Local Rule RULE 2016-1: COMPENSATION OF PROFESSIONALS
Bankr. M.D. Ala. — General rule
RULE 2016-1 COMPENSATION OF PROFESSIONALS
(a) The Court has set via administrative order a presumptive fee for attorneys who represent debtors in Chapter 13 cases. Attorneys who request fees that do not exceed the presumptive fee should not file applications for compensation under FED. R. BANKR. P. 2016.
(1) If an attorney elects to file an application for attorney's fees in excess of the presumptive amount pursuant to FED. R. BANKR. P. 2016, the application should specify all services performed from the beginning of representation.
(2) A debtor, the Chapter 13 Trustee, the Bankruptcy Administrator, or any interested party may object to the allowance of the presumptive fee in any case.
(3) Upon motion by the Chapter 13 Trustee, the Bankruptcy Administrator, a debtor, or sua sponte by the Court, the Court may for cause, notwithstanding any provision in any standing order for a presumptive fee, reduce the amount of the attorney's fees allowed in any Chapter 13 case after notice to the debtor's attorney.
(b) If a professional whose compensation is subject to approval under 11 U.S.C. § 330 has accepted a retainer from any source for future services in or related to a bankruptcy case in this Court, the professional must obtain Court approval before making any draw against the retained funds.