Question for you guys!

[colleenbean]

So my paperwork is finally ready, and the lawyer is ready to file, but he wants all the money now-is this common? I have paid 500, but now I owe the total 1349. Should I ask to pay half when I file, and half before the 341 meeting? What do you think?

[Cassiopeia]

I had to pay half before he began my paperwork and then the other half when everything was finished but BEFORE he filed. I think that is common. (I paid the final half the day I went in to look over everything in final form, and he filed immediately.) That is the bulk of the attorney's job, all the paperwork. At least that's the way I look at it. He did attend the 341 with me but that was minimal as far what was required of him, 99.999% of his job was done prior to the 341.

[BKOnce]

$Money first, food served....

[nc73]

I think that's how most work. They want it as soon as you want to file.

[colleenbean]

well guys, I might have to wait a month, what should I do about the creditors?

[kl030505]

I was told I had to pay my attorney in full before he could file on my behalf because it creates a conflict of interest if he is one of my "creditors" when I file. He has a flat bk fee, and if I had only paid 1/2 of it, then he is technically extending me credit for the other half while he does the work to file the petition.

As for what to do about creditors, you have retained an attorney, when they call, tell them you are filing a CH 7 and here is the name and number of your attorney. They will call the attorney to make sure you have really retained him and then stop bugging you.

[Cassiopeia]

I was told I had to pay my attorney in full before he could file on my behalf because it creates a conflict of interest if he is one of my "creditors" when I file. He has a flat bk fee, and if I had only paid 1/2 of it, then he is technically extending me credit for the other half while he does the work to file the petition.

THAT makes sense!!!!

[$$only4ever]

Exactly, kl030505.

[LisaM]

Most lawyers are probably that way.

However, when we filed, we paid $100 retainer the day we decided to go with our guy, $600 about 4 weeks later(then he filed our case), and the remaining $600 I paid the day before our 341.