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Chapter 13 Lawyer Fees in Des Plaines

Chapter 13 lawyer fees in Des Plaines, Illinois average about $4,150 — roughly 104% of the U.S. average and above the Illinois state average of $3,650.

Low
$3,100
Average fee
$4,150
per case
High
$6,200

What this typically includes

Preparing and filing the petition and schedules, drafting and confirming the three- to five-year repayment plan, representing you at the 341 meeting and confirmation hearing, and handling routine plan modifications during the case. The court filing fee and any adversary proceeding are billed separately.

Des Plaines, IL State exemption (opt-out) state

Illinois has opted out of the federal bankruptcy exemptions, so a Chapter 13 filer uses Illinois’s state exemption system, which shapes the repayment plan and what unsecured creditors must be paid.

Chapter 13 attorneys in Illinois charge a flat fee that is largely paid through the three- to five-year repayment plan, often anchored to the presumptive “no-look” fee set by your bankruptcy district. Illinois’s exemptions and the local district practice both shape the plan and the cost.

Get in touch with a chapter 13 lawyer in Des Plaines

Browse these chapter 13 attorneys serving Des Plaines. Give a call or request an estimate and connect with local firm that fits your case.

We’re still adding chapter 13 attorneys in Des Plaines. Request a free case evaluation and we’ll connect you with a local firm.

How Des Plaines compares

Average chapter 13 lawyer fees, Des Plaines vs. Illinois vs. the U.S.

Des Plaines
$4,150
Illinois
$3,650
U.S. average
$4,000

Des Plaines runs about 4% higher than the national average for chapter 13 lawyer fees.

What affects chapter 13 lawyer fees in Des Plaines

In Des Plaines, the cost of living runs 104% of the U.S. average — both of which influence what local attorneys charge. Beyond location, these factors drive chapter 13 lawyer fees:

  • Plan complexity — A complicated plan, debts, or income takes more work to draft and confirm.
  • Saving a home — Curing mortgage arrears or stripping a junior lien adds work and value.
  • Business or self-employment — Business income complicates the budget, plan, and trustee reporting.
  • Plan modifications — Changes during the multi-year case can add fees beyond the base.
  • District no-look fee — The presumptive fee set by your bankruptcy district shapes the price.
  • Local court practice — Trustee practices and confirmation norms vary by district.

How to choose a chapter 13 lawyer in Des Plaines

Fees matter, but the right chapter 13 attorney in Des Plaines also often improves your timeline and your outcome. Before you hire:

  • Confirm the fee structure. Chapter 13 matters are usually a flat fee — one agreed price for the work. Get it in writing before you sign — our flat fees guide explains exactly what to look for.
  • Look for chapter 13 experience. Choose an attorney who regularly handles chapter 13 cases in Illinois, not a generalist.
  • Use the free consultation. Most Des Plaines chapter 13 attorneys review your case at no cost — use it to compare two or three.
  • Verify licensing. Confirm the attorney is licensed and in good standing with the Illinois state bar.
  • Clarify what's included. Ask which case costs are separate from the fee and how they are billed — see attorney fees vs. case costs.
See how chapter 13 fees work

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Average attorney fees in Des Plaines by case type

National benchmarks adjusted by Des Plaines's cost-of-living index (104). Open a case type for its full Des Plaines fee breakdown.

