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01 Jan, 2014 by Anonymous
Spence Johnson is an outstanding attorney who guided our corporation through a complex real estate transaction. His attention to details, perseverance, and legal acumen made all the difference to our particular circumstances.
The expert counsel we received from Spence was greatly appreciated, and I highly recommend him without reservation.
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19 Sep, 2011 by Anonymous
I hired Spence to help ward off the threat that my construction company faced of being snarled in a shareholder dispute between a former general contractor that I worked with and one if its shareholders. Spence got involved, quickly got himself “up to speed” on the facts and the law, and initiated prompt communication with the opposing lawyers. He was able to keep me out of the litigation and saved me thousands in legal bills and endless headaches in the process.
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30 Jan, 2015 by Anonymous
Great people! They were all extremely helpful and down to earth. Did not make me feel bad about my situation. They were very understanding and extremely helpful in explaining everything to me. Although I don't wish this on anyone I strongly recommend these guys if you ever find yourself in this terrible situation. They are definitely who you want on your side.
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17 Nov, 2009 by Maria
i used him for our chapter 13 bankruptcy and for getting rid of the second mortgage in our home. He was great and fast at what he was doing. I recommended him to 3 other people that have hired him to do thir ch. 13 as well
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02 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
Bryan Manno and Federated Law Group helped me out of a bad situation. They were always courteous and kind even though the situation was stressful. I would definitely do business with Federated Law again.
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01 Mar, 2017 by Matthew yon
Bryan is extremely knowledgeable about the debt collection process and the legal proceedings involved in debt collection. He is easy to work with, but a tough litigator when he needs to be.
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15 Jan, 2021 by Michael
Brian was amazing! He helped us through a very difficult situation and was there to answer all our questions along the way. He found a solution that was specific to our situation, implemented it and resolved our debt. Now we are debt free thanks to Brian. His knowledge of the Bankruptcy Laws and options for debt relief were far superior to other attornies that we spoke with. I highly recommend giving Brian a call for the right solution if you are experiencing financial difficulties and are not sure what to do. Thanks Brian!
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24 Mar, 2014 by Anonymous
As a regular bankruptcy practitioner who frequently works with Brian from the opposing side, I can honestly say that his clients have a significant advantage in resolving their financial issues both in and out of bankruptcy. His level of skill and professionalism is far superior to the majority of his colleagues. Brian is who I regularly recommend to friends and family.
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16 Dec, 2013 by Michael
I am thrilled to provide a reference for Attorney Murad Khan: Earlier this year, I contacted Mr. Khan to handle a breach of contract matter and I was very pleased with the results. Mr. Khan provided superior advice throughout the process and was able to help me resolve the issue without litigation. Mr. Khan is talented, sharp and has a firm grasp on how to get results for his clients.
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05 Dec, 2013 by Nathaniel
I am extremely satisfied with the quality of legal service provided by Murad Khan. Murad is a great attorney but in addition, he is an really nice guy who really cares about his clients. He offered insightful solutions to my business and legal problems. I found him to be pragmatic, honest and someone with highly-developed interpersonal skills (which really helped during intense negotiations).
Murad helped my business tactfully mediate a major dispute and successfully negotiate and execute the resulting contracts. In fact, my company had spent 8 months negotiating this deal and it was at risk of imploding. Luckily, Murad and his team were there to help advocate for us and bring us to a successful and fair resolution. I would definitely recommend Murad and his firm.
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05 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
I and many of my friends and family have used Sherif Fathy for various legal services. He is very responsive and an excellent communicator. He will work with you until your issue is satisfactorily resolved. All my friends and family that I have recommended him to were very pleased with the outcome!
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04 Mar, 2015 by John
I recently retained Sherif Fathy to handle my misdemeanor case. Although it looked bad, Mr. Fathy felt that under the circumstances there were still several options open to me. At first, although a longshot, he attempted to get the case dismissed. When that didn’t work, Mr. Fathy told me he would work at getting the misdemeanor reduced to an infraction. I agreed to his plan and because I live out of state, he appeared on my behalf in all court proceedings. In the end, I was very pleased with the outcome. The charge was reduced to an infraction and I paid a small fine.
