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18 Apr, 2023 by Omyra grau
she is the true definition of legal representation! i trust her with my life in the courtroom
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13 Nov, 2021 by Kevin cieslak
Great person and best lawyer in the state, hands down. Highly recommend if you want a winner.
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10 Aug, 2020 by Luis sampedro
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12 Apr, 2021 by Melvin williams
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03 Sep, 2024 by A sure
Rachel Kugel and Her Team Cleared My Name As a healthcare professional, I’m usually very private about my personal matters, especially online. But I felt compelled to share my story about how Rachel Kugel and her amazing team saved my career. Due to some policy issues, I’m writing this under an anonymous profile, but what I went through was very real. I was falsely accused and arrested for a DUI, along with a refusal to take a breathalyzer test. It was one of the most terrifying experiences of my life. I knew these charges could destroy everything I’d worked so hard for in my career. I was desperate and didn’t know where to turn. That’s when I found Rachel Kugel. From the very first conversation, I felt a glimmer of hope. Rachel didn’t just see me as another case—she believed in my innocence and was determined to fight for me. She walked me through every step of the process with confidence and care, never once making me feel like I was in this alone. Rachel and her team worked tirelessly to uncover the truth and challenge the charges against me. Against all odds, they were able to get both the DUI and the refusal charges dismissed. The outcome was something I didn’t even think was possible. It felt like a miracle. I’m still in shock at what Rachel was able to achieve. Because of her, I was able to clear my name and continue with my life and career. I can’t express enough how grateful I am for her expertise and dedication. If you ever find yourself in a tough situation, Rachel Kugel is the person you want in your corner. She truly saved me.
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14 Aug, 2024 by John maurice
I cannot recommend The Kugal Firm highly enough! From my very first consultation, Rachel and her team exhibited the utmost professionalism and expertise in handling my case. Rachel’s deep knowledge of the law and her strategic approach made all the difference. Thanks to her diligent work, my DUI was dismissed, which has truly changed my life for the better. Throughout the entire process, Rachel was always available to answer my questions and provide guidance, making me feel supported and confident in her abilities. If you are in need of a dedicated attorney who will fight for you, look no further than The Kugal Firm. Rachel’s commitment to her clients is unparalleled, and I am incredibly grateful for her and her team's efforts. Don’t hesitate to reach out to them—you won’t regret it!
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02 Jul, 2024 by Nazirah smith
CON ARTIST My father paid this lawyer $50k for my brother. He went to trial and was found guilty on some accounts and not guilty on others but he said he would do his appeal for free. The appeal was filled and he missed the court date so they threw my brother appeal out! No update on anything from this con artist but broken promises as if he didn’t get paid. Why offer to do something and you’re not going to do it . Seems to me he stalling for time. Anyways don’t trust this man. I pray he still not in practice.
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20 Jul, 2024 by Joaquín
Lo peor que puedo pasar en mi accidente de trabajo fue Llamar a estos inutiles, son lo peor ,ojala algun dia alguien los demande a esta firma de ladrones y opportunists que solo se aprovechan de la necesidad de los que tienen accidentes laborales. Asco de personas me producen nauseas.
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31 May, 2024 by Un chapín en nueva york mynor osorio
Excelente servicio, el te puede ayudar con tus problemas de lesiones en el trabajo
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29 May, 2024 by Courtney d'agostino
Incredibly terrible law office. Lack of communication is their biggest issue. My attorney changed 4 times and I was only notified once of the change. During my case I moved out of state and the office made a doctor’s appointment for me. In order to make that appointment I had to take off work and my husband had to take off a week of work (no pay) because we have animals and there was no one to watch them so we had to drive to NJ. When I get there, the doctor’s appointment is cancelled and no one notified me. We kindly asked for some kind of compensation because we just took a week off work with no pay for literally no reason, we were told “that’s not going to happen.” When I was supposed to originally receive my settlement check, it was expired bc the amount had changed from the beginning of the case. The paralegal who was working on that left the office and no one decided to continue her work. I called three different times and I was told every time that I would get the check by the end of next week (3 different weeks). Finally, (three months later) I spoke to someone in accounting and was told that my check isn’t ready yet, but it should be within 1-2 days. 30 minutes later, my attorney calls me and tells me that my check is currently on its way to me. I said how? The accounting dept just told me it’s not ready. He then said, well if that’s what they told you, go with that. Just the lack of communication and lack of truth are truly dumbfounding. I have never left a bad review in my life, but this whole time has been SO incredibly infuriating and frustrating and I am severely disappointed in the professionalism at this law office.
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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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