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10 May, 2024 by Kitana 89 (kitana89)
GJEL boasts a 99% success rate. They have various attorneys that have graduated from prestigious universities and are here to help you. They offer free consultations so you can decide for yourself if they are the right personal injury law firm for you. They also advertise that they take their cases on a contingency basis (pay only if they win)!
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08 May, 2024 by Sheks gabby
After my car accident, I didn't know where to turn. GJEL Accident Attorneys made the whole legal process so much easier. Their personal injury team was amazing – knowledgeable, always kept me informed, and really fought for me. I'm so glad I chose them, and I'd recommend them to anyone needing help after an injury.
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06 Mar, 2024 by Shane boulds
Very happy with the advise I got from Gjel - They're top notch-very trustworthy. I would hire them again in an instant.
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01 Jul, 2014 by Fran
Scott helped us through our darkest days and made the process very comfortable and efficient. He guided us through the bankruptcy procedure with as little stress as possible. He is very responsive and is extremely knowledgeable. I would recommend him without reservation. He is wonderful to deal with!
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14 May, 2013 by Anonymous
Mr.Scwartz and I had a consultation about my potential case in a chapter 13. I had already spoken to at least seven other attorneys due to the nature and complications of my particular case. I found Mr. Schwartz to be the most intelligent, un -selfish, and most willing to figure out a solution to the problem without expecting me to hire him as my attorney. He knew that my case would have to be filed in another state and he would not be able to represent me. Even so, he gave me the best advice. What an excellent person he is.
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25 Apr, 2013 by Anonymous
My husband and I were extremely pleased with Scott Schwartz and his awesome assistant, Roxanne. We came to him a bit nervous but he spent a lot of time with us (free consultation by the way) and answered all of our questions and addressed our concerns. We knew he was trustworthy and genuine and we liked him immediately. Roxanne his assistant was extremely knowledgeable, thorough, and kind. She would respond to our (thousand) questions via email and phone right away. We couldn't recommend Scott Schwartz enough. You won't be disappointed.
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24 Apr, 2019 by Randolph
Jason Wolford is truly the best attourney I've ever worked with. His legal expertise and professionalism went above and beyond my expectations. I am so grateful for his passion, dedication, and professionalism. Thank you so much!
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16 Apr, 2019 by Lisa brewer
Jason Wolford professionally and brilliantly represented my case and made THE difference in the successful outcome as well as took a personal interest in my well-being during the process. I would emphatically recommend Jason Wolford as a powerful, professional and brilliant attorney who produces amazing results in a comfortable courageous atmosphere.
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09 May, 2018 by Ken murphy
I was recently in a difficult--and frankly, scary--dispute with my landlord, and initially felt completely intimidated and overwhelmed by the situation. I talked to a number of attorneys, including several of the more well-known tenant's rights firms in the Bay Area, many of whom gave me the run-around, or agreed to handle some aspects of the case but not others. I'm very grateful that I finally connected with Jason. He took on the entirety of the case, and developed an overall strategy to navigate the complexities of the situation. He handled the case with great skill and competence, and brought it to a very positive conclusion. He's a clear, strategic thinker, fair-minded, and not intimidated by the bullying tactics one encounters in these situations. And he really is just a good guy, and treats his clients very fairly and honorably. If you find yourself in this kind of situation, look him up!
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03 Feb, 2012 by Jon
We have worked with Robert for a few years now. He completely took care of our estate planning, trusts, etc. Very easy going and he explains everything in simple terms.
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09 Mar, 2016 by Erica mccray
My situation came out of the blue, and I had no idea what to do next besides pray. I was referred to this site by my significant other, and I apprehensively sent a message to several attorneys....at nearly 10pm. When I woke up the next morning to my pleasant surprise Mr Courson had left a detailed text message and a phone appt time that same day! I feel that Mr. Courson gave me as much useful information as he could in that conversation to help me make an educated decision about my next best step. I have not retained Mr. Courson yet, my options need to be weighed seriously. I feel better after having talked to him than I did before, options are still the same but perspective is everything. I appreciate that my time was valued and my situation addressed specifically.
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03 Oct, 2024 by Carole isaacs
