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29 Jul, 2024 by Jocelyn odijk
Shana Black is a tremendously talented litagator and wonderful human - if you need representation you should immediately reach out to her!
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07 May, 2024 by Sebastian varela
I definitely recommend Steven and Morgan to anyone searching for expert divorce attorneys.
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29 Apr, 2024 by Yuliana encinas
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29 Jul, 2024 by Jocelyn odijk
Shana Black is a tremendously talented litagator and wonderful human - if you need representation you should immediately reach out to her!
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07 May, 2024 by Sebastian varela
I definitely recommend Steven and Morgan to anyone searching for expert divorce attorneys.
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29 Apr, 2024 by Yuliana encinas
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29 Jul, 2024 by Jocelyn odijk
Shana Black is a tremendously talented litagator and wonderful human - if you need representation you should immediately reach out to her!
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07 May, 2024 by Sebastian varela
I definitely recommend Steven and Morgan to anyone searching for expert divorce attorneys.
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29 Apr, 2024 by Yuliana encinas
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29 Jul, 2024 by Jocelyn odijk
Shana Black is a tremendously talented litagator and wonderful human - if you need representation you should immediately reach out to her!
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07 May, 2024 by Sebastian varela
I definitely recommend Steven and Morgan to anyone searching for expert divorce attorneys.
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29 Apr, 2024 by Yuliana encinas
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21 Oct, 2024 by Roberto ibarra
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15 Aug, 2024 by Raymond martinez
I was looking for aj BK lawyer and found Mark Miller law on the web site. I uesd other BK lawyers in the past and Mark Miller has been the most friendly group I worked with. He cares about you and your case.
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08 Aug, 2024 by Juan flores
If you need an attorney that will have the best customer service. This is the firm. My attorney Larissa Lazarus and Mr.Miller were always on top of my case. Always available. Trust me when I say they are the best.
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16 Apr, 2024 by Tom walsh
Great Attorney she knows what she’s doing …… Ariel, is the best too !!! Love their Ethics and morals.
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17 Mar, 2024 by Darlene browning-keller
In January 2020, I had filed for a divorce. By the fall of 2021, my lawyer informed me she could no longer represent me. I needed a reputable, trustworthy lawyer that would not bail on me again. In my online research, I found Dell'Acqua Law and left a note on the website. I did not expect to hear a response for 48 hours or so. The next day, Dawn Dell'Acqua and I had a virtual conversation! Dawn could see I was feeling vulnerable and broken. My marriage of 19 years was a complex case. My ex was not an easy person to deal with. My worries dissipated quickly working with Dawn, Ariel Barbre, and the amazing office staff. They were professional yet personable. I was constantly informed of any new developments, consulted before any motions were made, tutored, then counseled to help me understand what was happening and why. Ultimately, I was reassured they had my best interest in mind again and again. Prepping for court, they were meticulous. Rough drafts were sent to me to review before being submitted to the court to make sure all information and timelines were accurate. In court, Ariel was legendary! She was organized, concise, and respectful to all those she addressed in the court room. Her presentation was perfectly professional and I could not have been happier with the results! I highly recommend this "5-star" office to anyone who may be seeking trustworthy counsel to represent them and their case! Darlene Browning March 17, 2024
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10 Jul, 2023 by Charles satterfield
I spent 30 years in bondage to a child support court order that was obtained through deceit. Dell'Acqua Law was able to sift through 30 years of paperwork, additional court orders and false statements to uncover a truth that helped to release me from a fraudulent court order. I have been able to go forward with my career and life due to the diligent and professional work performed by the staff of Dell'Acqua Law. Words can not describe my appreciation for how this agency supported me and corrected a 30 year mistake. Thank you Dell'Acqua Law.
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20 Feb, 2015 by Karen
I was one of those people who bought a house in 2006 at the top of the market and then divorced my husband the following year and incurred all the family debt as a way to get out of a toxic marriage . Although I made good money, I was in way over my head and the bank was about to foreclose on my home. I had an 13 year old son who loved his neighborhood and school and I was desperate to stay in my home. I contacted Gary Holt after a friend recommended him. AJ was my first contact and he quickly summed up my issues. Chapter 13 would save the home eliminate the second mortgage and I would be debt free in 5 years. It is five years later and yesterday I paid my final trustee payment. It is just in time for me to start paying for my son's university education. I am DEBT FREE! Gary and his assistant AJ have been there every step of the way and them more highly. They saved my home and help pave the way for my son's future. And five years later I sent an e-mail 'am I done' and within 15 minutes Gary had returned my message-is that service? I'd say so. Love them both for everything they have done for me.
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29 Mar, 2012 by Mark
Gary Holt may be the best BK attorney in San Diego County. I did tons of internet research which lead me to a top LA BK attorney, After my phone consult with the LA attorney he informed that he didn't do cases in San Diego County. After asking if he had any recommendations for a San Diego BK attorney the only name that he could recommend was Gary Holt. My wife and I had a very challenging BK, we had too much debt for a CH 13 yet had issues with the means test to qualify for a CH 7 case. Gary still managed to push our case through the system. At our hearing the trustee claimed he was going to recover 75K in what he considered preferential payments but Gary successfully rebutted that attempt with case law. We ultimately did get our CH 7 discharge right on time-line and with it a fresh start.
