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20 Jun, 2014 by Fred
After cancer entered our lives we thought everything was over. All are dreams were destroyed and then we turned to Matthew. His professionalism and manner was a life saver to us to find. His understanding of our predicament allowed us to willingly place our fate in his hands. That decision has led us to debt-free status today.
Whatever you decide, ensure you sit down and have that serious conversation with Matthew. He is truly an honest and forthright lawyer, and I do not say that too often.
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09 Aug, 2013 by Mlf
I felt very comfortable that I was in good hands. He made a difficult situation, not difficult!
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16 Aug, 2019 by Margaret
I am very satisfied with the way Diana helped me through my Bankruptcy case. She went above and beyond what I had expected in getting me through this process and I would highly recommend her.
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04 Feb, 2013 by Joseph
We retained Diane to represent us in a Chapter 7 case about two years ago, after we had been devastated by the real estate crash. We had interviewed 4 other bankruptcy attorneys, and we had felt the most comfortable with Diane, so we chose her to represent us. We are very happy that we did. Diane was also very honest and sincere, and her fees were more acceptable than all 4 of the other attorneys we interviewed.
Our lives had previously been in a turmoil, and we did not understand the process of bankruptcy, and the impact it would have on our lives and our future ability to function financially. Diane walked us through our options, and was able to explain concisely how the process worked, and made the filing simple and understandable. She aided us by explaining the proceedure for itemizing the assets and liabilities, and clearly explained "how and what" the facts and figures represented. She was available to answer our questions and our concerns the entire time our Bankruptcy application was in process, and she met us at the court. She was very knowledgable and courteous. We were very satisfied with the proceeding and the outcome, and she was always there to support us. We recommend her to any person who is unsure of what to do concerning making a decision about filing bankruptcy; as her experience, knowledge, and track record speaks volumes of her capabilities. We had thought originally before filing Chapter 7 that our credit and finances would be ruined for at least 10 years. But now, we are back on a successful track, and our credit scores are up in the mid 700 range - only two years later. We have already purchased a home, and our new post bankruptcy lives are satisfactory. Many thanks to Diane Cavanaugh - an attorney who knows her field of practice very well.
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14 May, 2015 by Jeff
Marc Goldbach has been my personal and business attorney for nearly 25 years. I have entrusted him with every legal issue that I have tackled since I started my business in 1996. He has also handled some personal issues, including my own bankruptcy. Not only is Marc one of the smartest attorneys I know, he is also compassionate and understands your every need. I highly recommend Marc!
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24 Sep, 2014 by Anonymous
Marc is not only an excellent attorney, he is pleasant, personable, and always available and responsive when we have questions about our case. Highly recommend.
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10 Mar, 2021 by Agustin
Mr. O'Halloran is kind, caring and compassionate. He helped me through a difficult period in my life; filing a BK can be devastating, but it doesn't have to be. Mr. O'Halloran takes his client's dignity into consideration. When he is speaking with you, he gives you his full and undivided attention, he answers each and every question, and mines for understanding and clarity. He prompted questions that I had not thought of, and also helped with guidance going forward. Because of Mr. O'Halloran, I am rebuilding my credit and owning the financial mistakes I made in order to not repeat them. Finally, the professionalism and care he shows his clients is unsurpassed.
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24 Jul, 2020 by Iskra
Mr. O'Halloran was referred to us by 2 other lawyers and he did not disappoint. We had to file chapter 7 both on our business and personally and my husband and I were terrified as we had never been through anything like this before. Michael and Vanessa were extremely knowledgeable, kind and very patient, they held our hand and properly advised us on every single step along the process. They made us feel safe and cared for, if you've ever been through bankruptcy, you probably know how torturous and anxiety-filled the process can be, well Michael and his team minimized these experiences so much for us. We were able to get through the process in about 6 months for both bankruptcies and now we can safely move forward with rebuilding our future.
There aren't enough words to describe the gratitude we have for Michael and his team! They treat their clients like family and defy every negative notion about lawyers out there. I don't wish bankruptcy to anyone, but if you are in that place, you won't find better representation than Michael O'Halloran and his team!
