How much does it cost to file bankruptcy? I cannot give you a firm fee quotation over the internet, or over the telephone. I need to first meet with you, and review your assets, your occupation, your dependents, your income and expenses, your debts, your near-term prospects, etc. and then determine what your options are in dealing with your debt problems. Of course your first 30 minute visit with me is free, and there is no obligation to hire me.

 

If bankruptcy is an option for your situation, I will give you a written fee quote and a fee contract which you may take home and review before deciding to file, or to hire me. You may not qualify to file bankruptcy at all for some reason. I have a reputation for representing honest people that have had problems beyond their control and/or are overwhelmed by their debts. That's why my clients and my legal work, are in my opinion given some "extra consideration" by the courts and trustees because they know that I personally meet with all of my clients. I do not knowingly represent crooks, and I carefully review and prepare the cases of the clients that I take on.
Regarding my fees, some people have serious tax or business issues that cause their fees to be higher than usual. Some are facing more serious problems than others; some have only a few creditors; others have dozens, or scores, or even hundreds of creditors.

However, in the "usual" consumer bankruptcy case, I charge the following fees:

Chapter 7- (single or couple, under median income)-$1500, plus the court filing fee of $299, plus costs of $75 for postage and copies, plus $35 ($65 for a couple) for a detailed credit report, to make sure all of the creditors are listed and notified (this makes it much easier to re-establish credit later).

For a single person, the total is $1909, couple $1939. We accept a minimum of $350 down, and payments as low as $100 per month. You may refer your creditor calls to my office as soon as the first $350 is paid and the fee agreement is signed. Your petition is prepared and filed after the full amount is paid, you have completed your required credit briefing, and we have received all of the necessary information and documents.

We accept cash, cashier's checks, money orders, debit (check) cards, and third party credit cards. No personal or third party checks. A friend or relative (that does not intend to file bankruptcy) can charge it on their credit card, even from out of state.

For the usual Chapter 13 case, I charge the Court's "fixed fee" of $3085 (I represent you for the full 3-5 year term of the plan), plus the court filing fee of $274 for the filing fee, for a total of $3359. We can file a typical consumer Chapter 13 case for a $500 down payment (with a "wage order" or payroll deduction order so that the plan payments are made from your paycheck), and the rest of the fee can be paid through your monthly payments to a court-appointed trustee.

 

My fees are reasonable, and I try to make it affordable for you by offering terms. Please consider carefully whether or not to "shop" for an attorney by the amount of the fee he or she charges, alone. You really DON'T want to go to court with the LOW BIDDER!
My law office has an excellent reputation, and we do all that we can to help our clients. If you doubt that, just go to the "Testimonials" page of this web site and read through a few of them.

For an appointment to meet with me regarding your debt problems, and whether or not you need my services, please call my main telephone number, 713-772-8037 during business hours for an appointment. Thank you.