One day in my mail I found a letter from my landlords attorney telling me my landlord had filed a petition with the San Francisco Rent Board to raise our rent. My roommate and I immediately went to the Tenants Union for counseling. We met Jason Wolford who told us we had a good case, but should hire an attorney to represent us at the hearing. Jason provided us with a fairly long lists of attorney. We reviewed the list and determined that Wolford Wayne was the best fit for our situation. Megan Johnson, an associate at Wolford Wayne, was the person Jason recommended. Megan represented tenants in buyout negotiations, affirmative wrongful eviction cases and Rent Board cases. We met with Megan in person and we were impressed with her knowledge of our case. Megan felt our landlord’s case was weak and once they saw the rebuttal she would submit to the Rent Board they may withdraw the Petition to raise our rent. She clearly explained to us what information we needed to provide her to do her best in defending us at the Rent Board hearing. For various reasons that we do not understand and were out of our control the Rent Board took 6 months to schedule our hearing. During this time Megan was in touch with both us and the rent board working to facilitate a speedy hearing and to discuss with us the various documents the landlord provided as evidence why our rent should be raised. In the end, the landlord withdrew their petition to raise our rent 3 days before the scheduled Rent Board hearing. This was frustrating, but all is well that ends well. Thanks to Megan Johnson we are now prepared to document our comings and goings and other information the landlord would twist to try and prove that we no longer lived in our apartment. All around we could not ask for a more knowledgeable, goal oriented attorney who communicated with us in a timely manner in a way we could always understand. Megan was perfect! There is nothing I would ask her to do differently and without hesitation I would recommend her to anyone having the unfortunate experience of having to deal with the San Francisco Rent Board.
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12 Sep, 2024 by Kasey morales
Bill and his team are exceptional to work with. Very impressive. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to my friends and family!
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11 Sep, 2024 by Santiago valencia
Working along with Bill has been a rewaring experience
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03 Oct, 2024 by Carole isaacs
One day in my mail I found a letter from my landlords attorney telling me my landlord had filed a petition with the San Francisco Rent Board to raise our rent. My roommate and I immediately went to the Tenants Union for counseling. We met Jason Wolford who told us we had a good case, but should hire an attorney to represent us at the hearing. Jason provided us with a fairly long lists of attorney. We reviewed the list and determined that Wolford Wayne was the best fit for our situation. Megan Johnson, an associate at Wolford Wayne, was the person Jason recommended. Megan represented tenants in buyout negotiations, affirmative wrongful eviction cases and Rent Board cases. We met with Megan in person and we were impressed with her knowledge of our case. Megan felt our landlord’s case was weak and once they saw the rebuttal she would submit to the Rent Board they may withdraw the Petition to raise our rent. She clearly explained to us what information we needed to provide her to do her best in defending us at the Rent Board hearing. For various reasons that we do not understand and were out of our control the Rent Board took 6 months to schedule our hearing. During this time Megan was in touch with both us and the rent board working to facilitate a speedy hearing and to discuss with us the various documents the landlord provided as evidence why our rent should be raised. In the end, the landlord withdrew their petition to raise our rent 3 days before the scheduled Rent Board hearing. This was frustrating, but all is well that ends well. Thanks to Megan Johnson we are now prepared to document our comings and goings and other information the landlord would twist to try and prove that we no longer lived in our apartment. All around we could not ask for a more knowledgeable, goal oriented attorney who communicated with us in a timely manner in a way we could always understand. Megan was perfect! There is nothing I would ask her to do differently and without hesitation I would recommend her to anyone having the unfortunate experience of having to deal with the San Francisco Rent Board.
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12 Sep, 2024 by Kasey morales
Bill and his team are exceptional to work with. Very impressive. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to my friends and family!
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11 Sep, 2024 by Santiago valencia
Working along with Bill has been a rewaring experience
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17 Sep, 2024 by Anonymous
Lisa is very professional and have lot of experience. She helped to navigate the CMC process step by steps and guided me throughout the case. I would highly recommend her!
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17 Sep, 2024 by Percy
It was my first time looking for an attorney for a debt collection case and although very nerve racking Lisa helped me feel very at ease with the consultation. That alone helped me out greatly and wanted her to represent me. She guided and communicated with me every step of the process with her knowledge about debt collection cases which ultimately led to the case being dismissed in our favor. She is very good at her profession. I would hire her again to represent me. Thanks Lisa!
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05 Sep, 2024 by 倪崧皓
Professional and knowledgeable immigration lawyer. He answered my question regarding investing immigration and really understand my needs and provided the best solution. Recommended.
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05 Jun, 2024 by Martinez martinez
Excelente abogado
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17 May, 2024 by Daniela silva
Highly recommend! Anderson was our attorney who helped me and my family on a settlement of a lawsuit. He continued to fight the case until satisfied with the results.
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17 May, 2024 by Kyle larson
I’ve known Anderson for several years now and he is one of the best attorneys I have worked with. He is prompt, responsive, incredibly knowledgeable, and caring. I give him 5 stars!!!
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10 Oct, 2024 by Youssef jenhani
It was pleasure working with mr Ghassan . He made sure the process would go as smoothly as possible. Thank you
