What Type of Case is an $1,195 Case?
Simply put, an $1,195 case is one involving
Chapter 7 where the client:
- is below the median income for our area;
- is not running a business;
- has no assets that are in excess of what we can protect;
- has not incurred any debt fraudulently; and
- does not require any liens to be avoided from property.
It looks like a lot but don't worry, these are most of our clients.
If this is your situation, then your attorney's fee will be $1,195.
This does not include the court's filing fee ($335 for a chapter 7)
or the fees for the two courses you must take as part of your
bankruptcy (these typically run around $35 for both classes). If you do not fall
into this category and still wish to file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, the
fee may be more. It all depends on how much work we will have to perform
on your case. Either way, as always,
our consultations are free and we will quote you a fee after you sit down with us and we evaluate
your case.
Okay, But What I am Getting for $1,195?
I file bankruptcies for honest people who are struggling with their finances.
I know how much time is involved in each case I evaluate; this is how
I base my fees. I'm not running a factory, a bankruptcy mill or something
of that nature. I am a lawyer who is passionate about getting people out
of debt and back on to the road to financial freedom. So, for $1,195,
you get the same white-glove representation as my higher-fee clients get.
You will always speak to an attorney when you call and you will always speak to
your attorney. The attorney that you hire is the attorney you will be dealing
with you from start to finish, including in court. You will not be speaking
to a different attorney or clerk each time you call. If your attorney
is not available, he or she will call you back immediately. I am a huge
fan of continuity and I feel that speaking to the same person each time
you call will achieve the greatest satisfaction for my clients.
Well, I Don't Qualify for an $1,195 Case. How Much Will My Fee Be?
We will quote you a fee at the free consultation. Our fees for other Chapter
7 cases are generally not that much more: usually $1,300 to $2,200. Again,
it all depends on how much work we have to devote to your case. Our maximum
fee for consumer chapter 7 cases is $2,200. As you might imagine, that
type of case requires a significant amount of work. Again, the consultation
is free, so you are under no obligation to hire us. Nevertheless, we will
evaluate your case, let you know if bankruptcy is a good option for you
and, if so, why. We will also explain the entire bankruptcy process and
quote you a fee.
What are Your Fees for
Chapter 13 Cases?
That's a little easier to explain. Our fees for all Chapter 13 cases
are $4,500. Again, this does not include the court's filing fee ($310
for a Chapter 13) or the fees for the two courses you must take as part
of your bankruptcy (again, around $35 for both). With Chapter 13 cases,
we only require that you pay the court's filing fee ($310) to file
your case. Your attorney's fees will be included in your Chapter 13
plan. Why $4,500? Well, this is the maximum amount that attorneys in our
jurisdiction are allowed to charge in Chapter 13 cases without completing
an itemized fee application for the court and for those attorneys, such
as us, who use the court's approved retention agreement with their
clients. Chapter 13 cases cost more because they require significantly
more work than a typical Chapter 7 case. Additionally, we are your attorneys
for the three to five year period your Chapter 13 case is pending whereas
a typical Chapter 7 case, from filing to discharge, takes only about four months.
Please call our office should you have any questions or to schedule a in-person
consultation with one of our experienced attorneys. We are here to help.
Call Now! (312) 544-0365