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Attorney Novak, Counsel for Debtor J. Graham Zahoruiko

Notice: The following is an AI summary. We advise that you read the case files attached below for the complete case details, and not to use this summary in any brief without referring to the actual case files.

Facts

Attorney Novak, counsel for debtor J. Graham Zahoruiko, sought $24,650 in fees and $485.88 in expenses. His original agreement was a $7,500 flat fee. After most work focused on fighting a creditor’s valid claim, he amended the fee request.

Issues

Was Attorney Novak entitled to the full $24,650 in fees beyond the agreed $7,500?

Decision

The court approved only $8,945 in total fees and ordered full reimbursement of expenses. Novak must return $2,387.12 to the debtor.

Reasoning

The court found much of the work was either included in the flat fee or spent on frivolous litigation, not benefiting the debtor’s estate.