Am I Paying Too Much for My Bankruptcy Lawyer?
My question involves bankruptcy in the state of: California
I consulted with a bankruptcy firm today and decided to proceed. However, they want to charge $2290 plus $299 for filing fees. I tried to research average fees but haven't really gotten any concrete answers. My case appears to be a simple
Chapter 7 (individual) with no major issues such as foreclosures or business debt or tax problems. I would appreciate any input on fees that anyone has paid to file Chapter 7. I just want to make sure I won't be overpaying, obviously finances aren't great. Thanks in advance!
Re: Am I Paying Too Much for My Bankruptcy Lawyer?
I've looked around, and fees very wildly.
This FAQ gives a reasonable range as being $1000 - $2000, plus filing fees.
As far as anecdotes from people here, only about 20 people are regular contributors, providing answers rather than asking questions. I don't think any of us have filed Chapter 7.
Re: Am I Paying Too Much for My Bankruptcy Lawyer?
Recently I consulted with a bankruptcy attorney in the state of Ohio. $299 dollars is the filing fee and he said he would charge me $701 for a fee plus I would have to pay $50 dollars to a credit counseling firm. So basically that would be about $1000 dollars. That's bankrupting the house, credit cards, and just to start over.
Re: Am I Paying Too Much for My Bankruptcy Lawyer?
You can call some lawyers & check on fees. They do not all charge the same. However, I do believe bankruptcy lawyers in Ca. generally charge more than in some other areas of the country.
Re: Am I Paying Too Much for My Bankruptcy Lawyer?
The lawyer's fees are subject to review by the bankruptcy court.
Re: Am I Paying Too Much for My Bankruptcy Lawyer?
The less complicated and the less time the attorney has to spend on your case, the less your fee will be.
Re: Am I Paying Too Much for My Bankruptcy Lawyer?
I have an appt. with a pretty good Bankruptcy lawyer in southern Wisconsin. He said he will be charging $1500. I also will have to pay $50 for the prebankruptcy counseling and then I am assuming I will have to pay the filing fees on my own as well so overall apprx. 1800 or so.