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5.0
20 Reviews
4.9
37 Reviews
06 Dec, 2024 by Donna chevalier
Much Thanks to the though and compasonate help during a difficult time in my life. The were on the ball and extremely competent with my bankruptcy. I would highly recommend.
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08 Nov, 2024 by Tally jay
Thank you to everyone, especially Marc, for your kindness and patience. Filing for bankruptcy was new to me, and Mark took the time to walk me through it all. I’m truly grateful for the support
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14 Oct, 2024 by Greenrosetv
5 stars for this law firm! They are very professional, and capable of getting things done, that other firms can’t.
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4.9
16 Reviews
5.0
4 Reviews
09 Aug, 2023 by Robert t
I highly recommend Larry to anyone looking for an attorney. This was my first time having to deal with an issue like this, but Larry helped to ease my mind. He explained everything in detail, in terms I could understand, and was able to greatly reduce an outstanding debt.
Larry was available whenever I needed help or had any questions or concerns. Always called and emailed me. Great service and very professional!
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18 Jul, 2023 by Allen
Mr, Hersh provided me with information that was very helpful. As busy as he is, he went above and beyond. His rates are fair and affordable.
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16 Jul, 2019 by Anonymous
He is great at what he does! He helped me with debt collectors and got me a settlement that I could never have gotten on my own. Because of him I’m able to move on with my life free from worry. I’m so happy I found Mr. Hersh and highly recommend him.
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28 Jan, 2025 by Patrick charles
Mr. Kraft is very professional and caring attorney. He gives 110% of his time to his clients and has a great response time.
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25 Jan, 2025 by Darren williams
Howard was very professional and took the time to explain everything to me I am ever pleased I would recommend him to anyone who needs assistance
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21 Jan, 2025 by Michelle gandy
I received excellent service with the Kraft Laws office from Attorney Kraft and his staff. They are professional and don't waste time. My calls and texts were answered in a timely fashion. I would recommend his services.
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10 Dec, 2024 by Anthony d'arco
Working with Joel made the whole experience stress free. He knew what to expect and was able to anticipate and issue so we were able to resolve, and it didn't hold up our closing. I highly recommend Joel.
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06 Dec, 2024 by Joshua bakalian
I can't thank Joel enough for his help with the closing of our property. My wife and I are first time home buyers and he helped us navigate through the process practically seamlessly.
If it wasn't for a small issue with our bank the closing would have literally taken 25 minutes. It didn't take much more than that though and I thank Joel for that. For being on top of every aspect of what it took to get the job done. For always answering the phone when I called and if not answering texting me, letting me know he'd get back to me once he was done with another client.
Thank you Joel,
The Bakalian Family
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26 Nov, 2024 by Noah khaja
Joel is the best. Great working with him, he is a true professional and always prioritizes the best interest of his clients.
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21 Oct, 2024 by Joe e
I had the pleasure of working with Andrew Roth on a recent real estate transaction, and I cannot recommend him highly enough. From the start, Andrew was incredibly knowledgeable, responsive, and professional. He took the time to explain every step of the process in a way that was easy to understand, which gave me complete confidence in his expertise.
Andrew’s attention to detail is unmatched, and he was always available to answer my questions, no matter how small. He handled all the legal aspects of my purchase seamlessly and ensured everything was in order for a smooth closing. His calm and reassuring demeanor helped reduce the stress that often comes with real estate transactions.
If you are looking for a real estate attorney who is diligent, reliable, and truly cares about his clients, Andrew Roth is the one. I will definitely be using his services again in the future and recommending him to friends and family. A true professional!"
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11 Oct, 2024 by Jag harikrishnan
Prerak and his team are thorough professionals. They were able to process the case end to end and providing excellent support at every step.
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26 Sep, 2024 by Dan moon
Prerak really helped me a lot. The service was great, and I’d use his service again if I face any situation that needs a professional immigration lawyer. Very knowledgeable.
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09 Dec, 2024 by Mike
Virginia Fortunato handled my bankruptcy swiftly and efficiently, explaining everything and guiding me through the entire process and when she was able to obtain my chapter 7, it really lifted the weight of the world off of my shoulders. I was very pleased with the entire process from start to finish and would recommend this attorney to anyone in need of Bankruptcy or Debt Settlement.
