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31 Dec, 2024 by Ali tamargo
I am so happy that I chose this law firm to help me during a very stressful situation. They treat their clients with respect, and make you feel like you are part of their family. All necessary papers were completed and reviewed with me. It was a very positive experience, and now I can recover and move forward. Thank you so much, Benenati Law Firm. I most definitely recommend this law firm.
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30 Dec, 2024 by Gomezedwin67
Great Law Firm. I received all professional support that I needed.
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21 Dec, 2024 by Maldonado f g
I didnt know where to go or who to trust but i hit jock pot with them, they were amazing everything with no issues and i got what i was looking for and more…. Will def recommended them to any body
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13 Jan, 2025 by Candace bunker
I was grateful to have Anderson & Ferrin represent me on my divorce case. Their firm communicated regularly with me throughout the process and answered any questions I had along the way. If Michael was in trial and unable to respond right away, Victoria was quick to respond to emails and explain things I didn’t understand. Michael strongly advocated for my best interests in the pleadings and when communicating with opposing counsel on my behalf. I appreciate the level of compassion and professionalism they showed. They’re a great team to have in your corner.
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12 Nov, 2024 by Colleen church
Attorney Wiseman is the best!
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09 Nov, 2024 by Jordan e
Simon is an exemplary lawyer that goes above and beyond for you. He helped me enter the pre-trial diversion program and get my case dismissed. Without him I don't know where I would be right now.
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06 Feb, 2025 by Maighenn west
Moe is a fantastic personal injury attorney and I would recommend him to anyone that was in a motorcycle accident!
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06 Feb, 2025 by Janelle
I cannot think of a harder working lawyer and team. They really stand in your corner and fight. I would highly recommend them!
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05 Feb, 2025 by Summer beauregard
Our attorney was amazing! She thought for us every step of the way. We cannot thank her and the team at Dewitt enough! You could not in better hands if you choose Dewitt.
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16 Feb, 2022 by Katrina williams
20 Feb, 2021 by Hugh bowen
Impressive and professionally done website. I know one of their partners so I really expected nothing less.
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15 Dec, 2017 by Jay
Mr. Petersen is extremely knowledgable in consumer debt collection and consumer collection cases. Hired this attorney for an aggressive debt collector that had incorrectly reported to credit report and was calling continually, violating several laws. He was able to quickly resolve the issue and represent me in the court case. He thoroughly understands and defends consumer rights against these companies that will try to bully you while they knowingly violate laws, and I had utmost confidence in his handling he case. He is on your side as a consumer, and fee structure was very fair. I have hired numerous attorneys over the years for different needs, and for consumer collection and litigation he is the best I've hired, can't recommend enough.
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16 Feb, 2022 by Katrina williams
20 Feb, 2021 by Hugh bowen
Impressive and professionally done website. I know one of their partners so I really expected nothing less.
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29 Sep, 2015 by Nieves
Before hiring Mr. Daniel A. Velasquez, I was working with a previous Chapter 11 attorney for a few years and the end result was going to be very negative. I decided to visit with Mr. Velasquez to review my case hoping for a second chance. Today, I can honestly say, I thank Mr. Velasquez for guiding me thru this difficult time and process. Because of his dedicated, expertise and knowledge in this field, I have been given a second chance to start on a clean slate. Any opportunity I get to refer Mr. Velasquez, I will .He is a very accountable, genuine, committed expert in this field. Lastly, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Velasquez and his wonderful team. “ Thank you”
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03 Jan, 2025 by Martin hernandez
I as involved in a car accident and they really helped me throughout the process !
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03 Jan, 2025 by Maira hernandez
I was involved in a hit and run and they found the person who caused the accident. They managed to get me compensated for my injuries.
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31 Dec, 2024 by Gabrielle la rosa
Excellent service!! I highly recommend Kamma; she's wonderful!
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07 Feb, 2025 by Lien nicholson
Thank you so much for everything you have done to help me in this process that I have been trying to overcome you have went above and beyond thank you so much Helen!
