bankruptcy michigan cost
What do you think of my bankruptcy lawyer?
I am being charged a $1500 retainer. I had to sign something that said I would pay any cost over $1500. The paper work I signed says the rate is $150 per hour. I am worried about having to pay more than $1500. That amount given the lawyer’s rate is 10 hours worth of his time. Do you think a simple bankruptcy (credit cards only) will take more than 10 hours? I live in Michigan.
$1500 for a Chapter 7 would be a bargain in this neck of the woods (San Diego.) I’m guessing that’s the chapter you’re filing (?) Sounds like a reasonable fee, but you can always check around in your city. Attorney’s fees are negotiable. If you’re uncomfortable with the exposure to a possibly higher fee, ask the attorney to set a limited, fixed fee and commit to it in writing. If he refuses, you can probably insist on a full refund and shop the fee elsewhere. Be careful, though. When shopping for legal services, finding the lowest price isn’t the most important thing. An inexpensive fee with shoddy work doesn’t end up saving you any money.
If your case is a Chapter 13, that’s a different analysis, but the fee still sounds reasonable, even inexpensive, but unrealisticly low.
I am a bankruptcy attorney in San Diego, California. http://www.bankruptcy-sandiego.com
