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17 Apr, 2013 by Donna
Ian handled my Chapter 11 case and is very knowledge about the bankrtupcy laws surrounding a complex case. He was a pleasure to deal with during a very stressful time in my financial life. I would suggest anyone in need of an attorney specializing in difficult bankruptcy cases to call Ian. Also, he is an excellent attorney to have represent your small business. His rates were very fair and I way always able to get a hold of him when I had questions.
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10 Oct, 2012 by Jim hobson
Ian Falcone was hired to handle a problem with a competitor who had taken and was using our intellectual property, and was in clear violation of the Digital Millenium Copyrights Act. Their actions were also causing problems with search engine rankings. When verbal requests and a demand letter were ignored the matter escalated. With well placed requests and utilization of DMCA laws the company's website was totally removed from Google search results.
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02 Nov, 2011 by Jim h
Ian is an exceptionally gifted attorney. I hired Ian to handle a serious business matter and, based on the perfect results, have never since considered using any other attorney for my business. Because of Ian's expert knowledge of business law, and his persuasive skills, the opposition crumbled without us having to take the case to trial (which saved me a LOT of money!). I have referred friends to Ian Falcone who have likewise developed an appreciation for his honesty, friendly nature and expert ability to affect the desired outcome. I highly recommend Ian Falcone for any matter within his chosen areas of practice. He is absolutely, a great attorney!
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13 Nov, 2013 by Anonymous
The thought of having to file bankruptcy made me sick. My husband and I went into her office feeling horrible! First her secretary was the nicest person to us and our daughter! Then we sat down with Ronna. She made us feel so comfortable and let us know everything would be ok. Her knowledge is unbelievable!! We just closed on our bankruptcy, and it feels great! All thanks to Ronna!! I recommend her to anyone who is considering filling for bankruptcy! She is AMAZING!! Thanks Ronna for EVERYTHING!!!!!
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23 May, 2012 by Liza
Having to file bankruptcy is not a decision one makes lightly. I did a lot of research prior to selecting a lawyer to represent our case. I also interviewed a handful of lawyers as well. I came to the conclusion that there are generally two "flavors" of bankruptcy lawyers out there. You have the bankruptcy mill firms who churn out bankruptcies left and right. I feel with these firms you tend to be another number and there appears to be no sense of personalization. I also spoke with some lawyers who do a little of everything. I liked that the lawyers I spoke with had a smaller office with a personal feel. However, I was not confident based on my questions that they handled bankruptcy cases enough to give me the best chances of a favorable outcome. Mrs. Woodruff has the best traits from both sides. She has the experience that comes from dedicating her practice to bankruptcy law plus the personal involvement from handling all aspects of her cases from start to finish. We ultimately chose to have Mrs. Woodruff represent us and we are very pleased with her service. She never made us any promises, there is just too much subjectivity with the trustees and judges. She was extremely thorough in preparing our case. She went through everything with a fine toothed comb and had us supply additional information that further supported our case. She was very knowledgeable of the judges and trustees in the district. She clearly laid out our options, gave us the pros and cons of each and let us know what could be around each corner. She is a no nonsense lawyer who is extremely thorough. My husband and I highly recommend her!
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26 Apr, 2012 by Kellie
When we came to you, we didn't know where to turn and were at wits end. Our bills were piling up; the credit card interest rates were astronomical; we had lien's on our house; my husband's wages were being garnished; and we were starting to be sued by every credit card company. We tried Debt Consolidation for almost a year but the monthly payments were way to high. Then we tried Debt Settlement which ended up being a scam, the company takes all of your money up front and never pays down your credit, we ended up with more lawsuits, and the company ended up being sued for fraudulent activities. I was in tears when I sat down with you to explain our situation, and you quickly made my husband and I feel at ease. You thoroughly explained how everything works, what we needed to do, and made us feel special, telling us that we were not alone with our situation. The process you took us through was very smooth, you walked us through the legal jargon that most people don't understand, and you explained everything in layman's terms. You made the whole process from beginning to end a less painful experience! Thank you SO much for everything you did for us, we really appreciate it, and thank you for helping us start a new chapter in our lives free of debt. Kellie and Rich
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02 Dec, 2008 by Anonymous
Keith has served as my legal counsel for business and personal matters for nearly 20 years. He is accurate, proficient, dedicated, easy to communicate with, intelligent, and amazingly thorough. I have also referred several personal and business associates to Keith and they feel the same way. Keith is honest and a pleasure to work with. His fees are very reasonable also. I am proud to recommend Keith to anyone seeking legal help. If you would like a more detailed recommendation write me at [email omitted]and we will arrange a phone conversation or meeting. Sincerely
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02 Dec, 2008 by Anonymous
Keith Logue is an excellent lawyer that handled every issue I needed to be taken care of, with my particular legal situation. I would highly recommend him to anyone!
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02 Oct, 2017 by Tangela
When i first spoke with attorney Novajosky she was very concerned about my situation. She heard the concern in my voice and she made my appointment her on a Saturday so that we could get things moving on my case. She stayed in contact with me though out the whole process and she came to court with me and made sure I was well represented. I thank you for all that you did for me and my family!!! God Bless
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19 Jan, 2016 by Shelley
Steve is excellent at everything he does and made our closing a breeze. S E in Marietta
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15 Jul, 2024 by John chandler
Hello, I am extremely pleased with the legal services of Mr. Terry McGinn! I have worked with many attorneys before and Terry is definitely at the head of my list. He is extremely knowledgeable, communicative, has a pleasant, optimistic attitude, and gets the job done in an expedient manner at a reasonable rate. I highly recommend Mr. McGinn for your legal needs! Sincerely yours, John Chandler
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15 Jul, 2024 by Joel kristina
Terrence is very knowledgeable and professional. I highly recommend his legal services
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15 Jul, 2024 by T g
I had the most personable professional experience from Atty. Terence McGinn. He personally called me and was invested in my inquiry. Top notch Attorney firm, I highly recommend his services-TGore
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03 Mar, 2023 by Ash husak
Just I want to know.more about the practice, seems like a good and powerful , professional attorney
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03 Feb, 2023 by Ralph clark
At the age of Nineteen, I made some incredibly bad decisions and was facing possible prison time. Thank GOD, I was blessed with a second chance. Mr. Woodman is the best defense attorney around.
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29 Jan, 2020 by Jason butler
I have been blessed to have Mr. Woodman as my Attorney, so I speak from a experience that one could not find a better, more capable, kind Attorney to handle significant matters on your behalf. I am grateful that he took the time to assist me in life...and yes he cares a great deal! He comes up with brilliant ideas to handle the situation.
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01 Jul, 2024 by David zoom
I’m so happy that I came across Megan… she was the only person who took My case on and got it done… Tnx Megan for all your help…
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01 May, 2024 by James johnson
Megan was my defense attorney and she was amazing got my felonies reduced to misdemeanors. She was very transparent about everything that was happening and kept me informed about what was taking place in real time.
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30 Apr, 2024 by S stewart
If you need help, she is your go to! You will not regret it! I’m very thankful for her! Great service!
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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.