In Chapter 7 bankruptcies, you must pay your lawyer before the filing of the bankruptcy. Some clients pay in installments, while others wait until they can pay in full. In a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, attorney fees may be divided between payment up-front and payment through the Chapter 13 payment plan. This all depends on the lawyer you hire and the arrangement made between you and them. Additionally, in some instances and when possible, it may make more sense to just pay it immediately so that it’s off your chest.