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19 Sep, 2024 by Heather
Ginny is amazing at what she does and she is very knowledgeable. She is compassionate and treats you with dignity. She made the process very easy and stress free. She was always patient and quick to answer questions to put you at ease. I can't recommend her enough. She helped to change my life for the better and I am so grateful.
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04 Sep, 2024 by Carol
This review is being written long after my chapter 13 as I have just sold my house that Ginny worked hard to help me save it from foreclosure. I came close several times to having my case dismissed and she went above and beyond to fix it!! Thank you Ginny you’re very dedicated and I will never forget that!!! I would highly recommend you to anyone that needed your services.
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20 Apr, 2024 by Kevin
Robert was excellent, I've used him twice. Once in 2010, and again in 2023. He knew EXACTLY how to best advise and represent me. You can trust him unequivocally.
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30 Oct, 2023 by Michael
Robert was very professional and understanding of my family's situation. He answered all of our questions and guided up through the whole process. Would definitely recommend his services to anyone in need of a bankruptcy lawyer.
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23 Aug, 2022 by Michelle
Robert made the entire process so easy, he was always responsive to any questions I had no matter how repetitive they were. Definitely one of the best experiences I’ve had with any lawyer.
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05 Nov, 2023 by Brunilda negron
I appreciate the great representation Mr. Perez gave us. I certainly recommend him to anyone needing legal services.
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25 Jan, 2023 by Santos a perez
15 Aug, 2022 by Angela aragon
ATTORNEY Hagui offered professional and expert services. He assisted me with my home loan modification. I had am exceptional experience working with Mr Hagui . I highly recommend him for all relative legal services. He is knowledgeable and competent in his field.
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10 Jan, 2025 by Robert garbutt
We have worked together for years, Howard always gets the best results for his clients. I highly recommend him.
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04 Jan, 2025 by L k
Howard Leopold is an amazing attorney who provides personalized service and care for his clients. He truly gets to know each of his clients personally, to ensure that you get the professional assistance that you need. He takes care of everything in a timely and organized manner, making it very easy for his clients. If you are looking for a lawyer who will give you the personalized attention that you need, definitely reach out to Howard Leopold at Leopold Law.
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24 Dec, 2024 by Jill wiser
Howard assisted my family navigate a power of attorney and a living will last minute and really helped us out in a pinch. He also reviewed a lease rental agreement and caught several important line items that we addressed with the landlord which could have been problematic down the road. We highly recommend him.
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5.0
8 Reviews
4.6
11 Reviews
05 Sep, 2024 by Russell sullivan
I recently used Bertone Piccini to handle the closing on the sale of my home and I could not be more happier with their services. Grace, Patricia, Jordyn, and the rest of of the Bertone Piccinni team are very professional and diligent in their work. The entire team was quick to respond to any questions I had through the closing process. I highly recommend Bertone Piccini.
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05 Sep, 2024 by Dan dalcais
After four years processing a Will which Bertone herself describes as "a simple, uncomplicated case involving few assets", she has produced nothing but delay and deceitful excuses for her incompetence. Violating even minimal standards, Bertone refuses to set her fee, only indicating that her share of the inheritance will be more than any intended beneficiary receives. She's provided numerous examples of collusion with opposing counsel to ensure his cut is as excessive and lucrative. Her practice is essentially parasitic. Don't be swayed by bogus reviews full of flattering adjectives and no specific information. This firm should be avoided like the plaque.
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26 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
One of the most reliable and efficient lawyers I've worked with. Responds to emails immediately with useful information
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06 Jan, 2025 by Jonathan
Attorney Brumel was my first call when I was looking for a bankruptcy attorney to help me out of this miserable situation. However I did make a couple other calls, and found that he was the most experienced, he made me feel the most comfortable and of course most importantly given my current state offinancial affairs, the cheapest! In fact I got off the phone with one of them and immediately called his office to start the process.
When we had our initial consultation it was set for 30 mins, we spoke for nearly an hour. Once I hired him we scheduled a two hour appointment to sort everything out, it went three hrs. He responded to every email, and both him and Jaci answered every question, offering assurance along the way.
I hope nobody I care about has to go through bankruptcy, but if they do I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Attorney Brumel. Now if somebody I don't like is going through it, I'd recommend one of the other guys.
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03 Jul, 2024 by Karim
Mr. Brumel is not your average lawyer. He is backed with decades of knowledge and experience.
He also knows that bankruptcy is “scary” and complex, so he spends his time explaining and analyzing your options.