All Mr. Fathy's communications with me were timely, clear, concise and thorough through each step of the process. In addition, he was most candid in explaining all fees associated with representing me and I found them to be justified and reasonable.
I would recommend Sherif Fathy to anyone who is in need of excellent and thorough representation and counsel.
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24 Jul, 2019 by Anonymous
Kim Torres came highly recommended to me. She is well respected in the legal community for good reason. Not only did she make efficient use of our time, she also offered realistic, no-nonsense guidance. She handled our case with compassion and professionalism. No negotiated outcome is ideal, but mediator Kim Torres is probably your best chance of settling out of court and getting on with your life.
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08 Apr, 2009 by Anonymous
Kim was very knowledgeable and put me at ease with my process of the whole divorce. Her responsive time is excellent especially through email since I work all the time. I would definately recommend her and use her services again.
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16 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
MRS. MUNOZ WAS SUCH A GREAT HELP IN MY ONGOING CHILD SUPPORT/CUSTODY BATTLE. SHE IS VERY STRAIGHT FORWARD AND HONEST. SHE TELLS IT AS IT IS. SHES VERY TRUST WORTHY, ONE OF THE FEW ATTORNEYS I KNOW WITH SUCH INTEGRITY. HER STAFF IS VERY POLITE. HER ASSISTANT SAT WITH ME PERSONALLY AND HELPED ME FILL OUT FORMS I WAS UNSURE OF AND MADE ME FEEL VERY COMFORTABLE. SHES VERY AFFORDABLE AS WELL. I WOULD DEFINITELY USE HER AGAIN IF NEEDED AND WOULDNT HESITATE TO RECOMMEND HER TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY!
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20 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
Mrs. Munoz was not only attentive to my needs but also was able to help me when others couldn't! She is a great family law attorney and i would highly recommend her to others! She is extremely trustworthy and above all, HONEST! Her staff are very courteous and always go the extra mile to make sure i am kept informed of my case and make sure i was always satisfied.
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07 Apr, 2020 by Mike
I had the privilege of utilizing Mr. Bottiglieri recently and was very great full for his services. He was able to provide the positive outcome in my situation. I wouldn't hesitate to call his office to get his legal advice for your matter.
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30 Dec, 2019 by Jason
I had a property that I was renting for quite a while close to 8 years making no money on it and dreaded foreclosure. When I finally reached the point that I needed to give up on it I did an internet search because I did not nowhere to turn. I came across Steven bottliglieri. He had some pretty good reviews and I thought I would give him a shot. He was able to adjust my foreclosure to the time frame that I needed. I feel that his pay rate was very reasonable. He often took emails and calls without charging me. Now after 3 years, my choice to prolong the foreclosure, he not only settled my claim completely without any further pay to the bank. I feel like he always answered my questions and he was always able to work with me when I had a little trouble switching jobs and needed to work out a payment plan. I never met him which I know is a scare for a lot of people but I will tell you he did everything he told me you would do and I feel like a little more I will always recommend him. -MJB
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22 Nov, 2021 by Amelia
After being denied disability for a rare disorder, Mr. Jennings helped me achieve my approval. He worked diligently and is very professional. I do not feel I would have been approved without his assistance.
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24 Sep, 2010 by Anonymous
He helped me with a ticket for an accident and minimized the repercussions. I have used him for the occasional traffic violation for myself and my husband, as well as for filling out advanced directives. I have recommended him to friends. I can trust him, and he does a great job!
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23 Feb, 2021 by Beth a
I can’t say enough about Krekeler Strother PC and Attorney Driscoll! It was a very difficult period of my life and he made the process simple and easy to understand! He was very attentive to any questions that I had and was thorough in everything he did! I would recommend him to anyone!!
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17 Mar, 2020 by Anne
The attorneys and staff at Krekeler Strother were awesome in assisting my husband and me with our bankruptcy case. Besides being knowledgeable, efficient, and professional in handling our case, Atty. Krekeler, Atty. Driscoll, and Paralegal Heather Reasa Schank were also kind and compassionate in helping us through our difficult decision to file for bankruptcy and the complex process of filling out forms and submitting required documentation. They were a pleasure to work with, and both my husband and I would recommend them to anyone considering bankruptcy.
