Attorney Fees this high?

[rpertusio]

I'd like to add that you CAN ask for a lower fee!

Get the 1st lawyer to write up a Fee Agreement. Don't sign it.
Get a 2nd, 3rd, 4th, etc...

Decide the 'best' lawyer (Lawyer X). Tell him/her that Lawyer Y and Lawyer Z will do it for $300 less, but you'd really like to go with Lawyer X.

If Lawyer X agrees to match/beat Lawyer Y and Z, have him write up a new fee Agreement. If everything looks the same other than price (no changes in services, or altered wording, etc...), then pay 'em!

We did this, and our lawyer agreed to provide services for $200 less than the others for the same services. He wasn't necessarily 'happy' about it (he said other lawyers were 'undercutting' their business), but I think he would rather have our business for cheaper than to not have it at all.

Something to consider, at least!

[helpmeout]

Went to my first consult today and the guy told me I would easily qualify for Chapter 7.....but his fees are out of this world....he either wants a one time payment of $1500 or 5 payments of $400 each. Is this the norm??

That is what I paid. And that was before the filing fee and credit counseling fee was added on.

[kartoons19]

My attorney is charging $1700 not including filing fees and classes. I spoke to several attorneys and right away felt comfortable with her. She has been handling bankruptcies since the early 90's and seems to know what she is doing. I like that I will always meet with her and not a paralegal. So even though her fees are a little more expensive, for me knowing that I have a good attorney that will help me through this is priceless. Sounds like a mastercard commercial! ;-)

[kartoons19]

removed duplicated message

[pandacb]

We hired the most experienced attorney with an almost exclusive bankruptcy practice. He charged $1900 plus fees. Reaffirmation agreements would cost another $100 each and there is no representation for Adversarial Proceedings or anything, really, after the 341.

We had our 341 yesterday and our attorney sent his young associate which was disappointing. But we were told that negotiations (we are an assets case) will be done by our attorney in next few days. Time will tell, I guess, if you get what you pay for.

None of them like to be bothered, that's for sure. And I think their secretaries go to bully camp.

[sunkinsc]

Pro se for the win if you can manage it. Nolo how to file book is really great. Cost me the filing fee and the cost of the credit counseling courses. Not to mention the knowledge gained and no surprises. And this site is awesome for advice, insight, etc....

[tmoschetto]

I completely agree with sunkinsc. I downloaded the NOLO book and literally LIVED on these forums, especially the pro se section for 2 months prior to filing. It was nerve wracking, but the entire process is anyway -- whether you have an attorney or go it alone. The knowledge gained really helped me feel in control of the process...instead of feeling like my attorney may let me down in some way or another.

[btbeme]

My filing has some wrinkles that will almost guarantee further inquiries such as a 2004 meeting. $3200 plus filing fees is what I am paying. I'd expect to pay half that for a routine no-assets, no arguments filing.

In my case, I see $3200 as a good investment if we can get the trustee to see through our eyes. I have nothing to hide, but I do have some twists and turns that the trustee will either look at and dismiss, or will crawl up my nether region with a microscope. I am being charged accordingly.

[vb1962]

paid $1250 plus filing fee in KC metro for basic chapter 7. this man was a sole practitioner. that was one of the lesser fees I found.

[HHM]

Okay, this is turning into another pointless, "this is what I paid thread."

Bottom line, the information is not helpful. Fees are too area and case specific to really help you. The attorneys in your area charge what they charge. You can either pay attorney A's fee, Attorney B's fee, or keep looking.