The Law Office of Scott M. Hutchinson

Chapter 7 bankruptcy fixed fee quote will be provided in writing at the end of the free 30-minute bankruptcy consultation. Each case is unique, and some cases entail more work than others, so we have to learn what is involved before giving a fee quote. Chapter 13 bankruptcy fees are hourly based, but an estimate will be provided during the initial consultation.

We meet with the new customer at an introductory free 30-minute bankruptcy consultation. At that consultation the lawyer will learn about the customer's unique case and debt problems, ask many questions about the customer's situation, and then go through the customer's bankruptcy options. A written fee quote will be provided along with writing out several different payment options. Once the customer decides to hire us, then a Sign-Up appointment is scheduled. At that appointment, the customer will pay at least $100 to hire the lawyer, a fee agreement will be signed, and all the document preparation for the bankruptcy will begin. Once the customer has gotten the needed documents back to the lawyer, then the lawyer and staff can prepare the 50-60 page bankruptcy petition. A final "signing" appointment will be scheduled for the customer to come in and review and sign his or her bankruptcy petition. Any final changes will be made as customer and our firm review the petition together. After the petition is signed, then it will get filed with the Bankruptcy Court, usually, the same day or with a couple days of coming in.

I graduated from the University of Oregon School of Law in 1997 with a Doctor of Jurisprudence. I started law practice in 1997. I started practicing bankruptcy law in 2000 and have specialized in bankruptcy ever since then. Several times a year I take continuing legal education in bankruptcy law and debtor/creditor issues. Additionally, I am part of the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys (NACBA) and the Oregon State Bar Debtor-Creditor Section.

Another lawyer I knew, told me how he had starting practicing bankruptcy law and after showing my interest in the area, he volunteered to help me with preparing my first bankruptcy for my first bankruptcy client. I filed my first bankruptcy as a lawyer in the year 2000. I've been practicing bankruptcy law ever since and have successfully helped thousands of people get a fresh financial start through bankruptcy.

I work with all sorts of clients from all walks and situation in life. Single and married. Some people with kids, some with none. Young and old. Etc.

Look at client reviews and testimonials. Look at the law firm experience and expertise. You do not want costly mistakes, so it is better to look at quality, not just price. A lawyer offering affordable payments can allow a customer to have both quality and affordability in a lawyer. As the old adage says "you get what you pay for!"

Do you offer a free bankruptcy consultation? Do you have affordable payment plans? How many bankruptcies have you successfully filed? Do you specialize in consumer bankruptcy law? Who in the law firm will I be working with as my case goes from start to finish?