Lawyers map
>8
experienced lawyers
Filter by
08 Oct, 2024 by Bridgette naddaff
Excellent Lawyer: Highly Recommend for Criminal Defense
I am extremely grateful for Paul Moraski’s support and expertise in resolving a complex legal issue I was facing. From the start, he was thorough, professional, and dedicated to achieving the best outcome. I was in a challenging situation that could have had serious implications for my career, but Paul handled it with skill and confidence. He successfully negotiated a dismissal with a year-long contingency, which allowed me to move forward with my life. I can’t thank him enough for his diligence and highly recommend him to anyone in need of a strong defense attorney.
Lastly, he was super easy to call or text at any hour to relieve me if I had any questions about anything, no redirection to his Office or an assistant. I found that to be invaluable, and I was surprised at the accessibility. He really goes above and beyond for his clients. I definitely understand why he’s a top attorney in Boston.
Read more
30 Aug, 2024 by Hustle2 invest
While on vacation in Boston, I was falsely accused of a serious crime, arrested, and faced with felony charges.
After spending the night in jail, I was assigned a public defender who was entirely unfamiliar with my case. Unfortunately, not only was this public defender incompetent, but he also lacked the appropriate credentials to handle a case of such seriousness.
I was facing a minimum of five years in prison, and my bail was set at $60,000. The public defender made no effort to fight for me. He didn't attempt to have my bail reduced or identify any weaknesses in the case against me. Instead, he simply agreed with the prosecutor and judge, and I was sent back to jail.
After three nights in jail, my family informed me that they had hired a criminal defense attorney named Paul Moraski, who would be visiting me in a couple of days.
True to their word, Paul arrived at the jail two days later. I was escorted by a correctional officer to meet him. From the moment we met, I knew Paul was the right lawyer for me. He had an incredible personality, was highly educated and knowledgeable, and held himself to a very high standard. For the first time, I felt hopeful again.
The first thing Paul said to me was, "We’re going to beat this case." He then assured me, "I am going to get your bail reduced from $60,000 to $30,000 so you can go home." Paul not only understood my case thoroughly but also knew the courtroom inside and out, thanks to his 14+ years of experience.
Two days later, I had another court appearance, and Paul was outstanding. He successfully persuaded the judge to lower my bail from $60,000 to $30,000, allowing my family to secure my release.
The night I was bailed out, Paul immediately called to congratulate me on going home. He reassured me once again, saying, "There are numerous holes in your case, and you have nothing to worry about."
Despite Paul's reassurances, I remained anxious about my case after returning home and would call him weekly. Each time, Paul answered the phone, and if he was in court, he would return my call immediately afterward.
Paul is an exceptional attorney, though not inexpensive. However, he provided me with a very reasonable rate given the severity of my case. He also offered me a monthly payment plan, which greatly eased the financial burden.
When it comes to fighting for your freedom, no price is too high. Paul Moraski was worth every dollar.
Six months later, just as Paul had predicted from the start, my case was completely dismissed.
If you find yourself facing legal issues in the Boston area, I highly recommend contacting and hiring Paul Moraski. He is not only an outstanding defense attorney but also a remarkable person. I feel like I not only hired a lawyer but also gained a friend.
Thank you for everything, Paul.
Ray Ray
Read more
26 Jul, 2024 by Eric meagher
Paul was amazing , very straightforward, knowledgeable and responded whenever I needed help.Highly recommended. Thank you again
Read more
06 Feb, 2018 by Anonymous
Attorney Korth and his team were instrumental in helping with a lemon aid law case. He patiently responded to all the questions and helped put any concerns about the case at ease. He was also very careful about keeping expectations realistic and not over-promising. The case took many months to resolve and to collect the settlement so the ability to ask about potential options and next steps throughout the process was very reassuring, and could've been nerve-wrecking without the counsel.