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16 Mar, 2016 by Phillip
I am waiting for the weekend or weeknight where Pamela is able to walk away from her cases. Whether it is returning emails or researching "one last thing" before sitting down for dinner, Pamela is truly committed to ensuring her clients get the best representation possible.
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22 Jun, 2015 by Jonathan
Attorney Pamela Ornstil, is a very professional, conscientious, and hard-working attorney. She is currently working on a case for my mother-in-law, and is very good explaining options and details of the case, and communicating with her. Pamela is a dedicated respected attorney in her field.
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21 Jul, 2017 by Cyndi
Young motivated attorney, humble and understanding worked with me 100% of the way through a horrible and embarrassing foreclosure action. I credit Mr. Kirscher with saving my home and my life! He is the best attorney I have ever hired, he came to my home as I am disabled and I recommend him to anyone and everyone who wants to resolve any type of legal situation. Bradley Kirscher is the best!!
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24 Sep, 2014 by Eric
He is very down-to-Earth and easy to talk to. He has a wide array of knowledge and has practiced in many different locations giving him different perspectives geographically. I have used him for corporate, debt and criminal law and I was happy with the results as were the clients I referred to him.
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08 Dec, 2016 by Anonymous
I reached out to Ms. Weston and she was always helpful. My calls were always returned in a timely fashion, and she is always willing to help. Thank you for your service!
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07 Dec, 2016 by Umar
Does Western have represented me on numerous of occasions on short notice and predated occasions she is very thorough and prompt before execution an explanation of our outline and game playing for sale cases I will be more than willing to put her in my top 3 lawyer catalog if I had one any further doing business with Miss Weston I look forward to success and happiness with her service as I've already received such so far
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04 Nov, 2019 by Kathleen
Mr. Houghton is a compassionate lawyer who cares not only about the case but also his clients. He explained the law in a way that we were able to understand and we were comfortable with the process and knew what to expect. Our family was pleased with the outcome of our case and if needed, I would not hesitate to call him again.
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28 Apr, 2018 by Jesse
I will just simply say I’m very impressed by Mr. Houghton. I have been with other law firms and will never go to any other.. He is a good listener and a very nice guy... very knowledgeable on a variety of legal topics.. he’s caring, honest, always in constant contact... always thinks of the best options for my family and I... I would more than highly recommend him and this firm. There is no reason to go to anyone else!!
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28 Sep, 2017 by Kelly
Rex was amazing. He was understanding of my situation and was very professional. I was worried about being judged because I needed to file bankruptcy, but he was courteous and made me feel comfortable. He helped me with all questions I had about the process and offered to help me with any future credit report questions. I would highly recommend Mr. Daines as a bankruptcy attorney,
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27 Sep, 2017 by Nathaniel
Mr. Daines was the best! He knew all of the answers to our questions. He has been a bankruptcy attorney for over 20 years and his experience really showed. He offered payment options and worked with us.
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05 Feb, 2024 by Barbara
From the beginning of the initial contact with John, he has been more than understanding, caring, kind and thoughtful of the situation that we have endured now approaching two years to get our security deposit returned. John went above and beyond with us to ensure that we were treated with respect and closed our case with a positive outcome. If you need an attorney, I highly recommend to call John without a doubt. Thank you John for everything you did for Glenn and I to finally have a resolution!
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26 Oct, 2023 by Alexander
Regarding my representation in a nightmare tenant-landlord dispute, John Spadaro not only took on my case and listened closely to the important facts but also fought hard to find a proper resolution keeping my best interests in mind. From start to finish, John was knowledgeable and understanding and helped get my previous nightmare landlord-realtor to reach a fair and amicable agreement despite her best attempts at trying to damage my character in any way that she could.
A quick resolution was paramount for me to put a very largely detrimental problem behind me and ease the financial worry and complications I've had to endure due to the gross negligence and harassment of this prior landlord that I had known for less than two months. It took only a few days of John's representation for her to come to her senses and reach an outcome that would not have been agreed upon without his expertise in this matter.
