chapter 13 question

[johnsctt]

hello everyone
with a chapter 13 do i need to pay the lawyer in full before they file or is there an amount required to file and then finish paying the lawyer,

[enginegirl]

No you do not have to pay in full... I paid about a third before filing (about 2000, including the filing fees) and balance is being paid thru the plan .....

[despritfreya]

Depends on the lawyer. What does the fee agreement say? Some take a retainer up front and the balance of the fee is paid through the Plan. Others require full payment before filing. Some charge a flat fee. Others bill hourly.

[13for60]

I paid $1500 of $3600, plus about $400 in filing fees. The $2000 balance is paid from the Plan. Also, attorneys are required to disclose their fees and your payments to the Trustee/Court and if they are deemed to be excessive, the Trustee/Court will adjust it.

Which is ironic: 30% interest is OK, but don't stick me with excessive attonerys feel!

--13for60

[Pandora]

we didnt have to pay our lawyer anything up front - it was all rolled into our 13 plan. The only item we had to pay for was for an amendment - it was $26 that we had to pay for in full.

As Des pointed out and as you can see from the responses, it will vary depending on what your attorney requires / requests.