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04 Jan, 2022 by George
When when my wife and I first came across Jake we were jaded from bad experiences with previous attorneys who truly could have cared less about prioritizing our interests. What Jake did upon the first conversation was put our minds at ease by letting us know the options rather then pressuring us to make an inappropriate decision (simply to get us out the door). Most of all, EVERYTIME we had a question, concern, or issue, Jake was never further than a phone/email/text away from getting back to us, sometimes it took a few hours but we was ALWAYS got a sufficient and timely response. When we had our hearing with the trustee it went surprisingly smooth because Jake had prepped our paperwork and situation in such that our position was crystal clear to the trustee.
Bankruptsy is a really tough experience on a family. My wife and I would recommend to anyone needing these services to find an attorney that can keep the situation and details concise so that everyone understands at all moments what is going on. We can not express how helpful Jake was in informing throughout the process, enabling us to, quite frankly, keep it all together.
THANKS JAKE!
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12 Aug, 2020 by Brian
Working with Jake was great. From the first phone call on through the discharge, he was patient with me, clearly explained my options, and answered all my questions. He also made sure that I understood everything that I needed to do myself. Working with him ended up being one of the best decisions I've ever made. Life is so much easier now and I feel like I've got a fresh start thanks to Jake.
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5.0
2 Reviews
20 May, 2020 by Lydia
Have a problem with bankruptcy? There is a solution!
Attorney John Bauer is the solution to your problem.
He is an outstanding attorney as he is extremely knowledgeable and provides superior service.
His experience and understanding of how the system works is second to none.
John Bauer is a perfectionist, professional, and truly cares for his clients. I am 100% satisfied
with my experience with him. He has been a strong blessing in my life.
I was able to keep my hard earned investments, thanks to him.
I strongly recommend him to anybody! Thank you so much John!
John Bauer is not only specialized in bankruptcy cases, but he can handle other legal services as well.
- Lydia
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19 May, 2020 by Irineo
John Hart Bauer is excellent bankruptcy lawyer he help me to eliminate all my debt at a lower service charge. He is honest and good lawyer, he was direct to the point on my case
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20 Oct, 2019 by James
Mr. David Tilem was a great example of providing outstanding community service without thinking of how much he would get paid. He answered all of my questions which put me at ease right away. I asked him so much questions and he answered them all that in the future when I am up financially that I would donate to his costs. This how good Mr. Tiley, he showed concern and compassion at a person right away rather than getting me as a client. Thank you Mr. Tiley!! God Bless.
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14 Aug, 2018 by Henry v vaccaro
I hired David Tilem to reopen the bankruptcy case of Joseph Jackson the father of Michael Jackson that case was closed in1999 .The best choice I have ever made,Tilem was knowledgeable of the law headed me in the right direction was courteous always responded to my questions immediately above all I was successful in not only reopening the old case but through Mr Tilems efforts I was able to purchase all the IP and copyrights to the Jackson Television shows from the 80's from the new Chapter 7 Trustee .I highly recommend this firm and only wished that he practiced law in New Jersey where I reside. Hat's off to David Tilem.
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22 Jul, 2011 by Melissa
Mr. Weber is a great attorney,
Always available to answer any of my million questions I would have.
He was always easy to talk to and explain my situation. I fully trusted Mr. Weber and in this day and time when it comes to Lawyers thats something you don't hear very often. But I would recommend him to anyone who is looking for an attorney dealing with Employment Law or Bankruptcy. The communication was always open and he was great to explain things that I didn't understand when dealing with the laws.
I know I keep his card on file in case I might ever need a good attorney.
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23 Apr, 2011 by Lisa
Mr. Weber is a great lawyer. I would, and have recommended him to personal and business associates. Mr. Weber listened to me, sorted out the information, and provided me with options in a way I could understand. I fully trust him and would again seek his guidance should I need it in the future.
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11 Oct, 2012 by Mike l.
We've begun to work with Sean over last several years on landlord-tenant agreements. I appreciate that he stays current on the rapidly and ever changing laws. Sean knows how we think, and he’s a great resource to bounce around ideas. When decisions are made and projects begin, he’s very responsive. And on the occasion when further research is needed, I appreciate his ability to find the right answers for me.
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19 Oct, 2011 by Anonymous
I recently moved out of my home after renting for 7 years after receiving a 60 day notice to terminate residency from the new property manager who never answered emergency calls, didn't show up for meetings, etc.. I called Mr. Hanley to see what exactly my rights were as a tenant and what to expect if i did not comply with 60 day notice. He explained to me very simply the laws and rules of tenancy and was brutally honest about what the consequences would be if an unlawful detainer was brought against me. He did this at no charge to me over the phone, wished me luck and offerred his services if I needed it.
