How long from getting paperwork 2 lawyer, until they filed?

[momofmany]

I am wondering for those of you who have filed Ch. 7, how long after you had all your paperwork into your Lawyer did they take until they filed the bk? We went for a "free consultation" today with a Lawyer, and he said once they have all the paperwork, it will take them around 5 weeks until they actually file it... I figured it would be much faster than that. Is this normal? We have concerns because of 3 judgments against us, and 2 have tried to freeze bank accounts, and he said we could put a rush on our case for an extra $400(but didn't say how much faster that would get done). They also wanted to charge about $700 more than several other lawyers I had inquired with...I'm leaning towards NOT going with them, partly because of the extra $, and partly because of how long it will take, but am wondering if most lawyers are the same way.

Thanks, Sara

[christine12]

we turned in our documents on a tuesday and it was filed that friday. 5 weeks seems like an awful long time - maybe set up another consult with another attorney?

[lrprn]

Sara, was the five-week delay for filing due to making cc charges or cash advances that could be challenged if you filed sooner? If not, then you need to set up 2-3 more free consultations right away.

If your case has no legal reasons for needing to wait this long to file, then this lawyer is way out of the end of the bell curve for filing times and charges. Knowing that you already have judgments against you and also have potential lawsuits that could be garnishing wages coming quickly, any competent bk lawyer's office can file an emergency petition within a day and won't necessarily charge you extra for it either.

To get some good bk lawyer referrals, call your state's bar association and ask for the names of good bankruptcy lawyers in your area. Also ask friends and family "for a friend" if they used a good lawyer lately. Even if the lawyer isn't a bankruptcy lawyer, due to the "old boys club" they all know who is best in town in each legal specialty and can give you names.

I hope you find a great lawyer soon - hang in there.