Find Bankruptcy Lawyers Near You in Denver, CO

The total cost of hiring a bankruptcy lawyer in Denver, Colorado includes both the attorneys fees and the court filing fee. For a Chapter 7 case, attorney fees generally range from $1,200 to $2,500, plus the $338 filing fee. For a Chapter 13 case, fees are higher, typically $3,000 to $5,000, plus the $313 filing fee. Many Denver attorneys offer flexible payment plans, allowing you to pay the fee in installments before the case is filed. Some lawyers also charge additional costs for credit counseling courses, document preparation, or adversary proceedings.

This information is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Bankruptcy laws and fee structures can change, and individual circumstances vary significantly. You should consult with a qualified bankruptcy attorney in Denver to obtain advice tailored to your specific situation.

Bankruptcy law in Denver, Colorado offers individuals and businesses a legal pathway to address overwhelming debt through federal court proceedings. The three primary chapters available are Chapter 7, Chapter 13, and Chapter 11. Chapter 7, often called liquidation bankruptcy, requires the debtor to surrender non-exempt assets to a trustee, who sells them to pay creditors. This chapter is typically suitable for individuals with limited income and few assets who cannot afford a repayment plan. Chapter 13, known as reorganization bankruptcy, allows debtors with regular income to propose a three-to-five-year repayment plan to catch up on missed mortgage payments, car loans, or other secured debts. Chapter 11 is designed for businesses or individuals with debt exceeding Chapter 13 limits, enabling complex restructuring while continuing operations. Choosing the right chapter depends on your income, asset value, debt type, and long-term financial goals.

Colorado has specific state exemption laws that determine what property you can keep in bankruptcy. Unlike some states, Colorado requires residents to use state exemptions rather than federal exemptions. The Colorado homestead exemption protects up to $75,000 of equity in your primary residence, or $105,000 if you are 60 or older, disabled, or supporting a dependent. For vehicles, Colorado allows a motor vehicle exemption of $5,000 in equity, plus an additional $1,000 if the vehicle has equipment for a disability. The state also provides a wildcard exemption of $1,500 for any property of your choice, which can be applied to cash, jewelry, or other assets not covered by specific exemptions. Colorado Revised Statutes Title 13, Article 54 governs these exemptions, and they are adjusted periodically for inflation. Understanding these exemptions is critical because they determine whether filing Chapter 7 is advisable or if Chapter 13 might better protect your assets.

The means test is a mandatory calculation that determines eligibility for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. If your current monthly income exceeds the Colorado median income for your household size, you must pass a second part of the test comparing your disposable income to your debts. As of 2025, the median annual income for a single-person household in Colorado is approximately $67,000, for a two-person household $82,000, for a three-person household $95,000, and for a four-person household $110,000. These figures are updated periodically by the U.S. Trustee Program. The means test subtracts allowed living expenses from your income; if the resulting disposable income is too high, you may be presumed to have the ability to repay creditors and will be ineligible for Chapter 7. In that case, Chapter 13 becomes the appropriate option, as it requires you to devote your disposable income to a repayment plan for three to five years.

When you file for bankruptcy in Colorado, an automatic stay immediately goes into effect, stopping most creditor collection actions. This means debt collectors cannot call, send letters, garnish wages, foreclose on your home, or repossess your car without court permission. The automatic stay provides immediate breathing room to work with your attorney on the case. The timeline from filing to discharge varies by chapter. For Chapter 7, the process typically takes four to six months, including a meeting of creditors (341 hearing) about 30 days after filing, followed by the discharge order. For Chapter 13, the process lasts the duration of your repayment plan, usually three to five years, after which remaining dischargeable debts are eliminated. Before filing, you must complete a mandatory credit counseling course from an approved agency. After filing but before discharge, you must complete a debtor education course. Both courses are relatively short and cost between $10 and $50 each.

Filing fees for bankruptcy are set by federal statute and are non-negotiable. As of 2025, the filing fee for Chapter 7 is $338, and for Chapter 13 it is $313. These fees can sometimes be paid in installments with court approval, but waivers are rare. Attorney fees in Denver vary significantly based on the complexity of your case. For a straightforward Chapter 7, attorney fees typically range from $1,200 to $2,500. For Chapter 13, fees are higher due to the ongoing plan administration, usually ranging from $3,000 to $5,000. Many Denver bankruptcy lawyers offer payment plans for their fees, allowing you to pay in installments before or during the case. For those with very low income, pro bono resources are available through organizations such as Colorado Legal Services and Metro Volunteer Lawyers, though eligibility is limited and demand is high.

Life after bankruptcy requires deliberate steps to rebuild your financial standing. A Chapter 7 discharge stays on your credit report for 10 years from the filing date, while a Chapter 13 discharge remains for 7 years. However, this does not mean you cannot access credit during that period. Many individuals receive credit card offers within months of discharge, though interest rates will be higher initially. Strategies for rebuilding credit include obtaining a secured credit card, becoming an authorized user on a responsible persons account, and making all payments on time. Certain debts are not dischargeable in bankruptcy. Student loans are presumptively non-dischargeable unless you can prove undue hardship in an adversary proceeding, which is difficult. Recent tax debts may be dischargeable if they meet specific criteria, such as being at least three years old and filed on time. Child support, alimony, and most fines for criminal conduct cannot be discharged. Understanding these limitations is essential before filing to avoid surprises.