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05 Aug, 2015 by Felix
It was hard me to find a trustworthy lawyer to help me with my accident case but Aaron was straightforward and honest. The insurance company was pretty much laughing at me before I hired Aaron. He was able to get me a very very good settlement. Really happy with his office.
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05 Aug, 2015 by Ron
Mr. Anguiano is a great lawyer. He is very blunt and let me know when there was good and bad news right away. He had to fight hard to make sure I kept the stuff that was rightfully mine after the divorce. Im glad I found him to represent me!
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27 Jul, 2017 by Anonymous
John really saved us from disaster. Our family business was failing and our market was getting worse. He convinced us we needed to close the business quickly or we could lose everything. We did that with his strong and accurate guidance and saved the family jewels. Without John, we may of put every dime we had to save it but it would have been for not. Great Attorney who is firm, sharp, personable, and really knows what is he doing. Well worth the $$.
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27 Jul, 2017 by Carl
I initially retained John Lapinski to assist with the acquisition of a company that was in bankruptcy. He guided us through the technical intricacies of the transaction and helped us to a successful and efficient conclusion. Since that time I engaged him to handle a variety of matters from contracts to disputes to corporate structure and capital formation matters. His work has been consistently technically sound and his advice has been level and we'll reasoned. I would highly recommend him as a lawyer and advisor.
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27 May, 2018 by Anonymous
Mr. Angeles was professional and ethical but most of all personable. He is down to earth and highly detail orientated. He gave me a honest and thorough explanation when weighing out the pros and cons for my case. He understands that not every case is one size fits all so he makes sure that the result that you as a client is seeking will perfectly fit your needs. As far as my experience with him, it was absolutely wonderful, HE HELP ME WIN MY CASE!!!!! I am fortunate to have found him.
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03 Apr, 2018 by Pann
My mother and I consulted Mr. Angeles regarding a situation with my grandfather's citizenship. Not only did Mr. Angeles give give us detailed information regarding the situation that we didn't know about, but he also gave us multiple options and even provided websites to the relevant information. He also went above and beyond and kept in touch with us asking if we needed extra information, despite the fact that our meeting was only a consultation. Mr. Angeles was very professional, but also friendly and approachable, and I would highly recommend him to anyone who needs legal advice or assistance!
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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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12 Aug, 2016 by Mike and bea
Lara has handled our business transactions for years and we are very happy with her services. she is professional, and provides excellent legal services. she is reasonable with her fees. we highly recommend her for all legal needs. she is always there whenever we need her.
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02 Oct, 2012 by Anonymous
I contacted this law firm in Corona and received very good information on a criminal defense matter. They were very professional and i did not get the run around. Its soo hard to get hold of a trust worthy lawyer these days, but they made me feel really comfortable and took the time to listen to my issues and helped me resolve it
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26 Jan, 2016 by Anonymous
David and his partner Hanif Hirji provided consultation on a potential bankruptcy filing. After assessing the facts, he was honest and direct: bankruptcy wouldn't protect assets in a pending civil suit. It can be hard to find smart, ethical lawyers, and I am grateful to David for providing his expertise --- with kindness and sensitivity. I highly recommend David and Flader & Hirji.
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08 Dec, 2010 by N.sur
My husband and I were overwhelmed with our family business, multiple judgments from creditors,mortgages on our personal residence,numerous personal liabilities, and tax liens. Several attorneys informed us it may not be possible to save our family business and home in a bankruptcy. David Flader and Hanif Hirji of Flader & Hirji, LLP represented us and obtained a full Chapter 7 discharge of all of our personal debt and judgments, and we were able to keep our home and family business. David Flader and Hanif Hirji both spent a great deal of time in explaining the process to us. They both provided us with a great deal of comfort and reassurance in our time of need. The detailed analysis, hard work, and compassion provided to us by the lawyers at Flader & Hirji, LLP provided us with the fresh start we needed in our lives. N. Sur
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19 Feb, 2014 by Dean & cathy
Michael did a fantastic job, helping us to navigate our chapter 7 bankruptcy. My wife and I first filed chapter 7 Pro-Per, that was a Big mistake. We received a letter shortly after we filed from Michael asking if we needed any assistance he would be glad to look over our papers at no charge and give free advice. Well, we did call him and he saved our bankruptcy case. We not only made several mistakes but needed help especially with the Means test. He agreed to take our case and show up at the 341 meeting. After that, Michael did a lot of work; sending emails and talking with the Court Trustee and State Trustee, refiling schedules etc. Michael always got back to us immediately to answer any of our questions. We would have never got our discharge without Michael! He is young but we highly recommend him for legal assistance with any bankruptcy. He earned more than he actually charged and that is hard to say today about any professional attorney.
