how much does a lawyer charge for chapter 13

by Anderson Nikolaus 5 min read

Most attorneys will charge a standard Chapter 13 bankruptcy retainer fee of $3,500 for pre-confirmation and $500 for post-confirmation services because the Massachusetts Local Bankruptcy Rules permit these figures without an attorney needing to file a special itemized explanation of the attorney fees.

Average Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Attorney Fees
Chapter 13 guideline fees are different for each judicial district. However, they are typically between $2,500 and $6,000 depending on the complexity of the case. For instance, if you own a business, the case will likely require more work and justify a higher fee.

Full Answer

How much to file Chapter 13?

Dec 11, 2020 · AVERAGE COST. $2,500 - $3,500. Attorneys’ fees for Chapter 13 bankruptcy typically range from $2,500 to $3,500, with an average of $3,000. When you’re considering filing Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you should know how much it will cost. To get a better idea of how much people pay their lawyers in these bankruptcy cases, we surveyed our readers across the United …

How much is bankruptcy Chapter 13?

The services included in a Chapter 13 bankruptcy flat fee varies by district. In some districts, the attorney is expected to handle everything that comes up without additional charge. In other districts, a lawyer is permitted to charge more as long as the attorney discloses the additional fees to the court.

How much does a chapter 13 bankruptcy cost?

So we weren't surprised to learn that almost all of our readers (97%) hired a lawyer to help them through the Chapter 13 process. The cost for their attorneys typically ranged from $2,500 to $5,000. But most readers (63%) paid $3,000 or less. Still, the $3,000 average cost was twice the average that other readers paid their lawyers to handle Chapter 7 bankruptcy cases. Attorneys …

Why file Chapter 13 bankruptcy?

Oct 29, 2018 · Bankruptcy, Chapter 13 How Much Does Chapter 13 Cost? In the Western District of North Carolina, the court sets the attorney base fee at $4,500.00. However, you do not owe all of those funds prior to filing.

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What is the success rate of Chapter 13?

Success Rate for Chapter 13 Bankruptcy The ABI study for 2019, found that of the 283,313 cases filed under Chapter 13, only 114,624 were discharged (i.e. granted), and 168,689 were dismissed (i.e. denied). That's a success rate of just 40.4%.

Can you negotiate a Chapter 13?

You may also be able to negotiate your debts with creditors and reduce and pay your debts without a repayment plan and outside of Chapter 13 bankruptcy. As Board-Certified Bankruptcy Specialists, Raj Wadhwani and Greg Shanfeld are committed to finding the best debt relief option in your unique situation.

What will my Chapter 13 payment be?

The difference between your income on Schedule I and your expenses on Schedule J will be your Chapter 13 plan payment. Your unsecured creditors will receive a percentage of the disposable income that remains after secured and priority creditors receive payment.

Does Chapter 13 discharge debts?

Chapter 13 bankruptcy allows you to catch up on missed mortgage or car loan payments and restructure your debts through a repayment plan. When you complete your plan, you will receive a Chapter 13 discharge that eliminates most of your remaining debts.

What is the average Chapter 13 payment?

about $500 to $600 per monthThe average payment for a Chapter 13 case overall is probably about $500 to $600 per month. This information, however, may not be very helpful for your particular situation. It takes into account a large number of low payment amounts where low income debtors are paying very little back.May 16, 2018

Can you payoff a Chapter 13 early?

In most cases, paying off Chapter 13 early isn't a good idea. By paying off Chapter 13 early, you're required to repay 100 percent of the debt you owe to your creditors instead of the reduced amount.Jul 13, 2021

What does 100% means in a Chapter 13?

What is a Chapter 13 100 Percent Bankruptcy Plan? A 100% plan is a Chapter 13 bankruptcy in which you develop a plan with your attorney and creditors to pay back your debt. It is required to pay back all secured debt and 100% of all unsecured debt.

Does Chapter 13 trustee check your bank account?

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy The trustee may conduct periodic reviews of your finances, including your business and personal bank accounts, to ensure you have sufficient cash to continue making payments as normal.

What happens at the end of Chapter 13?

A Chapter 13 bankruptcy lasts anywhere from 3 - 5 years. At the end of the payment plan, any remaining unpaid debt is eliminated by a Chapter 13 bankruptcy discharge. To get the discharge, the filer has to complete the plan, which can sometimes be complicated by changing circumstances.Oct 27, 2021

Will my credit score go up after Chapter 13 discharge?

Average Credit Score After Chapter 13 Discharge Your credit score after a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy discharge will vary. Your new score will depend on how good or bad your credit score was prior to the filing of the Chapter 13 Bankruptcy. For most individuals, you can expect to see quite a dip in your overall credit score.

