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18 Sep, 2024 by Brendan s
Very good communicating, responds in a very timely manner. Would highly recommend!!!!!
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17 Sep, 2024 by Greg watts
Tim Sullivan is an Outstanding attorney. From the first consult he took the time to explain the various options available, including the pros and cons of each. He provided a roadmap and timeline based upon the particulars of my case. Tim has extensive experience as an attorney handling DUI cases. He handled multiple court appearances without me attending. Tim provided the process and steps necessary for me, explained what to expect at each step in the process. This was very emotionally reassuring since it was my first time being in trouble with the law. His office staff Christina Smith Legal assistant, was outstanding responding to my requests and keeping me in the loop on all schedules and communication. The electronic file storage system is a genuine asset. As a client, I was able to upload and view my case documents. Whenever I had a question Tim or Christina responded almost instantaneously. One of his greatest attributes is his reassurances on the issues which had a calming affect on me. Keeping me abreast, Tim immediately responded to my questions. I also enjoyed his Skype message updates. Before trial, Tim gave me the trial process, step-by-step format. The day before the trial/plea he called me and went over expectations and instructions. Outstanding communicator. I highly recommend Tim Sullivan as a DUI Defense Attorney!
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16 Sep, 2024 by Philip razook
Best attorney in the State of Florida. Very knowledgeable of the law as he takes time to listen to your case and gets the results you desire.
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08 Sep, 2023 by Bobby
I'm glad I made the decision to hire Kaelyn. Between Kaelyn, Nathalie, and Crystal they have handled every aspect of this entire process of CH. 13 so much easier than I thought. After notifying my creditors of their representation in my case I was still contacted by some of the creditors, and they fought for my settlements against them for contacting me and have received some settlement checks already in my favor. Wonderful job and they really make the process as easy for you as possible. Would definitely recommend
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05 Oct, 2021 by Adam
Kaelyn Diamond is an excellent attorney and one I would recommend to anybody in financial distress. She personally responds when I have questions, and is very reasonable and empathetic when issues arise. A huge thank you to her, and the whole team at Ziegler Diamond Law!
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22 Sep, 2021 by Ray
The right attorney does make a difference. Right from the beginning we could tell Ms. Diamond was going to take care of this problem. After asking us just a few questions, she knew exactly what was wrong and she knew just how to proceed. She always answered all our questions patiently and completely and without making us feel like we were dumb or wasting her time. She and her staff kept us informed all along the way. We have been stressing over this situation for years but after finding Kaelyn Diamond, Esq. and Ziegler Diamond Law/Debtfighters, it was taken care of in just a few short months. If you want an attorney who cares and really knows what they are doing, then you need Kaelyn Diamond, Esq.
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28 Dec, 2021 by Edward
She and her paralegal Sam are very knowledgeable in the field of Bankruptcy, they are very detailed with everything before filing the case they are also very caring people very personal. I will highly recommend to anyone in my family and friends.
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28 May, 2020 by Ron & cory
My wife and I had a business go under in 2019. Carolyn treated us with respect and told us everything we needed to do, to file our business bankruptcy. She took away the guilt we were feeling by being so supportive and sweet. Her assistant Sam, guided us through every step that we needed to follow for the trustee. Because we had so much debt from the business, we also had to file personal bankruptcy. Again Carolyn and Sam were there to explain everything and guide us through the process. They were always there to answer our questions. Carolyn even called us back to answer our question while she was on vacation in another country. How many lawyers would do that? Both bankruptcies went smoothly because of Carolyns' expertise, efficiency and knowledge. We recommend Carolyn Secor to everyone who needs an efficient lawyer who treats you like family and will get things done . She makes an uncomfortable situation comfortable. Thank you so much Carolyn we appreciate you getting us through this difficult time, Ron & Cory.
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25 May, 2020 by Allen
Everything happened exactly as she had told me in the beginning. No surprises everything happened as she said it would. Very pleased with the whole process.
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24 Feb, 2023 by Gregory
I have been in the legal profession for over 30 years. I required Kevin Garris's expertise for a matter involving one of my children. I spoke with other attorneys just inquiring, and then I got ahold of Kevin Garris. Instantly I knew he was the person I wanted to hire. He was beyond professional, upfront on the issues, and actually took the time to explain in detail the process. If you need an attorney for bankruptcy, don't waste your time calling others, CALL KEVIN! He is very professional, knowledgeable and trustworthy, and a great person overall!!!
