Back from first consultation...

[flyinbroke]

I am in the process of checking out attorneys now; the first one had a very straightforward website and said cost for a 7 is (with filing fee and mandatory CC) is 1989 with a 400 dollar retainer and 200 a month payments. Said he started in on the CC companies after the retainer. Another had 999 as her price with a minimum 100 retainer. I do note many will not have any fees listed beyond the filing fee which is the same.

[JEM]

I am in the process of checking out attorneys now; the first one had a very straightforward website and said cost for a 7 is (with filing fee and mandatory CC) is 1989 with a 400 dollar retainer and 200 a month payments. Said he started in on the CC companies after the retainer. Another had 999 as her price with a minimum 100 retainer. I do note many will not have any fees listed beyond the filing fee which is the same.

I found one in some online searching in TX that did $999 too. But I figured she was a BK mill.

[JEM]

Yeah, that's sad. I don't know what people are supposed to do in a situation like that. Save, save, and save for months I guess.

That's just it. I figured we'd be looking somewhere in the $1800ish range. We're talking another $1000 or so more than that.

I mean, sure we have some extra after not paying credit cards...but not THAT much. LOL. So ya, if we end up having to pay almost $3000 for a CH7, we'll definitely not be filing until May/June.

[flyinbroke]

Probably the same person, I think they operate in all the TX cities. I think I would rather have a local person in a smaller firm, which is the 1900 dollar guy.

[goneunder]

I have spoken to about 20-25 Lawyers over the past several months and asked for references. Most gave a few some gave a list. The mills and multi office ones start at $900 but for the most part the references that I did speak with confirmed that they always found a fee to add and most were around $3K. I found a guy I am comfortable with and he charges a flat fee $2,300 and his references check out with no extras. We shall see. I am in SoCal.

[JEM]

Consult #3 today.

I liked him. A few observations though....he said that he doesn't do "strictly" bk's anymore. He does them, but I guess it's not alllll he does. He said he defends a lot of people in creditor lawsuits.

His staff seemed VERY competent. They were returning phone calls---following up with people etc...

The office was VERY VERY small.

His fees are $2500 plus filing fee. So $2800.

Wow. I guess after having gone to 3 attorneys and getting basically the same quote in price--that must be the going rate for our area.

He seemed to think Chapter 7 as well. None of the 3 have given any indication that a Ch13 was even probable.

So...should keep interviewing? Am I just going to "know" when I find the right attorney?

[flyinbroke]

I think when you know, you know. The first attorney I spoke with was knowledgable and pretty much confirmed what I suspected...there was no easy out for me and a 13 was the only way. Price was reasonable (3300) and retainer was 400. I think I may have skimped too much on the work sheet since the monthly rate for my 13 was 53 percent of my net. Once I factored in rent, I would only have 17 percent of my take home for ALL other HH expenses. Not horrible but not sure it is entirely doable either.

Am making appointments with a couple more that people here have spoken to. Am also looking into pro se since I really have nothing...just make too much for a 7.

[Overmihead]

I'm just so surprised at those prices. I would think the Austin area would be higher than S.A., or that they'd be fairly close... but then, I've only been to one consult so far, so maybe when we go to others in Austin we'll find those more in line with the prices you've been given.
After meeting with 3 of them, are you not feeling strongly about one over the others? I ask because, like you, I'm wondering if one should stand out.
It's good news that all 3 were in agreement that you are a 7, not 13. You probably have a pretty straightforward case with no complications and, if so, would be okay with any competent BK attorney. If that's the case, just consider things like....whose personality do you like best/who did you feel most comfortable talking to? If they are all friendly and personable, are the staff members in their office equally personable? Would any of the 3 personally attend the 341? Do you get the feeling from all 3 that they would be easy to get in touch with if you have questions during or after the process? Did any of them offer personal insight into/knowledge of the presiding BK judge in your area? Their # of years in practice on BK cases?

[JEM]

I'm just so surprised at those prices. I would think the Austin area would be higher than S.A., or that they'd be fairly close... but then, I've only been to one consult so far, so maybe when we go to others in Austin we'll find those more in line with the prices you've been given.
After meeting with 3 of them, are you not feeling strongly about one over the others? I ask because, like you, I'm wondering if one should stand out.
It's good news that all 3 were in agreement that you are a 7, not 13. You probably have a pretty straightforward case with no complications and, if so, would be okay with any competent BK attorney. If that's the case, just consider things like....whose personality do you like best/who did you feel most comfortable talking to? If they are all friendly and personable, are the staff members in their office equally personable? Would any of the 3 personally attend the 341? Do you get the feeling from all 3 that they would be easy to get in touch with if you have questions during or after the process? Did any of them offer personal insight into/knowledge of the presiding BK judge in your area? Their # of years in practice on BK cases?

I know. I would have thought Austin would be more expensive to retain an attorney than S.A. I guess I assumed it was tied to cost of living. Maybe that's not true?

The 3rd meeting, I definitely got the feel I'd be able to easily get ahold of the attorney.

All 3 seemed equally knowledgeable.

I might meet at least ONE MORE.

At this point I almost feel like I could file pro se---BUT that would stress me out way too much. LOL