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06 Feb, 2025 by E f
My wife spoke with Jd. Strong today during a 30-minute consultation. He was excellent! He listened to her concerns and immediately provided her with resources to address them independently. Jd. Strong mentioned receiving 14 calls this week on the same issue from other folks. I highly recommend Jd. Strong; he is transparent, ethical, and knowledgeable. He also said, "If you encounter any issues after discussing them, call me back, and we will address them."
Thank you, Sir. We addressed the issue, and it appears we will. have a resolution next week.
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06 Feb, 2025 by Chivas owle
Got the result I was hoping for and the team was very professional when handling my case. Very happy with the response time and level of service. Would use again and recommend to other people.
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07 Feb, 2025 by Lien nicholson
Thank you so much for everything you have done to help me in this process that I have been trying to overcome you have went above and beyond thank you so much Helen!
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06 Feb, 2025 by E f
My wife spoke with Jd. Strong today during a 30-minute consultation. He was excellent! He listened to her concerns and immediately provided her with resources to address them independently. Jd. Strong mentioned receiving 14 calls this week on the same issue from other folks. I highly recommend Jd. Strong; he is transparent, ethical, and knowledgeable. He also said, "If you encounter any issues after discussing them, call me back, and we will address them."
Thank you, Sir. We addressed the issue, and it appears we will. have a resolution next week.
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06 Feb, 2025 by Chivas owle
Got the result I was hoping for and the team was very professional when handling my case. Very happy with the response time and level of service. Would use again and recommend to other people.
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27 Sep, 2017 by Terri
My Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Case was more difficult than most, Bill Porter did a great job for me. I am very pleased with the results of my case.
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26 Sep, 2017 by Jay
I used Mr. Porter for an international bankruptcy case our firm was caught up in due to another company filing Ch.11. He was very thorough and efficient and quickly settled the Trustee Wind Down Case filed against our corporation in a way that was very favorable to our firm . I would highly recommend him to anyone that has any complicated corporate bankruptcy cases pending.
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26 Sep, 2017 by Kelly h
BILL helped me with a unique foreclosure matter and listened every step of the way. He was in court for me when I couldn't be and represented me and my interests.
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22 Feb, 2025 by Leah isom
06 Feb, 2025 by Mark zibrin
08 Jan, 2025 by Carol munoz
11 Nov, 2024 by Tami
Anne-Marie has truly been a God send, and I am so thankful for her! She is a well seasoned attorney who truly cares about her clients! She treated me like family from day one, she patiently answered all of my questions giving me more than my money’s worth of time, and she made sure that I felt comfortable throughout the entire bankruptcy process by informing me with exactly what to expect. Her communication was kind and consistent, and she supportively walked beside me step by step. I now feel as though a huge weight has been lifted, and that I finally have a fresh new start!! If you are facing the daunting task of having to file for bankruptcy, and you just don’t know where to start, I highly encourage you to take the first step and call Anne -Marie! You’ll be so glad you did!
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26 Jun, 2024 by Anonymous
Faced with the very difficult choice to choose bankruptcy for my parents was a challenge. Hiring Ann-Marie to oversee the process was the best decision made. She not only provided an excellent legal road map but also showed compassion and care for my aging parents. Great attorney and outstanding person!
Thank you
Todd Haag
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26 Mar, 2024 by Omar burgos
Hi, this layer i hired for a very delicate situation was super profesional in all areas, super updated on laws and made my process go smooth, will highly recomed this layer to anybody with a financial situación .specially bankruptcy cases Shes TOP NOTCH LAYER.
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25 Jun, 2024 by Richard
I recently sought some legal advice from Attorney Badgley regarding a potential cause of action. He was very kind, patient, and knowledgable, as well as being extremely generous with his time. If indeed I elect to move forward with this action, I wouldn't even consider utilizing any other law firm. HIGHLY recomended!
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30 May, 2024 by Javier & sharon
Thanks for all of your assistance. The Badgley Law firm, is excellent. We were treated like family as we filed for chapter 7. Follow up on everything was extremely timely. I would highly recommend them to anyone.
