I filed chapter 13 though one lawyer and now need to convert to chapter 7. My lawyer said he wanted 400.00 upfront which I don't have upfront right now but I contacted anothet one that said he could do it for 265.00 upfront, so can I have the new lawyer to convert it or do I have to use the same lawyer I used to file the chapter13 case?
2006-07-06 16:48:28 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Business & Finance ➔ Credit
Well there is a technical ethical consideration that not all lawyers abide by. If you are contracted with one lawyer they are not supposed to "steal you away by undercutting him". Which says something about the other lawyers ethics. I mean it is not a Code and I don't think they can get in any trouble or anything. But it is like if you have cut the check and agreed on terms and then you bail, the first lawyer has already started work.
Next time, or this time if you wanted, what if you didn't have to pay a retainer fee (upfront) and got at least a 25% discount off of the average hourly attorney fee in your state as well as a host of other benefits? If you would like to find out how, contact me directly.
Good luck with your situation either way.
2006-07-06 17:02:47 · answer #1 · answered by mallicoatdd 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You do NOT need a lawyer....Call the Trustee's office in your area, find out the median income for your state.....If your income is below that figure, you can file Chap7....
Next, you must complete a financial education class PRIOR to filing any bankruptcy. Get a list of approved classes from the Trustee.....TAKE the class now to get it out of the way - even if you choose not to file after all.
You can file PRO SE - get all the documents from the court or Office Depot - the documents are standard, it's the exemptions that may vary - very easy to research....The documents may be intimidating, but they are very straightforward.....
Get all three of your credit reports and list all your creditors/collection agencies.....match up the collection agency w/ the original creditor. If you have some that are not listed - list them.......
If you borrowed $100 from Aunt Edna and will not pay her back, list her as a creditor....If you don't list it - it won't get discharged....(discharge is good/dismiss is bad).
Go to Office Depot TODAY and get the paperwork - or you can buy them online.....
You'll have to pay for the credit class (not more than $40 & the filing fee of about $160 (depends on your state)...and you can certainly apply to the Court for a waiver of the fee.
2006-07-07 01:33:07 · answer #2 · answered by Paula M 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Technically, you can use any lawyer you want and the end result is the same.
Realistically, you really get what you pay for, and having filed your first one, your first lawyer has an advantage. For 135 dollar difference, I wouldn't take a chance.
2006-07-06 23:52:58 · answer #3 · answered by tkquestion 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
use the same lawyer
2006-07-06 23:51:05 · answer #4 · answered by A 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