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10 Oct, 2013 by Nick caraway
Michael did a great job, helping me to navigate my chapter 7 bankruptcy. He is very knowageable in this area and very honest with me throughout our dealings. I was impressed by his willingness to help me even though I was in a bad financial state. Also he did an excellent job of responding when ever I contacted him. I would recomend Michael to anyone seeking honest legal advice.
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19 Sep, 2016 by Rose
I'm so glad I sought out Brooke's services, she saved me from an ex who (with his lawyer) tried to exploit loopholes and sink me in every way he could in my divorce case. She went the extra mile to learn new case law and fought against a barrage of unnecessary stipulations and demands from the opposing side. I would have been lost without her! Her staff were always very helpful and contributed to a positive experience as well. This is an outstanding attorney who will fight for your best interests.
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23 Apr, 2015 by Steve
Thank-you so very much for reviewing my self-prepared ex-parte paperwork within 45 minutes of me contacting your office. The advice was very beneficial. The professionalism was straight to the point knowing I was short on time. I left your office with the confidence of knowing more about the ex-parte process. The hearing was a success. I truly believe you were a part of possibly saving an individual from grave danger. Again I just wish to say thank you very much. Sincerely, Satisfied.
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25 Dec, 2012 by Reginald
Mr. Ely explained the process in detail and told me what to expect. Now that I'm on the other side of this process I realize how important his advice was.
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19 Mar, 2009 by Anonymous
I was facing a complete financial breakdown and Mr. Ely saved my most important assets.
He did a great job!
If you need a bankruptcy lawyer - this is the guy!
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08 Mar, 2012 by Catherine
Mr. Greene was knowledgeable, efficient, and expert in his field. We were informed of the process and knew what would happen every step of the way. Bankruptcy is a humbling experience in and of itself, however Mr. Greene was a calming element thoughout the whole process.
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23 Jun, 2007 by Anonymous
Always attendant to my requests -- creative problem solver--treated me with courtesy and respect--best attorney that I have worked with in 20 years of business
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14 Oct, 2018 by Richard
She gave me the simple solution of my financial problem concerning my bankruptcy. This advice was very helpful and saved me money.
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08 Nov, 2016 by Dani
Cindy was very patient with me. I needed multiple phone calls and rescheduling of appt times. She covers all the bases and explained the process in each step in a way that I could understand.
I would give her a 10 for sure. Molly is a very caring receptionist and she even likes to have her head petted.
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17 Jul, 2013 by Nani
Thanks to Attorney Wilo B. Nunez, a very difficult case was resolved in my favor, having a prior criminal record and on probation. No jail time and a small fine. My case was dropped from a felony burglary to a misdemeanor. Thank you Mr. Nunez! I highly recommend him
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12 Mar, 2013 by Robert
I came to the Law office of Mr. Wilo Nunez in 2010. I had been scammed by some people promising me a modification, Mr. Nunez did not charge me, and worked endlessly on my case. Thanks to him i saved my house. After, he also helped me do a chapter 7 bankruptcy and i was able to get rid of all of my debt. I have referred several people to Mr. Nunez and his office.
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25 Jun, 2014 by Diana
The Grant Law Firm is AMAZING!!! I was having some financial issues the past year due to lay offs and unfortunately my home went into foreclosure. I applied for a modification but the bank denied it. I met with Jennifer to discuss my options. She was really nice. After meeting with her we were able to file and i was able to keep my home and get rid of some other debt.
If you're having issues similar to mine I suggest you call them. It's been a long stressful and embarrassing battle but now i can finally sleep comfortably.
Thanks again Jennifer!!!!
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24 Jun, 2014 by Stephen
I came to them for help after an old credit card bill came back to bite me in the butt. They were great. Very professional. They explained the bankruptcy process in a way I could understand and really went out of their way to find alternate solutions before I decided on filing my bankruptcy.
I would like to thank Jen and Gio for all their help.