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31 Jan, 2024 by Tamila
Jeff and his staff helped me with my chapter 7 bankruptcy case. I initially attempted to do the process on my own and failed at it. After looking into getting legal counsel I came across the Badgley Law Firm. The reviews were great and very informative. Upon my first consultation via phone I was offered an in person interview with Jeff which was a nice change because other firms wanted to do virtual meetings. I met with Jeff and he explained how things worked and reviewed my case. He was upfront with the process and cost and then said he would be able to assist me with my case. The first 341 creditors meeting had to be rescheduled and the second one was successful. I was able to be in the office for the meeting with Jeff right there in case I didn’t understand what the trustee was asking me. That helped me so much because I tend to get confused when doing the virtual meetings. Gisel was great as she kept me informed about my case and gathered all the paperwork needed to proceed with my case. I’m forever grateful for Jeff Badgley and his team for assisting me. A huge stress relief for me and my family.
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10 Mar, 2023 by Roberto davis
25 Oct, 2022 by Mariela i. rivera
09 Sep, 2021 by Nu sound recone
Excellent advice, very helpful.
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25 Feb, 2025 by Joseph ramsey
I couldn't be more satisfied with the the service I received. Everything that was promised was delivered, and more. My case was dismissed, I saved money, and I didn't have to waste my time with a traffic class. Jeff Lotter and Marissa were attentive and helpful. I hope I won't need to seek this kind of help again, but if I do, I know who to call.
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13 Feb, 2025 by Chris margrave
Awesome experience being represented by the Law Office of Jeff Lotter. Talked to them twice and explained the situation and they handled everything else. Had the whole case dismissed: no fines, no points, no school, nothing!
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06 Feb, 2025 by Blake mccracken
Great firm. Jeff and his staff were very responsive and handled my case with ease.
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03 Apr, 2024 by Atty joe freire
Having been a lawyer myself for many years here in Orlando, I have had the privilege of knowing Attorney Alex Lopez for a good number of those years. I have recognized the care and concern that he has for his clients, so, when it came about that I and my family needed an attorney for a probate matter there was no question in my mind who I would trust to help us. Alex worked diligently and professionally for us and we couldn't be happier. He moved the case forward through the Courts, keeping us apprised every step of the way and brought the matter to an excellent conclusion without delay. I will continue to recommend my family, friends and clients to Attorney Alex Lopez without any hesitation knowing they will be well taken care of.
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24 Mar, 2023 by Duanys
Excellent Lawyer!
I had the pleasure of working with Alejandro and I couldn't be more satisfied with the results. From the very beginning, I felt in the hands of a highly skilled professional who was committed to my case. His attention and guidance were invaluable, and he always made sure that I was informed and comfortable with every step of the process.
In addition to his technical ability, Alejandro showed a great commitment to my personal situation and took the time to understand my needs and expectations. He really went the extra mile to help me achieve the results I was looking for, and I am very grateful for that.
I have no doubt in recommending Alejandro to anyone in need of legal services. He is a true professional with a customer-focused approach that makes the whole process as easy as possible. Thanks to him, I was able to successfully resolve my case, and I will always keep him in mind for future legal needs.
Thank you, Alejandro, for your excellent work!
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21 Sep, 2022 by Denise
Mr.Lopez is a very intelligent and kind person. His knowledge and expertise are highly effective. I recommend his firm.
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30 Mar, 2023 by Pgb
Recently, I called Patricia Carbone, Esq. to request an appointment hoping to discuss my IRS dilemma. To my surprise, I was able to speak to Attorney Carbone directly at that moment and we immediately entered into an initial question and answer dialogue. After a 30 minute conversation, Attorney Carbone explained to me, with great clarity, my position and the options that were available to me in order to resolve my case with the IRS. She explained how she could help me through the collection process including but not limited to the review and filing of documentation with the IRS, application preparation and submission, communications, and negotiations. She further described the efforts and action she would take on my behalf to minimize and where possible, limit my financial exposure to them. After about 30 minutes on the phone call, we ended the conversation and I hung feeling I had found just the right professional to represent and protect my financial and legal interests. To make a long story short, my IRS problem has been resolved.
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15 Mar, 2023 by Anonymous
Thank you so much Patricia for all you did to help me. Always professional and you knew all my rights. I will definitely recommend her services and would use her again to represent me.