What happens if I get a credit card while in Chapter 13?

A stipulation in Chapter 13 bankruptcy law states that you, as a debtor, are not allowed to increase any debt without receiving the permission of your bankruptcy trustee. If you do apply for a credit card, your bankruptcy payment plan will be canceled and the bankruptcy proceedings will be stopped.Jun 26, 2018

How long does a Chapter 13 stay on your credit report?

seven yearsA Chapter 7 bankruptcy can stay on your credit report for up to 10 years from the date the bankruptcy was filed, while a Chapter 13 bankruptcy will fall off your report seven years after the filing date. After the allotted seven or 10 years, the bankruptcy will automatically fall off your credit report.May 18, 2021

How Much Do Attorneys Charge For Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?

Our survey results tell us that readers paid their attorneys an average of $3,000 to handle their Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases. Most Chapter 13 file...

When You Might Pay More For Chapter 13 Attorney's Fees

You will probably pay more than the average if your attorney has to spend extra time strategizing on your behalf. That can happen for different rea...

When You Might Pay Less For Chapter 13 Attorneys’ Fees

When attorneys use a local court’s presumptive fee to set the amount they charge, it’s unlikely that they’ll be willing to give you a discount (alt...

Chapter 13 Attorneys’ Fees Need Not Be Paid All at Once

The most common way of paying a lawyer’s flat fee in Chapter 13 bankruptcy is to make an initial down payment before the bankruptcy petition is fil...

What Services Are Included in Your Chapter 13 Flat fee?

Before you agree to a flat fee, make sure you know what will (and won’t) be included. In addition to filing your bankruptcy petition and representi...

Other Fees and Costs in Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Here are a few other expenses you’ll have to pay in your Chapter 13 bankruptcy:Filing fees. In addition to the fees you pay your attorney, you’ll h...

Attorney's Fee Must Be Reasonable

Under the bankruptcy law, attorneys who file Chapter 13 bankruptcies must disclose their fees for the court’s review and approval. No matter what y...

Presumptively Reasonable Or "no-look" Fees

To avoid having to review fees in every case, most courts have local rules or fee guidelines which set a "presumptively reasonable" or "no-look" fe...

What Services Are Included in The Attorney's Fee

The services that are included in the flat fee for Chapter 13 bankruptcies also vary by district. In some districts, the attorney is expected to ha...

Paying The Attorney Fee Through The Plan

Unlike Chapter 7 cases, where the fees are generally paid before the case is filed, the Chapter 13 fee is often paid, at least in part, through the...

How to Find The Fee Guidelines For Your District

Virtually all of the bankruptcy courts have websites which have links to the court’s local rules and fee guidelines. Many Chapter 13 trustees also...

Statistics on Average Chapter 13 Attorney Fees

According to a recent study using data from 2005 to 2009, the average fee for a Chapter 13 bankruptcy was $2,564 nationwide. But when broken down b...

What is the no look fee for Chapter 13?

Courts don't want to review fees in every case, so most courts have local rules or fee guidelines which set a "presumptively reasonable" or "no-look" fee amount for a Chapter 13 case. Different courts use different terms, but the meaning is the same. If the amount charged by the attorney is equal to or less than the presumptively reasonable ...

What is the law for filing bankruptcy?

Bankruptcy law requires an attorney who files a Chapter 13 bankruptcy to disclose the fees for the court's review and approval. The judge determines whether the amount is reasonable. If the court finds the fee excessive, it can order the attorney to refund all or a portion of it.

Do you have to pay a retainer for Chapter 13?

Although some attorneys might let you pay the entire Chapter 13 fee through the plan, your attorney will likely require you to pay a portion upfront as part of the retainer agreement (you must pay something for the retainer to be binding).

How long does a Chapter 13 plan last?

Chapter 13 plans extend over three to five years. The length of your plan will depend on your income and how much time you need to make the payments. (For more details, see our article on how long Chapter 13 plans last .) Before you start making payments, however, the court has to approve (or "confirm") your plan.

Can an attorney text you?

Attorneys have the option, but are not required, to send text messages to you. You will receive up to 2 messages per week from Martindale-Nolo. Frequency from attorney may vary. Message and data rates may apply. Your number will be held in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Is bankruptcy a chapter 13?

Bankruptcy law is complex and confusing. Chapter 13 cases can be especially knotty, and mistakes may lead to serious financial problems down the road. So we weren't surprised to learn that almost all of our readers (97%) hired a lawyer to help them through the Chapter 13 process.

Is the internet secure?

The Internet is not necessarily secure and emails sent through this site could be intercepted or read by third parties. If you're trying to deal with too many debts, you're probably wondering whether Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy will help you out.

How Much Does Chapter 13 Cost?