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04 Oct, 2024 by Sukhrobjohn khamdamoff
Assalomu aleykum qadrili yurtdoshlarim! Shamiye and Low advokatlik idorasi Californiada o’z ishing ustasiligini o’zim, o’z ko’zim bilan guvoh bo’ldim. 09/04/2024 mening siyosiy boshpana uchun mahkamada muhokama qilindi. Mening advokatim juda yaxshi inson va o’z ishing ustasi hisoblanadi. Mana Americaga kelganimga 3 yil bo’ldi. Shu vaqt mobaynida juda ko’p marotaba advokatlik office meni mahkamaga tayyorlashdi. Man sizlarga ushbu advokatlik idorasini tafsiya qilaman. Ishimda menga yaqindan yordam bergan hujjatlarni submit qilishga yordam bergan xonim Jessica Mendezga juda katta minnatdorchiligimni bildiraman.
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19 Sep, 2024 by Abdel khalek el sayed
I had the pleasure of working with Mr Ghassan Shamieh in San Francisco for my application. After a challenging experience with my previous lawyer, I was relieved to find Mr Ghassan , who approached my case with professionalism, dedication, and compassion. They carefully reviewed all the evidence, updated the necessary documents, and crafted a detailed narrative to respond to an RFE. Their attention to detail and ability to narrate the complex aspects of my case were impressive. Thanks to their diligent efforts, my application was successfully approved. Following that, Mr Ghassan guided me through the next stages, including my I-485 application. They made sure everything was in order, always keeping me informed and offering clear, thoughtful advice. Their responsiveness and support have been invaluable during this process, ensuring I felt confident and informed at every step. If you’re looking for a lawyer who truly cares about their clients and has the expertise to navigate complex immigration matters, I highly recommend Ghassan Shamieh.
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02 Aug, 2024 by Abraham d.
I don't leave long reviews, but it's my pleasure to make an exception here. Attorney Marc Pelta is a refreshingly straightforward lawyer  who takes care of business! I would give him 10 stars if I could. An associate recommended Pelta Law who resolved some complex family problems for him and my case had issues that needed a professionals attention. You need to have an open mind and realistic expectations when dealing with the California courts because nothing is set in stone. That’s why it was important for me to find an experienced lawyer. Mr. Pelta has the experience and the skills to back it up! From our first consultation, it was clear that Mr. Pelta has a deep understanding of the law and a sharp mind. He quickly grasped the complexities of my case (where other attorneys did not) and created a game plan that ended up working well beyond our expectations. Btw, if my results would have been different, I still would have left a positive review. Mr. Pelta truly cared about my case and that's rare! Throughout the process, Mr. Pelta predicted almost every step and his attention to detail was spot on. He was patient and kind to me when I did not understand certain things. He put’s in the time folks. Mr. Pelta has a confident demeanor in the courtroom and his negotiation skills are impressive. It’s a different California today and it sometimes feels like we're back in the wild west. The courts reflect that and it seems like your case can change directions quickly like the wind. I felt fortunate to have Mr. Pelta in my corner and I bet you will too.
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19 Jul, 2024 by B b
Attorney Mark Pelta's reassuring words during my child's dependency case turned out to be misleading. Despite claims of expertise in CPS and family law systems, I later discovered his lack of experience through his own LinkedIn profile. During the trial, criticisms from other attorneys surfaced, and unsettling behavior was noted by key witnesses and supportive services workers. To add insult to injury the attorney refused to return photographs of my child which he requested as evidence for the court proceedings.
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19 Jul, 2024 by Natalia velasquez
During **my child's dependency case**, I had high hopes when I hired **Attorney Mark Pelta**. He assured me of his expertise in **CPS and family law systems**, as well as handling **domestic violence cases**. However, my optimism quickly faded. First, I discovered that his claims didn't align with reality. His **LinkedIn profile** revealed a lack of relevant experience. During the trial, other attorneys criticized him, and **unsettling behavior** was noted by key witnesses and supportive services workers. To make matters worse, Attorney Pelta **refused to return photographs** of my child, which were crucial evidence for the court proceedings. Despite paying him **$10,000 upfront**, he attempted to charge me an additional **$5,000 for a restraining order** that had been lodged against me. This left me feeling frustrated and betrayed. In the end, Attorney Pelta **lost my case**. His threat of "harassing an officer of the court" was both unprofessional and alarming. Throughout the process, he made other **rude remarks**, further adding to my disappointment. Having gone through this experience, I now understand the importance of competent legal representation. If you find yourself in a similar situation, consider seeking advice from a different attorney or a legal organization that genuinely supports your case and prioritizes your child's well-being.
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14 Jul, 2024 by Shannon moyer
Helpful, responsive, and professional.
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06 Jun, 2024 by M h
I hired Jason Beahm because he took care of my first case was pretty satisfied with the outcome. During the time, he had staffs that were ontop of everything and had very good communication with me. They told me every single update and what's going on in the back end. This second time I hired him was totally the opposite, it seems he's by himself now and lost some of his staff. He did not informed me about anything going on in court. He even missed a document that needed to be signed by me because he decided to wait 3 weeks to reach out to me when the document needed to be signed the next day, worse thing is he did not call but sent an email. This lawyer is only good in the beginning. Do not pay him in full because he won't take your case serious. It's the worse feeling when you think you have someone to have your back but actually doesn't put enough effort to even keep you updated. I would not recommend this lawyer at all. PS I did not want to write this review but I think it's important I warned people.