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06 Oct, 2011 by Anonymous
I am extremely surprised in Gary's professionalism and communication. First, I spoke to Gary explaining my situation on the ph. Then, I scheduled an appointment with him just a few days after our ph call. When I arrived, I was told he wouldn't be in due to Gary needed to be somewhere to wait for some furniture to be delivered. I gave his office my files, signed his disclaimer and paid him a cash down payment. I kept calling, emailing his staff, and emailing Gary with question's I needed for him to answer, and confirm due to me saving my house through a modification. I gave him money to start my case, yet I never received an email or a call from Gary with an apology for not contacting me with his reasoning’s. Instead, it took Gary two weeks to finally talk (yelling with agitation in his voice) to me over the ph to tell me how to do my modification on my house. Here is a quote by Gary, "I have to hear 100 times over by my clients on how they give money to agencies to save their home and they get ripped off and I'm tired of hearing it". I told Gary, "you are not a modification lawyer, you are a bankruptcy lawyer. I understand your intentions are good, but I hired you to do my bankruptcy, not my modification on my house". He made me feel very patronized by his attitude, which I couldn't figure out why he had one. I am a repeat customer of his and I could have gone to any bk lawyer...their a dime a dozen now a days, but I chose Gary figuring he would want some business. Gary wanted to take the full amount of my down payment to get him started on my case because he claimed that he did $900.00 worth of work. I told him, I believe that no one works for nothing, especially now with our economy, so I would give him half of what I gave him and I will come by to pick up my files and the balance that day. He cut me off and said, "fine!". As I came to the office to pick up my thing's and my check, I mentioned that AJ, his assistant, should receive the money I gave him. AJ was the only proof of any work being done on my file. AJ gave quick responses on my message's to Gary and picked up the phone everytime. Gary, if your reading this, don't lose AJ, he will help keep your business above water. Your lucky to have him! I truely do not know why he acted the way he did, nor even contacted me by an easy way of an email to answer my simple questions. I gave him the benefit of the doubt by thinking he was having a bad day...his action's proved wrong through the whole process. YOU JUST DON'T TREAT PEOPLE IN THIS DAY OF AGE WITH POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE! I am now with a lawyer who has been very communcative in responding to me within a 24 hour period. They are also, less expensive then Gary was. I do wish you, Gary, all the best and peace.
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30 Jul, 2018 by Osmhara avila
Este abogado si te ayuda, me ayudó en mi bancarrota y todo salió muy bien y rápido, te asesoran paso a paso y todo fue muy rápido, excelente servicio y trato muy profesional y su esposa bella es tan linda persona!! Gracias, y bendiciones
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15 Nov, 2017 by Laura
We hired David to represent us wheny Husband had an accident at a resort due to poor exterior lighting. Mr. Speckman was great, he was very upfront and honest about what expectations we should have and made the process very transparent.
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15 Mar, 2017 by Tony
Yes, the first time I spoke to Mr Speckman I knew right off that he was the attorney that I was looking for
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30 Dec, 2023 by Robert hoadley
Skip has represented me twice. Both experiences were educational, professional, and perfectly successful.
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08 Nov, 2022 by Parker harris
Skip and his assistant are unprofessional and wasted my time. They didn’t remember facts of case or even the conversations around it. Set up multiple appointments which they cancelled last minute. Highly recommend seeking other counsel.
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22 Dec, 2021 by Jean notte
So far he's an excellent attorney. Spoke with him directly, he spent some time gathering. Info on my initial call himself. Scheduled in person consult within a week during that phone call. Left me with some research to complete to further my position. So far he is right to the point, gets things done; a roll up your sleeves and plow through it kinda lawyer. I like it and hope it stays this "full steam ahead".
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16 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
Waste of time and energy for the money that was spent. Unorganized and scattered during the trials while bring up stuff/evidence that wasn't about my case.
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28 Sep, 2022 by Anonymous
Ms. Bostick is best out there. This is the best experience I have had with an attorney, she listens, she's extremely knowledgeable, organized, kind & fierce at the same time, she really cares, also she has a great personality. Everytime I needed to get a hold of her office, it was easy. She treated my case as the emergency it was. She is detail oriented, a great writer and very articulate. She helped me stay calm in a terrible situation in my life. She literally changed my life, got my son back home and I am really forever grateful for finding her, to be honest without her, things would not have gone that smoothly. I literally needed her representation. Another attorney that does a different practice referred me to her and he said, now she's the best! I'm so glad, I listened. If you have a tough case and not sure how to handle it, Ms. Tanisha Bostick, her paralegal, Ms. Nafis & Attorney Quintasia Walker are such a great team. I'm truly grateful for having this experience and changing my whole life back, getting it back to normal. Blessings to her and her family!
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21 Sep, 2022 by Deanna
Tanisha and her paralegal were amazing to work with. They answered all my concerns and advised me properly during a very difficult divorce/custody case. After being poorly represented by my first attorney, I was referred to Tanisha. She came in strong on my court day and represented me well. I received a favorable outcome and I'm so grateful. I highly recommend.
