The Bankruptcy Code has been interpreted (by most jurisdictions) to not allow post-petition fees for pre-petition services. Some lawyers are attempting to split the attorney fee into pre-petition services and post-petition services. At Podis and Podis we do not feel it is fair to our client to file a case and then, not attend the court date for them if they do not pay us additional fees. It is like buying a car and being told the motor is extra. It is our duty to follow the Bankruptcy Code and the laws as they are interpreted by the courts. If we do not collect the fee from you before filing, we are precluded from asking you for it afterwards.

Some lawyers will have you sign a pre-petition fee agreement and a post-petition fee agreement before they file your case. I so not understand how you can sign a post-petition agreement before your petition is filed.