His fees are beyond reasonable, his work ethic is impeccable, his office, mainly Jaci is amazing and super responsive.
The free consultation isn’t a quick 5 minute “hire me” pitch, but was rather an in depth dive into my situation and analysis of what could be done.
The efficiency of the service is second to none.
I am thankful and grateful to have chosen Mr. Brumel.
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28 Nov, 2023 by Joe
What they say is absolutely true. Mr Brumel and Jaci were amazing and provided a truly professional experience. All along the way from start to finish they were incredibly courteous and understanding.
I reccomend him wholeheartedly.
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14 Aug, 2023 by Darren
Words simply aren’t enough to describe what I’ve earned in life because of this man. His professionalism, human nature, and decorum are just some of his beautiful attributes he brings to the court room. He assessed and directed my entire approach and was spot on with my expected outcome. Through laying out the facts and showing my credibility Ted fought for mw to have joint custody of my son. No tricks, no gimmicks. Just the law, and his excellent reasoning and approach granted me everything I could have asked for. I have a voice and coachable moments now with my son whom I wasn’t able to with prior to finding Ted.
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26 Mar, 2023 by Anonymous
Mr Sliwinski prepared wills for my parents, my wife & myself. He was very through, knowledgeable & competent. He answered all our questions & gave us very good advise.
I would highly recommend Ted for any legal family issues.
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23 Mar, 2023 by Joshua
Ted has been extremely friendly, caring, and attentive when assisting me with very tricky family legal issues and I now consider him a friend of the family and would highly recommend him to anyone in the future!
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20 Sep, 2021 by Anonymous
Barry was a true ally to my parents and the family as he helped them navigate the complicated Chap 13 bankruptcy process. Ever patient, Barry always took the time to answer all questions, however trivial they may have been at times. He was knowledgeable, competent, and compassionate throughout the process. In the end Barry was able to secure monthly payment play that my family was more than comfortable with. I highly recommend Barry to represent you no matter how complicated you think your case may be …. Barry will get the job done!
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01 Jun, 2021 by Christopher
I had a consultation with Barry, he was very professional, honest and straightforward about the services his fees and what he can do for me.
I hired him that very day, I was very impressed by his honesty.
My case took a couple of years to be completed and Barry was there every step of the way.
He always kept me updated and informed every step of the way
Barry and I became very good friends during this time and I am very proud to say that Barry Miller is my very close and trusted friend
I recommend Barry whole heartedly he is dedicated and trustworthy
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23 Nov, 2020 by Carolina
I recommend this lawyer because he guided me through this process. He was very organized and knowledgeable in the steps necessary to achieve Bunkrupcy
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21 Sep, 2023 by Sara
Scott Bullock just helped my family's local business tremendously through a couple different situations. He proved to be very invested in our cause. Scott exceeded our expectations with the amount of time he gave to us and we found his cost very reasonable considering. Besides this, he is a genuinely kind local guy who wants to see you succeed. We recommend his services.
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15 Oct, 2018 by Nicholas
Scott, was excellent with helping me buying a house. I was a first time home buyer and did not know what to expect. I realized it was a very stressfull experience but Scott made it a whole lot better. He helped me though each step and moved very quicly through the review process since he knew I had a closing date happening soon.
thank you,
Nick
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27 Jun, 2018 by Anonymous
Scott is a consummate professional. He rapidly provided a disposition to my case and stuck with me when personal challenges delayed resolution from my end. I appreciate his hard work and strongly recommend him.
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16 Feb, 2020 by Yasmin
The Best Attorney to deal with, Mr. Raevski really helped me with my divorce case and I got my child custody as was best for my child. I will always have him as my family lawyer for any future consulting or cases if I need one.
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15 Feb, 2020 by Roger
I went for a free consultation with Ivan about my debts. He explained all my options really well. Now I am in the process of retaining him for a ch 7 bankruptcy as it seems like the best option for me.
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14 Feb, 2020 by Helen
I had incurred a lot of debt because of my illness, both credit card and medical bills. Ivan really helped me to clear up all that debt by filing a ch 7 bankruptcy. The fee was reasonable and he gave me an affordable payment plan. I highly recommend.
