Fees and Costs

 I have no standard fee for Chapter 7 because every case is different.  However, on average, easy cases can be as low at $800.00 and more difficult cases can be as high as $1,500.00.  I can usually determine an accurate fee from one phone conversation or appointment.  The attorney fee needs to be paid in full at the time of filing; I can not be a creditor and your attorney.  If you can not afford the entire attorney fee, you can retain my office with $100.00 and the balance can be paid through a payment plan.   

Filing Fee:  The Court charges $338.00 to file Chapter 7.  Most of my clients pay this fee directly to the Court after filing on an installment agreement over a 4 month period.

Credit Counseling:  You will also need to complete credit counseling prior to filing.  Credit counseling is simple and done online in about 45 minutes.  There are many Court approved credit counseling agencies; most charge approximately $20.00.   

Credit Report:  I pull credit reports on every client.  A single credit report costs $45.00 and a joint report costs $90.00.  This credit report is much more detailed than the free reports advertised on TV and greatly help my ability to offer the best legal advice.  

In most Chapter 13 cases, the Attorney fee is built inside the repayment plan and paid by the Chapter 13 Trustee.  The Courts allow attorneys to charge between $3,500.00-$4,700.00 for a standard Chapter 13.  I have lowered this amount many times for easy cases.  $4,700.00 is a lot but remember that is paid by the Chapter 13 Trustee. 

Filing Fee: The Court will charge $313.00. This is usually paid electronically at the time of filing. There are ways to pay this amount directly to the Court on installments. 

Credit Counseling: You will also need to complete credit counseling prior to filing. Credit counseling is simple and done online in about 45 minutes. There are many Court approved credit counseling agencies; most charge approximately $20.00.  

Credit Report: I pull credit reports on every client. A single credit report costs $37.00 and a joint report costs $74.00. This credit report is much more detailed than the free reports advertised on TV and greatly help my ability to offer the best legal advice.