Many people are afraid to file for bankruptcy because they fear the costs. But filing does not have to represent a financial hardship. It’s just a matter of understanding what you’ll need to pay and when, as well as a matter of understanding how the costs of bankruptcy will fit into your overall financial picture.
How much does it cost to file bankruptcy in Philadelphia?
Costs can vary wildly from attorney to attorney. Many bankruptcy attorneys are well aware their clients are in dire straits and are more than willing to work out payment plans. We certainly offer them.
Filing fees are different. They are fixed. You’ll pay a total of $335 in fees. We’ve explained the full breakdown of fees on this page. As you’ll see, you can also expect to pay for credit counseling classes, which are mandatory for all debtors filing bankruptcy.
Seeking out an attorney is an investment, not an expense.
We understand these numbers can look really scary. They may even tempt you to try to print these forms on the Internet, so you can file the bankruptcy yourself. This can be a very costly, deadly mistake. Failing to file the right kind of bankruptcy, failing to file the right documents, failing to take the steps that will protect your property. Debtors have made all these mistakes, and more.
For most of our clients, these fees represent a mere fraction of what it would cost to get caught up with all their debts.
Working with an attorney will save you every dime you either don’t have to pay back in debt or don’t have to spend replacing lost assets.
Filing for bankruptcy without consulting a lawyer is an option, but most experts don’t recommend it. “If you truly need to file bankruptcy, you truly need to hire an attorney,” Fisher says. “The bankruptcy code is filled with procedures and rules. Just filling out the petition, which is the forms you file to start the bankruptcy process, is very complicated.” Without the guidance of an attorney, you can make a number of harmful mistakes that can lead to your case being dismissed by the court.” –US News and World Report.
Compare the cost of the bankruptcy to the cost of the debt, and the decision should be easy enough to make.
Contact us today to get started.
We offer each client a free consultation, and we’ll be happy to discuss financial concerns regarding your bankruptcy with you at that time. We’ll show you how to make your bankruptcy filing as affordable and workable as possible. Bring us all the documents you can to help us understand your financial situation, and get ready to work with a group of experienced attorneys who will really listen to you and your concerns. Call now.