Case type How it’s billed Low Average High
Chapter 13 Flat fee $3,100 $4,150 $6,200
Divorce Flat fee $2,050 $7,750 $20,700
Immigration Flat fee $520 $3,650 $15,550
Real Estate Flat fee $830 $1,550 $3,650
Probate Flat fee $1,550 $4,650 $15,550
Car Accidents Contingency $2,050 $6,200 $15,550
Personal Injury Contingency $3,100 $10,350 $31,100
Patent Flat fee $5,200 $10,350 $18,650
Estate Planning Flat fee $520 $2,050 $5,200
DUI Flat fee $1,550 $4,150 $10,350
Child Support Hourly $1,050 $3,650 $10,350
Criminal Defense Flat fee $1,550 $5,200 $15,550
Child Custody Hourly $2,050 $8,300 $25,900
H-1B Visa Flat fee $2,050 $3,650 $6,200
Trademark Flat fee $620 $1,250 $2,600
Living Trust Flat fee $1,250 $2,600 $5,200
Traffic Ticket Flat fee $100 $310 $780
Family Law Hourly $1,550 $7,250 $20,700
Speeding Ticket Flat fee $100 $310 $780
Bankruptcy Flat fee $1,050 $2,050 $4,650
Pedestrian Accident Contingency $3,650 $12,450 $41,450
Chapter 7 Flat fee $1,050 $1,550 $2,600
Traffic Violation Flat fee $100 $310 $780
Clemency Flat fee $2,050 $6,200 $15,550
Bicycle Accident Contingency $2,600 $8,300 $25,900
Medicaid Planning Flat fee $3,100 $6,750 $15,550
Adoption Flat fee $1,550 $5,200 $15,550
Medical Malpractice Contingency $25,900 $103,600 $362,600
Expungement Flat fee $520 $1,550 $4,150
Workers Compensation Contingency $1,550 $4,150 $10,350
SSDI Contingency $2,050 $4,150 $9,550
Uncontested Divorce Flat fee $520 $1,250 $2,600
Uber Accident Contingency $3,100 $9,300 $34,200
Tax Hourly $1,550 $5,200 $15,550
Rideshare Accident Contingency $3,100 $9,300 $34,200
Eviction Flat fee $520 $1,250 $3,100
Employment Contingency $2,600 $10,350 $41,450
Small Claims Flat fee $100 $520 $1,550
Bus Accident Contingency $4,150 $12,450 $46,600
Pardon Flat fee $1,550 $5,200 $15,550
Disability Contingency $2,050 $4,150 $9,550
Drunk Driving Accident Contingency $4,150 $15,550 $62,150
Defense Flat fee $1,550 $5,200 $15,550
Prenuptial Agreement Flat fee $1,050 $2,600 $7,750
Auto Dealer Fraud Contingency $2,600 $7,750 $25,900
Guardianship Flat fee $1,550 $4,150 $12,450
Closing Flat fee $730 $1,250 $2,600
Social Security Contingency $2,050 $4,150 $9,550
Business Hourly $1,550 $6,200 $25,900
Construction Accident Contingency $12,450 $51,800 $207,200
Alimony Hourly $3,100 $9,300 $25,900
Domestic Violence Flat fee $1,550 $4,150 $12,450
Green Card Flat fee $2,050 $4,150 $8,300
Business Litigation Hourly $15,550 $62,150 $259,000
Police Misconduct Contingency $8,300 $41,450 $259,000
K-1 Visa Flat fee $1,550 $2,600 $4,150
Foreclosure Flat fee $1,550 $3,650 $7,750
Annulment Flat fee $1,050 $3,100 $10,350
Sexual Abuse Contingency $20,700 $88,050 $414,400
Juvenile Flat fee $1,550 $3,650 $10,350
Debt Settlement Contingency $1,050 $3,100 $8,300
Bad Faith Insurance Contingency $8,300 $31,100 $129,500
Lemon Law Contingency $2,050 $5,200 $15,550
Divorce Mediation Hourly $2,600 $5,700 $12,450
Unpaid Wages Contingency $2,050 $8,300 $36,250
Non-Compete Agreement Flat fee $520 $2,600 $51,800
Consumer Protection Contingency $2,050 $5,200 $15,550
Life Insurance Denial Contingency $8,300 $51,800 $207,200
Personal Loan Hourly $520 $2,050 $5,200
Hostile Work Environment Contingency $4,150 $15,550 $67,350
Wrongful Death Contingency $15,550 $62,150 $259,000
Age Discrimination Contingency $5,200 $20,700 $88,050
Construction Defect Hourly $8,300 $46,600 $207,200
Elder Law Hourly $1,550 $5,200 $12,450
Restraining Order Flat fee $1,050 $2,600 $7,750
Debt Collection Defense Flat fee $520 $1,550 $5,200
Visitation Hourly $1,550 $5,200 $20,700
Brain Injury Contingency $20,700 $119,150 $518,000
Power of Attorney Flat fee $210 $410 $1,050
Birth Injury Contingency $103,600 $466,200 $1,554,000
CPS Defense Hourly $2,600 $7,750 $25,900
White Collar Crime Hourly $15,550 $77,700 $414,400
Wrongful Termination Contingency $3,100 $12,450 $46,600
Tenant Hourly $1,050 $2,600 $6,200
EB-2 NIW Flat fee $4,150 $7,250 $12,450
O-1 Visa Flat fee $3,650 $6,200 $10,350
Name Change Flat fee $310 $780 $2,600
F-1 Student Visa Flat fee $780 $1,850 $5,200
Misdemeanor Flat fee $780 $1,550 $3,650
Gun Charges Flat fee $1,550 $6,200 $77,700
Chapter 11 Hourly $25,900 $77,700 $414,400
Citizenship Flat fee $520 $1,050 $2,600
Severance Agreement Flat fee $520 $1,250 $5,200
LLC Formation Flat fee $520 $1,250 $2,600
House Purchase Flat fee $830 $1,350 $2,600
