Attorney ?s

[whtsamada]

I think I am going to go ahead and start talking to attorneys. I have a couple of questions.

What are the typical lawyer fees associated with filing ch. 13? I'm sure it varies somewhat, but what would be a good ballpark estimate?


Are the fees generally due all upfront?


Also, is it better to go with one of the big companies you always see advertising for or just to find a small local attorney?


Thanks!

[lrprn]

What are the typical lawyer fees associated with filing ch. 13? I'm sure it varies somewhat, but what would be a good ballpark estimate?

Ch 13 fees are set by bankruptcy courts and districts. When we were intereviewing lawyers 18 months ago, the prices we were quoted for Ch 13 were ranging between $2000-3000 + filing fee. I believe the prices are little higher now - between $2500-3500 + filing fee on average depending on where you are in the US.

Are the fees generally due all upfront?

Typically most Ch 13 lawyers want a down payment up front, then the rest is paid out inside the Ch 13 plan. Some Ch 13 lawyers want the entire amount before filing, but this is unusual.

Also, is it better to go with one of the big companies you always see advertising for or just to find a small local attorney?

There's just no way to answer this question. There are too many variables - the complexity of your case, the experience and competence of the lawyer, how many cases the office typically handles vs their staff available to keep the paperwork moving, etc. etc. There are excellent lawyers in the big bankruptcy mills and excellent lawyers in one-lawyer offices. There are bad ones in each location too.

Interview as many bankruptcy-specialty lawyers as you can. Most offer free initial consultations. Go in asking as many questions about your case as you can. Find out what the lawyers think about the issues in your case. Ask them how many cases they file a year. Etc. Etc. You'll quickly get a feel for who knows their stuff and who doesn't. Then make your choice.

[Ortgeist]

Our attorney charged us a $50 retainer fee and then $300 to file our chapter 13. The lawyer's fees are set by the city court as $3500.
I did hire a lawyer who seems to be familiar with the "typical", black and white, open and shut chapter 13 case. It's hard for him to answer any gray areas. I think he is not used to having to go before the judge for any cases that are not open and shut right away. That was the only thing I found distressing since our family does have higher monthly medical costs.
HOwever, I found that the company we used "TBC" is somewhat knowledgeable, but not very coordinated. This was the result of a staffing shortage. So alot of times we got a phone call saying that we needed one more thing faxed over or another paycheck from January didn't make it in our file, etc, etc. That's probably something that happens in alot of bk firms.
Anyways- we have our 341 meeting on 9/10. Good luck with whatever you decide. I know it's not always the easiest solution, but sometimes it is for the best.

Take care,
Carrie

[CityGirl]

Mine was $600 down and $1500 in the plan