Quoting Fees Over the Phone.

It is inevitable.  Every day I get a call that starts with “What do you charge for a Chapter 7?”  It is a simple question and a question that most people believe is an indicator of what attorney they should hire.  However, while most people are not aware, it is a very deceptive question.  It is deceptive for three main reasons.
First any answer is dishonest.  Chapter 7 is not like milk.  When I buy milk I am buying the same product as the person in front of and behind me in line.  I am buying a pre-packaged item that is always the same.  This is not true for a Chapter 7.  A Chapter 7 Bankruptcy is a fact based legal proceeding that is either more simple or more complicated based on the facts and actions surrounding the case.  For this reason no attorney has a “price” set for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy.  If you ask an attorney what they charge over the phone and they give you an answer they are simply guessing.  If you get into their office and your case is more complicated they will charge you more.  This bate an switch is dishonest and it is the reason I refuse to quote fees over the phone.
Second, the price that an attorney charges you is only a portion of the cost of a bankruptcy.  If an attorney is not up on the current trends of the law because he is too busy handling a thousand cases at $500.00 a piece it could end up costing you far more that the attorney fees he charges you.  Attorney error could lead to you losing property or tax refunds.  It could lead to you losing a denial of your discharge.  Finally, it could lead to your family or friends being sued for preferential transfers.  While people in vulnerable financial positions may not be able to afford the most expensive attorney out there, they also may not be able to afford the cheapest attorney out there.
Finally most individuals are not well versed in bankruptcy laws and procedures.  Many times individuals will come into my office believing that they would like to file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy just like their friend did.  However in some cases the individuals may not qualify for a Chapter 7 and they may be forced into a Chapter 13.  In other cases the individual may qualify for a Chapter 7, but a Chapter 13 may be more advantageous based on the facts of their case.  If an individual bases which attorney they schedule their appointment with based on what charge is being quoted for a Chapter 7 they may end up with an attorney who files a Chapter 13 for them without the necessary experience to ensure the clients success.
 
 
Second Chance Legal Services is a bankruptcy law firm located in Madison Heights, MI.  While we are located in Oakland County, we service Wayne, Oakland and Macomb County residents.  As Detroit Bankruptcy Attorneys we specialize in helping individuals escape their burden of debt in order to get a fresh start on their bright future.
Because of our small size our clients get individual attention.  You will have the same bankruptcy attorney throughout your case whether you are in a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy or a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy.  Your attorney will help guide you through the bankruptcy process in order to help you get a successful discharge of your debt.
It is important to note that Macomb County Bankruptcy Attorneys, Oakland County Bankruptcy Attorneys and Wayne County Bankruptcy Attorneys all deal with the same judges and trustees.  This is because all Michigan Bankruptcies are filed with the federal bankruptcy court in Detroit, MI.  For this reason, it is important that you choose an attorney not by location but rather by how comfortable you feel with them when you meet.  If you don’t feel comfortable with their knowledge, their experience or their demeanor you should seek out an attorney that you do feel comfortable with.
If you are interested in speaking with a Detroit bankruptcy attorney from Second Chance Legal Services, please contact our office at 248-629-6367 for a free initial consultation.