Sometimes prospective clients tell us, ‘Your fees seem lower than some other firms I called.’ The truth is, in some cases they may be. Over the years, I have seen firms charge substantially more for the exact same type of bankruptcy case.

Our philosophy has always been simple: provide excellent representation, treat people with respect, communicate well, and charge a fair fee for the work being performed. We believe that if clients feel they were treated honestly and professionally during one of the hardest times in their lives, they will refer their friends and family to us. Thankfully, that is exactly what has happened.

One thing I encourage prospective clients to pay attention to is where a law firm is actually based and whether they truly have an established local presence in Central Florida.

In recent years, some firms have opened “satellite offices” in Orlando, and in some cases those offices may only be staffed part-time or operate largely virtually. Because many hearings are now conducted by Zoom, it has become easier for firms to handle cases remotely without having a substantial long-term presence here in the community.

At The Benenati Law Firm, Orlando is home. We are proud to serve clients right here in Central Florida from our Orlando and Kissimmee offices, and we have built our practice and reputation locally over many years. We believe there is real value in having an established local office where clients can come in, ask questions, meet with our team, and know we will continue to be here long after the case is filed.

What fees do you charge for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy?

Our Chapter 7 bankruptcy fees vary depending on the complexity of the case. Many routine Chapter 7 cases generally range from approximately $1,950 to $2,500 in attorney’s fees, in addition to the court filing fee. Simpler cases involving limited assets, straightforward income, and fewer financial complications will typically fall on the lower end of the spectrum.

However, not every bankruptcy case is simple. Cases involving businesses, multiple properties or vehicles, significant assets, recent transfers, lawsuits, tax issues, higher income, large amounts of documentation, or other complex financial circumstances may require substantially more work and therefore result in higher attorney’s fees.

Our fees are based primarily on the amount of time, analysis, preparation, and legal work required in each individual case. In other words, easier cases generally cost less, while more complex cases require more extensive work and planning.

Still unsure? We encourage you to read our reviews and see what former clients have to say about their experience with our office. 

What fees do you charge for a Chapter 13 bankruptcy?

Chapter 13 bankruptcies are significantly more complex than Chapter 7 cases and typically involve much more upfront preparation, analysis, documentation, budgeting, court involvement, and ongoing administration. These cases often involve saving a home from foreclosure, dealing with mortgage arrears, tax debt, vehicle issues, or other complicated financial situations.

Because of the substantial amount of work required at the beginning of a Chapter 13 case, our Chapter 13 attorney fee is generally $5,000 upfront, in addition to the court filing fee. We believe in being transparent and straightforward about pricing so clients can make informed decisions from the beginning.

While we understand this is a significant expense, Chapter 13 can in many situations provide powerful protections and long-term financial relief that would otherwise not be available.

Do you offer discounted fees?

In some situations, clients may also qualify for discounted fees. We understand that if you are considering bankruptcy, finances may already be extremely tight, and we always try to be fair and reasonable whenever possible. We also oftentimes provide reduced rates for military veterans as a small way of showing appreciation for their service to our country.

As you research bankruptcy attorneys, we encourage you to look beyond advertisements and ask important questions about experience. Bankruptcy is a highly specialized area of law, and not all attorneys handle these cases regularly. In fact, some attorneys may only file a small number of bankruptcy cases each year.

One simple thing you can ask is how many bankruptcy cases the attorney has personally filed that appear in PACER, the federal court’s bankruptcy database. An experienced bankruptcy attorney will immediately know what PACER is and should be comfortable discussing their level of experience with you.

Our firm has filed over 15,000 bankruptcy cases and counting right here in Central Florida. We believe experience matters, especially when people are trusting a law firm with their home, paycheck, future, and peace of mind during one of the most stressful periods of their lives.