BANKRUPTCY INFORMATION

What distinguishes one bankruptcy firm from another?

Not all bankruptcy firms are the same, and not all lawyers operate in the same manner. At The Law Office of Douglas G. Edmunds, PLC, we handle all the paperwork for you so you are free to focus on your personal and family life. Filing for bankruptcy can be stressful, so we provide the following services:

•	We fill out the forms – you don’t get lost in stacks of paperwork
•	We pull your consumer credit report – no searching for creditors
•	Meet the Attorney – all client meet personally with the attorney, not a document preparer
•	Professional Office Atmosphere – you feel welcome, comfortable & treated with respect
•	Non-Judgmental – we are here to get you a fresh start, not dwell on past problems

MORE QUESTIONS

•	The Means Test – What is it and will I pass?
•	The Federal Exemptions – What are they?
•	Mandatory Credit Counseling – What is this requirement?
•	The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act – What are my rights when dealing with hostile creditors?

You can be assured that your initial consultation will be with a competent and professional attorney. We will assist you in making sure you do not get bogged down in the complicated forms. At all times, we strive to make this difficult time as smooth an experience as possible.

We understand that Chapter 7 is the best answer in almost all cases and we strive to find any way possible to make this happen. Chapter 13 is a last resort typically reserved for people with non-dischargeable tax debts, or those who wish to save a home in foreclosure. Some less scrupulous attorneys may encourage Chapter 13 simply because they can charge more in fees.

We will never recommend a Chapter 13 filing unless there is simply no other option. If you have consulted with an attorney who recommended filing Chapter 13 … get a second opinion.

We know that cost is a major concern; without speaking with you, it is difficult to properly estimate costs. There are two portions to bankruptcy fees, consider the following information and contact us for more specific guidance;

1. Attorney’s fees
Attorney’s fees vary by your situation.
Is this a husband and wife, or single person?
Are there business debts involved?
Will you be keeping your vehicles, or your home?
Are we filing for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 protection?

The answer to these questions often determines the number and nature of hearings we will be attending. A quick personal consultation will allow us to gauge these costs.

2. Costs.
Filing for bankruptcy protection has certain fixed costs. These remain the same regardless of the situation. Fixed costs include the following:

    a.    Court Filing Fee ($299.00 for Chapter 7)
    b.    Credit Reports (varies, but usually about $50.00)
    c.    Pre-Filing Credit Counseling ($30.00 - $50.00)
    d.    Post-Filing Education Class ($40.00 - $50.00)
    e.    Printing, Postage etc. (varies depending on your needs – usually less than $40.00)