IRS Audit Hourly $1,050 $4,650 $20,700
CDL Ticket Flat fee $410 $930 $2,600
Truck Accident Contingency $5,200 $16,600 $51,800
Defamation Hourly $5,200 $15,550 $51,800
SSI Contingency $1,050 $3,100 $9,550
Surrogacy Flat fee $3,650 $8,300 $15,550
Probation Violation Flat fee $1,050 $2,600 $7,750
HOA Hourly $1,550 $4,150 $10,350
Reckless Driving Flat fee $1,050 $2,600 $5,200
Suspended License Flat fee $780 $1,800 $3,100
Asylum Flat fee $3,100 $6,200 $15,550
Franchise Hourly $2,050 $7,750 $62,150
EB-5 Visa Flat fee $12,450 $25,900 $51,800
Discharge Upgrade Flat fee $1,550 $4,150 $10,350
Copyright Flat fee $310 $1,550 $7,750
ERISA Contingency $3,100 $15,550 $77,700
Driving Without a License Flat fee $260 $620 $1,550
Marriage Green Card Flat fee $1,550 $3,100 $7,750
Hit and Run Accident Contingency $2,600 $8,300 $31,100
Overtime Contingency $2,600 $9,300 $41,450
Timeshare Exit Flat fee $1,550 $4,650 $15,550
Fraud Defense Flat fee $2,600 $7,750 $25,900
Civil Lawsuit Hourly $3,100 $15,550 $51,800
Irrevocable Trust Flat fee $2,600 $6,200 $15,550
Property Tax Appeal Contingency $160 $520 $2,050
Slip and Fall Contingency $4,150 $12,450 $41,450
Special Education Hourly $2,050 $7,750 $25,900
Entertainment Hourly $780 $3,650 $25,900
EB-1 Visa Flat fee $5,200 $9,300 $16,600
Special Needs Trust Flat fee $2,050 $4,650 $10,350
Student Loan Flat fee $780 $2,600 $8,300
Civil Rights Violation Contingency $5,200 $25,900 $155,400
Immigration Bond Flat fee $1,550 $3,100 $6,200
Motorcycle Accident Contingency $3,100 $9,300 $31,100
Dog Attack Injury Contingency $3,100 $10,350 $31,100
Insurance Claim Contingency $2,050 $7,750 $25,900
Discrimination Contingency $3,100 $12,450 $46,600
Professional License Defense Hourly $2,600 $8,300 $25,900
Commercial Real Estate Hourly $2,600 $9,300 $46,600
Intellectual Property Flat fee $520 $2,600 $15,550
Security Clearance Flat fee $2,600 $7,750 $20,700
Deportation Hourly $3,100 $8,300 $20,700
Mesothelioma Contingency $51,800 $362,600 $1,036,000
Trust Administration Hourly $2,600 $6,200 $20,700
Shoplifting Flat fee $780 $1,550 $4,150
Startup Flat fee $2,600 $7,750 $31,100
Burglary Flat fee $3,650 $9,300 $25,900
E-2 Visa Flat fee $3,650 $6,200 $10,350
Partnership Dispute Hourly $20,700 $77,700 $310,800
Mediation Hourly $1,550 $5,200 $15,550
Postnuptial Agreement Flat fee $1,050 $3,100 $9,300
Property Damage Contingency $1,550 $6,200 $20,700
Product Liability Contingency $15,550 $62,150 $259,000
Breach of Contract Hourly $3,100 $20,700 $77,700
Health Insurance Denial Hourly $780 $3,650 $15,550
Criminal Appeal Flat fee $7,750 $20,700 $51,800
Paternity Hourly $1,050 $3,100 $12,450
Debt Collector Harassment Contingency $1,550 $4,150 $15,550
Boundary Dispute Hourly $2,600 $12,450 $46,600
Corporate Hourly $3,650 $12,450 $62,150
Whistleblower Contingency $5,200 $20,700 $103,600
Legal Malpractice Contingency $10,350 $41,450 $155,400
Quiet Title Flat fee $1,550 $4,150 $25,900
Construction Hourly $3,650 $25,900 $155,400
Immigration Waiver Flat fee $2,600 $5,200 $10,350
Asset Protection Flat fee $3,100 $8,300 $25,900
Federal Criminal Defense Flat fee $10,350 $36,250 $155,400
Assault Flat fee $1,550 $4,150 $15,550
Contract Review Flat fee $310 $830 $3,100
Landlord Hourly $780 $3,100 $15,550
Unemployment Appeal Flat fee $520 $1,250 $3,650
Legal Separation Hourly $2,600 $8,300 $25,900
Deed Transfer Flat fee $260 $620 $1,850
L-1 Visa Flat fee $3,100 $5,700 $9,300
Contested Divorce Hourly $10,350 $20,700 $51,800
Wage Garnishment Flat fee $410 $1,300 $3,650
Stepparent Adoption Flat fee $1,550 $2,600 $8,300
Mergers and Acquisitions Hourly $7,750 $25,900 $103,600
Retaliation Contingency $4,650 $16,600 $72,500
Murder Flat fee $25,900 $77,700 $259,000
DACA Flat fee $520 $1,250 $3,100
Mass Tort Contingency $8,300 $36,250 $155,400
Will Contest Hourly $6,200 $25,900 $103,600
Loan Modification Flat fee $780 $2,050 $5,200
Will Flat fee $160 $410 $1,050
Felony Defense Flat fee $3,650 $10,350 $31,100
Drug Possession Flat fee $1,550 $4,150 $15,550
Theft Flat fee $1,050 $3,650 $12,450
House Sale Flat fee $830 $1,450 $2,600
Tax Debt Relief Flat fee $1,050 $3,650 $10,350
VA Disability Contingency $1,550 $5,200 $15,550
Long-Term Disability Contingency $2,600 $8,300 $25,900
Nursing Home Abuse Contingency $15,550 $62,150 $207,200
Sexual Harassment Contingency $5,200 $18,650 $77,700