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19 May, 2024 by Christian affonso
I would highly recommend Beahm Law to everyone. Jason was very helpful in resolving my case quickly with a very favorable outcome. His knowledge and attention to detail my case was very much appreciated and made me feel much more comfortable knowing that he and his team were in my corner working on my behalf. I cannot thank them enough.
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11 Oct, 2023 by Paul breed
Enormously grateful for the role the local NLG has played in protecting my personal freedom of speech.
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26 Mar, 2022 by Mr t navarrette el
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05 Dec, 2020 by Mike basa
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08 Jul, 2024 by Anh nguyen
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08 Jul, 2024 by Darron price
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08 Jul, 2024 by Kelvin y.
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06 Oct, 2024 by Anonymous
Mr Graham's performance on my case was shocking. He repeatedly demonstrated a dangerous lack of attention to detail generating error ridden discovery documents and a frustrating inability to comprehend simple financial transactions. Despite enormous fees, Mr. Graham achieved little to nothing on my behalf.
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10 Aug, 2021 by Anonymous
He’s a nice guy but he does not have a productive bone in his body. His paralegal and him would charge for opening emails and not respond to opposing counsel. You would do much better setting out of correct without Andrew representing you. He will collect $19k in two months without making any progress on your case.
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14 Jan, 2020 by Kimberly
Andrew is very honest, he calls it as he sees it. He is straight forward very professional. He seeks out the facts and is very quick to point out the points of the case. He's a husband and a father and knows family values. He doesn't let his ego get in the way when dealing with attorneys he sticks to what's best for the family. Andrew is confident and professional and handles himself remarkably well.
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17 Aug, 2024 by B r iana fortson
So after 4 months of thinking my case involving a infestation of mice & rats(caught 15)was being worked on, I found out that my case was terminated almost immediately after accepting my case because I answered no to one of the criminal background questions that mentioned having any recent criminal activities etc which is true, over 6 years plus is not recent so I guess they don’t trust to represent us because of that I feel it’s discrimination because what does having a criminal record have to do with us needing the help?! It shouldn’t have even taking me reaching out to find this out. Very unprofessional for a law firm & they don’t have your best interest obviously.. like how you can’t sympathize with a family that obviously needs representation & justice from & very inhabitable situation if that’s your job?!
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08 Aug, 2024 by Goodarz filsouf
I had a quick session with Julie Hartlé , first of all, she is an amazing person, very understanding, and also very professional and well-informed about the issues we were having. She has an extensive background with different housing departments and also knows disability law very well. She gave me sound advice and we set up a follow-up. I can say that I am very happy with the value they provided me in this session and highly recommend them.
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07 Aug, 2024 by Mharco juliano
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30 Aug, 2024 by Dustin ball
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28 Aug, 2024 by Tommy bailey
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15 Aug, 2024 by Ninad ghody
Bunch of shady ambulance chasers
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11 Feb, 2013 by Anonymous
This attorney takes your money and never show up in court or give you advice, Basically ruined my life.
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22 Aug, 2023 by Kreyer family trust
This man is a horrible lawyer, as far as I’m concerned he is a criminal, and a bully - he billed my family over $80,000 and didn’t fight to present crucial evidence when it came down to the wire.. He is a liar, a megalomaniac, a horrible person, and I would absolutely NOT recommend him unless your willing to waste tens of thousands of dollars to listen to him lecture and insult you while telling you crucial evidence is worthless. He abandoned me twice during hearings he promised to appear for, as he said he would not leave me out to dry - yet abandoned me day of the trials/hearings and I lost horribly due to his malpractice and misrepresentation of his skill set I went in on my own for trial and was ten times more effective than he was in all three years of his representation combined! I will gladly share more information with anyone considering hiring Wallace. Unlike him, I’m not scared to present it. He has threatened to sue me for defamation when he knows he’s failed me as an attorney - the only thing he did well was a deposition - which Yorker a ton of evidence he never presented. This man is a joke and a hot head - do not waste your money or energy depending on him to do the honest Abe ethical thing. Feel free to message me for further detail and evidence. I’m reporting him to the bar and trying to recover the money wasted on this man’s ego.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers

What a Bankruptcy Lawyer Can Do for You

A bankruptcy lawyer specializes in helping individuals and businesses manage overwhelming debt by filing for bankruptcy or exploring alternatives to bankruptcy. They guide clients through the complex legal process of discharging or restructuring debts, represent them in court, and work to protect assets such as homes and cars. Bankruptcy lawyers can also help stop creditor harassment, wage garnishment, and foreclosures through bankruptcy protections.

If you're facing financial hardship, a bankruptcy lawyer can help you decide whether filing for bankruptcy is the right option and assist you through the legal process.

When Should I Hire a Bankruptcy Lawyer?

You should consider hiring a bankruptcy lawyer in the following situations:

  • Unmanageable debt: If you're unable to pay your bills and debts are piling up, a lawyer can help you explore options such as Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
  • Foreclosure or repossession: If your home is at risk of foreclosure or your vehicle is in danger of being repossessed, a bankruptcy lawyer can help you use bankruptcy protections to prevent this and potentially reorganize your debts.
  • Wage garnishment: If your wages are being garnished, filing for bankruptcy can stop garnishments and allow you to regain control of your finances.
  • Creditor harassment: If creditors are constantly calling or sending collection notices, a bankruptcy lawyer can stop these actions by filing for bankruptcy, which enacts an automatic stay that halts collection activities.
  • Small business debt: If your business is struggling with debt and cannot meet financial obligations, a lawyer can help you file for Chapter 11 (reorganization) or Chapter 7 (liquidation) bankruptcy.
  • Medical debt or credit card debt: If you have large amounts of unsecured debt like medical bills or credit card balances, a bankruptcy lawyer can help you seek relief through Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy.

Hiring a bankruptcy lawyer early in the process can prevent further financial damage and help you choose the best legal option for debt relief.

What Does a Bankruptcy Lawyer Do?

A bankruptcy lawyer provides a range of services to help individuals and businesses handle their debts. Their responsibilities often include:

  • Evaluating your financial situation: Assessing your income, assets, debts, and expenses to determine if bankruptcy is the right option and which type of bankruptcy (Chapter 7, Chapter 13, or Chapter 11) best suits your situation.
  • Filing bankruptcy petitions: Preparing and filing the necessary documents to initiate your bankruptcy case, ensuring that all legal requirements are met.
  • Stopping creditor harassment: Once the bankruptcy case is filed, an automatic stay is enacted, which stops creditors from pursuing collection efforts. A lawyer ensures this protection is applied immediately.
  • Representing you in court: Representing you in court proceedings, including meetings with creditors and any hearings related to your case.
  • Negotiating with creditors: In Chapter 13 or Chapter 11 bankruptcies, negotiating a repayment plan that restructures your debts and allows you to manage payments more effectively.
  • Advising on asset protection: Guiding you on how to protect certain assets, such as your home or retirement savings, through available bankruptcy exemptions.
  • Explaining the impact on your credit: Informing you about how bankruptcy will affect your credit and advising on steps to rebuild your credit post-bankruptcy.

How Are Bankruptcy Lawyers Paid?

