Best Bankruptcy lawyers in Westford, MA

2 Bankruptcy Lawyers in Westford, MA

experienced lawyers

David R. Chenelle

6 Lyberty Way., Westford, MA

Bankruptcy +1

4.6/5

4.8

19 Reviews

4.3

18 Reviews

18 Feb, 2024 by Tim newell

Prior to a litigation within a condo association in which settlement should have been immediate, they escalated the matter, which was not in the best interest for those that they are supposed to represent. Note that Perkins office was the retained attorney for Fuller Farms Condo Association in Lowell, MA. The facts of the matter were. 1) Two unit owners were denied access to the financial books. His office was made aware of our multiple email requests. Condo by-laws and MA laws dictate that all unit owners are allowed to inspect the "books, for the purpose of an audit. 2) We were denied access because the treasury was depleted because of poor management. There was misappropriation of funds as some supporters of management received upgrades and installations, including $10,000 for windows. The was approximately a $45, 000 shortfall in condo fee arrears. Some owners were able to sell there condo and move owing thousands of dollars in condo fees. 3) There was a further shortfall because of late fees due to unpaid water and tax bills and vendors were paid above industry standards. 4) The property manager had complete control over the bank accounts and accounting software. The QuickBooks software was in his name, his personal information was connected to FFCA bank accounts. This is illegal. 5) Perkins chose to allow a rogue property manager and trustees to retain his counsel, knowingly and willfully that they were not operating in accordance with the law. They were not certified trustees and the property manager was never voted to be hired and he carried no insurance. They do not have the authority to enter into an agreement with Perkins at the expense of FFCA. Perkins chose to allow this. 6) Perkins allowed these individuals to hire him for the purpose of withholding the books and for incumbent protection. 7) Stalling and Intimidation tactics were inflicted upon me. I received letters from Perkins that stated, " this office represents the board of trustees and it is understood that the board through its managing agent has provided you with all requested documents with the exception of a few outstanding invoices." Shortly after I politely notified his office via email and wrote that I received nothing. I submitted further request to the board to access the books. Immediately after I received a demand letter to cease & desist. This is unlawful as it could not be justified. 8) I retained council and shortly after Perkins released 90 pages of financial records. 9) After 6 months of hardship and FFCA payments totaling $35,000 to Perkins, his office chose to reassign the litigation to the associations insurance company. The board had new legal counsel. During the tenure of new counsel, every bank statement was provided through a subpoena. Two out of seven board members resigned, including the treasurer. After 30 months of unnecessary litigation, the property manager resigned to avoid consequences of trial. Perkins did a lot of harm to FFCA. They allowed this matter to escalate into an action for injunctive relief against that former board of trustees and property manager.

31 Mar, 2023 by Amanda trudell

I was referred to Perkins&Anctil from a real estate colleague and from day one, my experience has been top notch. I will refer their office to everyone I know. As a property manager with a large quantity of units, the liability we face daily is very high. It is extremely important to have educated, reliable and proactive attorneys. Attorney Robert Anctil and Attorney Amy Collins have not only far exceeded my expectations but they have truly helped change how I run my business. Having their legal guidance has eased my stress levels beyond belief especially when it pertains to evictions. Joanne, Pia & Peter go above and beyond every single time whether it is by call or email. I can’t say it enough Everytime I encounter someone new in the industry (investors, landlords, property managers, agents, brokers) having the right legal guidance by hiring trusted professionals is far more important than just hiring any attorney. THANK YOU Perkins & Anctil for being the professionals that I can always trust and count on!

14 Feb, 2023 by Anonymous

I don’t know why every time I write a (negative) review here it disappears! I hired David Chenelle a few years ago to help me with a bankruptcy. I found him to be rude and insensitive. I also think he did something wrong when he claimed that Mass. had changed the way it did bankruptcy and so I would have to pay to have him redo my case. (?) He also claimed that I hadn’t paid him when I had. I had to go to the bank and get physical copies of the checks, endorsed by him, to prove it. What lawyer operates like that? I would definitely not recommend him. (Let’s see how long this review stays up!)

David Chenelle

6 Lyberty Way Suite 201, Westford, MA

Bankruptcy Business Consumer Protection +3

0.0/5

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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.

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.