Do I have right Attorney? Asking for $s.

[screwedupbyRE]

Hi folks,

Is it normal:

Attorney asking for [a] $1350 to file; [b] $150 for 30 minutes meeting (to anwer our Questions and to run Means Test; and [3] $2,500 to handle enquiry / objection filed by each credit card company.

If 5 credit card companies make any objection in 60 days period; he'll go with us to court, and charge $2,500 X 5 = $12,500.

I'm already bankrupt, is he insane? or is it normal?

Thx

[justplaintired]

I think I would look around and meet with a few other attorney, this seems very high, that or maybe you misunderstood? I definitely not pay that much to file unless your rich, which if you're are, then why file, or you have a very difficult case. Call more attorneys.

[Phillymanhere]

Yeah, you need more meetings with attorneys. I didn't pay anything for consultations.

[Flamingo]

Unless you have an unusually complicated case or you misunderstood what was given to you as to fees, that is insane. Get several other consultations. You should be quoted one fee which should include the filing fee and all attorneys fees. You may be asked for part of that fee to retain the attorney with the rest either paid at filing or before or put into a Plan if you file Chapter 13.

[HHM]

I have to disagree with the others, that scenario is fairly normal. At least this attorney is being up front about it. Would you rather hire a cheap attorney, then get an objection and then that cheap attorney hits you for $2,500, or would you rather know up front what to expect. No attorneys quoted, base rate will cover dealing with objections, and at least this guy is spelling out how much attorney contact you get for the price. Again, most cheap attorneys, once you hire them, you only speak to paralegals after that.

The base rate is actually quite reasonable, $1,450.00 is a mid range rate for a chapter 7.

However, you should still go visit other attorneys, but make your decision based on your comfort level with that attorney, not on price.

[JollyGG]

Actually, I also though that was a fee very comparable to others I've seen on this board. It's nice that he spelled out even the cost for objections to you very clearly.

If I remember right our's charged us 1700 to file and then hourly after filing (except for 341 that was included in the original cost). Due to an issue or two I think we ended up paying a little over 2000.

[screwedupbyRE]

thanks all for your replies.

I have been seeing many lawyers. We have been quoted from 1350 - 2200 as base rate. No one gave us clear picture on the objections that can be filed against us. One another attorney has quoted 2,250 and he says he'll cover all the inquires... I'm having hard time believing him... there's so much work needed to handle one objects, how could he do it for 2250!!! that makes me wonder. The delta in quotes from different attorneys is too much.

yes, my case is complicated - two properties (one going into foreclose and another plan to keep), 100K on credit cards, income close to 150k, secured/unsecured debt above minimum required by state. Wife's medical condition, Nany fee, etc...

that brings up another question: If there any limitation to pay fee for 'help' or Nanny services? We pay her cash sometimes.... but paying on check from last month as advised by attorney. Will trustee require proof of all payments? Do we have to get something in written from Doctor about her medical health?

again, thx... I have started breathing again - courtesy to this forum.

[deafbroke]

Look around some more. Also what sounds complicated to you probably isn't for a bankruptcy attorney. From my experience so far there are limits as to what you can protect and you will decide what you want to fit into those limits. So keep a cool head and keep looking.

DB

[CindyLou]

its very unlikely that anyone gets an objection. So unless you think there are red flags with your case then I wouldnt think it would be an issue.

Personally I think the fees are a little high. I don't believe that higher fee means better attorney. I would shop around a little before you make your decision.

[HHM]

Also, keep in mind, dealing with "inquiries" and dealing with "objections" are different things. ALL attorneys charge more for actually litigating the objection. However, fielding a few phone calls and seeing what the other side wants and letting you know, is not terribly time consuming.

Thus, the attorney who quoted $2,250 is saying he will act as a conduit between you and the creditor attorney, but he is NOT saying he will participate in litigating an objection should one arise (i.e. file an answer, attend a 2004 exam, go to a hearing etc).

Objections are rare.

[justplaintired]

Your case does sound a bit more complicated then ours is. So possibly the attorney sees a problem and wants you to be aware of how high the cost can go. Your income is higher by a long shot compared to ours. So I am assuming you are talking about a C13 and not a C7, which is also why yours would be more.

C13 is always higher then a C7, which would explain the higher fees.

[Stilltheone]

We had a free consultation and paid $1800 total. This included the $295 filing fee with the state.

Yours sounds pretty high and I would keep looking.

Good luck!

[grndmom53]

Attorney fee

We saw an attorney yesterday for a chapter 13 in Arizona. We were quoted $3700, with 2000 down & the balance in the plan.

This also seems high to me but we really like this attorney. We did check out 2 other attorneys so not sure what to do!

Does this seem high to any of you? Any other people from Arizona have any advice?

Thanks

[Cali]

C13 attorneys are more expensive than C7 attorneys. I've seen quotes up to 4500$.

We saw an attorney yesterday for a chapter 13 in Arizona. We were quoted $3700, with 2000 down & the balance in the plan.

This also seems high to me but we really like this attorney. We did check out 2 other attorneys so not sure what to do!

Does this seem high to any of you? Any other people from Arizona have any advice?

Thanks

[grndmom53]

Ok, I am starting to feel a liitle better about his cost. Thanks for the info Cali.