I am a bankruptcy lawyer in Arizona ($995/Chapter 7) and one thing I've discovered is that not all bankruptcy attorneys are consistent in their pricing. Some may advertise a very inexpensive flat fee but when you come into their office for a consultation, you are quoted a much higher price. One law firm in town advertises that they charge $995 for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, but when you come in to consult with them, they explain that fee is only for people on a fixed income. That firm and many other firms also charge extra fees for things like copying, phone calls, emails, the mandatory court 341 meeting, credit reports and the initial consultation.
I don't charge clients for any of those extras. The only additional costs a client can expect are the $299 court filing fee and the price of the two online credit and financial courses required by law, which can be taken as cheaply as $5 and $12.
So do your homework when finding a bankruptcy lawyer. If you are considering setting up a consultation with a law firm, ask them first on the phone if they charge for those extra things mentioned above on top of the flat fee they advertise. The cheapest attorney you find on Google may end up being the most expensive!
You should look at it as you would any major financial decision, such as buying a house, buying a car, or taking a vacation.
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