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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- The most important question you may have: If I am considering filing for
bankruptcy, should I do it before the new bankruptcy law takes effect in October 2005?
You should file for bankruptcy when your fianancial situation requires it. You
should consult with an bankruptcy attorney to discuss your situation. However, the attorney fees will be most likely higher after the new law takes effect. In addition
not everybody who was able to file Chapter 7 will be eligible to file Chapter 7 after the new law takes effect on October 17th.
- I cannot or do not want to pay a lawyer. Can I file bankruptcy on my own?
You can. But the law is sometimes complicated and difficult to understand. Even
bankrutpcy atttorneys struggle sometimes with the law. It is easy to make a mistake. You would risk that all or some of your debts are not discharged. The
attorney fee to hire a bankruptcy attorney is well invested. This is what the bankruptcy Court says on their web site: Filing a bankruptcy case is a complex undertaking. Anyone contemplating such a step
should consult an attorney. If the extensive documents required in a bankruptcy case are not completed properly, or if further steps in the bankruptcy process are not taken on time, a
debtor can lose property or other important rights unnecessarily. I agree. There
is a risk in doing it on your own. I offer a reduced fee to handle bankrupcty cases in which the individual has no assests and only a few creditors.
- Should I use one of these inexpensive Form Preparers I see all over the internet?
Form Preparers cannot give legal advice. Unlike an attorney, they cannot tell you
what your best options are or what the right action is to keep your car or answer a motion made by your creditor. Filing your papers with the court is one part, the
second part is to deal with questions the US trustee or your creditors have. If you do not know what to do and do not have legal advice, you take the risk that all or
part of your debt will not be discharged.
- Is your practice focused on consumer bankruptcy?
Yes, my law practice focuses on consumer bankruptcy (Chapter 7 and 13) and I
am representing only debtors (someone who want to get rid of their debt and get a fresh start).
- Who can become a client?
- Do I need to meet in person?
No, a meeting in person is not necessary. If it is more convenient for you, the entire process can be handled over the phone,
by email and mail.
I am able to provide my services at low costs because I do not have the overhead expenses other law firms do. My office is not fancy and only for meeting with
clients. If you prefer however to meet in person we can arrange an appointment at my office in St. Louis City, Hampton Ave. Weekend and evenings appointments are available.
- How do we start the process?
With all my clients, I first arrange an appointment for a free initial consultation to
determine if bankruptcy is the best option. If bankruptcy is right for you, we then must decide under which chapter (7 or 13) you should file. To arrange an appointment call me at
(314) 504-1384 or use my online form. The initial
consultation and assessment of your case is free and does not obligate you to pay anything or to file for bankruptcy.
- What are the costs?
The costs depend on whether you file chapter 7 or chapter 13 bankruptcy.
Filing for chapter 7 is not as time consuming as chapter 13 and is therefore less expensive. The fees I charge for filing chapter 7 is $350. In cases, however, with
only a few creditors I might charge a reduced fee. In most cases I can provide a lower fee than most other attorneys are charging. I can provide lower fees
because I do not have the overhead expenses other law firms do. I work from my home office located in St. Louis City. No paralegals or associates are used. The
entire process from the start to the end is handled by me. I work from my homeoffice out which is located in St. Louis City.
However, when choosing an attorney your decision should not solely be based on fees. Some law firms and most online bankruptcy services that charge especially
low fees may not provide adequate legal representation. Poor legal representation can lead to bankruptcy filings being rejected by the court and clients being denied the discharge of their debts.
If you cannot afford my fees you can make a down payment to get your case started and then make installment payments until you have paid in full. Once you
have paid in full, and your case if fully prepared, I will file your bankruptcy petition with the court. You can make payments through my web site by clicking on Make
a payment with your debit or credit card. If your are not comfortable making payments through the internet, you can call me at (314) 353-0834 and make a payment over the phone.
The court costs
for filing Chapter 7 are $209. The court costs for filing Chapter 13 are $194. With the court permission, it is also possible to pay court costs in installments.
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