I would recommend John to anyone in a similar situation, and am glad to have found legal representation I can trust to truly fight for the clients he serves.
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10 Sep, 2014 by Anonymous
Fantastic lawyer and very honest and smart. He is a very rare find. Beyond highly recommend him. He actually cares about his clients. He saved me after being taken advantage if by some typically unscrupulous attorneys who were all about the billable hours and very little about defending my case. This man is a prince.
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25 Apr, 2011 by Sherry
This lawyer is a very good housing lawyer. He gave great advice and kept me informed with every move. I love him and will recommend him to everyone.
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20 Apr, 2019 by Anonymous
While on an overseas deployment, I had received a citation for a Dept of Buildings violation that I was not responsible for. Due to my deployment, I was unable to appear at hearings to defend myself. For a year, Samantha diligently reviewed my case and appeared at hearings on my behalf. Upon my return, I met with Samantha and we discussed how we would proceeed. Once we had a plan in place, we went to the hearings which resulted in a dismissal. Thank you Sam!
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19 Oct, 2018 by Anonymous
Samantha diligently worked on my behalf to achieve my dream of becoming a U.S. citizen. The process was a long and strenuous one. Frustration led me to a point of hopelessness, seriously considering giving up on this endeavor. For Samantha this was not an option for me. Instead, her positive attitude and continued encouragement pushed me to continue with my dream. On July 30, 2018 I was officially sworn in as a U.S. citizen. This date just so happened to also be the day of my son's birthday, which made this occasion that much sweeter.
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24 May, 2023 by Joe
Outstanding law office. From the owner principal attorney Christy to Ingrid to Alex and the admin are all fabulous!!! Great communication, dedication, knowledge and overall assistance etc. I would highly recommend them to handle any legal matter. They will do a fabulous job. What an awesome team. Joe
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09 Jun, 2010 by Charles
Ms. DeMelfi helped me through a painful episode of my life with dignity and understanding. I highly recommend her.
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03 Apr, 2023 by Audrey
I did not understand the consequences of not keeping erroneous information off my credit report & having the last name Smith was a free for all? When I attempted to reason with these debt collectors on my own, turned into a disaster. It was Mr. Kaludis's expertise in debt laws. He spoke with the collectors in court with firmness and made sure that case laws was presented. I was especially impressed with his humility, he is a lawyer after all. I would suggest to anyone to use his firm.
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02 Mar, 2016 by Scarlet
There are no words for how amazing Mr. Kaludis and Emily his paralegal are. Meeting them completely changed my opinion of lawyers. We were not judged. We were treated fairly. They are brilliant and compassionate. I highly recommend them.
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14 Nov, 2023 by Ashley
Had the pleasure to have Ken Goldberg as my attorney this past 6 months. He was very professional, thorough and lestioned to all my concerns during court. He brought light to a very difficult time for my family. Kens organization and communication in the court was a A+. Highly recommend if your looking for a straightforward and honest attorney.
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21 Sep, 2013 by Connie
I would suggest Mr. Goldberg to anyone who is seeking a divorce. He is very kind and caring. He understands the emotional and financial toll of a divorce. He always returned calls and keep me up to date and informed about everything. And he always had my best interest in mind during the whole divorce process.
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30 May, 2018 by Matthew
After receiving a summons regarding past debt, I inquired with several RI lawyers that specialize in debt. I found Mr. Longo to be the most knowledgeable, by far. I met with and hired Mr. Longo to address the situation. He handled it in a very timely manner and was successful. He also refunded me part of the retainer fee due to the case being resolved so quickly. I will hire him again if I ever need help with anything regarding his specialties. I strongly recommend Mr. Longo
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27 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
I recently met with Mr. Longo for a consultation on a summons I received. He was very informative, offered tons of advice and he even drew a diagram to help explain how debt collection works. He even offered to meet me on a weekend day, which works great when you're a busy mom who works full time. I would recommend him to anyone who needs representation and advice.