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17 Mar, 2014 by Tisha
Eric was always very professional and responsive. I was dealing with a lot of variables with divorce, propate, and BK and he knew the right questions to ask. I always felt like I was given the right answers and he supported me through the process. Very knowledgeable and friendly. Their whole team is very easy to work with. Thank you again for helping me begin a new path!! If only this team ran Match. com I'd be hitched again. :)
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29 Sep, 2010 by Jeff
I understand that Mr. Alford is fairly new to the law trade and one may think twice for that reason. I looked beyond the Humphrys law degree and years of experience when I checked his bio and decided to give him a chance to impress me. He did. I needed advice regarding a foreclosure action and he proved more than competent. He knew what he was talking about, his advice was sound and he saved me a lot of grief. In my experience he was very responsive and I never felt put off or ignored by him or his staff. For debt/bankruptcy/foreclosure issues I can strongly recommend Eric Alford.Paper and Misc.
from
File Cabinet
a mix of old and not so old
Paper and Misc.
from
File Cabinet
a mix of old and not so old
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29 Oct, 2015 by Anonymous
Mark is a very professional, knowledgeable and efficient attorney. His honesty and integrity are beyond measure. He took the time to answer any and all questions, reassured and guided me through every step of the decision process. I highly recommend Mark to anyone looking for an exceptional attorney!
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02 Dec, 2014 by Sam
Mark has been my attorney for over 23 years now. I've used him to set up several Trusts, corporations, and LLCs. Mark is very knowledgeable about the fine details and things to watch out for. He helped me decide which type of entity was best for each type of business. He is always great at returning phone calls very quickly and making time to chat about different issues. I believe anyone would be very impressed with Mark's thoroughness and knowledge on Business law.
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03 Mar, 2020 by Elizabeth
I am very happy to have contacted Attorney Ralph Guenther today. I am now a client. He addressed my situation immediately and logically. What stands out is his compassion to the needs of people, in my case, to the financial needs of a senior citizen. I am very relieved now that I have found an excellent attorney. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
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19 May, 2014 by Anonymous
Mr. Guenther and his wonderful staff represented me in my Chapter 13 case. The entire staff made me feel at ease during that difficult time in my life.
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27 Dec, 2020 by Brandon
I have known Rajiv as an attorney for almost 15 years, he has helped me with many of my business issues, from creating contracts with homeowners and subcontractors to setting up my corporation and sorting tax questions. He seems to genuinely care about my work issues and legal questions when they arise. Will continue to use Rajiv as needed in the future.
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06 Feb, 2013 by Gary
Rajiv handled my case and represented me unlike any other attorney that I have ever known. He has demonstrated, (unlike most attorneys I've met), that he is actually human. From the very first introduction, he has shown compasion and empathy towards resolving the issues in my case. I highly reccomend Rajiv to anyone that is in need of a friend and a champion to fight for thier interests.
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08 May, 2015 by Carol
No one wants to go through bankruptcy. It's a terrible time and I was feeling really badly about having to do it at all. But, from the first phone conversation, Julian put me at ease and I knew everything was going to be all right. I have mega-anxiety problems and he was so patient and good humored about it. He surely must have been frustrated with me at times, but he never let it show. He told me I was in his hands and I couldn't have hoped for better hands in which to be. From beginning to end, he kept me informed and went out of his way for me (literally - hundreds of miles). And his sense of humor was really refreshing. Not really something you expect from a lawyer. He knows his stuff and walked me (patiently) through everything that had do be done. Couldn't have asked for better counsel. He actually made the experience almost enjoyable.
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14 May, 2010 by Britni
Julian came to our rescue after our first attorney lost confidence in our case. He told us our last option to avoid the $200,000 personal injury suit was to file for bankruptcy and thats how we met Julian. After filling Julian in, he immediately expressed compassion for us and took on our case with nothing but complete optimism. After almost 3 years of threatening letters, legal fees, a miscarriage etc, Julian delivered results. He successfully negotiated settlement down to $1,500 all the way from $200,000 and he has lifted the most tremendous weight off of our shoulders. We sought counsel from 5 attorneys total, Julian was the only man prepared!
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29 Jul, 2015 by Tom
I was arrested on a felony charge under a highly questionable legal basis. The charge was reduced to a misdemeanor, but the prosecution continued. Ms. Slone moved to have charges dropped for illegal search and seizure, but the judge refused. Ms. Slone filed an appeal, and the appellate court ruled in our favor. In an unusual circumstance, the three judge panel ruled unanimously. Ms. Slone is professional, yet friendly, and she sure got the job done for me. Highly recommended.