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07 Feb, 2023 by Mitchell
I highly recommend Patricia for her services as a tax attorney. My introduction to Patricia came at a very difficult time in my life after the sudden loss of my wife. Patricia helped me quickly and efficient navigate some serious IRS tax issues. She was able to provide clear communication about the full scope of the IRS issue, and help me understand the options available to me. She offered solutions which were able to relieve my tax issues quickly and completely.
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06 Apr, 2023 by Nb
Disregard the disgruntled, Recalled board member in the review above. She was recalled due to her activities in our community.
Chris is a very thorough and reactive attorney. He is always available and responsive. He advises with his vast knowledge and has been an asset to our community. Do not hesitate to choose him for your legal needs.
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13 Oct, 2014 by Jon
I was in the midst of some very difficult civil matters and exploring possible actions, responses and matters of law. Chris was very knowledgeable, detailed and considered all possible legal actions. I would not hesitate to refer anyone with real estate, bankruptcy or other legal matters to Attorney Wright.
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20 Feb, 2016 by Darrin mccoy
I was introduced to the Washington law firm in the fall of 2014. A family member needed help with their mortgage after the loss of a spouse. After the initial free consultation we decided to hire the law firm. Washington law firm did a great job of converting the chapter 13 to a Chapter 7 and things are going very well.
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07 Dec, 2018 by Sandra
I love her stove and drive that she have for her clients. She is honest and never go back on her word. She goes that extra mild without nickel and dime You she return calls and fights until the end I had a chance to trade her off but I wouldn’t do that for anything in the word I highly recommend her and her firm.
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24 Jan, 2015 by Kevin
This Lawyer is the definition of honest!! He truly works hard on your case, he is compassionate & he cares!! This lawyer is unique & he definitely gets positive results!! Thank you Mr.Gitto
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08 Mar, 2018 by Anonymous
Amanda Simpson was my attorney on several occasions. The legal services I received from Amanda was exceptional, she addresses every concern in a professional and knowledgeable manner. When I first met Amanda she was very concerned to understand my objectives and was my advocate on that basis. She is always prompt to return my phone calls, emails and is always accessible. Given the number of attorneys, I have dealt with over the years in my business she is by far the best of the best with qualities such as her ability to communicate to me in a way that I can understand the law, give me meaningful feedback and is extremely detail-oriented. I am continually amazed at her combination of high intelligence and analytical skills with the various legal challenges she handled for me. I was very, very happy with her services.
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16 Feb, 2022 by Katrina williams
20 Feb, 2021 by Hugh bowen
Impressive and professionally done website. I know one of their partners so I really expected nothing less.
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16 Feb, 2022 by Katrina williams
20 Feb, 2021 by Hugh bowen
Impressive and professionally done website. I know one of their partners so I really expected nothing less.
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16 Feb, 2022 by Katrina williams
20 Feb, 2021 by Hugh bowen
Impressive and professionally done website. I know one of their partners so I really expected nothing less.
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28 Feb, 2025 by Razor the rhodesian ridgeback
I signed up for legalshield. I was referred to Michelle Watson who took care of my problem and showed true concern for my situation. I don't often have a need for a lawyer but in this case signing up for LegalShield was the best thing I ever did. Dsk law and Michelle Watson are awesome. Thank you so much for your help and referring me to another attorney in Utah to handle my inquiry. You guys are the best and LegalShield is well worth the monthly fee. Thank you thank you thank you so much
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28 Feb, 2025 by Nick bartolo
Colin was such a breath of fresh air that I had to share it with the community. She understands that people don't call their attorney just to tell them how great their day is going. She has a very soothing voice and infinite patience that are backed up by top notch intelligence. In other words, if she answers the phone when you call, you hit the jackpot! Thank you again Colin! Hopefully they will teach others to be like you or put you in a position to train others to be like you because you definitely raise the bar at the intake level.
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16 Feb, 2022 by Katrina williams
20 Feb, 2021 by Hugh bowen
Impressive and professionally done website. I know one of their partners so I really expected nothing less.
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23 Jan, 2025 by Antonio roa
Campos Immigration Law is a serious and reliable firm, whose paralegal assistants and Dr. Campos were very close to us, during the whole time that took our naturalization processes. We are very satisfied with the job they did. Dr. Campos himself was with us at the USIS interview and it gave us confidence and support. We recommend this firm for anything related to immigration in the USA
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20 Jan, 2025 by Lluussiia lu
Highly recommend law firm. I had my Green Card application approved fast and without any problems.