In the Western District of North Carolina, the court sets the attorney base-fee at $4,500.00. However, you do not owe all of those funds prior to filing. You and your bankruptcy attorney will agree upon an amount you will pay prior to filing; the remainder will be built into your Chapter 13 plan, and paid over the course of your Chapter 13 case.

What Determines My Chapter 13 Plan Payment?

Your Chapter 13 plan payment is a combination of both your ability to pay, and a comparison to what your creditors would receive if your assets were liquidated in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing. Additionally, if you have mortgage arrears (missed payments) or vehicle lender arrears, those will need to be paid over time in your Chapter 13.

Ability To Pay In Chapter 13

Your ability to pay is simply a look at your ongoing monthly income and expenses. Your bankruptcy attorney will propose a payment to the court. This proposed payment will be examined. Essentially, any leftover funds each month after your ongoing household expenses are paid, should be your minimum monthly Chapter 13 payment.

Arrears And Other Priority Debt

If you have mortgage arrears, as mentioned above, those will need to be built into your Chapter 13 plan payment. Additionally, if you have IRS or state tax debt which is less than three years old, that will need to be re-paid in the plan.

Length Of Your Chapter 13 Plan

Most Chapter 13 plans are five years or 60 months. If you want to propose a shorter plan, you will typically be required to pay the same amount but over the shorter period of time. In many cases, if you propose a plan shorter than five years, it must be a 100% plan.

Speak With A Bankruptcy Attorney Today

The easiest way to get a better idea of what your Chapter 13 plan payment would be is to speak with a Charlotte bankruptcy attorney today. You can call us at 704.749.7747 or click for a FREE CASE EVALUATION.

How much is Chapter 13 in Texas?

The presumptive fee in the Western District of Texas is $3,600 for routine Chapter 13 cases that don’t involve a business. Different divisions in the district (which includes Austin, San Antonio, El Paso, and Waco) have issued orders that set other fees and describe the included services. For example:

How much does a Chapter 13 bankruptcy cost in Texas?

The fees our readers told us they paid—typically from $2,500 to $3,500 —fall in line with the maximum amounts recommended by the courts in Texas.

What is a no look fee?

If your lawyer agrees to represent you for the presumptive amount or less, the court will automatically approve the fee without looking at the specific circumstances of the case —which is why it’s sometimes called a “no look” fee.

Which Texas district requires disclosure of fixed fees?

A local rule in the Southern District of Texas (which includes Houston, Galveston, and Corpus Christi) requires a disclosure form that lists the services included in fixed fees up to:

How to pay a lawyer's fee in bankruptcy?

The most common way of paying a lawyer’s flat fee in Chapter 13 bankruptcy is to make an initial down payment (or “retainer”) before the bankruptcy petition is filed, with the remainder of the fee included in your monthly payments under the repayment plan.

Is Chapter 13 bankruptcy complicated?

Chapter 13 bankruptcy is complicated, and there can be serious financial consequences if you make a mistake. So it’s not surprising that all of our Texas readers hired a lawyer to help them through the process of filing for Chapter 13. It’s also not surprising that none of them paid their lawyers an hourly fee, ...

How much does a Chapter 13 bankruptcy cost in Florida?

The fees our readers told us they paid—typically from $2,500 to $3,500 —fall in line with the maximum amounts recommended by the courts in Florida.

How to pay a lawyer's fee in bankruptcy?

The most common way of paying a lawyer’s flat fee in Chapter 13 bankruptcy is to make an initial down payment (or “retainer”) before the bankruptcy petition is filed, with the remainder of the fee included in your monthly payments under the repayment plan.

What is a no look fee?

If your lawyer agrees to represent you for the presumptive amount or less, the court will automatically approve the fee without looking at the specific circumstances of the case —which is why it’s sometimes called a “no look” fee.

Is Chapter 13 bankruptcy complicated?

Chapter 13 bankruptcy is complicated, and there can be serious financial consequences if you make a mistake. So it’s not surprising that all of our Florida readers hired a lawyer to help them through the process of filing for Chapter 13. It’s also not surprising that none of them paid their lawyers an hourly fee, ...

How much does a Chapter 13 bankruptcy cost in Illinois?

The fees our readers told us they paid—typically from $1,500 to $2,500 —fall well within the maximum amounts recommended by the courts in Illinois.

How to pay a lawyer for bankruptcy?

The most common way of paying a lawyer’s flat fee in Chapter 13 bankruptcy is to make an initial down payment (or “retainer”) before the bankruptcy petition is filed, with the remainder of the fee included in your monthly payments under the repayment plan. A few bankruptcy courts set a limit on how much lawyers can ask for this up-front retainer fee.

How does bankruptcy court approve fees?

