New York Bankruptcy - The Bottom Line on Costs and Fees

If you're planning to file bankruptcy in New York formain debts, including credit card, medical, mortgage,
any reason, you should hire an attorney to help withand car debt. The only negative is your nonexempt
your case. But that costs lots of money, right?assets can be sold in order to pay off these fees. If
The biggest mistake bankruptcy filers can make isyou're unsure of what property is exempt, or if
making price the main factor of choosing an attorney.you're within the income limits for New York, contact
But it is there, it is important, so let's address firstan experienced attorney today.
the overall fees involved for filing personalHow much do New York Attorneys Cost?
bankruptcy in New York.The average New York attorney charges based on
Chapter 7 fees cost $299 to file with the New Yorkfees and expenses involved in the case. These are
court, while Chapter 13 is $274. Those are very minorusually set rates. If you query several attorneys in
in comparison to what you gain. These fees are theyour area of New York, you'll get a general idea of
same wherever you are -- New Jersey, Pennsylvania,how much you might pay. Many believe you can
California, every state in the country. What's notnegotiate, but in many cases these are the same
always the same is 1) eligibility and 2) lawyer fees.fees for all.
These do often depend on the state, the area youAlso, choosing an attorney solely for the low price is
live in, and how much you make in comparison to thea big mistake. It should be considered, but you get
median income.what you pay for when it comes to experienced
Eligibility for Filing New York BankruptcyNew York bankruptcy attorneys.
New York is very unique as the median income hereThe fees will often be set rates. The expenses the
is higher than most other states. While it's not theattorney makes will also be included. Most bankruptcy
highest, it is in the top 10 of state median incomes. Ifattorneys charge $1,000-$2,000 for a bankruptcy
you are a single resident, for example, and you makecase. Sometimes you may want to pay more. If
more than $50,000, as of 2010 you cannot file underprice is a big issue, many are willing to set up
Chapter 7. Let's go over the numbers.payment plans.
New York Eligibility for Chapter 7So we know the basic New York bankruptcy case
1 Resident - $46,320will be $299 for Chapter 7 and $274 for Chapter 13.
2 Residents- $57,902We also know the general rate for attorneys. Where
3 Residents- $69,174do you find the right attorney in your city? The
4 Residents - $82,164State Bar of New York has a good directory. Also,
And proportionally higher after that.many firms are online. Query 5-10 and factor in
Now, what exactly can Chapter 7 bankruptcy do?experience as well as price.
This is the classic form where you discharge all your