Paying for the Help of an Attorney and the Fees Associated with Chapter 13 Bankruptcy in Philadelphia is Part of the Process

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Lewis Richardson
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1 THE COST OF FILING CHAPTER 13 BANKRUPTCY IN PHILADELPHIA Paying for the Help of an Attorney and the Fees Associated with Chapter 13 Bankruptcy in Philadelphia is Part of the Process DAVID M. OFFEN PHILADELPHIA BANKRUPTCY ATTORNEY

Associated with Chapter 13 Bankruptcy in Philadelphia is

This includes having a better idea of how much it costs to file this type of bankruptcy. Note: the cost to file Chapter 13 bankruptcy differs from one state to the next.

2 For many people, Chapter 13 bankruptcy is the first step in getting their financial life back in order. While this may be a decision you are willing to make in the near future, you cannot do so until you know what to expect along the way. This includes having a better idea of how much it costs to file this type of bankruptcy. Note: the cost to file Chapter 13 bankruptcy differs from one state to the next. In other words, how much you pay will be based largely on where you live. With that in mind, most courts have a guideline in place to help you determine what it will cost to file in your state and local area. HIRE A BANKRUPTCY ATTORNEY Many people are looking to save money when filing Chapter 13 bankruptcy, so they decide to move forward on their own. While this is your right, it is important to remember that there is a lot that goes into this process. Furthermore, if you make any mistakes when completing your paperwork the court can throw out your case, or cause you to lose your property. Most chapter 3

3 13 bankruptcies filed by an individual without an attorney end up failing or worse. When you hire a bankruptcy attorney, you are going to pay this person a fee for the work they do for you. You are going to get a high level of service in return. The peace of mind of hiring a professional is well worth the money you will spend. Did you know that attorneys who file Chapter 13 bankruptcy for clients are required to disclose their fees for the approval of the court? This should put your mind at ease, as it means that your attorney will not be able to overcharge you. If they try, the court will catch it. Note: if the judge finds that your attorney has overcharged for his or her service, they have the right to request that the person refund all or part of the fee. WHAT WILL YOUR ATTORNEY DO? Before hiring an attorney, you want to know what this person is going to do for you. You want to know what you are paying for. Once again, the services included in the fee that you pay will vary from state to state. Speak to your attorney about how you will pay their fee. In some cases, you may be able to do so through your repayment plan. Some courts allow 4

Did you know that attorneys who file Chapter 13 bankruptcy for clients are required to disclose their fees for the approval of the court?

4 you to pay all of the fee through your repayment plan, while others only allow you to pay a portion. Either way, this is something to consider. AVERAGE STATISTICS Recent reviews show that the average fee to file a basic Chapter 13 bankruptcy in the United States for a major metropolitan area is around $3, $4,000. This is an average number, meaning that this is higher in some states and lower in others. For example, the cost to file in some states is as low as $1,500 and as high as $5,000. No matter where you live, you need to answer these two questions: How much are the Chapter 13 bankruptcy filing fees in my state? How much will an attorney charge to help with the filing process? Once you know the answer to these two questions, you will have a clear understanding of the total cost to file. It is possible to kill two birds with one stone by contacting a Philadelphia bankruptcy attorney. This professional can tell you how much they charge to help file Chapter 13 bankruptcy, as well as the filing fee in Philadelphia. In some cases your attorney may be able to help you even if you have no money to pay up front towards legal fees. 5

This is an average number, meaning that this is higher in some states and lower in others. For example, the cost to file in some states is as low as $1,500 and as high as $5,000.

5 Many people who are interested in Chapter 13 bankruptcy shy away from filing because they are unaware of the fees. Paying for the help of an attorney and the fees associated with Chapter 13 bankruptcy can help you come out on top. 6

Paying for the help of an attorney and the fees

6 About the Author David M. Offen A native to the Philadelphia area, Mr. Offen attended Temple University College and Law School. Mr. Offen is licensed to practice in the States of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. He is a member of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania Bankruptcy Conference and the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys. David M. Offen has over 20 years of experience and has helped over 7,000 individuals and families go through the Bankruptcy process. These filings have included stopping foreclosure on a home, stopping repossession of a car or vehicle, stopping IRS tax levies and frozen bank accounts and putting a stop to; lawsuits, credit card bills, personal loan, bills, utility shutoffs and other types of debt. With Mr. Offen s help, these families have saved countless millions of dollars of debt. David enjoys getting to know his clients and will be happy to answer any and all questions you may have. You are treated as a person and not a number. Remember there is no such thing as a silly question. Don t be afraid to ask any questions you may have. David M. Offen has found that people looking to file Bankruptcy are not trying to avoid their responsibilities but rather to make a difficult situation easier. David enjoys getting people to stop worrying and making their financial lives much better and stop feeling overwhelmed. In some cases, Bankruptcy is not the best move and he can review your situation with you and tell you the right move for you to make. Get a completely free evaluation of your situation. For the past 20 years, the Law Offices of David M. Offen has been among the top filers of bankruptcy in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. The Law Offices of David M. Offen The Curtis Center 601 Walnut Street, Suite 160 West 1st Floor Philadelphia, PA

Offen has over 20 years of experience and has helped over 7,000 individuals and families go through the Bankruptcy process.

There Is a Big Difference between Selecting Just Any Bankruptcy Lawyer and Finding a Legal Professional that Has Many Years of Experience

REASONS TO CHOOSE AN EXPERIENCED BANKRUPTCY LAWYER IN PHILADELPHIA There Is a Big Difference between Selecting Just Any Bankruptcy Lawyer and Finding a Legal Professional that Has Many Years of Experience