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04 Sep, 2024 by Joan
I’ve used Allen quite a few times in the past 10 years and he’s always given me and my husband 110%. His expertise in the bankruptcy field will get you through the process pretty stress-free. Allen goes above and beyond to make sure your case is treated right. He is a pleased to do business with, I would recommend him to anyone.
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25 Apr, 2022 by Theresa
Allen Turnage and his entire team helped us through the Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Thank God in Jesus name for all the dedication and effort as well as time walking us through this process. We recently had to reach out to Mr Turnage about some information and he as well as Nolan we're helpful. I should have posted this back in 2017. The Parsons Family
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26 Aug, 2021 by Tammy
Helped me understand the bankruptcy process, very nice and professional. Would definitely recommend.
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28 Dec, 2023 by Kelly
I left Mr. Churchill a message on a Sunday, and he called me back the same day. He spent almost an hour over the phone with me walking me through what to expect the next day when I went to court for an eviction. I was scared to death about court and had just found out I had a hearing the Friday before. I can’t thank him enough for how much he helped calm my nerves and for all the information he gave me to help me. He’s definitely an A+ lawyer and person in my eyes.
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20 Oct, 2023 by Tina s.
I would like to express my highest gratitude and respect for this amazing attorney. I fell victim to an expensive scam by a practicing physician in Florida, and I was not sure where to turn. I found Mr. Churchill on AVVO, and of course, the reviews were on point. I called him at lunchtime on a Friday, and received a call back within fewer than 3 hours. He listened to my story, and with the calmest and most complete advice, he offered to me what should be the next steps for me to take. I feel absolutely 1000% confident that I have found the right attorney for my situation. I have the utmost respect for Mr. Churchill. THANK you sir!
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12 Feb, 2023 by Rashid
Robert Churchill is An outstanding Man He brings hope to the community & the residents of great sunshine state of Florida I've had the privilege to have him as my lawyer Thank you very much and God bless you . Sincerely Rashid Haidari
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07 May, 2013 by Carrie
Adam Ellis in my opinion is one the most awesome human beings our family has ever had the pleasure of meeting. He believed in our son when nobody else did. So many times the parents can be treated very rudely, kept in the dark, Etc. Mr. Ellis not only kept our son informed, but my husband & myself as well. He only had the best interests of our son at heart. Mr. Ellis worked tirelessly on behalf of our son, he never took the easy way out. He knew we wanted to fight and he stood by us the entire way. The case has been resolved, but he is still in contact with our son to make sure all is going well and that he is ok. We will never be able to repay Mr. Ellis for all his hard work and dedication. God placed Mr. Ellis in our lives as our sons Public Defender and we are so thankful. If you are looking for an attorney who has YOUR best interests at heart and who is honest, caring, reliable and in the pursuit of justice Mr. Ellis is the one you need. We are so thankful for Mr. Ellis, like I said we can never repay him for all he has done. But if he ever needs us, we are just a phone call away!!
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15 Jun, 2012 by Susan
I called Adam as a referral, and he met the next day with me in my office, which helped me a lot since I could not leave work. I was a basket case, and he was so calm and professional that I immediately knew I was in good hands. He got me in contact with a DMV lawyer to handle that part of the problem and he even attended the DMV hearing! That meant that he had first hand knowledge about the officers testimony, so he didn't have to wait for a transcript to proceed with his motions. He attended all of the court appearances for me, which saved me that time away from work. He knows the litigators and judges at the court very well, so he was able to give me guidance as to what I could most likely expect if we went to trial. He obtained the video evidence and the police reports, met with me to review it together and gave me his opinion about my case. He had already contacted the prosecutor to talk about a plea, and after seeing the videos he filed a motion to suppress. After he filed the motion, he worked with the prosecutor and secured a deal, two days before the hearing to suppress, that I am very pleased with. After the court appearance to accept the plea agreement, he went with me to the parole office to be sure I was okay there, and has proactively checked with me to be sure things are going well and providing me with the paperwork needed to seal the record. Throughout it all, Adam kept me informed about what was going on and what he was doing. I have heard of some cases dragging on for months and months, but I wanted a quick resolution. In two months, Adam had everything resolved for me, and I'm delighted with the outcome.
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01 May, 2012 by Matthew
Background - I was a landlord (in this case) and had some deadbeat tenants who were doing everything they could to avoid paying rent. Lies, excuses - and I was trying to be nice to them. It was completely my fault for allowing things to go on as long as they did, and after I finally got them out of the house, they owed me in excess of $6000 in unpaid rent, not to mention late fees and the work I had to do to get the house back into shape. I tried to no avail to work privately with them, to get them to start paying me something... anything. Long story short, I got fed up with their lies and excuses, and found out that they actually were "saving (my) money to get married and buy a house" - much different from their sob story of "I lost my job and we can barely make it!" I was angry to say the least. Mr. Ellis was recommended to me by a personal friend and after meeting with him, I was feeling much better. He assured me that while I may or may not end up with exactly what they owed, he would see it out until the end. After the initial papers were filed with the court, the ex-tenants were served a suit. We handily won the suit and it came time for the damages hearing... This is another area where Mr. Ellis stood out with his insight, only looking out for my best interest. Although we won the suit, Adam informed me that through wage garnishment and other court appointed methods, it could take years for me to see anything, and it would possibly come in very slowly. I was already out the money, and I preferred to see a lump sum, or larger payments that would actually make a difference coming into my account. He was able to negotiate a very nice, short payment plan with large monthly payments coming in to me from the defendants. He also had the forethought to include a clause providing an effective double judgement if they default even one day on a payment. I have already received my first money order (no checks, deadbeats!!) thanks to Mr. Ellis and his hard work. Throughout the entire process, he was very efficient, timely, and professional. He actually had to wait on me! I was kept informed and he even sent me a link so that I could check on the status of my case online. I will not hesitate to call on Mr. Ellis for ALL of my future attorney needs. I could not give a higher recommendation in regards to his performance, tenacity, and the favorable outcome to my situation. THANKS ADAM!!!
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28 Feb, 2024 by George amin
Mr. Beal is not just a lawyer; he's a caring advocate who treats his clients like family. He goes the extra mile to understand their needs and works tirelessly to help them. His way of explaining legal stuff makes it easy to understand, and he always keeps his clients updated. With him, you're not just another case; you're someone he genuinely cares about. If you need a lawyer who'll truly have your back, he is your guy.
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22 Aug, 2023 by Jason yost
While experiencing terrible treatment by worker's compensation and their doctor, I went to Mr. Beal for his help. He always put my needs first, and was very professional. I'd recommend him to anyone going through a worker's compensation case - even if you think you don't need a lawyer right now. I didn't think I needed one at first, either. Mr. Beal is an honorable person. You won't regret it.
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13 Jun, 2023 by Quin mckelvin
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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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