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08 Nov, 2024 by Julie elkins
Attorney Barison helped our family with a 2nd parent adoption. He led us through this process quickly, professionally, and seamlessly. Our family is so VERY thankful.
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29 Oct, 2024 by Demi samuels
I had such an overwhelming great experience with Matthew. My case was rather more complicated and scary. I wanted a lawyer who cared enough about my career as a black woman, Matthew was just that. His passion for his job was evident on my case. A big win! I am so grateful to have had him on my team. Many many thanks Matthew. Keep up the good work. I fully recommend you as a lawyer.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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
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30 Jan, 2025 by G&v tv
Paul was very helpful to me in a situation involving my child who is a minor.
He made us both feel very comfortable and was extremely thorough.
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23 Jan, 2025 by Glen
Paul is absolutely the best at what he does. What makes him the best? He cares about your case, about you, and about your family. Every time I have called he always answers and if he doesn’t he calls me back the same day. He will keep you informed and fight for you. I would highly suggest appointing Paul as your lawyer
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16 Jan, 2025 by Tonisha allen
Attorney Paul Moraski is THE BEST criminal defense lawyer! When my son was falsely accused of a crime that he didnt commit and all the cards were stacked against him, we felt defeated. We called multiple lawyers and had multiple consultations and each lawyer agreed to take his case but they all wanted him to plead guilty. This would have meant my son pleading guilty for something he didn't do, having a permanent conviction record, possible jail time, license suspension, fines, and court fees. I understand that this was the fastest, easiest, and least costly way out but this would have had a huge negative effect on my sons life and his career. He would not being able to work in his profession and run his current business. He worked so hard to get where he is by going to college, his internships and now owning and running his own business. This entire ordeal was a devastating blow to my family and we were so blessed and grateful that we found Paul! ( He asked us to call him Paul during our first meeting) We knew from the first consultation that we needed to hire him! He was the first lawyer out of many that believed in my son and believed we had a strong case and didn't want him to just plead guilty. This entire thing was foreign territory for us. Paul was very knowledgeable through the entire process, he explained things to us in detail and kept my family in the loop the entire way during my sons case. We couldnt afford to retain a lawyer, but Paul worked with us on payment plans! Paul was very professional in and outside of court and is also a very sharp dresser! I would recommend Paul to anyone looking for a great defense lawyer!
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
