Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Documents

CHAPTER 7 BANKRUPTCY ENGAGEMENT AGREEMENT AND DOCUMENT CHECKLIST

This Engagement Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into as of between Client Name: whose mailing address is (hereinafter "Client"), and Attorney/Firm Name: with office at (hereinafter "Attorney"). Client and Attorney are collectively referred to as the Parties.

RECITALS

WHEREAS, Client asserts an inability to pay certain debts when due and seeks to obtain relief under Chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code by filing a voluntary petition for relief and related schedules and statements; and

WHEREAS, Attorney is experienced in consumer bankruptcy matters and has agreed to prepare and file, on Client's behalf, the voluntary petition, schedules, statement of financial affairs, means test calculation, and related documents required to initiate a Chapter 7 case; and

WHEREAS, Client agrees to provide complete and accurate information and to cooperate with Attorney in the preparation and prosecution of the Chapter 7 case.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants set forth below, the Parties agree as follows:

1. SCOPE OF SERVICES

Attorney shall provide legal services necessary to prepare and file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy petition on Client's behalf, including preparation of the voluntary petition, Schedules A through J as applicable, Statement of Financial Affairs, Means Test forms, required creditor matrix, and representation at the meeting of creditors (Section 341). Attorney shall also advise Client regarding discharge eligibility, reaffirmation agreements, and responses to routine creditor inquiries.

2. CLIENT OBLIGATIONS

Client shall fully and truthfully disclose all assets, liabilities, income, expenses, transfers, and other information requested by Attorney. Client acknowledges that omission, misstatement, or concealment of material facts may result in denial of discharge, dismissal of the case, imposition of sanctions, or criminal liability. Client agrees to provide requested documentation in a timely manner and to attend all required hearings and meetings.

3. FEES, COSTS AND PAYMENT

The retainer described above is earned upon receipt and will be applied to Attorney's fees and costs. Client remains responsible for any court filing fee and for additional reasonable costs (e.g., service fees, credit report fees, administrative copying). If additional hourly work beyond the agreed scope becomes necessary, Attorney will notify Client and obtain written authorization for any additional fees.

4. RETAINER, TRUST ACCOUNT, AND REFUNDS

Any retainer deposited to Attorney's trust account will be held in accordance with applicable rules of professional conduct. Unused funds, if any, after conclusion of the matter will be returned to Client, less any authorized deductions for fees and costs. Client authorizes Attorney to withdraw fees and costs from the trust account as services are rendered.

5. DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FROM CLIENT

Client shall provide the following documents and information before Attorney will file the petition. Client represents that items checked as provided are true and complete to the best of Client's knowledge:

6. BANKRUPTCY DISCLOSURES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Client certifies under penalty of perjury that the information provided to Attorney and the court will be true and complete. Client understands the duty to disclose all assets, transfers within the look-back periods, and pending legal actions. Client acknowledges that making false statements in bankruptcy documents is a federal offense punishable by fines and imprisonment.

7. REPRESENTATIONS

Client represents that Client is entitled to file a Chapter 7 case in the jurisdiction stated in the petition, that Client has not filed a previous bankruptcy case that would bar the filing, and that Client has contemplated the consequences of discharge. Attorney represents that Attorney will perform the services in accordance with applicable law and ethical obligations.

8. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

Attorney's liability for malpractice, if any, shall be limited to damages reasonably related to the fees paid by Client for the services giving rise to the claim, to the maximum extent permitted by law. This limitation is negotiated and agreed upon because Attorney's fees are set in consideration of this allocation of risk.

9. TERMINATION

Either Party may terminate this Agreement upon reasonable written notice. Termination does not relieve Client of liability for fees and costs incurred prior to termination. Attorney may withdraw if Client fails to cooperate, refuses to follow Attorney's advice, or for other good cause, subject to applicable rules and court approval if a petition has been filed.

10. NOTICES

All notices under this Agreement shall be in writing and delivered by hand, first-class mail, or other nationally recognized overnight carrier to the addresses set forth below or such other address as a Party designates in writing.

11. AMENDMENTS, WAIVER, COUNTERPARTS

This Agreement may be amended only by a written instrument signed by both Parties. No waiver of any provision shall be effective unless in writing signed by the waiving Party. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which together shall constitute one instrument.

12. GOVERNING LAW; ENTIRE AGREEMENT; SEVERABILITY

This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the state in which the petition will be filed, without regard to principles of conflicts of law. This document embodies the entire agreement between the Parties with respect to the subject matter herein and supersedes prior understandings, whether written or oral. If any provision of this Agreement is held invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

13. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Client acknowledges receipt of a copy of this Agreement and understands the scope of representation, fee arrangement, and Client responsibilities. Client acknowledges that Client has had the opportunity to ask questions and to seek independent advice prior to signing.

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