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03 Jul, 2024 by Stevie42011
I got through Chapter 7 bankruptcy successfully with the legal help from Attorney Cliff Bordeaux. In 4/2011, I received an official letter from United States Bankruptcy Court Central District of California to discharge all my declared debts. It was one of the happiest days of my life!
Attorney Bordeaux is professional, experienced, knowledgeable, detailed and thorough in handling my case. Throughout the entire bankruptcy process, whenever I had concerns, Attorney Bordeaux was there for me. He talked to me face to face in his office many times in the evenings and on Saturdays. Whenever I called or emailed Attorney Bordeaux with questions, he got back to me promptly. Before the hearing with the US Trustee, Attorney Bordeaux spent much time to thoroughly review all of the supporting documents. He offered solid advice to prepare me for the hearing with the US Trustee. On the hearing day, Attorney Bordeaux was in the room with me. He answered questions from the US Trustee when my mind drew blank. After the hearing, Attorney Bordeaux updated me on progress leading to a final decision from the US Trustee.
Attorney Bordeaux is by far the best. Thank you so much, Attorney Bordeaux, for walking by my side every step of the way throughout this bankruptcy process. I would not have done it without your help. I highly recommend Attorney Bordeaux to anyone who needs legal help to get through bankruptcy.
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10 May, 2022 by Anonymous
Look no further, Clifford Bordeaux is the best, the real deal. He charges $350 delivers $1,000's work. I was beyond lucky to have met him. This is an extremely knowledgeable attorney, excellent work ethics and a wonderful human being. He is so considerate, careful, keen to my specific situation, and with some quick wit. Clifford Bordeaux successfully protected my interest as a creditor and got the debtor' case dismissed. Not only that, he went the extra mile on the research work and strengthened my position permanently. Because of Mr. Bordeaux, I can finally take a breath. He is so good on all aspects beyond word. When the debtor's bankruptcy case ended, I hired him on the collection work. I just want to hire him on all the legal matters I encounter. One of the reviewers said he would bet his life on Clifford. That's exactly how I feel. We love him just like that. I had met and tried numerous lawyers before Clifford. They would add salt to your wound, ruin your life and make it worse. If you are reading this, stop looking, call his number, you would thank me for it.
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14 Dec, 2020 by Robert
I want to thank Clifford for the great job he did on my case. He is very knowledgeable and professional at all times. Furthermore, he was patient in responding to any questions I had which made me feel at ease throughout my case. I will be referring him to friends and family. Thank you Clifford!
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20 May, 2022 by Ashley baker
I would highly recommend the McDonald Law Firm. My father was hesitant to hire an attorney. He had A LOT of questions about the process, and they were very patient and responsive.
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01 May, 2024 by Kamili samms
My experience with Ms. Graves and her team was exemplary. They were always available to explain the process and keep me notified of the next steps. I was very pleased with the results of the services provided and felt confident in her ability to effectively negotiate my terms. I would highly recommend The Graves Law Firm for any family law needs.
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31 Jan, 2024 by Brandon backhaus
Facing divorce? Don't know what to do? Terrified of the process? Do yourself a favor and contact The Graves Law Firm in Pasadena. Ms. Graves was there for me each step of my divorce. She was always professional, courteous, and understanding that what I was going through was extremely difficult. There was no judgement. Just solutions. I felt that Ms. Graves and associates were experts in family law. And while we avoided court, I felt Ms. Graves and her team were ready to fight for me. In particular, Ms. Chuvac and Ms. Seminaris became trusted allies. I would recommend and have recommended The Graves Law Firm if you unfortunately find yourself needed someone in your corner in family court.
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09 Jan, 2024 by Sherman peters
The Family Law Practice, the Graves Law firm. Excellent.
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01 May, 2024 by Kamili samms
My experience with Ms. Graves and her team was exemplary. They were always available to explain the process and keep me notified of the next steps. I was very pleased with the results of the services provided and felt confident in her ability to effectively negotiate my terms. I would highly recommend The Graves Law Firm for any family law needs.
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31 Jan, 2024 by Brandon backhaus
Facing divorce? Don't know what to do? Terrified of the process? Do yourself a favor and contact The Graves Law Firm in Pasadena. Ms. Graves was there for me each step of my divorce. She was always professional, courteous, and understanding that what I was going through was extremely difficult. There was no judgement. Just solutions. I felt that Ms. Graves and associates were experts in family law. And while we avoided court, I felt Ms. Graves and her team were ready to fight for me. In particular, Ms. Chuvac and Ms. Seminaris became trusted allies. I would recommend and have recommended The Graves Law Firm if you unfortunately find yourself needed someone in your corner in family court.
