FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
We offer payment plans with a $200 initial payment. Our office has a 6 step process to have you filed quickly and make payments along the way. All cases are required to pay a filing fee. Chapter 7 is $335 and Chapter 13 is $310. You also have to take a credit counseling course and a financial management course. We will pull your credit report as well. The cost for this is $68 for an individual and $88 for a couple. All Chapter 7 cases will be required to pay their fees before the case is filed. The range of attorney fees can be from $1000 to $2500 depending on how complicated your case will be. The average is $1500. Chapter 13 cases will have part of their fees paid up front and the balance made through their payment to the Trustee. The average upfront fee is the same as the Chapter 7 fee. This will depend on how fast the case needs to be filed, the total fee, and the specific needs of your budget in the Chapter 13 Plan. Sometimes we use your tax refunds to help with the amount you need to pay in the Chapter 13 Plan. The total cost you will pay to the Trustee will depend on if your house payment is current on the date of filing, how many car payments need to be paid in full, how much unsecured creditors are to receive according to your income and expenses or the property you own, and a few other factors. The Court sets a "no look" fee they feel is appropriate for a Chapter 13 case and so most attorneys do charge the same total amount. Further, these attorney fees only go through getting your case confirmed so that you, the Trustee, and the creditors know exactly what is getting paid and when it is paid. If you required additional work, the Court has a schedule of fees which range from $150- $250 for each item. You will have all this information set out in your contract with the attorney so you know exactly how much you would be charged.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Our initial consultation is free. All you need to bring is a copy of your Driver's License. We will have you fill out an Intake sheet that gives us details about your circumstances so your appointment is tailored to you. When you retain the office, you will sign your contract with the attorney and we will start our 6 step plan at that time. There is a good deal to do in getting ready to file your bankruptcy case and we do try to break it up into smaller chunks so you do not feel overwhelmed. Certainly, if you have an emergency, we will act fast and you will have to as well. We normally do have two appointments to go over all the documents will be filed with the Court. It is important for you to make sure everything we file is correct.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I received legal training at the University of Tulsa. I have been licensed since 1993, starting my practice in Joplin and then moving to Kansas City in 2003. To learn more about our attorney, visit our website.