Lawyer says he will charge more since we are self-employed?

[moonbeam9209]

Talked to the first lawyer today. Didn't go well. He wasnt too friendly. I told him that we are both self employed, hubby does handyman stuff to get by and I am a part-time bookkeeper. We really dont have any business assets, but he says his fee will go from $1400.00 to $1600.oo. Why? I would have asked him, but he made me feel like a 2 year old everytime I asked a question..

[HHM]

Well, that is not too much of an increase.

The lawyer has somewhat of a point, self employed debtor's typically receive more scrutiny by the trustees, the documentation is usually not as available or accurate, and there are usually more issues.

However, bottom line, if you are not comfortable with this attorney , go meet another one.

[justbroke]

That's a very nominal increase for a business debtor. As HHM writes, self-employed debtors have more paperwork and generally tend to be unorganized. This causes more work for the Attorney. For him to only charge the equivalent of 1 hour more... is pretty good.

Follow the great advice from HHM.

[moonbeam9209]

Yes, I guess that's not too much of an increase. I am self employed, but I only work for one company (a realtor) and am a bookkeeper so my records are pretty good. I also keep track of my husbands stuff on Quickbooks.

Another thing he told me (I don't know if I should have started another thread), but I never thought of this: When we moved to Georgia from Florida almost two years ago, one of our vehicles which I own outright worth about 12k, is in my name only. It was in both names, but when we re registered our vehicles, it just seemed easier to just put it in my name. Also in the back of my mind in case anything happened (if he filed on his own or whatever) I would at least own something. Well, anyways, the lawyer said I could go ahead and resubmit the title in both of our names to get the double exemption on the car since both of us would be filing. He said I could explain it away as just a "convenience" issue.

Should I just go ahead and add hubby also?

Thanks for all of the great info!!! I would be crying in my beer if I couldn't come here and get some support...