As a bankruptcy attorney practicing in a state that has been hit hard by economic downturns, I understand just how difficult it may be for you to call me about filing a bankruptcy case. Many of my clients say things like “I never thought I would be in this position” or “this is an embarrassing and difficult decision.” Be assured that you that when you contact me, my staff and I will treat you with courtesy and respect and we will keep all information you provide to us in strict confidence. I know that bankruptcy is not a preferred course of action, and if we can find a more suitable resolution for your financial difficulties, I will advise you not to file.
The cost of filing bankruptcy is often one of the primary concerns clients have. My fee for a simple no asset chapter 7 case is a flat $1,200.00. While this may seem like a difficult amount to come up with, I can advise you on the best way to allocate monies you are otherwise spending on debts which can be wiped out in bankruptcy. This will allow you to put your money where it can give you the most benefit, and help you get off the debt payment treadmill.
As my client you will always meet with me personally, not an associate or paralegal. I will draft your documents, answer any questions, advise you throughout the case and always attend court with you. You will never be delegated to an attorney fresh out of law school, or find yourself in court with an attorney you’ve never met before.
My fees are reasonable, but I am not a discount bankruptcy mill. My focus is not on churning out vast quantities of cases as quickly as possible, but rather on giving personal and thorough attention to your case. Mishandling your case or overlooking assets or creditors can negatively impact the outcome of your bankruptcy petition and compromise your post-bankruptcy protections. I will communicate with you every step of the way, and explain all of my recommendations so you are able to make informed decisions about the course and outcome of your case. The bankruptcy court charges $335.00 in filing fees for a chapter 7 case. Additional attorney fees may apply for cases involving lawsuits, garnishments, high debt, heavy recent credit usage, possible fraud or non-dischargeability issues, difficult creditors, many or large assets or other reasons. You will also be required to pay for credit counseling classes before and after filing your case, the cost of which runs from $30 – $50 per class.
I urge you to call or e-mail my office before you try any desperate measures like draining your retirement plan, transferring property, or transferring credit card balances. Please see the list of common pre-bankruptcy mistakes to avoid. Although I can deal with these actions, you are usually better off not taking these steps. I would rather hear from you sooner rather than later.
I also recommend that you contact me if you have been sued or if there is a pending judgment. When someone gets a judgment against you, the underlying debt can be satisfied by seizing bank accounts, garnishing wages or placing liens on property. While we can often wipe out judgments in a bankruptcy, you are better off avoiding them whenever possible.
If you are considering filing for bankruptcy, you may want to read further about Michigan chapter 7 bankruptcy basics or contact me with your concerns. I am always happy to discuss your options and find out if bankruptcy is right for you.
