U.S. Bankruptcy Court considers increase in attorney's fees
Mar. 17, 1999
In December 1992, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Eastern District of
Wisconsin set $1,000 as a "reasonable fee" for attorneys representing
debtors in Chapter 13 cases. The court now is considering a general
order increasing the fee to $1,250. Attorneys who charge $1,250 or less
for all Chapter 13 services, excluding out-of-pocket costs, would not be
required to itemize the fees or file a fee application.
In addition, the court is considering establishing procedures
regarding attorney fees for compensation above the $1,250 limit. If an
attorney requests up to $250 more than the $1,250, he or she must serve
and file a fee application and proposed order. If there is no objection
within 15 days of filing the application, the court approves the
payment. If there is an objection, the court holds a hearing. A hearing
is held for all requests for compensation above the additional $250.
The court is interested in all comments, favorable or unfavorable,
regarding the proposed general order. Send written comments to Chief
Bankruptcy Judge James E. Shapiro at the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, U.S.
Courthouse, Room 126, 517 E. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53202, no
later than April 12.
A public hearing on the proposed general order will be held at the
U.S. Courthouse in Milwaukee on April 29 at 2 p.m. To testify at the
public hearing regarding the proposed general order, contact Tina Fies
of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court at (414) 297-1583 by April 26.