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16 Jan, 2025 by Akram abbad
I highly recommend Abdin to anyone in need of legal help! When I felt like I had no hope left, Abdin stepped in and completely turned things around for me. He listened carefully to every detail of my case, no matter how small, and made me feel heard and understood. The advice he gave was exactly what I needed to get back on the right path. His professionalism, dedication, and compassion are unmatched. If you’re looking for someone who truly cares about your case and will fight for the best outcome, Abdin is the lawyer you need. Thank you for everything!
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19 Jul, 2021 by Kirill
Prior to filing for Chapter 7 I spoke with several attorneys about my case. Juan stood out immediately as the most responsive to my concerns, well organized in operations, and able to describe a clear path to results. There is a lot of paperwork involved in the process so Juan was able to adapt to the details of my case and help ensure that the preparation was productive, quick, and that the results were high quality. Before the meeting with the creditors he prepared me and ensured that I can be successful during the event. We recently brought my Chapter 7 to the desired outcome. I would happily recommend Juan to anyone interested in filing for bankruptcy.
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27 Sep, 2018 by Jackeline rodriguez
THE LAWYER JUAN BURGOS IS VERY PROFECIONAL AND GIVES IN EXELENTE SERVICE. It keeps you informed at all times of the bankruptcy status. I recommend him very good lawyer and very professional. Satisfaction guaranteed
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08 Jun, 2015 by Anonymous
Filed Bk at a complex level. This attorney was able to maintained my asset at an affordable rate. If I ever need him again, I will definitely hire him. Thanks!
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14 Nov, 2024 by Sdewitt89
I’m writing this as a warning for special needs parents who are looking for legal help. We contacted Shay almost two years ago, needing help with a special needs trust and a birth certificate issue. She said she could handle both for us and we paid 3k up front. During the next 18 months, we had to consistently call her office for updates regarding the trust. It took over a year for her to finish writing it, and then when we finally received it, we found she had written the wrong name down for guardianship. A big error!
As for the birth certificate issue, it never got fixed. We would call her office every few weeks for an update. But finally, we just stopped calling and we haven’t heard from her in over 6 months. This entire experience was horrible for us! I’m shocked that her rating is as high as it is on here… We paid her 3k and baaarely got half of what was promised.
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12 Nov, 2024 by Marlene mccray
Having never been involved in a legal action, we were hesitant to seek assistance when our insurance company flatly denied our claim, after our roof was damaged in a hail storm. Marc Jandy and Para Professional Tracy were professional, courteous, patient and effective. The process was thoroughly explained, and all of our questions and concerns were answered. We had easy access to Mr. Jandy, and he was quickly responsive when we had questions. The process went smoothly, and the outcome was achieved in a shorter time than expected, and beyond what we had hoped it could be. We strongly recommend The Insurance Dispute Law Group if you are facing a similar situation.
Terry M.
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09 Sep, 2024 by Brian donahue
10 Jan, 2025 by Jack sayed
Longwell Lawyers are by far the most professional law firm I have ever worked with. They deeply care about their clients, work tirelessly to collect facts, and more importantly they care about your hard-earned money. I highly recommend Longwell Lawyers to anyone seeking justice and peace of mind.
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11 Nov, 2024 by Kelli suchorski
31 Oct, 2024 by T kolovos
I recently had the pleasure of working with Mr. Smallwood and his team during my divorce process, and I cannot recommend them highly enough. From the very first consultation, Mr. Smallwood demonstrated a deep understanding of family law and made me feel supported throughout the entire journey.
Not only was Mr. Smallwood and the team knowledgeable but also compassionate and approachable, which made a difficult time much easier to navigate. They took the time to listen to my concerns, answered all my questions patiently, and provided clear guidance on what to expect, Mr. Smallwood always kept my best interests at heart.
The communication was excellent—every step of the way, I was kept informed and updated. I truly appreciated Mr. Smallwood and the rest of his team's dedication and hard work, which led to a favorable outcome in my case. If you’re looking for a trustworthy and skilled family law attorney, I highly recommend Mr. Smallwood!
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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:
-
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.
