Your initial consultation with the Cottrell Law Firm is free. We can help you determine if bankruptcy is right for you and what type of bankruptcy benefits you most. If you choose to file bankruptcy, the filing fees charged by the court in the Eastern District of Texas are $338 for Chapter 7 and $313 for Chapter 13. These fees must be paid when your case is filed unless the court waives the fees in a Chapter 7 based on your income.
Our fees for Chapter 7 bankruptcy vary depending on the complexity of your case, and we give you the option of paying all, part or none of the attorney fees up front with the remaining part paid in installments for up to 12 months. So far as we are aware, we are the only firm in East Texas offering Chapter 7 bankruptcies with zero money down. Chapter 13 bankruptcy is more expensive, but only a portion of our Chapter 13 fees must be paid before filing. The remaining fees are paid monthly to the Trustee over the course of your repayment plan. Any fee we charge must be disclosed in the bankruptcy filings and approved by the court.
In addition to these fees, you must complete a “credit counseling” course before your bankruptcy may be filed. This counseling is done over the internet or by telephone and typically costs around $25.
If you decide to file for bankruptcy, we will give you a questionnaire and checklist so we can complete the forms to file your case. You will be given an opportunity to review the petition and other documents before these are filed. Contact us for a free consultation or more information.