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01 Jan, 2025 by Sona arakelyan
I am opening Med spa and had some concerns regarding rules and regulations. I called Legal Impression Law Firm and spoke with Bernadette. We had free consultation over the phone and she gave me a lot of information and explained me the laws and regulations. She is very professional and does really care about clients concerns. Thank you! Would definitely recommend her
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26 Nov, 2024 by Michelle
Responded promptly to introduce firm and explained services thoroughly. Satisfied so much I won't need to look any further. I will be retaining service after initial meeting.
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18 Nov, 2024 by Tiffany chambers
Working with Bernadette felt like getting advice and guidance from a trusted friend. Although I wish I had consulted her before signing a horrible contract, she helped me understand my rights and negotiate a termination of contract. Thank you so much!
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03 Dec, 2024 by Anthony pung
Brittney Kohler is amazing. Very knowledgeable and is more than willing to go above and beyond helping you with any questions and concerns you may have. I was referred to her by a friend, and would highly suggest if you’re looking for a bankruptcy attorney, to look in her direction. Thanks again for everything.
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26 Nov, 2024 by Maddie love
Brittney was amazing to work with, she answered all our questions. We had no doubts going into filing and she made things so easy. Highly recommend her if you are considering filing.
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01 Nov, 2024 by James wolf
06 Jan, 2010 by Kimberly
What a Law Firm! They crossed all my t's and dotted all my I's. The process was easy to do and they did all the work after I gave them all my information. I made all my appointments and it was so easy and so fast! GR8 Lawfirm! A+++++++
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04 Jan, 2010 by Anonymous
I have heard so much negative feedback about BK, however I had the exact opposite. It was so easy. From the first consulation to the discharge of my case Allmand & Lee was professional, and timley. The customer services there is second to none. I would recommend this law firm to everyone who isfinanical turmoil.
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23 Oct, 2024 by Anonymous
I hired Elizabeth to handle my bankruptcy case 5 years ago. She did a fantastic job! I would highly recommend her. I had many questions along the way, and she was quick to respond. I had a name change and several address changes, even one out of state change that she notified the trustee of. She filed everything in a timely manner and took control of all the behind-the-scenes things, things that I didn't even know about. She let me know every time I needed to do an online program or sign something. She cares about her clients and works hard for them; I will never need her again, but I will keep her number just in case.
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01 Oct, 2024 by Darius
Ms. Spell was awesome and very helpful. I finished my plan early and was discharged today! She is the best
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03 Dec, 2024 by Anonymous
From the start I felt comfortable talking to Hyrum about my financial situation. He clearly explained what his recommendations were, the risks and benefits, and ruling out any other options other than bankruptcy. I trusted his guidance and now feel very confident in my decisions. The office staff arevery nice, responsive and easy to get in touch with. There are no dumb questions for them! Just be completely honest about everything. There’s no shame or judgement involved with his practice, they genuinely want to help find a solution for you. Thank you Hyrum and team!!
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27 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
Hyrum Zeyer and the staff at Peterson Zeyer law were essential in our success for filing Ch7! We were able to confidently trust our family’s financial navigation in their knowledgeable hands. Bankruptcy was something we never considered and had judgmentally simplified as something morally wrong and repugnant. Someone counseled with us and after considering our entire predicament, reframed bankruptcy as a legal way of getting out from under the debt that was crushing us. I hadn’t even considered it as legal before. Once I had shifted that mindset, a world of hope opened up for us. Hyrum walked us through every step and was so respectful and encouraging- further removing any misperceived shame we had attached to the idea . It was a lot of work, and having Hyrum by our sides made it as easy, quick, and painless as possible. We are so glad we chose to hire this attorney. Worth absolutely every cent and more! Ten stars!
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01 Jan, 2025 by Ana lares
We had to look for help of a Lawyer because a financial struggle, we couldn't resolve all debts due to our present situation.We found lawyer Norma Duenas at Southern California Law Advocates, our heart told us she was going to help us. And she did. She filed the forms at the court for Bankruptcy Chapter 7, during the process she was giving us the time to look for all documents, she speaks English and Spanish too. She always contacted us if something was need it for the case. We felt very confident. Now the case is finished and we are very grateful to her. She is an expert and professional attorney, a Lawyer you can totally trust.
