Re: Can't afford to file...

Anonymous · ‎01-02-2017

So I've been debating filing for chapter 7 for over a year now. It's not something I take very lightly.

I've been unemployed for a little over a year now but not for lack of trying.

Anyway, I have a consultation scheduled next week with a firm and they gave me the prices upfront.

It's money I don't have but I have a court date coming up in 3 weeks. So I need to do this soon.

I know they don't actually file anything unless they have their payment in full, but I can't afford it.

My boyfriend has offered to pay but he also has the mortgage to pay this month and I don't want to make him choose.

Also what are the average costs of lawyer fees? Does the amount include filing fees with the court?

Anonymous · ‎01-02-2017

Obviously it varies. My cost was $1500. That included the filing cost and the cost for the two courses. I used the money I would have paid on the bills I was including since I didn't have to pay them once I filed and added some money I had saved. I hope that makes sense.

Anonymous · ‎01-02-2017

Mine was $1,100

empressj · ‎01-02-2017

I paid $1450, including credit counseling courses. Used money I'd normally pay bills with.

Discharged Jan 2017
Rebuilding credit

Datx · ‎01-02-2017

Mine was closer to 2K, but it really varies from state to state. Some law firms allows payment plans, but don't actually file until you pay in full. I believe there are some attorneys that would file before full payment, just really depends if you have one in your area.

Anonymous · ‎01-02-2017

Thanks for your responses, everyone.

The firm I'm planning on moving forward with is charging me $1,400 and unfortunately won't file without full payment.

I spoke with my parents and they're going to lend us half the cost so it's not a huge burden on my boyfriend.

Anonymous · ‎01-03-2017

I was super shady when I paid for my bankruptcy. I took out $1,500 worth of cash advances on some of the credit cards I was declaring bankruptcy on to pay for my attorney and courses. I was never questioned about this during the hearing. If I were to have been questioned, I would have just made something up about paying for my other living expenses at the time. I wouldn't recommend opening up a new account to do this. These were credit cards I had for several years before I filed.

Taoron · ‎01-04-2017

May I ask what county & state you live in? I found a place where I lived (at the time) in IL that paid the lawyer for his services and I just had to pay the filing fee. If you want, I'm offering help in trying to find a similar service where you live. There may or may not be one, but I feel like it's worth searching.