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13 Jun, 2014 by Sharon
I had the most pleasant and comforting experience when I went for my consultation with Attorney Debra Slone. She was very informative and covered all basis so that I could an informative decision as to what I needed and should do. That is why I hired her to do my Bankruptcy. I had spoken to several Attorneys before but none were as helpful and efficient in meeting my needs as Debra was. She even allowed me to make payment arrangements and also came in on s Sunday afternoon to help me. Her off is very neat, clean and organized. Her staff are very friendly and professional. She is also proficient in many other specialized areas of law in her practice. I would highly recommend Debra Slone for all of your needs when seeking legal representation.
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06 Jun, 2007 by Anonymous
Used on a real estate deal.
Did a great job.
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13 Aug, 2012 by Anonymous
I contacted Michael Johnson for help with my foreclosure, he was able to delay the sale for 90 days and renegotiate new terms with the lender for me.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Bankruptcy Lawyer Can Do for You
A bankruptcy lawyer specializes in helping individuals and businesses manage overwhelming debt by filing for bankruptcy or exploring alternatives to bankruptcy. They guide clients through the complex legal process of discharging or restructuring debts, represent them in court, and work to protect assets such as homes and cars. Bankruptcy lawyers can also help stop creditor harassment, wage garnishment, and foreclosures through bankruptcy protections.
If you're facing financial hardship, a bankruptcy lawyer can help you decide whether filing for bankruptcy is the right option and assist you through the legal process.
When Should I Hire a Bankruptcy Lawyer?
You should consider hiring a bankruptcy lawyer in the following situations:
- Unmanageable debt: If you're unable to pay your bills and debts are piling up, a lawyer can help you explore options such as Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
- Foreclosure or repossession: If your home is at risk of foreclosure or your vehicle is in danger of being repossessed, a bankruptcy lawyer can help you use bankruptcy protections to prevent this and potentially reorganize your debts.
- Wage garnishment: If your wages are being garnished, filing for bankruptcy can stop garnishments and allow you to regain control of your finances.
- Creditor harassment: If creditors are constantly calling or sending collection notices, a bankruptcy lawyer can stop these actions by filing for bankruptcy, which enacts an automatic stay that halts collection activities.
- Small business debt: If your business is struggling with debt and cannot meet financial obligations, a lawyer can help you file for Chapter 11 (reorganization) or Chapter 7 (liquidation) bankruptcy.
- Medical debt or credit card debt: If you have large amounts of unsecured debt like medical bills or credit card balances, a bankruptcy lawyer can help you seek relief through Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
Hiring a bankruptcy lawyer early in the process can prevent further financial damage and help you choose the best legal option for debt relief.
What Does a Bankruptcy Lawyer Do?
A bankruptcy lawyer provides a range of services to help individuals and businesses handle their debts. Their responsibilities often include:
- Evaluating your financial situation: Assessing your income, assets, debts, and expenses to determine if bankruptcy is the right option and which type of bankruptcy (Chapter 7, Chapter 13, or Chapter 11) best suits your situation.
- Filing bankruptcy petitions: Preparing and filing the necessary documents to initiate your bankruptcy case, ensuring that all legal requirements are met.
- Stopping creditor harassment: Once the bankruptcy case is filed, an automatic stay is enacted, which stops creditors from pursuing collection efforts. A lawyer ensures this protection is applied immediately.
- Representing you in court: Representing you in court proceedings, including meetings with creditors and any hearings related to your case.
- Negotiating with creditors: In Chapter 13 or Chapter 11 bankruptcies, negotiating a repayment plan that restructures your debts and allows you to manage payments more effectively.
- Advising on asset protection: Guiding you on how to protect certain assets, such as your home or retirement savings, through available bankruptcy exemptions.
- Explaining the impact on your credit: Informing you about how bankruptcy will affect your credit and advising on steps to rebuild your credit post-bankruptcy.
How Are Bankruptcy Lawyers Paid?
Bankruptcy lawyers typically charge for their services in different ways depending on the complexity of the case and the type of bankruptcy being filed. Common payment structures include:
- Flat fee: Many bankruptcy lawyers charge a flat fee for handling Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases. This fee usually covers the entire process, from preparing and filing paperwork to representing you in court.