Rodrigo V. & Ana
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04 Dec, 2024 by Dante fonseca
Norma was very helpful in every step of the process. Recommend to everyone needing services.
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09 Aug, 2024 by Natali priscilla
Super easy to work with. Professional and experienced. My first time filing was a breeze. 👍 payment plan was very helpful. Would recommend to anyone.
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05 Feb, 2025 by Kat slavin
Wendy and her team were amazing! My husband and I had a very unique situation where we had to be out of one house by a certain time frame so we had to close on the new house within that same time frame. Wendy, Merri and Erin got it done and we closed just in time! I would definitely suggest Clair Gjertsen & Weathers for any real estate needs or landlord tenant advice. They were very understanding and easy to work with.
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24 Jan, 2025 by Janni connolly
Wonderful experience. Wendy Weathers, Esq was very knowledgeable, attentive and kept me apprised every step of the way. Highly recommend!
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23 Jan, 2025 by Ricardo alberto cofre
Had a very pleasant experience with Mary. The team is efficient and quick to respond.
The legal team to go to when in need. Thanks so much Mary.
Definitely recommend.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Debt Settlement Lawyer Can Do for You
A debt settlement lawyer specializes in helping individuals and businesses negotiate with creditors to reduce or eliminate unsecured debts, such as credit card balances, medical bills, and personal loans. These lawyers provide legal advice on debt relief options, represent you in negotiations, and protect your rights under consumer protection laws. By leveraging their expertise, a debt settlement lawyer can often secure more favorable terms than you might achieve on your own, potentially reducing the total amount owed and helping you avoid bankruptcy.
When Should I Hire a Debt Settlement Lawyer?
You should consider hiring a debt settlement lawyer in the following situations:
- Overwhelming Debt: If you're struggling to make minimum payments on your debts or are facing significant financial hardship, a lawyer can help explore options to reduce your debt burden.
- Creditor Harassment: If creditors or collection agencies are harassing you with frequent calls, letters, or threats, a lawyer can intervene to protect your rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).
- Lawsuits from Creditors: If a creditor has filed a lawsuit against you for unpaid debts, a lawyer can represent you in court and negotiate settlements to prevent wage garnishment or asset seizure.
- Complex Debt Situations: If your debts involve legal complexities, such as co-signers, joint accounts, or disputed charges, a lawyer can navigate these issues effectively.
- Considering Bankruptcy: If you're contemplating bankruptcy but want to explore alternatives, a debt settlement lawyer can advise on whether debt settlement is a better option for your situation.
- Protecting Assets: If you have significant assets you wish to protect from creditors, a lawyer can help structure settlements to safeguard your property.
Hiring a lawyer early can maximize your chances of a favorable outcome and prevent legal missteps that could worsen your financial situation.
What Does a Debt Settlement Lawyer Do?
A debt settlement lawyer provides a range of services to help you manage and reduce your debts:
- Legal Consultation: Evaluates your financial situation, explains your rights, and advises on the best debt relief options, such as debt settlement, debt consolidation, or bankruptcy.
- Negotiating with Creditors: Communicates with creditors and collection agencies on your behalf to negotiate reduced settlements, lower interest rates, or extended repayment terms.
- Drafting Settlement Agreements: Prepares legally binding agreements that outline the terms of the settlement, ensuring that the creditor cannot pursue additional claims once the debt is settled.
- Protecting Against Creditor Harassment: Uses legal tools to stop abusive collection practices and enforces your rights under consumer protection laws.
- Representing You in Court: If creditors file lawsuits, the lawyer can defend you, potentially getting cases dismissed or negotiating settlements to avoid judgments.
- Financial Planning Advice: Provides guidance on budgeting, managing expenses, and rebuilding credit after debt settlement.
- Bankruptcy Alternatives: Helps you explore alternatives to bankruptcy, which can have long-term effects on your credit and financial opportunities.
How Are Debt Settlement Lawyers Paid?
Debt settlement lawyers typically charge for their services in one of the following ways:
- Flat Fee: A set fee for specific services, such as negotiating with a single creditor or handling a straightforward settlement.