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09 Jan, 2024 by Sherman peters
The Family Law Practice, the Graves Law firm. Excellent.
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03 May, 2016 by Anonymous
Mr. Leach DESERVES "NO STARS" in handling my divorce. I was the Petitioner and the divorce was uncontested with no children. My husband asked if we could both use Mr. Leach, thus supposedly saving us both money. Upon which, Mr. Leach advised that would be fine, but stated that he would only be "representing" and "counseling" me. (In the end it resulted in more $ out of my pocket). ANYWAY, once those terms were agreed upon, Mr. Leach NEVER GAVE ME ANY SEPARATE COUNSEL WHATSOEVER!!! As a matter of fact, the only time I even SAW or SPOKE WITH him after THAT was when he would have both my husband and I meet together in his office,ALWAYS WITH BOTH PARTIES PRESENT. The result was that, in a nutshell, Mr. Leach would sit there eating up my $5K retainer, at $350/hr, as my ex and I argued about the issues at hand (since there were no children involved, the issues were mainly real and personal property settlements and spousal support). The meetings generally lasted 2+ hours, or until I would become INFURIATED and walk out!!!!! While my ex and I would argue about the disposition of real and personal property. My ex wanted to keep our family home and SUV, paying me out of each and maintaining possession of both. I didn't have a problem with either, thus of course neither did Mr. Leach. When I advised that I wanted to keep some of the furnishings and buy my husband out, my husband had issue saying it wasn't fair because I'd continue to gain benefit after buying him out and insisted that the furnishings be SOLD and proceeds divided. I advised that there was no difference in him buying me out of our home and SUV and keeping both as his sole and separate property, and me buying him out of select furnishings and keeping such as my sole and separate property. I looked to Mr. Leach to stress THAT POINT to my ex, but Mr. Leach just looked dumb-founded and stated "hmmmm, I'll have to think about that". I COULD NOT BELIEVE MY EARS!!!!!!!! IT WAS THEN THAT I REALIZED THAT NOT ONLY WAS MR. LEACH NOT PROVIDING ANY COUNSEL/REPRESENTATION FOR ME!!! IT ALSO MADE ME QUESTION IF HE HAD HANDLED ANY OTHER DIVORCES, AS I'M SURE THESE ISSUES WOULD HAVE DEFINITELY HAD TO COME UP IN OTHER DIVORCE CASES!!!!! After THAT, I became very disgruntled, and started to interview other counsel. It was then that I discovered Mr. Leach had prepared, filed and obtained a court date to address the issue of spousal support, but had never apprised me of my mandatory appearance in court, and neither did Mr. Leach appear, resulting in the judge throwing out the case. (I was not working and had $0 INCOME).
The matter was taken off of calendar and NEVER RE-ADDRESSED. Thus, I was forced to continue struggling with absolutely NO INCOME!!!
As I was vacillating as to whether or not to continue with Mr. Leach, or consider exercising other options, I asked him to provide me with up-to-date accounting (NOTE: I HAD NEVER RECEIVED ONE STATEMENT PRIOR TO THIS, ALTHOUGH BY THIS TIME I HAD BEEN UNDER HIS 'REPRESENTATION' FOR OVER 3 MONTHS). His statement not only showed a depletion of the retainer, but actually left me with a balance owing. Also, along with the accounting statement, there was a letter from Mr. Leach stating that he could no longer represent me, etc... In essence, as I was trying to determine whether or not I would continue to
employ Mr. Leach -- HE FIRED ME!!! Not only that, but my subsequent counsel, AND the subsequent counsel my ex-husband retained, both stated Mr. Leach's uncooperative nature and even hinted at deliberate malice, thus hindering both myself and my ex to proceed in the most timely manner. ALL I CAN SAY, IS, I'M NOT SURE ABOUT HIS EXPERTISE IN OTHER LEGAL ISSUES, BUT WHEN IT CAME TO THE DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE, IN MY PARTICULAR CASE, HE WAS MORE OF A HINDRANCE THAN A HELPER/COUNSELOR. BASED ON MY EXPERIENCE, I WOULD NEVVVVVVER RETAIN MR LEACH FOR ANYTHING, AND WOULD DEFINITELY NOT ADVISE ANYONE ELSE TO, ESPECIALLY IN THE AREA OF DIVORCE!!!!!
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26 Apr, 2013 by Josh
adam has helped me through my child custody case. he has shown professionalism and knowledge through my case. Im not done with my case but i do have a peace of mind and feel extremely relaxed.
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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.
