how much does a bankruptcy attorney cost in pennsylvania

What is Chapter 7 bankruptcy in PA?

One of the first questions our Philadelphia bankruptcy lawyers are asked is, “how much will this cost?” The answer is not simple and depends on numerous factors. However, on average, a Chapter 7 case ranges from $1,500 to $2,500, while a Chapter 13 bankruptcy could cost you anywhere between $3,500 and $4,000.

When should I file for bankruptcy?

The price of a personal bankruptcy attorney in Pennsylvania is approximately $1,222.50, although prices vary depending on the type and the complexity of the bankruptcy. Most bankruptcy attorneys charge a flat fee to cover their basic services.

What are the bankruptcy laws in PA?

Jan 24, 2017 · Attorneys' Fee Guidelines in Pennsylvania The presumptive lawyers’ fees in Pennsylvania for Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases that don’t involve a business range from $3,000 to $4,500, with add-ons for services beyond the basics.

How do you file bankruptcy in PA?

Jun 24, 2019 · To answer this question, it is important to understand how the cost of filing for bankruptcy is calculated. The cost to file bankruptcy is separated into three categories: Court Costs, Expenses & Attorney Fees. Pennsylvania Bankruptcy Court Costs & Filing Fees. As of December 1, 2016 the Court Costs for filing for bankruptcy in the Commonwealth of …

What is the average cost to file bankruptcy in PA?

It now costs $335 to file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy and $310 to file a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, whether for one person or a married couple. The court may allow you to pay the filing fee in installments if you cannot pay it all at once.

What is the income limit for filing Chapter 7 in Pennsylvania?

If your total monthly income over the course of the next 60 months is less than $7,475 then you pass the means test and you may file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. If it is over $12,475 then you fail the means test and don't have the option of filing Chapter 7.

How is Chapter 7 means test calculated?

The means test was designed to limit the use of Chapter 7 bankruptcy to those who can't pay their debts. It does this by deducting specific monthly expenses from your "current monthly income" (your average income over the six calendar months before you file for bankruptcy) to arrive at your monthly "disposable income."

How do I file Chapter 13 in PA?

Pennsylvania requires debtors filing for Chapter 13 to complete credit counseling and financial management courses as part of the process. Within the 180 days before filing, the debtor must complete a credit counseling course. When you begin the initial filing you must include the certificate of completion.Apr 30, 2018

Presumptive Fee Guidelines for Bankruptcy Courts in Pennsylvania

We’ve reviewed the Chapter 13 fee guidelines that bankruptcy district courts in Pennsylvania have issued (usually in the form of local rules). The fees our readers told us they paid—typically from $1,250 to $3,000—fall in line with the maximum amounts recommended by the courts in Pennsylvania, though a few paid more.

Eastern District

The guidelines for presumptive attorneys’ fees in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania (which includes Philadelphia, Reading, and Allentown) are:

Middle District

The guidelines for no-look attorneys’ fees in the Middle District of Pennsylvania (which includes Wilkes-Barre, Harrisburg, and Williamsport) are:

Western District

In the Western District of Pennsylvania (which includes Pittsburgh, Erie, and Johnstown), the guideline for presumed attorneys’ fees (in rule 2016-1) is $4,000 for all Chapter 13 cases. The rule lists the legal services that must be included in this fee. It also states that attorneys can charge no more than $500 in “no-look expenses.”

Pennsylvania Bankruptcy Court Costs & Filing Fees

As of December 1, 2016 the Court Costs for filing for bankruptcy in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania are as follows:#N#Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Petition $335.00#N#Chapter 9 Bankruptcy Petition $1,717.00#N#Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Petition $1,717.00#N#Chapter 12 Bankruptcy Petition $275.00#N#Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Petition $310.00#N#Chapter 15 Bankruptcy Petition $1,717.00.

Bankruptcy Related Expenses

Other bankruptcy-related expenses include office expenses, transportation to and from hearings, conversion other legal expenses, postage, copies, amendments and similar. Many of these expenses are not immediately known until further along in a bankruptcy case. ‘

Bankruptcy Attorney Fees

Bankruptcy attorney fees vary based upon location, filing type and complexity of the case. While the fee range varies, most lawyers will a charge a fixed rate with an hourly fee for additional services or additional fees “built” into the plan.

What is Pennsylvania known for?

Written by Attorney Eva Bacevice. Pennsylvania is well known for being home to the first capital of our country, the Liberty Bell, and the first American flag. Pennsylvania also has a number of tasty claims to fame, including the chocolate capital of the United States (Hershey, PA) and the Philly cheesesteak.

How to file Chapter 7 in Pennsylvania?

