Law Firm Orange County

Bankruptcy filings in the (United States~U. S.} are steadily increasing and the need for knowledgeable bankruptcy attorneys is in demand more than ever. Nationwide bankruptcy filings last year topped 1.4 million, icreasing from 1.7 million in 2008 based on the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts. At this stride we may see the number of bankruptcy filing top 2 million in 2010 and the number of bankruptcy attorneys and law offices offering bankruptcy rise as well to provide for the people filing personal bankruptcy. The web is filled with bankruptcy attorneys and bankruptcy law offices with marketing slogans like “ $100.00 get’s you started” and “free consultation” or “bankruptcy as low as” and so on, but watch out for bargain bankruptcy lawyers! When it comes to advertisements that proclaimadvertising “$100.00 get’s you started”, what do you really think you get for $100.00? You’re right, NOTHING! Also, if you are offered a free consultation double check it’s with the bankruptcy attorney that’s actually filing your bankruptcy. The most common type of bankruptcy is chapter 7, but since the enactment of the “means test” in 2005 filing chapter 7 bankruptcies is more straining nowadays and more consumers must now file chapter 13. While a chapter 7 allows anyone filing bankruptcy to completely wipe out their debt a chapter 13 is a repayment plan, usually lasting 5 years. A problem with bankruptcy is that it’s not an exact science and large bankruptcy law offices, for example Legal Helpers are recieving many complaints from consumers trying to get a discounted price when filing bankruptcy. The whole business model of these law firms is to get a $100.00 commitment so the consumer will not go anywhere else to hire an attorney. ”It’s ridiculous, what do you think a bankruptcy attorney is really going to do for you for $100.00” says James D. Zhou, bankruptcy attorney in California and senior partner with the Law Offices of Zhou & Chini. Zhou goes on to say, “bankruptcy is complicated and consumers should look at paying a reasonable fee to a bankruptcy attorney to get a good answer. Repugnant stories about these giant bankruptcy law offices are abundant, these firms should consider being upfront and honest with their clients and tell them $100.00 is just to get them to commit to file bankruptcy with their office. Bankruptcy lawyers should typically accept payment plans but none we know of will file your bankruptcy petition unless you are paid in full”.

While the cost for filing a chapter 7 throughout the country may range from $1200.00 to $4,000 dependant on the county someone lives in and the complexity of the bankruptcy, the medium cost for a chapter 7 in California is about $2500.00 and $4,000 for a chapter 13 bankruptcy. If you try to find the cheapest bankruptcy lawyer on the web you might end up with a bigger problem than the reason you are filing bankruptcy. Usually when someone accepts they’re going bankrupt is when they start to scout out a bankruptcy lawyer and cost is their first priority. Expect to pay a fair and reasonable price for a bankruptcy lawyer and don’t think cheaper is better, or $100.00 get’s you something beyone a vexation. Most honest bankruptcy lawyers will allow you to make installments and then file your bankruptcy when you are fully paid up. Bankruptcy law firms like Zhou & Chini are all over the internet and typically will not talk about their fees to file bankruptcy until they see the complexity of your case. While a uncomplicated chapter 7 may not involve reaffirmation of debt or motions to avoid a lien it may only cost you $1500.00 in Riverside County but as much as $2,500 in Orange County or Los Angeles County. When you hire a bankruptcy lawyer or even consider a free bankruptcy consultation you should ask your bankruptcy attorney if he or she will be doing the actual bankruptcy filing or a paralegal. It might be worth a little more to make sure your case is handled in good order so you don’t get your bankruptcy case dismissed and lose out all together. While you can file a simple chapter 7 with a paralegal, you will probably get better results with a bankruptcy lawyer that provides you a personalized service and properly explain the bankruptcy process. If you’re a California resident and need to file bankruptcy chapter 7 or chapter 13 remember this article, and remember if it sounds too good to be true it more than likely is. To speak directly with a bankruptcy attorney or just to get more bankruptcy info go to www.BankruptcyAttorneyinCalifornia.com