Bankruptcy lawyers typically charge for their services in different ways depending on the complexity of the case and the type of bankruptcy being filed. Common payment structures include:

  • Flat fee: Many bankruptcy lawyers charge a flat fee for handling Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases. This fee usually covers the entire process, from preparing and filing paperwork to representing you in court.
  • Hourly rate: For more complex cases, such as Chapter 11 bankruptcy (often used by businesses), some lawyers charge an hourly rate. Hourly rates typically range from $150 to $500 or more.
  • Retainer: In cases where ongoing legal services are required, such as in Chapter 11 bankruptcies or complex Chapter 13 cases, a lawyer may request a retainer, which is an upfront payment billed against as the lawyer works on the case.

It’s important to discuss fees with your lawyer upfront, as bankruptcy law requires lawyers to disclose all fees and ensure they are reasonable and fair.

How Much Does a Bankruptcy Lawyer Cost?

The cost of hiring a bankruptcy lawyer varies depending on the type of bankruptcy and the complexity of the case. General cost estimates include:

  • Chapter 7 bankruptcy: For individuals, legal fees usually range from $1,000 to $3,500. This flat fee generally covers the entire process.
  • Chapter 13 bankruptcy: For individuals filing Chapter 13, legal fees typically range from $2,500 to $6,000. This cost is higher because of the additional work required to create and manage the repayment plan.
  • Chapter 11 bankruptcy (for businesses): Chapter 11 bankruptcy is more complex and usually more expensive, with legal fees ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 or more, depending on the size of the business and the complexity of the debt restructuring.
  • Filing fees: In addition to legal fees, there are also court filing fees, which are $338 for Chapter 7 and $313 for Chapter 13 as of 2024.

Always ask for a detailed cost estimate during your consultation to understand what services are included and whether payment plans are available.

Top Questions to Ask a Bankruptcy Lawyer

Before hiring a bankruptcy lawyer, it’s important to ask key questions to ensure they have the experience and knowledge to handle your case effectively. Key questions to ask include:

  1. What experience do you have with bankruptcy cases?
    Ensure the lawyer has experience handling cases similar to yours, whether it's Chapter 7, Chapter 13, or Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
  2. How do you charge for your services?
    Clarify whether the lawyer charges a flat fee or hourly rate, and ask for a detailed breakdown of costs, including filing fees and additional expenses.
  3. Which type of bankruptcy is best for me?
    Ask the lawyer to explain whether Chapter 7, Chapter 13, or Chapter 11 is the best option based on your financial situation and long-term goals.
  4. What debts can be discharged?
    Ask which of your debts will be forgiven through bankruptcy and which debts (such as certain taxes or student loans) may not be dischargeable.
  5. How long will the process take?
    Bankruptcy cases can take time to resolve, so ask the lawyer how long they expect the process to last, from filing to discharge.
  6. Will I be able to keep my assets?
    Ask if you will be able to keep important assets, such as your home or car, and what exemptions might apply.
  7. What happens after bankruptcy?
    Ask about the impact of bankruptcy on your credit score and what steps you can take to rebuild your credit after the bankruptcy is finalized.

How to Check the Credibility of a Bankruptcy Lawyer

To ensure you are hiring a reputable bankruptcy lawyer, follow these steps to verify their credentials and track record:

  • Verify their bar status: Check with your state bar association to confirm that the lawyer is licensed to practice law and has no history of disciplinary actions.
  • Look for bankruptcy experience: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in bankruptcy law and have successfully handled cases like yours.
  • Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for client reviews on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to see what previous clients have said about the lawyer’s professionalism and ability to handle bankruptcy cases.
  • Ask for references: A reputable lawyer should be able to provide references from past clients who have worked with them on bankruptcy matters.
  • Check for certifications or memberships: Look for lawyers who are members of organizations such as the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys (NACBA) or who have specialized bankruptcy law certifications.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To get the most out of your first consultation with a bankruptcy lawyer, it’s important to come prepared with relevant documents and information. Here’s what you should bring:

  • List of debts: Prepare a detailed list of all your debts, including credit cards, personal loans, medical bills, and any secured debts such as mortgages or car loans.
  • Income and expense records: Bring documents that show your current income, such as pay stubs or tax returns, and a list of your monthly expenses, including rent, utilities, and other essential costs.
  • Asset information: Provide information on any assets you own, such as your home, car, investments, or other valuable property.
  • Credit reports: If possible, bring copies of your credit reports to give the lawyer a clear view of your financial situation.
  • Questions for the lawyer: Prepare a list of questions you have about the bankruptcy process, the lawyer’s fees, and what to expect after filing for bankruptcy.

By preparing thoroughly for your consultation, you can help the lawyer assess your situation more effectively and provide the best possible legal advice tailored to your needs.

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