Chapter 7 fixed fee for the entire case, or the down
payment to file and start a Chapter 13 case, starts at $1,125 (includes filing fee). The actual fee quoted may be higher depending upon various factors. To get a precise personalized fee quote, get a free initial consultation.
I make every effort to make my fees affordable to those in need. In order to make my fees more affordable, my practice is different:
- I don't maintain a business office. I work out of my home and I infrequently meet in person with clients (at their homes or a coffee shop).
- Most client contact will be by email or telephone.
- Documents will be transmitted to and from me via email, fax, or regular mail. Never send me the originals of documents unless I request them.
- I don't have a secretary. I won't be available to take calls all of the time. You will need to make telephone appointments in order to speak with me. Just because I work out of my home does not mean that you will get poor service. For one thing, you will always speak to me directly. Also, my service commitment is to return all client telephone calls and emails the same day, or at least by the next business day or sooner, even though it is not always possible to meet this on days when I have a heavy court schedule.
- I accept relatively few cases. I am looking for "angel referrals" or the "hard luck" cases - people who need a break on the fees, and are willing to operate within the above restraints.
- My fees and rates will be fixed at the time of engagement and a total fee estimate or litigation budget will be provided.
- Clients will have to present a reasonable plan for making full payment of the fee quoted.
Bankruptcy cases:
- For Chapter 7 cases, all fees must be paid up front. For Chapter 13 cases, a significant portion of the fee does not have to be paid up front; it can be paid through the monthly Chapter 13 Plan payments.
- Fees will be discussed during the free initial telephone consultation. I cannot quote you a precise fee until I have an idea about your facts and circumstances. I cannot discuss those circumstances with you unless and until you sign the disclosures required by law and schedule a free initial telephone consultation.
- Do not wait until the last minute. It takes time and effort to file a bankruptcy, and if you wait until your creditors are taking away your house or garnishing your wages, there may not be time to file. I only accept cases if I have the time to devote to it. I consider it last minute if you retain me 30 days or less before you need to file the case (in order to avoid some creditor action). Emergency cases may or may not be accepted depending upon my workload at the time of the consultation.
Also accepting (fees to be quoted on a case-by-case basis if accepted):
- Bankruptcy litigation and adversary matters in both Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 cases. I can accept your bankruptcy litigation matter even if I was not the attorney who handled your bankruptcy. I represent debtors only.
- See the Contact Me page for requesting a case evaluation.