- Hourly rate: For more complex cases, such as Chapter 11 bankruptcy (often used by businesses), some lawyers charge an hourly rate. Hourly rates typically range from $150 to $500 or more.
- Retainer: In cases where ongoing legal services are required, such as in Chapter 11 bankruptcies or complex Chapter 13 cases, a lawyer may request a retainer, which is an upfront payment billed against as the lawyer works on the case.
It’s important to discuss fees with your lawyer upfront, as bankruptcy law requires lawyers to disclose all fees and ensure they are reasonable and fair.
How Much Does a Bankruptcy Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a bankruptcy lawyer varies depending on the type of bankruptcy and the complexity of the case. General cost estimates include:
- Chapter 7 bankruptcy: For individuals, legal fees usually range from $1,000 to $3,500. This flat fee generally covers the entire process.
- Chapter 13 bankruptcy: For individuals filing Chapter 13, legal fees typically range from $2,500 to $6,000. This cost is higher because of the additional work required to create and manage the repayment plan.
- Chapter 11 bankruptcy (for businesses): Chapter 11 bankruptcy is more complex and usually more expensive, with legal fees ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 or more, depending on the size of the business and the complexity of the debt restructuring.
- Filing fees: In addition to legal fees, there are also court filing fees, which are $338 for Chapter 7 and $313 for Chapter 13 as of 2024.
Always ask for a detailed cost estimate during your consultation to understand what services are included and whether payment plans are available.
Top Questions to Ask a Bankruptcy Lawyer
Before hiring a bankruptcy lawyer, it’s important to ask key questions to ensure they have the experience and knowledge to handle your case effectively. Key questions to ask include:
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What experience do you have with bankruptcy cases?
Ensure the lawyer has experience handling cases similar to yours, whether it's Chapter 7, Chapter 13, or Chapter 11 bankruptcy. -
How do you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges a flat fee or hourly rate, and ask for a detailed breakdown of costs, including filing fees and additional expenses. -
Which type of bankruptcy is best for me?
Ask the lawyer to explain whether Chapter 7, Chapter 13, or Chapter 11 is the best option based on your financial situation and long-term goals. -
What debts can be discharged?
Ask which of your debts will be forgiven through bankruptcy and which debts (such as certain taxes or student loans) may not be dischargeable. -
How long will the process take?
Bankruptcy cases can take time to resolve, so ask the lawyer how long they expect the process to last, from filing to discharge. -
Will I be able to keep my assets?
Ask if you will be able to keep important assets, such as your home or car, and what exemptions might apply. -
What happens after bankruptcy?
Ask about the impact of bankruptcy on your credit score and what steps you can take to rebuild your credit after the bankruptcy is finalized.
How to Check the Credibility of a Bankruptcy Lawyer
To ensure you are hiring a reputable bankruptcy lawyer, follow these steps to verify their credentials and track record:
- Verify their bar status: Check with your state bar association to confirm that the lawyer is licensed to practice law and has no history of disciplinary actions.
- Look for bankruptcy experience: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in bankruptcy law and have successfully handled cases like yours.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for client reviews on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to see what previous clients have said about the lawyer’s professionalism and ability to handle bankruptcy cases.
- Ask for references: A reputable lawyer should be able to provide references from past clients who have worked with them on bankruptcy matters.
- Check for certifications or memberships: Look for lawyers who are members of organizations such as the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys (NACBA) or who have specialized bankruptcy law certifications.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first consultation with a bankruptcy lawyer, it’s important to come prepared with relevant documents and information. Here’s what you should bring:
- List of debts: Prepare a detailed list of all your debts, including credit cards, personal loans, medical bills, and any secured debts such as mortgages or car loans.
- Income and expense records: Bring documents that show your current income, such as pay stubs or tax returns, and a list of your monthly expenses, including rent, utilities, and other essential costs.
- Asset information: Provide information on any assets you own, such as your home, car, investments, or other valuable property.
- Credit reports: If possible, bring copies of your credit reports to give the lawyer a clear view of your financial situation.
- Questions for the lawyer: Prepare a list of questions you have about the bankruptcy process, the lawyer’s fees, and what to expect after filing for bankruptcy.
By preparing thoroughly for your consultation, you can help the lawyer assess your situation more effectively and provide the best possible legal advice tailored to your needs.