Read more
23 Mar, 2017 by Rebecca
I was referred to Attorney Korth on a Lemon Law matter. He was very knowledgeable of the laws surrounding my case. He quickly put my concerns at ease, assuring me I had taken all the right steps. It was like a burden was taken off of me when I turned everything over to him. Attorney Korth was very fair and reasonable and kept in touch with me throughout the process. He was honest and to the point. I would highly recommend Attorney Korth to anyone looking for good, fair and strong legal representation!! I would not hesitate to hire him again if the situation arose.
Read more
08 Dec, 2015 by Anonymous
I consulted with Mr. Korth on a situation involving the Truth in Lending Act and Uniform Commercial Code. I found him to be articulate, intelligent, and extremely knowledgable as it related to the above mentioned legal issues. I am still considering if this is an issue I want to move forward with, but should I do so, Attorney Korth will certainly be
the Attorney I hire
Read more
01 Oct, 2024 by Anonymous
From the consultation aloe, Kevin had provided a wave of stability in my doubts with my current situation. Thank you!
Read more
27 Sep, 2024 by Robert polin
Kevin provided me great advise and was super sympathetic to my issue. He even advised me to update him on how I make out. Great guy!
Read more
20 Sep, 2024 by Steve
I have had a lengthy dispute with an RV company. I contacted and consulted with Kevin who helped guide me on a path. I will be hiring Kevin in the near future if the company I am in dispute with doesn't come to a fair resolution.
Read more
16 May, 2024 by Luke
I had a wonderful experience with Chris! He seems to genuinely care about his clients and is careful to not charge beyond what is necessary.
Read more
17 Oct, 2021 by Heather
Chris was an outstanding attorney to work with during the purchase of my condo. He is an expert in the real estate and housing market. I would highly recommend working with him for any of your real estate needs. This was my first time purchasing a home and Chris aided in easing my stress and made the process seamless.
Read more
20 May, 2014 by Anonymous
I hired Attorney Vaughn-Martel after a civil lawsuit was filed against me by an ex-girlfriend over ownership rights to a vehicle I had solely purchased during our 4+ year relationship. An injunction/ court order was filed against me stating that I was not allowed to sell the vehicle until the case was heard before a judge. I hired Vaughn-Martel in hopes that he'd be able to assist in getting the court order lifted as I was unable to afford payments on the vehicle and wanted to be able to sell it. After several months of negotiations between Vaughn-Martel and the plaintiff's attorney a Settlement Agreement was drafted by Vaughn-Martel's office and was forwarded to me for review and signature. I stated the Agreement was to my liking and was told that the Agreement would be sent out AS IS to the Plaintiff and then sent to me for signatures. Problems arose when I found out that after I had approved what I thought to be the FINAL draft of the Settlement Agreement that the Plaintiff's attorney asked that a few changes be made and Attorney Vaughn-Martel's office made these changes without my knowledge, consent or even a discussion of such. When I contacted Attorney Vaughn-Martel to indicate my disproval of such changes I was told that there was nothing they could do to change the Agreement back as the REVISED Agreement had already been mailed out to the Plaintiff for signature. I was beyond irate at this point. To make matters worse is the Plaintiff was never able to obtain financing in order to follow through on the terms of the Settlement Agreement by purchasing the vehicle to pay off my loan (which I couldn't afford to pay and faced repossession of) and to compensate me for monies she had stolen via check fraud / forgery. After the Plaintiff had breached the Agreement by not coming up with the funds within the allotted time frame as per Agreement terms, I was advised by Attorney Vaughn-Martel that selling the vehicle, paying off the loan and keeping the balance of the agreed upon sales amount for myself would be a "viable solution to complying with the agreement, getting rid of the car, and getting settlement funds, all in a way that protects my interests in the event I had to go in front of a judge." I followed my attorneys exact advice and I sold the vehicle 2 days prior to the date it was to be repossessed but only got what I owed. When I got in front of the judge though I was found in contempt of court for going against the imposed court order. Attorney Vaughn-Martel never once stated that he had advised me to do such nor did he defend me in any sense of the word. He never tried to state facts and in no way stood up for me. He seemed to have no idea what to say in court and came across as being completely unprepared, incompetent, unprofessional