Hardship Bankruptcy Program
“I don’t have enough money to go bankrupt.” That is a phrase we often hear from prospective clients when discussing their bankruptcy options. Many are surprised that the fees are so high. Why is this? For starters, the filing fee alone is $306. There is mandatory “credit counseling” which costs $80. Then there is the legal fee. Many people are unaware that the Bankruptcy Reform of 2005 passed by Congress placed significant duties and burdens on both attorneys and debtors alike. These duties include obtaining documentation and filling out forms which are long, and many times, complicated. These factors have driven bankruptcy costs for the public to a very high level.
Since 2005, Albertazzi Law Firm has filed many bankruptcy cases and has identified those which go through the system easily. We have developed a streamlined workflow to handle these cases. In October 2010, we began our Hardship Bankruptcy Program which we hope will address the needs of people in hardship who have simple bankruptcy cases. This program is not for everybody. For people meeting the criteria below, the costs include:
Legal Fee: $500
Filing Fee: $306
Mandatory Classes: $80 (single or joint) for two required classes: Credit Counseling and Debtor
Credit Report: $35 single /$65 joint
Hardship Bankruptcy Criteria For Reduced Fees
1. Your household income (excluding disability, veteran’s benefits, and social security benefits) has been less than $15,000 in the last six months.
2. You pay all fees and costs at the time you retain our firm.
3. You do not own real estate.
4. You do not own a car with a loan on it.
5. You do not own assets which are not “exempt” under Oregon law. For a list of the most common Oregon exemptions, please see http://www.leg.state.or.us/ors/018.html.
6. You qualify for a discharge under Chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code.
Albertazzi Law Firm is designated as a debt relief agency under federal law. We help people file for relief under the Bankruptcy Code.
