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  1. #1

    Default Finding An Affordable Bankruptcy Lawyer

    My question involves bankruptcy in the state of: SE Michigan

    I've read online that the average bankruptcy costs in the neighborhood of $1000 to $1500. I've made some huge and horrible financial decisions in the past and I'm to the point where I don't think that there is any other recourse for me other than chapter 7. It's overwhelming and also pretty darn scary. I've gone through the debt counseling and I've got my certificate, but if the cost of the proceedings is as much as I've read, it almost seems impossible for me to follow through with an attorney and I don't want to go it alone.

    Are there any attorneys out there that accept something like this at a lower cost, or accept payments of some sort? I'm willing to do whatever I can to make the job easier. I just need help.

    Edit: If any of you can help, or know someone who can help, if you're not allowed to post info publicly please just shoot me a PM.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Apr 2007
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    Default Re: Finding An Affordable Bankruptcy Lawyer

    Call around & see what various lawyers charge - they do not all charge the same. You might check with your local bar assoc. or do you have a university in your area that has a law school?

  3. #3
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    Default Re: Finding An Affordable Bankruptcy Lawyer

    Quote Quoting MadMominMichigan
    View Post
    Are there any attorneys out there that accept something like this at a lower cost, or accept payments of some sort? I'm willing to do whatever I can to make the job easier. I just need help.

    Edit: If any of you can help, or know someone who can help, if you're not allowed to post info publicly please just shoot me a PM.
    Sure there are. Insolvency attorney's know once the Petition is filed, your creditors are STAYED from collecting and even asking for thier monies, this frees up your cash flow, more money in your budget.

    Example, you are paying out $1,200.00 /month to creditors, once the Petition is filed, you no longer pay it out, 1,200.00 pocket money.

    Of course now filing a Petition does not guarantee part or all will be granted, but in the interim, your creditors are estopped from harassing you for payments.

    Thier fees are usually a FLAT rate, meaning no hourly billing etc. MANY will accept payment plans.

    You will find this will not be too much of a problem. Shop around, plenty of attorney's in the phone book.

  4. #4
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    Apr 2007
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    Il.(near StL,Mo.)
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    Default Re: Finding An Affordable Bankruptcy Lawyer

    Usually in a chapter 7 bankruptcy, all attorney fees must be paid before filing. (In a chapter 13 they can be pd. over an extended time period)

  5. #5

    Default Re: Finding An Affordable Bankruptcy Lawyer

    Thank you for the replies so far, they are very appreciated.

    There are universities here that have pro-bono "plans" (for lack of a better word), but from what I've read on their websites none of them do bankruptcy law, at least none that I was able to find. I looked on all of the main universities here in eastern Michigan. (UofM, Wayne State and a couple of smaller law specific colleges.)

    I did end up finding a local firm online that says they have payment plans available and I will be calling them tomorrow. The filing fees and costs involved from the court are payable up front, but the actual attorney fees are what they have plans for, which is do-able for me. I don't believe anything until I see it in writing, but at least there's a little hope in that department. They say that it can cost from $450 and up. Should I be concerned if they give me a cost in the lower range? I don't want to mess this up, that's for sure, but I have very little experience with attorneys so I don't know who's good or who to avoid.

    Another question: Is it possible to do the filing on my own prior to having an attorney and then hire one to represent me? I have downloaded all the required documents from the Michigan bankruptcy court website and I don't think I'd have any problems filling them out. I ask because time is of the essence and I'm not sure how long it will take for me to find an attorney (if the firm I call tomorrow doesn't work out) and get the ball rolling. Once an attorney is retained, how long does it usually take to get the filing in?

    Many thanks for your help!

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
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    Default Re: Finding An Affordable Bankruptcy Lawyer

    Quote Quoting MadMominMichigan
    View Post
    They say that it can cost from $450 and up. Should I be concerned if they give me a cost in the lower range? I don't want to mess this up, that's for sure, but I have very little experience with attorneys so I don't know who's good or who to avoid.
    Don't be concerned, be happy!!

    Another question: Is it possible to do the filing on my own prior to having an attorney and then hire one to represent me? I have downloaded all the required documents from the Michigan bankruptcy court website and I don't think I'd have any problems filling them out. I ask because time is of the essence and I'm not sure how long it will take for me to find an attorney (if the firm I call tomorrow doesn't work out) and get the ball rolling. Once an attorney is retained, how long does it usually take to get the filing in?

    Many thanks for your help!

    IF you plan to hire an attorney they will NOT file a Petition which you have filled out, they need to review ALL creditors, etc. and prepare it.

    If you think simply filling in lines is = to an all is said and done case, then you may as well represent yourself, which is not wise.

    I don't know why time is crucial, but as I said, no attorney will file a Petition he or she did not fill out, unless I miss my mark on that!!

  7. #7

    Default Re: Finding An Affordable Bankruptcy Lawyer

    No, I don't think that filling in the lines is equal to an all said and done case at all. It was more things that I have thought about, my mind is filled with lots of ideas but I know I lack the experience and knowledge to carry this thing through.

    The reason why time is of the essence is because I got a letter in the mail Monday about a "Creditor's Exam" for the 23rd of June and I'm scared to death that they're going to try and take the few things that I do own, or worse, throw me in jail.

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