chapter 7 in Pennsylvania many questions

[johnsrt4]

I went through a nasty divorce about 3 years ago. I ended up with a lot of credit card debt that was all in my name including a motorcycle reposesion. I think I have 15k to 20k in credit card debt. I also have past utility bills that have not been payed. I have since been under employed and not able to pay on any of the debt. I really need to file for bankruptcy so I can move forward in life.
Ok now for my questions. How much should I expect to pay for chapter 7 in York Pennsylvania? How can I tell if it is a good lawyer or not?

I bought my grandmas house with my dad 3 months ago because it ended up being cheaper to buy then rent. My aunt is holding the mortgage. I need to know if this will effect me filling chapter 7 will they try to take the house? Can they take the house with another persons name on it?

thanks for any help I'm totally lost here called around today and no one would give me pricing they all wanted me to come in for a consultation.

[tcreegan]

Hi johnsrt,

no one would give me pricing they all wanted me to come in for a consultation. ...sign of a good attorney

Pricing will vary, the 'you get what you pay for' principle applies. (see #4 below)

From reading posts complaining about attorneys, I have compiled the most common areas of conflict:

1. Communication: phone/email/face-to-face, secretary/paralegal/attorney, turnaround time on responses
2. Organizaton/work ethic: dot all i's, cross all t's or 'good enough,' document filed ASAP or 'before the deadline'
3. Competence: know the local trustees, judges, filed cases like yours, up-to-date on relevant court rulings
4. Retainer/Fee: exactly what is covered, what is extra, what to expect as 'extra'

Some things to discuss during consultations. Take a rough copy of your assets, expenses, and income....then keep interviewing until you find a "good fit"

On the house question, it will depend on how much equity you have in the property. Over 20K and there could be problems, under 20K no problems.

Good luck finding a great attorney!

Tom in Colo