Bankruptcy FAQ
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How much will it cost to file for bankruptcy?
Our fees are very reasonable and comparable to other experienced bankruptcy attorneys in the area. While your case may be different the general fee guidelines in our office are as follows:
Basic Chapter 7 – $350 retainer, balance due prior to filing. Generally, $1,500 attorney fees for a basic case for an individual or $2,000 for a married couple. The fees can decrease or increase depending on the complexity of your case.
Basic Chapter 13 – we can often file a Chapter 13 with no fees due upfront and the balance is paid through your Chapter 13 plan payments, if you agree to a wage withholding order. Generally, the fees are $4,000 in attorney fees. The fees can decrease or increase depending on the complexity of your case. We may require some of the fees upfront, depending on the complexity of your case.
We base our fees on the amount of work required in your case. You will receive a written fee agreement in your free initial consultation. We work on a “flat-fee” basis which means you will know exactly how much your case will cost before you hire us.
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Who will I work with when I hire Sarah Sypher Attorney at Law?
You will work directly with the firm’s founder and owner Sarah A. Sypher, throughout the entire process. We also have a dedicated staff of professionals trained to work with you through this process. Our firm is committed to providing personalized and responsive client service. We want to help you overcome your financial difficulties and make a new beginning.
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What should I tell my creditors when they call?
After you retain Sarah Sypher Attorney at Law to represent you in a bankruptcy case, you can refer all of your creditor’s calls to us. Once your case is actually filed, all collection activity must stop – including phone calls.
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Will my employer find out about my bankruptcy?
There is no legal requirement for your employer to find out you filed for bankruptcy unless you owe money to your employer, you tell them.
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Will notice of my bankruptcy filing be published in my local newspaper?
It depends if your paper publishes that kind of information. Bankruptcy filings are public information, so there is nothing stopping a newspaper from publishing the notice. There is no legal requirement that it be published.
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Will I have to go to court?
You will have to appear at one hearing about 30 days after we file your case. It is not in a Courtroom and there is no Judge. You meet with the Bankruptcy Trustee. These hearings are currently handled over the phone and might change to Zoom in the future.
These hearings are business-like, but relaxed and low pressure. We will represent you in this hearing and handle all other necessary tasks in your bankruptcy. We will prepare you ahead of time so you know what to expect.
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Should I keep paying my bills even if I plan to file for bankruptcy?It depends. You don’t have to pay those debts that will be discharged during the bankruptcy process such as credit card debts and other unsecured debts. You should keep paying your mortgage or car payments, if you want to keep your house and car, but if you are behind on those payments, we can advise you how to keep them without having to get caught up. We can advise you about which bills you should pay and which ones you don't have to pay.
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Will I ever be able to buy a house after filing for bankruptcy?
Yes. In a few short years you can rebuild your credit to the point where you can get a mortgage or buy a vehicle on credit. There is life after bankruptcy.
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Will I lose my house and car?
In most cases, no. Sypher Law has helped many people avoid foreclosure and repossession. In your case, we will work to help you retain your house, vehicles and personal property while obtaining debt relief.
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Will I lose my tax refund if I file for Bankruptcy?Most people are expecting a tax refund to help pay bills, make extra payments on credit cards or other debt, or get caught up on late payments. The good news is this – you can file for bankruptcy, eliminate your debt and KEEP your tax refund! Since everyone’s situation is different, there is no simple way to walk you through this process without a consultation. In your free consultation with Sarah Sypher, you will learn how to plan ahead so you can keep your tax refund and still eliminate or reduce your debt. A successful bankruptcy case requires guidance and planning from an experienced bankruptcy attorney.
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