and unknowledgeable of how to defend a client. He let me hang out to dry and when I confronted him prior to the next hearing for my punishment in front of the judge he totally denied ever having advised me to go against the court order. I even showed him his own email to me stating his advice and he still insisted he never advised such. He then stated it would be in my best interest to allow the civil case against me along with my counterclaims against her for stolen monies be dismissed as per the Plaintiff's request or the judge could punish me by making me pay her money for selling the car. I felt as though I was being coerced into settling the case because my attorney didn't want to have to explain himself to the judge as to why he advised his client to go against a court order. Due to being in fear of what the judge might fine/punish me with and knowing I had no more money and no real counsel on my side to defend me I went against my rights and agreed to allow the case to be dismissed. I ended up with nothing more than destroyed credit & added debt due to racking up $7k in legal fees.....way more than Vaughn-Martel Law ever truly earned or deserved
Read more
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Debt Settlement Lawyer Can Do for You
A debt settlement lawyer specializes in helping individuals and businesses negotiate with creditors to reduce or eliminate unsecured debts, such as credit card balances, medical bills, and personal loans. These lawyers provide legal advice on debt relief options, represent you in negotiations, and protect your rights under consumer protection laws. By leveraging their expertise, a debt settlement lawyer can often secure more favorable terms than you might achieve on your own, potentially reducing the total amount owed and helping you avoid bankruptcy.
When Should I Hire a Debt Settlement Lawyer?
You should consider hiring a debt settlement lawyer in the following situations:
- Overwhelming Debt: If you're struggling to make minimum payments on your debts or are facing significant financial hardship, a lawyer can help explore options to reduce your debt burden.
- Creditor Harassment: If creditors or collection agencies are harassing you with frequent calls, letters, or threats, a lawyer can intervene to protect your rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).
- Lawsuits from Creditors: If a creditor has filed a lawsuit against you for unpaid debts, a lawyer can represent you in court and negotiate settlements to prevent wage garnishment or asset seizure.
- Complex Debt Situations: If your debts involve legal complexities, such as co-signers, joint accounts, or disputed charges, a lawyer can navigate these issues effectively.
- Considering Bankruptcy: If you're contemplating bankruptcy but want to explore alternatives, a debt settlement lawyer can advise on whether debt settlement is a better option for your situation.
- Protecting Assets: If you have significant assets you wish to protect from creditors, a lawyer can help structure settlements to safeguard your property.
Hiring a lawyer early can maximize your chances of a favorable outcome and prevent legal missteps that could worsen your financial situation.
What Does a Debt Settlement Lawyer Do?
A debt settlement lawyer provides a range of services to help you manage and reduce your debts:
- Legal Consultation: Evaluates your financial situation, explains your rights, and advises on the best debt relief options, such as debt settlement, debt consolidation, or bankruptcy.
- Negotiating with Creditors: Communicates with creditors and collection agencies on your behalf to negotiate reduced settlements, lower interest rates, or extended repayment terms.
- Drafting Settlement Agreements: Prepares legally binding agreements that outline the terms of the settlement, ensuring that the creditor cannot pursue additional claims once the debt is settled.
- Protecting Against Creditor Harassment: Uses legal tools to stop abusive collection practices and enforces your rights under consumer protection laws.
- Representing You in Court: If creditors file lawsuits, the lawyer can defend you, potentially getting cases dismissed or negotiating settlements to avoid judgments.
- Financial Planning Advice: Provides guidance on budgeting, managing expenses, and rebuilding credit after debt settlement.
- Bankruptcy Alternatives: Helps you explore alternatives to bankruptcy, which can have long-term effects on your credit and financial opportunities.
How Are Debt Settlement Lawyers Paid?
Debt settlement lawyers typically charge for their services in one of the following ways:
- Flat Fee: A set fee for specific services, such as negotiating with a single creditor or handling a straightforward settlement.
- Hourly Rate: Charging an hourly fee for the time spent working on your case. Rates can range from $200 to $500 or more per hour, depending on the lawyer's experience and location.
