The rules are clear here in Orlando, Florida and anywhere else: if you’re filing for Chapter 7, you cannot charge your bankruptcy lawyer fees on a credit card.
Any Orlando bankruptcy attorney who reads the bankruptcy code knows that it specifically prevents us from counseling a client to go into debt to pay for a bankruptcy attorney’s fees. Also, when you file for Chapter 7, the court will scrutinize any last-minute credit card debts to determine whether they are dis chargeable, since these charges could be viewed as evidence of bankruptcy fraud. Also, any expenditures for “luxury items” during the 90 days before you file could result in the court denying you a discharge of your debts.
One Orlando man learned about charging his bankruptcy on credit cards the hard way; he has since filed suit against the Central Florida law firm KEL, for allegedly “attempting to collect attorney’s fees by charging credit cards prior to filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy.” The lawsuit seeks class action status for all the clients of this Orlando bankruptcy law firm who had their credit cards charged to pay for the firm’s attorneys fees. It further alleges a “clear and consistent pattern” of violating the bankruptcy code by doing this. The lawsuit asks the court to fine the law firm in excess of $1,000,000.
If you’re concerned about how to pay your bankruptcy attorney retainer fee, Badgley Law Group offers solutions. Our firm provides flexible payment plans that allow you to pay your Chapter 7 bankruptcy legal fees over time, even after your case is filed. We work on keeping our fees reasonable so that your bankruptcy is a fresh start rather than a financial burden. The last thing we want is for you to start a debt-free life…with debt that you’re struggling to pay off.
In accordance with federal bankruptcy law, we don’t take payments by credit card (we do, however, accept debit cards, because the money comes directly from your checking account). We also offer a complete explanation of our 2016 schedule of Orlando bankruptcy attorney fees during our complimentary consultation. If you’re drowning in debt, call us at 407.781.0420. We’ll help you figure out whether filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy is your most affordable option.