Fee Agreement – Hourly (Bankruptcy)

1. Parties and Matter

• Law Firm: [FIRM NAME], [ADDRESS].
• Client: [CLIENT NAME], [ADDRESS].
• Matter: Bankruptcy representation in [CHAPTER] case in the United States Bankruptcy Court for [DISTRICT].

2. Scope of Representation

The Firm will provide the following services:
☐ Pre-filing counseling and case analysis
☐ Preparation and filing of petition, schedules, and statements
☐ Attendance at Section 341 meeting of creditors
☐ Chapter 13 plan preparation and confirmation process (if applicable)
☐ Contested matters or adversary proceedings (if authorized in writing)
☐ Limited-scope service only: [DESCRIBE LIMITS]

Services outside the selected scope require a written amendment.

3. Hourly Rates and Billing Increments

Services are billed at the following rates (subject to periodic adjustment with [NUMBER] days' notice):
- Partners: $[RATE]/hour
- Senior Associates: $[RATE]/hour
- Associates: $[RATE]/hour
- Paralegals/Legal Assistants: $[RATE]/hour

Minimum billing increment: [0.1] hour.
Travel time billed at: ☐ full rate ☐ half rate.

4. Retainer Deposit

Client will pay an initial retainer of $[AMOUNT], deposited into the Firm's trust account. The Firm will apply the retainer to fees and costs as billed. Client agrees to replenish the retainer to $[MAINTAINED AMOUNT] within [NUMBER] days of request.

5. Invoicing and Payment Terms

• Invoices issued: [MONTHLY/BIWEEKLY].
• Payment due within [NUMBER] days.
• Past-due balances accrue interest at [RATE]% per month or the maximum lawful rate.

6. Costs and Expenses

Client is responsible for reasonable case costs, including:
- Bankruptcy court filing fees
- Credit counseling and debtor education fees
- Credit report and tax transcript fees
- Service of process and notice costs
- Appraisals or valuations (if needed)

Costs over $[AMOUNT] require prior approval unless needed to protect Client's interests.

7. Client Responsibilities

Client agrees to provide complete and accurate information, disclose all assets and debts, and timely provide documentation. Client will review all filings for accuracy and attend required hearings or meetings.

8. Termination and Withdrawal

Client may terminate at any time. The Firm may withdraw as permitted by applicable rules and court orders. Upon termination, Client is responsible for fees and costs incurred through the termination date. Any unearned trust funds will be refunded after final accounting.

9. Fee Dispute Resolution

Fee disputes will be submitted to any applicable bar fee dispute program before litigation, if required by law.

10. Governing Law and Venue

This Agreement is governed by the laws of [STATE], with venue in [COUNTY], [STATE], unless otherwise required.

11. Signatures