- Percentage of Savings: Some lawyers charge a fee based on a percentage of the amount they save you in the settlement. For example, if they negotiate a $10,000 debt down to $6,000, they might charge 25% of the $4,000 saved.
- Retainer Fee: An upfront payment from which the lawyer deducts fees as they work on your case. You may need to replenish the retainer if it is exhausted.
- Payment Plans: Some lawyers offer payment arrangements to make their services more affordable, allowing you to pay the fee over time.
It's important to discuss payment structures and fees during your initial consultation to understand the total cost and ensure it fits within your budget.
How Much Does a Debt Settlement Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a debt settlement lawyer varies based on several factors:
- Flat Fees: May range from $500 to $3,000 per creditor, depending on the complexity of the negotiations.
- Hourly Rates: Typically between $200 and $500 per hour. Total costs depend on the amount of time required to settle your debts.
- Percentage of Savings: Commonly 15% to 25% of the amount saved through negotiation. For example, if your lawyer saves you $10,000, their fee might be $1,500 to $2,500.
- Retainer Fees: Initial retainers can range from $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the anticipated workload.
Additional costs may include:
- Court Fees: If legal action is necessary, such as filing motions or defending against lawsuits.
- Administrative Fees: Charges for copying documents, postage, or other administrative tasks.
Always request a detailed fee agreement and discuss all potential costs upfront to avoid unexpected expenses.
Top Questions to Ask a Debt Settlement Lawyer
-
What is your experience with debt settlement cases similar to mine?
Ensure the lawyer has a successful track record in negotiating debt settlements for clients with situations like yours. -
How do you charge for your services, and what are the estimated total costs?
Understand the fee structure, including any upfront costs, percentages, or additional fees. -
What are the potential outcomes of my case?
Ask for an honest assessment of how much your debts could be reduced and the likelihood of successful negotiations. -
How long will the debt settlement process take?
Get an estimated timeline for negotiations and resolution. -
Will you handle communications with all my creditors?
Clarify whether the lawyer will negotiate with all your creditors or only specific ones. -
What happens if a creditor refuses to settle?
Discuss alternative strategies if a creditor is uncooperative. -
How will debt settlement affect my credit score?
Understand the potential impact on your credit and how to rebuild it afterward. -
Can you help protect me from creditor lawsuits or wage garnishment?
Inquire about legal protections and how the lawyer can assist if creditors take legal action.
How to Check the Credibility of a Debt Settlement Lawyer
- Verify Their License: Ensure the lawyer is licensed and in good standing with your state's bar association.
- Experience and Specialization: Look for a lawyer who specializes in debt settlement or consumer debt law.
- Client Reviews and Testimonials: Research online reviews or ask for references to learn about other clients' experiences.
- Professional Memberships: Membership in organizations like the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys (NACBA) or local bar associations can indicate a commitment to the field.
- Disciplinary Record: Check for any past disciplinary actions or complaints filed against the lawyer.
- Consultation Feedback: Use the initial consultation to assess their communication style, professionalism, and confidence in handling your case.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To make the most of your initial meeting with a debt settlement lawyer, bring the following:
- Detailed List of Debts: Include all creditors, account numbers, balances, interest rates, and any correspondence you've received.
- Income and Expense Statements: Provide documentation of your income sources and monthly expenses to give the lawyer a clear picture of your financial situation.
- Credit Reports: Obtain a recent copy of your credit report from all three major bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, Equifax).
- Correspondence from Creditors: Bring any letters, notices, or legal documents you've received from creditors or collection agencies.
- Legal Documents: If you've been served with lawsuits, summons, or wage garnishment orders, bring those documents.
- Questions and Concerns: Prepare a list of questions about your options, the debt settlement process, and potential outcomes.
- Budget Information: Be ready to discuss what you can realistically afford to pay toward settlements.
By being thoroughly prepared, you enable the lawyer to assess your situation effectively and provide the best possible legal advice tailored to your needs.