In order to file a Chapter 7 case, you will need to qualify under Pennsylvania bankruptcy laws by passing the Means Test. You can do so in one of two ways. First, based on your monthly income and household size, you might immediately qualify for a Chapter 7 if you are under the average median income in Pennsylvania. Second, even if you earn more than the income limit allows, you may still qualify by completing the second portion of the Means Test.

Is Pennsylvania a chocolate state?

Pennsylvania also has a number of tasty claims to fame, including the chocolate capital of the United States (Hershey, PA) and the Philly cheesesteak. What you might not realize, however, is that even though we now associate some food industry giants to Pennsylvania, the road to success was not always easy.

What district is bankruptcy in Pennsylvania?

The bankruptcy court in the district you’re filing in may require additional local forms. Pennsylvania is divided into three federal districts - the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, the Middle District of Pennsylvania, and the Western District of Pennsylvania.

How much does a bankruptcy lawyer cost in Pennsylvania?

The average cost of a bankruptcy lawyer in Pennsylvania is about $1,250, but it can range from just under $1,000 up to $1,500 depending on the complexity of the case and where you’re physically located. If you’re hoping to file with the help of a bankruptcy attorney, schedule a free consultation with them to find out how much they’d charge for your Pennsylvania bankruptcy case.

Do you have to take credit counseling before filing for bankruptcy?

The Bankruptcy Code requires that you complete credit counseling before filing bankruptcy. You can find a list of approved providers for Pennsylvania bankruptcy cases here. There are many providers who offer online or phone options for this first course. There’s a second course you’ll have to take after filing your bankruptcy case.

What is the Eastern District of Pennsylvania?

Eastern District of Pennsylvania Requirements. The Eastern District is divided into two divisions with courthouses in Philadelphia and Reading. The Philadelphia division handles cases for Bucks, Montgomery, Delaware, Philadelphia, and Chester counties.

How to avoid bankruptcy?

Bankruptcy cannot, however, cure every financial problem. Nor is it the right step for every individual. In bankruptcy, it is usually not possible to: 1 Eliminate certain rights of “secured” creditors. A “secured” creditor has taken a mortgage or other lien on property as collateral for the loan. Common examples are car loans and home mortgages. You can force secured creditors to take payments over time in the bankruptcy process and bankruptcy can eliminate your obligation to pay any additional money if your property is taken. Nevertheless, you generally cannot keep the collateral unless you continue to pay the debt 2 Discharge types of debts singled out by the bankruptcy law for special treatment, such as child support, alimony, certain other debts related to divorce, some student loans, court restitution orders, criminal fines, and some taxes. (see Pennsylvania Non-Dischargeable Debts) 3 Protect cosigners on your debts. When a relative or friend has co-signed a loan, and the consumer discharges the loan in bankruptcy, the cosigner may still have to repay all or part of the loan.- Discharge debts that arise after bankruptcy has been filed.

What is bankruptcy in Pennsylvania?

Bankruptcy is a legal proceeding in which an individual who cannot pay his or her bills can get a fresh financial start. The right to file for bankruptcy is provided by federal law, and all bankruptcy cases are handled in federal court. (see Pennsylvania Court Directory) Filing bankruptcy immediately stops all of your creditors from seeking ...

Does bankruptcy eliminate mortgages?

(see bankruptcy – Pennsylvania exemptions) Stop foreclosure on your house or mobile home and allow you an opportunity to catch up on missed payments. (Bankruptcy does not, however, automatically eliminate mortgages and other liens on your property without payment.)

What debts can be discharged in bankruptcy?

Discharge types of debts singled out by the bankruptcy law for special treatment, such as child support, alimony, certain other debts related to divorce, some student loans, court restitution orders, criminal fines, and some taxes. (see Pennsylvania Non-Dischargeable Debts) Protect cosigners on your debts.

Can you lose your car in bankruptcy?

In most cases you will not lose your home or car during your bankruptcy case as long as your equity in the property is fully exempt. (see Pennsylvania bankruptcy exemptions) Even if your property is not fully exempt, you will be able to keep it, if you pay its non-exempt value to creditors in chapter 13.

What is Chapter 7 bankruptcy?

Chapter 7 is known as “straight” bank ruptcy or “liquidation.”. It requires a debtor to give up property which exceeds certain limits called “exemptions”, so the property can be sold to pay creditors. Chapter 11, known as “reorganization”, is used by businesses and a few individual debtors whose debts are very large.

How to prevent repossession of a car?

Stop wage garnishment, debt collection harassment, and similar creditor actions to collect a debt. Restore or prevent termination of utility service.