Find a Cheap Attorney in New York: Affordable Legal Help
Finding a cheap attorney in New York can seem like searching for a needle in a haystack. Yet, it’s not as daunting as you might think. Embarking on this journey, we aim to guide you through the maze of locating cost-effective legal assistance for a spectrum of issues, ranging from the intricacies of family law such as smooth divorces and child support disputes to urgent civil litigation concerns. We highlight essential resources such as the City Bar Justice Center’s Legal Hotline and LawHelpNY.org that connect you with low-cost or even free legal services.
Moreover, we delve into bespoke support for entrepreneurs seeking affordable yet high-caliber legal counsel. By the end of this read, navigating the maze of finding budget-friendly legal representation in NYC will be less overwhelming.
How Much Does Bankruptcy Cost in New York?
The court filing fee for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy in New York is $338. This total cost is broken down into the following: a $78 administrative fee, $15 trustee surcharge and $245 filing fee. If you earn below 150 percent of the poverty guidelines, this fee can be waived. If you’re not eligible to have this fee waived, but you can’t afford to pay it all at once, you can file an application and pay in installments. You can even choose how you want to pay the installments, as long as they are completed in four payments.
The benefit in making payments is that you can file your bankruptcy case sooner instead of waiting until you have $338 in full. As soon as you file bankruptcy, an automatic stay goes into effect, which means the creditors can no longer contact you. All New York State bankruptcy courts accept money orders or certified checks. A Chapter 13 bankruptcy in New York costs $313. This includes $235 in filing fees and $78 in administrative fees.
The most expensive part of filing bankrtpucy is the lawyer fees. Be sure to ask about these fees when you speak with an attorney, as they should be able to give you a clearer picture on what to expect. For example, some firms charge a flat fee (usually around $1,500). Typically, the more complex the bankruptcy case, the more expensive it will be. The fee you pay to your lawyer will include legal representation, credit counseling and education.
Utilize Payment Plans
People who are thinking about filing bankruptcy are going through financial struggles, and the cost of paying a bankruptcy attorney shouldn’t stand in their way. At least, that’s the way we feel here at The Law Office of William Waldner. We believe that if someone needs a clean slate, they should be given one. They are taking the necessary steps to recognize their problem and work with an attorney, and a lack of funds shouldn’t stand in their way.
One of the best things we can advise our clients of is to utilize payment plans. The first meeting with a bankruptcy attorney is called a consultation, and this should be free and no obligation. This meeting gives the lawyer an opportunity to learn about your situation and offer suggestions to help. Not everyone who is facing financial difficulties needs to file for bankruptcy. There are alternatives that could be a better fit, such as debt consolidation.
When you meet with a bankruptcy attorney, ask them about their payment structure. Many lawyers will file a Chapter 13 bankruptcy case with the courts with no money down. The client is expected to pay a little each month to the courts. Chapter 7 bankruptcy filings typically require some payment in advance, but it doesn’t have to be the full amount. Filers can pay a little bit upfront and then pay the rest after.
Keep in mind that when you file bankruptcy, you’re not paying most of your bills. This frees up money and allows you to afford legal fees more easily.
Affordable Legal Representation in New York
The Law Office of William Waldner has experienced attorneys who specialize in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy in New York. We have an affordable fee structure and are willing to work with our clients to make this journey affordable and attainable. We recognize that people face hardships, and we are here to help them get back on their feet. To schedule a free consultation, contact our bankruptcy attorneys in NY today. We can then discuss whether or not bankruptcy is right for you, and the fees to be aware of.