Bankruptcy Filing Document

BANKRUPTCY FILING AGREEMENT

This Bankruptcy Filing Agreement (the Agreement) is entered into effective as of by and between Client Name: , whose principal mailing address is (Debtor), and Attorney Name: , with law firm address (Attorney).

RECITALS

WHEREAS, Debtor asserts that Debtor is unable to pay certain debts as they become due and seeks the protections and remedies available under the United States Bankruptcy Code; and

WHEREAS, Debtor has retained Attorney to provide legal services in connection with the preparation and filing of a bankruptcy petition, schedules, statements, and related pleadings, and Attorney has agreed to represent Debtor on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement; and

WHEREAS, the parties desire to set forth their respective rights and obligations regarding the selection of a bankruptcy chapter, the scope of representation, fees and costs, client certifications, and other matters related to the filing and prosecution of Debtor's bankruptcy case.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the parties agree as follows:

1. RETENTION AND SCOPE OF REPRESENTATION

1.1 Retention. Debtor hereby retains Attorney to represent Debtor in connection with the filing and prosecution of Debtor's bankruptcy case and such related matters as the parties expressly agree in writing. Attorney accepts such retention subject to the terms of this Agreement.

1.2 Scope. Attorney will prepare and file on Debtor's behalf: (a) the bankruptcy petition; (b) the schedules of assets and liabilities, statement of financial affairs, and other required documents; (c) routine motions, applications, and responses in the bankruptcy case; and (d) attend the initial meeting of creditors. Services outside this scope, including adversary proceedings, contested hearings, complex asset valuations, or extensive negotiations with secured creditors, shall require separate written agreement and may incur additional fees.

2. BANKRUPTCY CHAPTER SELECTION

Debtor and Attorney have discussed the available bankruptcy options. Debtor hereby elects the following chapter(s) for filing (check all that apply):

Chapter 7 — Liquidation
Chapter 11 — Reorganization
Chapter 13 — Individual Repayment Plan

If circumstances require a change in chapter selection, Attorney will advise Debtor and seek Debtor's written consent prior to any conversion or amendment to the petition.

3. CLIENT REPRESENTATIONS; INFORMATION

3.1 Debtor represents that all information provided to Attorney is truthful, accurate, and complete to the best of Debtor's knowledge. Debtor agrees to provide documentation necessary to support statements made in the petition and schedules, including but not limited to tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, loan documents, and property deeds.

3.2 Debtor acknowledges that failure to disclose assets, transfers, liabilities, or material facts may constitute bankruptcy fraud and may result in denial of discharge, criminal prosecution, or other sanctions.

4. FEES, RETAINER AND COSTS

4.1 Payment. Debtor shall pay Attorney the fee set forth above. The retainer will be applied to work performed and costs incurred. If the retainer is exhausted before completion, Debtor agrees to replenish the retainer upon request. Attorney may withdraw if fees and costs are not timely paid.

4.2 Costs and Expenses. Debtor is responsible for filing fees, court costs, costs of obtaining credit reports, service of process, and other out-of-pocket expenses. Such costs may be paid in advance by Debtor or billed as incurred.

5. AUTHORIZATION TO FILE AND VERIFICATION

5.1 Authorization. Debtor authorizes Attorney to prepare and file the petition, schedules, statements, and related documents and to take all actions reasonably necessary to prosecute the case on Debtor's behalf, subject to Debtor's control of material decisions.

5.2 Verification. Debtor will review drafts of the petition and schedules prior to filing and will sign required verification statements under penalty of perjury certifying the truthfulness of the information contained therein.

6. DUTY TO COOPERATE; TIMELY DISCLOSURE

Debtor shall cooperate fully with Attorney, provide all requested documents and information promptly, and disclose any material changes in financial condition, transfers of assets, or communications with creditors. Failure to cooperate may result in withdrawal of representation or termination of this Agreement.

7. SCHEDULES, STATEMENTS, AND OTHER FILINGS

7.1 Preparation. Attorney will prepare the schedules of assets and liabilities, statement of financial affairs, and related filings based on information provided by Debtor. Attorney may rely on Debtor-supplied data and does not independently audit financial records.

7.2 Amendments. If omissions or inaccuracies are discovered, Attorney will prepare amendments as required. Debtor acknowledges that amendments may be required after filing and that timely cooperation is essential.

8. CONFLICTS, NO GUARANTEE, AND LIMITATIONS

8.1 Conflicts. Attorney represents that, to the best of Attorney's knowledge after reasonable inquiry, there are no conflicts of interest that would preclude Attorney's representation. If a conflict arises, Attorney will promptly advise Debtor and take appropriate action, which may include withdrawal.

8.2 No Guarantee. Attorney makes no guarantee as to the outcome of the bankruptcy filing, the dischargeability of particular debts, or the treatment of secured claims. Any estimate or opinion provided by Attorney is not a warranty and is subject to court determinations and creditor actions.

9. NOTICES

Notices shall be in writing and delivered personally, by mail, or by electronic mail to the addresses provided above. Notice is effective upon receipt.

10. TERMINATION; WITHDRAWAL

Either party may terminate this Agreement upon written notice. Attorney may withdraw if Debtor fails to fulfill obligations, fails to pay fees or retainer, provides false information, or if continued representation would violate applicable rules of professional conduct. Termination does not extinguish Debtor's obligation to pay fees for services rendered and costs incurred prior to termination.

11. GOVERNING LAW

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state in which Attorney maintains the principal office for this representation, without regard to conflict of law principles.

12. ENTIRE AGREEMENT; SEVERABILITY

This Agreement contains the entire understanding between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof. If any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

13. AMENDMENT; WAIVER; COUNTERPARTS

Any amendment or waiver of any provision of this Agreement must be in writing signed by both parties. A failure or delay to exercise any right shall not constitute a waiver. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original and all of which together shall constitute one instrument.

14. ATTORNEY CERTIFICATION

Attorney certifies that Attorney is duly licensed to practice law and will comply with applicable rules of professional conduct and bankruptcy rules in representing Debtor. Attorney's bar number is

15. DEBTOR CERTIFICATION

Debtor certifies under penalty of perjury that Debtor has read and understands the contents of the petition and schedules and that the information provided to Attorney and to the court is true and correct to the best of Debtor's knowledge.

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