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22 Jul, 2024 by Johnny garcia
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18 Aug, 2023 by John h
Nick is the best attorney in San Diego in my opinion.
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09 Jul, 2022 by Elizabeth fogarty
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17 Aug, 2019 by Karen
I hired Dayna to handle my BK case and then a Settlement Agreement to obtain a Satisfaction of Judgement to have a lien removed from my property. I was referred to her by my brother. My husband and I had listed out house for sale but could not do so until the release of the lien. This BK was to be a Bare Bones filing and was supposed to take 2 to 3 weeks at the most. In the 6th week, I received an offer to settle my debt and have the lien removed. I decided, due to the length of time wasted already, to settle with the offer and dismiss the BK. I informed Dayna, and asked her to dismiss the BK. She would only wait until the Judge dismissed it which took yet additional time. I hired her again to complete the settlement with my creditor and negotiate a lower pay off. This should have taken 1 week tops. After 3 weeks, I had to pay the full amount requested, I had to have the Satisfaction of Judgement delivered to me, and I had to file it at the county recorders office myself. My complaint is that during the course of my BK, I was not allowed to contact her by phone per her instructions through my brother. She never met with me, never gave me any advice, and we never met. Throughout this BK, after many e-mails by me to Dayna instructing her to cease communicating and disclosing my case to my brother but, she continued to involve and tell my brother my business. I believe that is completely against my attorney-client privilege and against the law. She never completed my BK and never offered to refund any monies that I had paid her for. Likewise I hired her for the Settlement Agreement, separate from the BK case, and she continued to tell my brother everything about this case also. And like the BK case, she didn't negotiate a lower price, was gone from her office after instructing my creditor to deliver it to her overnight, I had to go to file the document myself at the county recorders office. and pay an additional fee to file it. Dayna was paid in cash by me and did not finish either case! I had to finish them, and pay an additional fee which was included in the cash price I gave her. She never contacted me after instructing me, by e-mail, to go and record the SOJ myself. She never offered to refund any of my money for not doing her job on this case as well as the BK case mentioned above. Her lack of integrity by breeching my attorney-client relationship is unacceptable to me and that is why I am writing this review. I want to warn people out there not to trust in her with your personal information and not to trust her to finish the job she is hired for. Also unacceptable to me is the fact that Dayna would not communicate with me by phone and did not counsel me in any way throughout my entire BK case! A lot of time was waisted in both cases and I lost 2 buyers for my house during this time. I'm completely unhappy with Dayna's attitude and the service I received from her!
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08 Oct, 2013 by Patricia
I had gone with alot of other attorneys that didnt have that quality or dedication. That was before I found Ms. Dayna Chillas, She helped me with my banckruptcey. She was such a great help. Ms.Dayna explained to me everything and every question i asked was answerd. I also recomended my relative and she also helped her with the same quality i recieved . she has a reasonble price and everybody at the firm they have an excelent service.
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19 Sep, 2012 by David
The case that I'm using Ms. Chillas for has not reached conclusion yet. She has been extremely helpful in providing guidance in how to proceed in this civil law suit. She has done far more than I would have expected any attorney to do including helping me find competent medical specialists and appropriate support for my daily living needs which I haven't been able to handle since a horrible incident where I was injured though no fault of my own. She has found appropriate housing for me close to the specialists that have evaluated my injuries and who are providing therapy for me now. She has arranged a number of depositions in the case and is prepared to go to trial if the defendant in the case doesn't make a reasonable settlement offer within a reasonable time period. We're in virtually daily contact by e-mail and phone. She keeps me informed of all conversations with my doctors, the defendant’s attorneys and others involved in the case. When I wasn't able to get food and medication, she arranged for food to be delivered to me and for doctors prescriptions and pharmacy deliveries of needed medication. She has informed me as to case law for the situation I'm in and what I can reasonably expect to transpire. She has developed a time line for the case and keeps me informed as to where we stand on the time line. She has arranged care givers for me as needed but has not run up expenses that aren't necessary. She regularly checks on me to make sure I have whatever assistance is required. She makes all doctor appointments for me and arranges transportation to the doctors as necessary. Her encouragement has helped tremendously as I've gone through traumatic challenges since the incident occurred.
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01 Oct, 2024 by Thomas
I was referred to Bruce via the Orange County California State Bar Association. I came to Bruce in the late afternoon with a rushed legal matter that had a next day deadline to respond. Bruce not only took the time to listen to my prospective case with me being rushed & emotional , he also narrowed down the precise actions we needed to take and laid out a winning game plan.
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16 Nov, 2023 by Anonymous
This guy is something else. Called him for help. He didn’t want to hear it. Unwilling to explain the process to right a transaction that had gone sideways. Complete tool.
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30 May, 2019 by Juan
Excellent attorney. He helped with bankcrucy. Now, I own nothing and moving forward
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17 Jul, 2024 by Anonymous
All I have to say is horrible! He does not communicate and almost had my parents bankruptcy case not be discharged! He did not show up to meets they planned. Just horrible! No other word!
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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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