BANKRUPTCY CASES OFTER VARY GREATLY BECAUSE THE NUMBER OF CREDITORS AND THE NUMBER OF ASSETS TO BE ADMINISTERED DIFFERS GREATLY AMONG INDIVIDUALS. SOME CASES ARE SIMPLE AND SOME ARE COMPLEX. SO FEES CAN VARY FROM CASE TO CASE. BELOW IS OUR STANDARD LAW CENTER BANKRUPTCY RETAINER WHICH WILL OUTLINE OUR TYPICAL FEES FOR YOU. THE FEE ARRANGEMENT FOR YOUR CASE WILL BE GIVEN TO YOU IN WRITING AT THE TIME OF YOUR FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION.....(and of course like everything these sample fees are subject to modification and change at any time). RETAINER AGREEMENT I, (We) ______________________________herewith retain and employ the Morton LAW CENTER to represent my (our) interests in our Federal Court Bankruptcy litigation (under the terms stated below and on the back of this Retainer Agreement) from the date the retainer is paid. I, (WE) understand that there are essentially four (4) chapters of the bankruptcy code under which I, (WE) may seek relief. The New (2005) Bankruptcy Law requires that your financial Information be subjected to a MEANS TEST to determine your eligibility to file. We cannot assure you in advance of the outcome of this MEANS TEST as it requires a complete review of your financial records & potential challenges from the U. S. Trustee. Chapter 7 ----- Liquidation (Individuals & Corporations) Chapter 11 ----- Protection & Re-Organization for Individuals in Business or Corporations Chapter 12 Family Farmer or Fisherman Chapter 13 ----- Wage Earner’s Plan FEES CHARGED: I, (We) understand that I, (We) will be charged and agree to pay all litigation & costs plus court costs & legal fees as marked below: Chapter 7 Individual w/only consumer debt & 0 to 25 creditors Minimum Fee --- $1000.00 + $299.00 filing fee = --$1299.00 Chapter 7 Individual w/only consumer debt & 25 to 50 creditors Minimum Fee --- $1100.00 + $299.00 filing fee = ------------ $1399.00 Chapter 7 Joint Filing (Husband & Wife) Minimum Fee --- $1200.00 + $299.00 filing fee = ------------ $1499.00 Chapter 7 Individuals w/business debts or over 50 creditors or Corporations Minimum Fee --- NEGOTIATED + $299.00 filing fee = ------------ $________ ------------------------------------- Chapter 11 Small Business (9 or less employees) or (under 25 creditors) Minimum Fee --- $10,000 + $1039.00 filing fee + $200.00 per hour over 25 hours - $11,039.00 Chapter 11 Large Business (10 or more employees Minimum Fee --- $15,000 + $1039.00 filing fee + $200.00 per hour over 75 hours - $16,039.00 --------------------------------------- Chapter 12 Family Farmer or fisherman Minimum Fee --- $5,000 + $274.00 filing fee = ------------ $2,974.00 ($1274.00 down, balance of fee paid in plan.) Fee will be negotiated upward if business assets are involved. Chapter 13 Wage Earner's Plan Minimum Fee --- $3,500 + $274 filing fee = $3,774.00 Additional fees will be charged for Chapter 13's that require in excess of 14 hours; or involve business assets. I, (We) have today paid to my attorney the sum of $__________ as a NON-REFUNDABLE retainer PLUS $_________ FOR COSTS for undertaking this representation. I, (WE) understand that this paid retainer is included in the fees listed above and is not an additional charge. I, (WE) agree to pay any additional bills within 30 days. If I file a chapter 12 or 13, I agree that the remainder of my fees are to be paid through my plan and should my plan fail, I agree that I will owe the balance directly to my attorney. I HEREWITH GRANT TO MY ATTORNEY A LIMITED POWER OF ATTORNEY TO ENDORSE CHECKS RECEIVED PAYABLE TO ME (US) Relating TO  THIS CASE TO APPLY TO ANY FEES OR COSTS DUE. I, (We) further understand and agree that the file created for me, (us) in this case is the property of The Morton LAW CENTER of Pensacola, P.A. and will be maintained for a period of three (3) years from the date this case is closed. My file may then be destroyed with no further notice to me, (us). I, (WE) understand that I, (WE) must request the return of any original papers and documents prior to the end of this three (3) year time period. Should I, (WE) request copies of my file or pleadings, I, (WE) understand that I, (WE) will be charged & agree to pay the same copying & search charges that are in effect with the Bankruptcy Clerk’s office. CLIENT’S SIGNATURE(S) ______________________________ ______________________________ DATE: ____________________ ADDITIONAL TERMS, CONDITIONS, & UNDERSTANDINGS The following terms, conditions, and understandings are part of this Retainer Agreement: FULL DISCLOSURE REQUIRED – I have discussed with my attorney the nature of my case and I completely understand that I must disclose ALL of my assets and liabilities to the Bankruptcy Court. This means that everything that I own including my clothes, my jewelry, my furniture, my cars, my cash, my utility deposits, my bank accounts, my tax refund, my home, all monies owed to me and all other real and personal property and assets I possess (no matter how I obtained them) must be valued and disclosed to the Court and made subject to the disposition of the Bankruptcy Court. I understand that I may keep only those assets exempted by Bankruptcy Law or allowed by the Trustee or Court; ANDTHAT I CANNOT TRANSFER ASSETS TO THIRD PARTIES TO ESCAPE DISCLOSURE. I know that my attorney CANNOT promise me what assets I may keep as this depends upon information not available to my attorney at this time. I further understand that I must list all of my debts, even those I will continue to pay. CERTAIN DEBTS NOT DISCHARGED – I understand that certain debts are not generally discharged in Bankruptcy (for example – taxes, student loans, alimony & child support) and I know that my attorney CANNOT promise me that any particular debt will be discharged as this depends upon the outcome of my case. ADDITIONAL ATTORNEY FEES – I understand that my attorney has given me as firm a fee quote as is possible at this time. My attorney is quoting me fees needed to process my case through the first meeting of creditors. In most instances this will be the complete fee. There are, however, certain events for which I may need the services of my attorney that will require me to pay additional fees. These events include my needing my attorney to prepare and file Suggestions of Bankruptcy in any other litigation (such as foreclosure lawsuits) that may be filed against me. I also will be charged and agree to pay additional attorney fees if my attorney is needed to assist me in negotiating with any creditors, resisting any objections filed by my creditors, or negotiating reaffirmation agreements or avoiding liens, or attending depositions, meetings, examination or hearings required beyond the first meeting of creditors. I agree to pay my attorney additional fees at the rate of $200.00 per hour for these services. I understand that if I amend my pleadings after my case is filed to add additional creditors, there is a minimum charge of $100.00 plus court costs. USE OF LEGAL ASSISTANTS – I understand that my attorney will use skilled legal assistants in the preparation of my case. Legal assistant time will be billed at $75.00 per hour. While these are knowledgeable individuals they are not attorneys and I will not request from them legal advice nor shall I rely on them for legal advice. Before taking any actions in reference to my assets or liabilities, I will talk directly with my attorney. Date (Accepted by Attorney): ____________ Attorney: ________________________________ This Agreement should be taken with the client to read before signing—Return with complete info questionnaire.