- Hourly Rate: Charging an hourly fee for the time spent working on your case. Rates can range from $200 to $500 or more per hour, depending on the lawyer's experience and location.
- Percentage of Savings: Some lawyers charge a fee based on a percentage of the amount they save you in the settlement. For example, if they negotiate a $10,000 debt down to $6,000, they might charge 25% of the $4,000 saved.
- Retainer Fee: An upfront payment from which the lawyer deducts fees as they work on your case. You may need to replenish the retainer if it is exhausted.
- Payment Plans: Some lawyers offer payment arrangements to make their services more affordable, allowing you to pay the fee over time.
It's important to discuss payment structures and fees during your initial consultation to understand the total cost and ensure it fits within your budget.
How Much Does a Debt Settlement Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a debt settlement lawyer varies based on several factors:
- Flat Fees: May range from $500 to $3,000 per creditor, depending on the complexity of the negotiations.
- Hourly Rates: Typically between $200 and $500 per hour. Total costs depend on the amount of time required to settle your debts.
- Percentage of Savings: Commonly 15% to 25% of the amount saved through negotiation. For example, if your lawyer saves you $10,000, their fee might be $1,500 to $2,500.
- Retainer Fees: Initial retainers can range from $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the anticipated workload.
Additional costs may include:
- Court Fees: If legal action is necessary, such as filing motions or defending against lawsuits.
- Administrative Fees: Charges for copying documents, postage, or other administrative tasks.
Always request a detailed fee agreement and discuss all potential costs upfront to avoid unexpected expenses.
Top Questions to Ask a Debt Settlement Lawyer
-
What is your experience with debt settlement cases similar to mine?
Ensure the lawyer has a successful track record in negotiating debt settlements for clients with situations like yours. -
How do you charge for your services, and what are the estimated total costs?
Understand the fee structure, including any upfront costs, percentages, or additional fees. -
What are the potential outcomes of my case?
Ask for an honest assessment of how much your debts could be reduced and the likelihood of successful negotiations. -
How long will the debt settlement process take?
Get an estimated timeline for negotiations and resolution. -
Will you handle communications with all my creditors?
Clarify whether the lawyer will negotiate with all your creditors or only specific ones. -
What happens if a creditor refuses to settle?
Discuss alternative strategies if a creditor is uncooperative. -
How will debt settlement affect my credit score?
Understand the potential impact on your credit and how to rebuild it afterward. -
Can you help protect me from creditor lawsuits or wage garnishment?
Inquire about legal protections and how the lawyer can assist if creditors take legal action.
How to Check the Credibility of a Debt Settlement Lawyer
- Verify Their License: Ensure the lawyer is licensed and in good standing with your state's bar association.
- Experience and Specialization: Look for a lawyer who specializes in debt settlement or consumer debt law.
- Client Reviews and Testimonials: Research online reviews or ask for references to learn about other clients' experiences.
- Professional Memberships: Membership in organizations like the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys (NACBA) or local bar associations can indicate a commitment to the field.
- Disciplinary Record: Check for any past disciplinary actions or complaints filed against the lawyer.
- Consultation Feedback: Use the initial consultation to assess their communication style, professionalism, and confidence in handling your case.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To make the most of your initial meeting with a debt settlement lawyer, bring the following:
- Detailed List of Debts: Include all creditors, account numbers, balances, interest rates, and any correspondence you've received.
- Income and Expense Statements: Provide documentation of your income sources and monthly expenses to give the lawyer a clear picture of your financial situation.
- Credit Reports: Obtain a recent copy of your credit report from all three major bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, Equifax).
- Correspondence from Creditors: Bring any letters, notices, or legal documents you've received from creditors or collection agencies.
- Legal Documents: If you've been served with lawsuits, summons, or wage garnishment orders, bring those documents.
- Questions and Concerns: Prepare a list of questions about your options, the debt settlement process, and potential outcomes.
- Budget Information: Be ready to discuss what you can realistically afford to pay toward settlements.
By being thoroughly prepared, you enable the lawyer to assess your situation effectively and provide the best possible legal advice tailored to your needs.
