for "Presumed Reasonable Fees" and Mediation Fee (02/2022); Vt. LBR 2016-2(a) |
| Virginia | Eastern District of Virginia: the Clerk's Adjustment of Dollar Amounts statement lists Local Rule 2016-1(C), Debtor's Attorney in Chapter 13 Case, effective January 1, 2026, as providing that the "no-look" fee "shall not exceed $6,817." Western District of Virginia: Standing Order No. 22-001 (fees for debtor's counsel in chapter 13 cases; applies to cases filed on or after February 15, 2022) provides that if the initial fee for routine, expected services does not exceed $4,750.00 in a non-business consumer chapter 13 case, or $5,750.00 in a business-related chapter 13 case, a formal application for approval and payment of the unpaid amount through the plan may not be required, provided the fee is clearly set out in the plan, is consistent with the Rule 2016 disclosure, and does not exceed the reasonable value of actual services. The amount includes routine costs (copying, postage, communication) but not filing fees or outside costs such as credit reports, credit counseling and debtor education. The order states it does not authorize payment of the fee without court approval. U.S. Bankruptcy Court, E.D. Va., Adjustment of Dollar Amounts Statement (Local Rule 2016-1(C), eff. Jan. 1, 2026); Bankr. W.D. Va. Standing Order No. 22-001 |
| Washington | Eastern District of Washington: under LBR 2016-1(e) (version dated February 24, 2025, in the local rules set dated 2026-07-17), a chapter 13 attorney may elect an Agreed Flat Fee, supported by a Flat Fee Agreement (LF 2016E), that may not exceed $5,000 in a consumer case or $6,000 in a business case (as defined in 11 U.S.C. 1304(a)); it compensates all ordinary, necessary and reasonably foreseeable services and expenses (excluding filing fees and credit counseling/education fees), including the petition, schedules, plan and amendments, the meeting of creditors and confirmation hearings, and common issues such as objections to confirmation, stay relief motions, claim objections and routine motions to dismiss. Approval is included in the confirmation order. The amounts increase every 3 years beginning April 1, 2028 by the CPI-U, rounded to the nearest $25. Western District of Washington: under LBR 2016-1(e)(1), attorneys representing chapter 13 debtors may be awarded fees of up to $5,000 (or such other amount as may be set by general order) (the "presumptive fee") without first filing a written application; the fee compensates all services through entry of the order confirming the plan, including listed tasks such as filing the plan, attending the section 341 meeting and reviewing claims. Fees above the presumptive fee require an application with itemized time records. U.S. Bankruptcy Court, E.D. Wash., LBR 2016-1(e) (Feb. 24, 2025); Bankr. W.D. Wash. LBR 2016-1(e)(1) |
| Wisconsin | Eastern District of Wisconsin: the court's statement Presumptively Reasonable ("No-Look") Fees in Chapter 13 Cases provides that for chapter 13 cases filed on or after May 1, 2024, the presumptively reasonable fee for an attorney representing the debtor, through at least plan confirmation, is $5,500 (including costs, but not including the chapter 13 filing fee), or $6,000 if the debtor moves to participate in the court's mortgage modification mediation program. The fee is generally expected to cover all ordinary, necessary and reasonably foreseeable pre-confirmation services and routine post-confirmation services (e.g., preparing and amending the petition, schedules and plan; the meeting of creditors; confirmation hearings; stay relief motions; claims review and objections; and completion certifications). U.S. Bankruptcy Court, E.D. Wis., Presumptively Reasonable ("No-Look") Fees in Chapter 13 Cases (cases filed on or after May 1, 2024) |
| Wyoming | District of Wyoming (the state's only bankruptcy district): under Local Rule 2016-1(A), Attorney Fee Applications in Chapter 13 Cases (Local Bankruptcy Rules and Forms effective July 1, 2012), the debtor's attorney must file a fee application in a chapter 13 case, but if the fees and expenses requested do not exceed a total of $3,500.00, exclusive of the filing fee, an itemization of time and services is not required. The rule states this fee is intended to compensate counsel for all reasonable fees incurred to achieve confirmation of a chapter 13 plan, absent extraordinary circumstances; notice of the application must be given under Fed. R. Bankr. P. 2002(a)(6). Local Bankruptcy Rules and Forms, U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Wyoming (effective July 1, 2012), Local Rule 2016-1(A) |
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.