Chapter 13 lawyer fees in other Illinois cities

Compare local chapter 13 attorney fees across Illinois.

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FAQs - Chapter 13 attorney fees in Des Plaines

Chapter 13 lawyer fees in Des Plaines average about $4,150, with a typical range of $3,100 to $6,200. That is roughly 104% of the U.S. average, adjusted for the local cost of living.

Des Plaines's cost-of-living index is about 104% of the national average, so chapter 13 attorney fees here tend to run 4% higher than the U.S. norm.

The figures here are local averages. For a number tied to your specific situation, request a free match with a chapter 13 attorney in Des Plaines, or enter your ZIP code for a more precise estimate.

We take the national benchmark for chapter 13 cases and adjust it by Des Plaines's cost-of-living index — about 104% of the U.S. average — giving a local Low, Average, and High of $3,100, $4,150, and $6,200.

Des Plaines averages about $4,150 for chapter 13 lawyer fees, compared with roughly $3,650 across Illinois and $4,000 nationally.

Many chapter 13 attorneys in Des Plaines offer a free initial consultation to review your case before you commit. Check each firm's listing above for details.

Look for a Des Plaines attorney who regularly handles chapter 13 cases, check reviews and their standing with the Illinois state bar, and use free consultations to compare a few before you decide.

Attorney fees pay for the lawyer's time and skill, while case costs are separate out-of-pocket expenses such as filing fees, records, and expert witnesses. In a Des Plaines chapter 13 matter, always confirm how the costs are handled alongside the fee.

In Des Plaines, chapter 13 lawyer fees are typically paid as a single flat fee agreed up front. Case costs are usually billed separately from the fee.

For most chapter 13 matters, yes — the right attorney can improve your outcome by more than the fee, and many work on terms that limit your risk. Use a free Des Plaines consultation to weigh it for your situation.

ZIP codes covered

These Des Plaines chapter 13 fee estimates cover ZIP code 60016.

Last updated Oct 1, 2026 · Fee figures are local averages for informational purposes only and are not legal advice or a quote. See how we estimate fees.