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All attorney fees are subject to guidelines established by Ohio bankruptcy courts. As a starting point, courts limits
fees paid to lawyers in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases. Lawyers may apply for an exception, and
upon a showing of cause, may be permitted to increase fees. Typically, routine cases are limited to guidelines,
and increases are allowed only upon a showing of unusual circumstances requiring additional legal expertise,
determination of novel
legal issues, excessive creditor motions, or the commencement of an adversary proceeding. Be aware guidelines
set an upper limit. Ohio bankruptcy lawyers may charge less.
Negotiating lawyer fees and terms
Many lawyers offer free initial consultations. This meeting provides a prime opportunity to ask legal
questions without charge. Debtors who are prepared, that is, bring along detailed lists of assets and debts, and
provide ready answers to questions required in standard forms, are more successful when shopping fees. During
this initial meeting, lawyers expect potential clients to request discounts. Also, fees are negotiable in amount
and terms of payment, and supplemental fees charged for reaffirmation agreements. Installment plans are routinely offered
that coordinate payments to coincide with salaries. The
best time to negotiate discounts and better terms is before entering any agreement.
Choosing the particular chapter which provides the greatest benefits may seem difficult. In the simplest
terms, a profitable selections begins with familiarity with the operation of laws. Because statutes, cases and
rules change regularly, qualified legal counsel, familiar with local customs and practices, remains the most
effective source of guidance.
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