A lot of people come into my office and don't understand how or why my fees are so low. Often times they have been quoted between $1,200 to $2,000 for attorney fees for a chapter 7 bankruptcy at other local bankruptcy firms, and when they see that I only charge $500 they think something is up. I want to go into more detail into the costs of bankruptcy, and how I am able to keep my fees so low.
THE REAL COST OF BANKRUPTCY
Most people may not understand that the attorney fees are not the only costs of bankruptcy. There are three main costs for a bankruptcy case:
1. Attorney Fees - This is what the attorney charges for his work on the case. Generally this will cover preparation of the bankruptcy petition, appearance at the meeting of creditors, and any post-filing amendments or changes. In the Rockford area for a chapter 7, this ranges from around $500 to $2000 - my firm charges $500 for attorney fees.
2. Court Costs - Currently the Court charges $335 for filing a chapter 7 bankruptcy, and $310 for a chapter 13. This amount does not change depending on the firm, it is the same for everyone.
3. Credit Counseling Courses - Currently, every person who files for bankruptcy must take 2 Credit Counseling Courses. Generally these are online courses and range in price from around $10 to $35 per class. Some law firms may require you to use a certain brand of course. At Springer Law Firm, you can take the course through whichever company you want. I will recommend you use DebtorCC.org, as it is the cheapest option I have found so far at $10 a piece.
For Springer Law Firm, this is the entire costs - $500 for Attorney Fees, $335 for Court Costs, and $20 total for Credit Counseling Courses. The grand total you will pay for your bankruptcy is $855.
WARNING!!! - If you get a quote from a law firm for a chapter 7 or 13, make sure you ask whether that fee includes court costs or not. A quote for $1,000 may not sound that bad, until you find that you have to pay an additional $335 for court costs.
ALSO! - some firms may charge you for additional work, for example they may charge you $75 to stop a wage assignment, or $100 to do a reaffirmation (a process to keep property used as collateral) - you can rest assured that Springer Law Firm DOES NOT charge you for any extra work. The entire amount I charge you for my work is $500 - THIS PRICE COVERS ALL MY WORK. I will not charge you for extra work.
HOW IS SPRINGER LAW FIRM SO AFFORDABLE?
Most people think there is some kind of catch to my fees, as $500 for attorney fees seems real low. It is low, and there is a reason why I am able to keep it so low: ADVERTISING COSTS!
I have found that the best form of advertising is pleased clients. Amazingly enough it is also a FREE form of advertising. I go out of my way to help my clients, and I don't charge them extra for my additional work. I also treat them like real people, and they appreciate it. You can check out my reviews online, and find out for yourself what people are saying. I love the work I do, and the people I get to work with. As such, if I have helped you out, I recommend you help promote my services, as doing so will keep my fees low for everyone else.
Additionally, my overheard is very low, I have just one secretary, and I am the only attorney. It doesn't cost me very much to keep my doors open, as I have a modest office in Rockford, IL.
HELP SPRINGER LAW FIRM KEEP OUR FEES LOW BY SPREADING THE WORD ABOUT OUR HIGH QUALITY SERVICE.
THE REAL COST OF BANKRUPTCY
Most people may not understand that the attorney fees are not the only costs of bankruptcy. There are three main costs for a bankruptcy case:
1. Attorney Fees - This is what the attorney charges for his work on the case. Generally this will cover preparation of the bankruptcy petition, appearance at the meeting of creditors, and any post-filing amendments or changes. In the Rockford area for a chapter 7, this ranges from around $500 to $2000 - my firm charges $500 for attorney fees.
2. Court Costs - Currently the Court charges $335 for filing a chapter 7 bankruptcy, and $310 for a chapter 13. This amount does not change depending on the firm, it is the same for everyone.
3. Credit Counseling Courses - Currently, every person who files for bankruptcy must take 2 Credit Counseling Courses. Generally these are online courses and range in price from around $10 to $35 per class. Some law firms may require you to use a certain brand of course. At Springer Law Firm, you can take the course through whichever company you want. I will recommend you use DebtorCC.org, as it is the cheapest option I have found so far at $10 a piece.
For Springer Law Firm, this is the entire costs - $500 for Attorney Fees, $335 for Court Costs, and $20 total for Credit Counseling Courses. The grand total you will pay for your bankruptcy is $855.
WARNING!!! - If you get a quote from a law firm for a chapter 7 or 13, make sure you ask whether that fee includes court costs or not. A quote for $1,000 may not sound that bad, until you find that you have to pay an additional $335 for court costs.
ALSO! - some firms may charge you for additional work, for example they may charge you $75 to stop a wage assignment, or $100 to do a reaffirmation (a process to keep property used as collateral) - you can rest assured that Springer Law Firm DOES NOT charge you for any extra work. The entire amount I charge you for my work is $500 - THIS PRICE COVERS ALL MY WORK. I will not charge you for extra work.
HOW IS SPRINGER LAW FIRM SO AFFORDABLE?
Most people think there is some kind of catch to my fees, as $500 for attorney fees seems real low. It is low, and there is a reason why I am able to keep it so low: ADVERTISING COSTS!
I have found that the best form of advertising is pleased clients. Amazingly enough it is also a FREE form of advertising. I go out of my way to help my clients, and I don't charge them extra for my additional work. I also treat them like real people, and they appreciate it. You can check out my reviews online, and find out for yourself what people are saying. I love the work I do, and the people I get to work with. As such, if I have helped you out, I recommend you help promote my services, as doing so will keep my fees low for everyone else.
Additionally, my overheard is very low, I have just one secretary, and I am the only attorney. It doesn't cost me very much to keep my doors open, as I have a modest office in Rockford, IL.
HELP SPRINGER LAW FIRM KEEP OUR FEES LOW BY SPREADING THE WORD ABOUT OUR HIGH QUALITY SERVICE.
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