The majority of bankruptcy cases are straightforward and routine where the real difference between attorneys is price, ease of processing and communication. We want to be the best at all three. So we post our prices. I believe we offer the lowest prices in Western North Carolina to handle a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy case. And I encourage you shop around and test this assertion.
But are we any good? I think so. My staff and I have worked together since 1995, and during this time handled hundreds of bankruptcy cases. Each year we get better, offering more information on-line to assist you in understanding the process, and better computerization allowing you to provide us with more information via computer instead of having to travel to our office.
But some people equate the value of legal services with the cost of legal services - a "you get what you pay for" assessment. They ask us: if our rates are lower are we not as good as our competitors? I always suggest they shop around. Then I laugh and suggest if a higher price would make them feel better about me, then, by all means, pay me more money.
This is my legal fee for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case when you have 10 creditors or less. This fee is paid in full before we file your action. I believe this is the lowest Chapter 7 fee in Western North Carolina.
You are also responsible for the filing fee of $300.
This is my initial legal fee for a Chapter 13 bankruptcy case provided you are not in the "upset bid" period of the sale of your house during a foreclosure. This fee is paid in full before we file your action.
You are also responsible for the filing fee of $275.
*There is an additional legal fee of $1800 paid within the bankruptcy plan during the course of the plan, usually 36 to 60 months, for a total legal fee of $2650. I believe this is the lowest Chapter 13 fee in Western North Carolina. The Federal Bankruptcy Court allows a presumptive attorney fee of $3250, paid through the bankruptcy plan over a period of five (5) years. Thus you save $600 over the course of your bankruptcy from the presumptive fee.
No Chapter 7 Conversion Fee for the 1st year
If you must convert from a Chapter 13 to a Chapter 7 within one (1) year of filing AND you have not taken on new debt, we do not charge an additional Chapter 7 fee. Why don't I put you into a Chapter 13 plan for "no money down" like other attorneys? The success rate for Chapter 13 cases in the Western District of North Carolina is less than 30%. And this is with a Trustee and staff who really try to help you in any way possible. The success rate is low because getting all the way through a Chapter 13 plan is tough and changes in the Bankruptcy Law in 2005 and the drop in real estate values in 2009 has made it even more difficult. The truth is most Chapter 13 cases end up converting to Chapter 7. So we charge you an upfront fee which pays for a Chapter 7 conversion if this becomes necessary. And by doing this at the beginning we can bring down the total cost of a Chapter 13 case if you are able to make it through to the end. Do the math: this saves you money either way you go: if you need to convert to a Chapter 7 it is paid for; if you are able to stick it out in the Chapter 13 you spend less money to do so.
We charge extra for:
Obtaining your Credit
History
Requesting a Judgment Lien Avoidance Order