FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Attorney fee pricing starts with a flat fee quote for a set of standard bankruptcy services. A general price range for the flat fee quote is from $899 to $4,999. Some additional services, which are not part of every bankruptcy case, are priced separately. Examples of separately priced additional services include reaffirmation agreements and motions to avoid liens. Non-attorney fees include: court filing fee, credit counseling course fee, and debtor education course fee. If you have low income and few assets, then you may qualify for a waiver of these fees. Otherwise they total to about $400. Also, you can either obtain a credit report online for free, or by paying a small fee. The credit report must show the last four digits of each account number, and a mailing address for each creditor.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
The process starts with an intake form, which is basically a questionnaire that is completed by every potential client. The intake form can be returned in-person, emailed, faxed, or mailed. After the intake form is completed and received, we will meet to discuss whether bankruptcy protection from creditors is available to you, what a bankruptcy case would involve, and confirm that the benefits of bankruptcy protection outweigh your costs. This first meeting is referred to as an initial consultation, and there is no charge and no obligation to retain (pay for) my services (legal representation). Meetings can be in-person, by telephone, or by video conference. If you decide to retain (pay for) my services (legal representation), then a fee agreement will be provided for you to review. You become a client by returning the signed fee agreement and making a down payment of at least $100. In order to file your case, the following are required: 1) Payment of pre-filing fees (attorney and court fees) 2) Supporting documents (a checklist will be provided) 3) Credit counseling certificate of completion (third-party provider) 4) Client will review first draft of court forms 5) Meet with attorney to finalize court forms
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific (Sacramento, California) Bankruptcy Attorney since 2013 (more than 7 years experience)