Many bankruptcy courts streamline this approval process by establishing guidelines for flat fees (usually called “presumptive” fees) that the judge will presume to be reasonable. If your lawyer agrees to represent you for the presumptive amount or less, the court will automatically approve the fee without looking at the specific circumstances of the case—which is why it’s sometimes called a “no look” fee. The presumptive fee guidelines may also spell out additional fees when the cases involve certain types of property or debts, as well as the services that should be included in the basic fee.

Qualifying For Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Under Chapter 13 Bankruptcy, also known as the wage earner’s plan, debtors receive not an elimination of their debt but a restructured plan to actually pay back their debt under a repayment plan.

How Much Do Attorneys Charge for Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?

Getting the best chapter 13 bankruptcy representation does not always mean you’re going to be spending a lot of money. You are already in debt so more debt is not the answer with court fees and lawyer fees. If filing for bankruptcy sounds too costly paper writing help for you, there are options out there that can make bankruptcy more affordable.

Our Chapter 13 Attorneys are Here to Help

Our chapter 13 bankruptcy attorneys are here to make sure that your bankruptcy case goes smoothly. We have been helping consumers with bankruptcy cases for over 10 years and helped them get back on their feet.

How much does a Chapter 13 bankruptcy cost in Michigan?

The fees our readers told us they paid—typically from $1,000 to $3,000 —fall well within the maximum amounts recommended by the courts in Michigan.

How to pay a lawyer for bankruptcy?

The most common way of paying a lawyer’s flat fee in Chapter 13 bankruptcy is to make an initial down payment (or “retainer”) before the bankruptcy petition is filed, with the remainder of the fee included in your monthly payments under the repayment plan. A few bankruptcy courts set a limit on how much lawyers can ask for this up-front retainer fee.

What is a no look fee?

If your lawyer agrees to represent you for the presumptive amount or less, the court will automatically approve the fee without looking at the specific circumstances of the case —which is why it’s sometimes called a “no-look” fee.

How much is presumptive attorney fees in Michigan?

The local rules for the Eastern District of Michigan (which includes Detroit, Flint, and Ann Arbor) set a single presumptive amount—$3,500 —which includes both attorney’s fees and expenses for pre-confirmation services.

Is Chapter 13 bankruptcy complicated?

Chapter 13 bankruptcy is complicated, and there can be serious financial consequences if you make a mistake. So it’s not surprising that all of our Michigan readers hired a lawyer to help them through the process of filing for Chapter 13.

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Approval of Chapter 13 Lawyers’ Fees

  • The bankruptcy court has to approve all of your financial expenditures in a Chapter 13 case—including what you pay your lawyer—so the judge will decide whether your attorney’s fee is reasonable. Many bankruptcy courts streamline this approval process by establishing guidelines for flat fees (usually called “presumptive” fees) that the judge will presume to be reasonable. If y…
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Presumptive Fee Guidelines in Bankruptcy Courts Across Texas

  • We’ve reviewed Chapter 13 fee guidelines that bankruptcy district courts in Texas have issued (usually in the form of local rules or “standing orders”). The fees our readers told us they paid—typically from $2,500 to $3,500—fall in line with the maximum amounts recommended by the courts in Texas. Courts may change their guidelines at any time, so it’s a good idea to check …
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Northern District

  • The guidelines for presumptive attorneys’ fees and services in the Northern District of Texas(which includes the Dallas/Ft. Worth area) are: 1. $3,500 for individual, nonbusiness cases 2. $4,000 for cases that involve certain businesses (including those with at least $100,000 in monthly gross receipts, employees other than family, or a liquor license), and 3. amounts for add…
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Western District

  • The presumptive fee in the Western District of Texas is $3,600 for routine Chapter 13 cases that don’t involve a business. Different divisions in the district (which includes Austin, San Antonio, El Paso, and Waco) have issued ordersthat set other fees and describe the included services. For example: 1. In the Austin Division, the benchmark fee for a nonbusiness case rises to $3,900 if t…
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Southern District

  • A local rule in the Southern District of Texas (which includes Houston, Galveston, and Corpus Christi) requires a disclosure formthat lists the services included in fixed fees up to: 1. $3,825 2. $3,525 if the Chapter 13 plan isn’t confirmed at the first confirmation hearing, or 3. $3,425 if the case is dismissed before or within 120 days after the plan is confirmed. The rule also lists additi…
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Eastern District

  • The presumptive fee in the Eastern District of Texas(which covers the eastern part of the state from the Red River to the Gulf of Mexico) is: 1. $3,000 in nonbusiness cases 2. $3,500 in business cases, and 3. an additional $500 if the attorney performs any services related to a creditor’s motion to lift the automatic stay.
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