10004; Pay No More Than Total for Non-Lawyer Bankruptcy Forms Preparer in Denver, New Hampshire

$200

Did you know that there is absolutely no reason to pay a non-lawyer bankruptcy petition preparer ("BPP") more than $200 total for a chapter 7 in Colorado?
Colorado bankruptcy judges penalize non-lawyer BPPs who charge unreasonable fees and violate bankruptcy law.
In the Cordova1 case, Judge Brown ruled that non-lawyer bankruptcy petition preparers may not charge more than $200 without court approval. In that case, the judge decided that the BPP should not have charged more than $150 and ordered the BPP:

to turn over to the bankruptcy trustee the unreasonable $499 fee charged and

to pay $2,000 to Mr. Cordova, the debtor in that case.

In the Herrera2 case, Judge Romero ruled that two non-lawyers overcharged a debtor by collecting a $1,000 fee for bankruptcy help. Judge Romero also observed that a BPP had charged debtors $1,000 in other cases but on court forms the BPP reported that he had been paid much less. In the Herrera case, the judge ordered the two non-lawyers involved:

to turn over to the bankruptcy trustee the excessive $1,000 fee charged and

to pay $2,000 to Ms. Herrera, the debtor in that case.

On October 23, 2012, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Colorado banned BPP Assaf or anyone associated with him from preparing bankruptcy documents. Honest debtors, beware, this guy and his associates are still out there -- illegally trying to profit from your misfortune.
Here's what the bankruptcy court has to say about non-lawyer petition preparers:
Beware of bankruptcy petition preparers who do not comply with all legal requirements. The role of non-attorney petition preparers is solely to type information on Bankruptcy Forms (available at this link without charge). Petition preparers are barred by law from providing legal advice - they cannot explain how to answer legal questions or assist in bankruptcy court. Petition preparers must sign all documents they prepare; print their name, address, and social security number on such documents; and furnish copies to the debtor. They cannot sign a document on the debtor's behalf or receive payment from the debtor for court fees.
Don't let a bankruptcy petition or document preparer charge you more than $200 -- no "add-ons" period! If a BPP has charged too much, you may be entitled to the greater of $2,000 or twice the amount paid to the BPP in addition to your attorneys' fees and costs.4

Contact the local U.S. Trustee's office if a bankruptcy petition preparer charges too much, violates bankruptcy law, or commits any fraudulent, unfair, or deceptive act.

Robin Kert Hunt
Attorney At Law
50 South Steele Street, Suite 950
Denver, CO 80

COBankruptcyLaw.com
COBankruptcyLaw.info
Across the street from Macy's
East of the Cherry Creek Mall

Click to view map
Since 1986, Robin Kert Hunt has provided bankruptcy assistance, counsel and representation under chapter 7 and chapter 13 to Colorado individuals and small businesses.
As a federally designated "debt relief agency," this law firm helps people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code.
For individuals who qualify, attorney fees are either $400 for pro bono or $550 for low fee basic chapter 7 bankruptcy assistance. If you have more significant income or assets, however, you can benefit from pre-bankruptcy advice and planning available under a different fee arrangement.
Thinking about bankruptcy, or know someone who should?
I can help.
Call me for an initial phone interview. If I don't answer immediately, leave a message so I can call you.
Find out more about me at these law-related web sites:
Colorado Supreme Court
Avvo.com

Justia.com
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1

Case No. 11-24204, decided May 15, 2012.
2

Case No. 12-12026, decided September 17, 2012.
4

Section 110(i) of the Bankruptcy Code.


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