Most clients want to know (and should know) the expense of filing bankruptcy in South Florida before making the decision to file.
The total expense breaks down to two categories – costs, and attorneys fees.
The costs are set by law and can not be changed by your attorney.
Chapter 7
The filing fee for a Chapter 7 Liquidation is $338.00. In addition, we import your credit report into our bankruptcy software. This cost is $25.00. You are required by law to complete credit counseling prior to filing bankruptcy. The cost is approximately $20.00. You are required by law to complete a course in personal financial management in order to receive your Chapter 7 Discharge. The cost is approximately $20.00. Finally, we collect a $55.00 miscellaneous charge that we apply to photocopies, FedEx, etc.
Every client has its own unique financial history and financial condition, and therefore attorneys fees can vary from case to case. In a Chapter 7 Case attorneys fee depend on the complexity of the case, and the time and labor required. We allow clients to pay the fee in installments, but it must be paid in full prior to filing the bankruptcy case.
Chapter 13
The costs are the same for a Chapter 13 Case (Adjustment Of Debts For Individuals With Regular Income), except that the filing fee is $313.00. In addition, you are required to pay to the Chapter 13 Trustee the sum of 10% of each plan payment (in addition to the regular monthly payment).
We charge $4,500.00 for Chapter 13 Cases, which is a fee approved by the United States Bankruptcy Court For The Southern District Of Florida. Unlike Chapter 7, a portion of the fee can paid after the bankruptcy is filed. This portion is paid in installments pursuant to the Chapter 13 Plan.
Additional Costs
In some bankruptcy cases various challenges are filed by the Trustee and/or creditors. These include
- Objections to Exemptions
- Means Test Challenges
- Objections to Discharge and/or dischargeability of debt
- Motions to dismiss
- and Objections to Confirmation,
In these cases there are additional fees that must be paid in connection with your defense in these matters.
Please call the office any time to discuss costs and attorneys fees in South Florida bankruptcies.
