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Christine Sarah Hansley, experienced Bankruptcy, Consumer Protection attorney in Rockledge, FL with 135 reviews
Average
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
44,70
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5.0/5
Avvo
5.0
22 Reviews
Google Maps
4.9
113 Reviews
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04 Feb, 2025 by Eve valens
Great firm completed my bankruptcy quick and accurately.
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18 Jan, 2025 by Kari jenkins
I was so pleased at how easy they were to work with! Very friendly and professional. They got it all done so quickly. What a blessing and a relief to be debt free.
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15 Jan, 2025 by Luke hillery
Thank you for helping us through this difficult time and fighting in our corner.
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Arna D Cortazzo, experienced Bankruptcy, Estate Planning attorney in Rockledge, FL with 4 reviews
Average
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
39,12
star star star star star
5.0/5
Avvo
5.0
4 Reviews
star star star star star
22 Mar, 2019 by Terry
Arna did an excellent job handled my bankruptcy. She was very knowledgeable and constantly keep me informed of status and answered all my questions. Highly recommend her.
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15 Feb, 2019 by Anonymous
We went through a bankruptcy with the help of Arna Cortazzo. She was very informative and helpful throughout the entire process! We were worried about filing for bankruptcy at first but she made the process very easy and stress free.
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14 Feb, 2019 by Anonymous
At a very difficult time, Arna took all of the weight off of our shoulders, She answered our calls and emails and all our questions. She was very kind and caring with us but, don't let that fool you, she is REALLY tough on the other side when she needs to be. She is smart and knows what she is doing. She took over the courtroom. We wouldn't want to be on the other side that's for sure. We were very impressed. She handled everything that we encountered. We highly recommend her !"
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Eric John Estaris Enrique, experienced Bankruptcy, Estate Planning attorney in Rockledge, FL with 2 reviews
Average
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
35,56
star star star star star
4.5/5
Avvo
4.5
2 Reviews
star star star star star
16 Oct, 2022 by Anonymous
Eric Enrique goes above and beyond any expectations i ever had for an attorney. He helped me and my late husband through some of the hardest times a family could ever face. He always made the time for us, and made us feel as if we were the most important part of his day. He helped us with grace and generosity, and at times humor and just concern for our situation, After my husband passed, Eric has continued to "look" after me with any concerns or questions that i have concerning anything i have needed. Not only is he a successful attorney, he is a truly genuine person.
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13 Apr, 2016 by Anonymous
The only reason I gave a 4 star review is that he ultimately got the job done! There was lack of communication, and I found that frustrating. My court date was pushed back the day before my 341 meeting, I don't believe this was due to any error of my attorney. After I expressed my concerns with his performance, he became quite aggressive and generally short and unfriendly! His assistant, Jennifer is worth her weight in gold! Excellent customer service and always polite and friendly. What it all boils down to: he was very affordable and ultimately got the job done. Other attorneys may have better customer service skills but charge much more! Good value! And would probably use him again!
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Eric Enrique, experienced Bankruptcy, Estate Planning attorney in Rockledge, FL with 0 reviews
Below Average
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4,00
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0.0/5
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Mark Stephen Peters, experienced Bankruptcy, Divorce attorney in Rockledge, FL with 0 reviews
Below Average
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
0,00
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0.0/5
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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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