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24 Oct, 2019 by Maritza
Mr. Garris's price and quality of service cannot be beat. I talked to a lot of attorneys who wanted almost $2000, but I paid Kevin Garris $997. With that low price, I got all paperwork done, court fees paid, free phone consults, and emailed questions answered promptly. Kevin was warm, kind, and put me at ease. He was very easy to talk to and never made me feel uncomfortable.
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25 Jun, 2015 by Cindy
This is the 2nd time I've hired Kevin and I couldn't ask for anyone more knowledge and understanding than Kevin! I actually tracked him down go secure his services and it's been 13 years. If you want a GREAT bankruptcy attorney...hire Kevin. I promise you won't be sorry!
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20 Apr, 2008 by Anonymous
Mr. Menchise helped me through a very difficult time of financial downturn in Business. He is aware of the stress I was dealing with and was addressed that also as we worked through the legal system. Felt like I had made a friend for life and an outstanding outcome with the legal issues.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Jeff antous
Very detail oriented and helped me remember how much I don't know.
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08 Jul, 2024 by K m
My lawyer Alvin Foreman was Great in handling my case.!! He made sure I understood everything. I would definitely recommend this Law Office!
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08 Jul, 2024 by Rachelle dyson
Would 10/10 recommend Dina time and time again! She was great with our trademark needs and walked us through the entire process. Always quick to communicate with updates and kept us informed every step of the way. Thank you Dina!
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24 Jun, 2024 by Sven t
DINA is a fantastic Attorney. She setup all the paperwork for LLC and lease for my rental property. Very thorough. She was there to answer all my questions in a helpful and professional manner. I enjoyed the interaction while putting together this project. I shall consult Dina for all my future legal matters.
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24 Jun, 2024 by Jessica bartolini
Unfortunately, I had a bad experience. The initial consultation with Mrs. McDonald went well enough. But her assistant/husband was awful. His correspondence was slow and he was condescending. The final straw was when he told me to "get creative" when I asked for help figuring out a way to get tax transcripts from an ex. I found another lawyer which made me realize how bad this experience was. If you're on the fence wondering, I'd look elsewhere.
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19 Jun, 2024 by J willett
We are very please with the legal work Ms. Arvanitakis provided us with. We would recommend her for her competence as well as her thorough knowledge and ability to make us understand.
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30 Jun, 2023 by Anonymous
I retained Gary because of the outstanding reviews from His clients and all the 5 star reviews to boot. This Guy is amazing, In less than one month of me retaining Gary, He had the case dismissed and any negative credit reported removed as well. This was $16,000.00 Calvary claimed I owed... Thank you Gary!!!
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20 Jun, 2023 by Felix
GARY Carpenter attorney gi you great advice Always answers your call and very professional lawyer
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24 Apr, 2023 by Jeffrey
He did exactly what he said he would do....he stayed in touch with me until the end. I would sincerely recommend this attorney He builds a good relationship with you. Thank you
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23 Dec, 2020 by Anonymous
Mr. Weller would not do what I asked. I suggested to him to try to convert my chapter 13 to a chapter 7 because of my change in my financial situation. His reply was pretty much that can't happen. I elected to terminate Mr. Weller and go with another lawyer. My new lawyer converted my chapter 13 to a chapter 7 after reviewing my situation and we took care of it in a matter of a couple months. Case closed , I'm happy . Jay Weller needs to try to have a little more compassion for his work ethic and for his customers I won't talk about the price I paid along with his so called monthly monitor fees. Not any monitoring going on that I was aware of.
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30 Jan, 2018 by Anonymous
Jay is a great lawyer and helped turn my life around. I highly recommend him and his team.
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07 Jun, 2011 by Michelle
Jay Weller is VERY unprofessional and unreliable. He stood me up on 2 separate appointments and then when I asked for my deposit back due to the situation, his incompetent staff refused. They did nothing but waste 2 of my Saturday mornings and then kept my hard earned money. I chose another attorney that did an excellent job and was always at the appointments. Jay Weller is not someone that I would choose to represent me in any way shape or form. Don't even bother calling him and call someone that will actually show up to your scheduled appointments.
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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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.

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