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27 Aug, 2024 by The creature teacher
We went back and forth, unsure if franchising would be an obtainable goal or not. We researched and found the Internicola Law Firm and loved their model and professionalism. They walked us through every step. They were patient and kind, never making us feel like we were in over our heads. We powered through and just signed our first 2 franchises. We are very grateful to this team that helped us realize a dream. We highly recommend them!
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26 Aug, 2024 by Matt van groningen
We have had a great experience working with the entire Internicola Law Firm as we have rolled out our new Franchise system. Keep up the good work
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26 Aug, 2024 by Jayson tipp
As Chief Development Officer at Playa Bowls I work closely with the team at ILF. We are a very fast growing franchise system with lots of activity and need for support. The team is very responsive to our needs and engaged in helping us exceed our goals. They are knowledgeable and thoughtful in helping us think through how best to handle a range of franchising matters that arise. They have been very helpful in keeping our team aware of and in front of franchise compliance matters.
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10 Oct, 2014 by Anonymous
Stuart saved the day! He did not ask a penny. A credit card collector from took me to court, I was not served with a summon. Stuart advised what I should do, and what to say. Stuart has the knowledge and he cares. Thanks Stuart! :)
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08 Apr, 2012 by Elliot
Mr. Brecher has support me in a number of various legal matters including court appearances and property settlements. He is most proficient and professional in his approach to all of the legal matters that I was faced with. He worked with me to understand the implications of the decisions needed in each of the case. He was very understanding of my lack of knowledge of the legal system - I am an engineer - and he made the various processes and procedures that I went through as painless and quick as possible.
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16 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
MRS. MUNOZ WAS SUCH A GREAT HELP IN MY ONGOING CHILD SUPPORT/CUSTODY BATTLE. SHE IS VERY STRAIGHT FORWARD AND HONEST. SHE TELLS IT AS IT IS. SHES VERY TRUST WORTHY, ONE OF THE FEW ATTORNEYS I KNOW WITH SUCH INTEGRITY. HER STAFF IS VERY POLITE. HER ASSISTANT SAT WITH ME PERSONALLY AND HELPED ME FILL OUT FORMS I WAS UNSURE OF AND MADE ME FEEL VERY COMFORTABLE. SHES VERY AFFORDABLE AS WELL. I WOULD DEFINITELY USE HER AGAIN IF NEEDED AND WOULDNT HESITATE TO RECOMMEND HER TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY!
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20 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
Mrs. Munoz was not only attentive to my needs but also was able to help me when others couldn't! She is a great family law attorney and i would highly recommend her to others! She is extremely trustworthy and above all, HONEST! Her staff are very courteous and always go the extra mile to make sure i am kept informed of my case and make sure i was always satisfied.
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21 Feb, 2023 by Beth
I have never met such a diligent, hardworking successful attorney. I had a personal injury case against a supermarket chain. My own friend, an attorney, did not want the case as he felt we could not be successful. Larry Stern settled my case at an amount I never thought possible. I highly recommend Larry Stern to anyone who needs a good attorney.
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01 Jul, 2013 by Edwin
Mr. Santiago is very fair and trustworthy. He keeps you well informed and shows compassion for his clients. I would recommend him for whatever legal issue that may arise.
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23 Jun, 2016 by Stephen
I was arrested for DWI in 2015 and got her name through a mutual friend. I was looking for a lawyer who had been through trails and knew her way around the courtroom while still being reasonable from a pricing perspective. I did not go to trail in this case as Inna was able to get the charges dropped due to a mistake the officer made. I would highly recommend her!
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23 Jan, 2017 by Kira
Michael Simon is a wonderful attorney that has helped me numerous times. Aside from being knowledgeable, he is easy to work with. A couple of years ago, while at traffic court with Michael, the judge explained that he was going to reduce the charges against me because Michael Simon is an excellent.
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05 Nov, 2023 by Mont
I had the pleasure of working with Jennifer N. Weil, Esq. as my bankruptcy lawyer, and I can confidently say that she exceeded all of my expectations. From the moment I spoke with her on phone consultation, Ms. Weil was friendly, comforting, and professional. Her extensive knowledge of bankruptcy law was evident from the start, and she was able to answer all my questions with ease.
What really impressed me about Ms. Weil was her ability to eliminate any fears I had about filing for bankruptcy. She explained the entire process in detail, making sure I understood what to expect every step of the way. This level of reassurance was invaluable to me during such a stressful time, and I truly appreciated it.
Overall, I would highly recommend Ms. Weil to anyone who is looking to file for bankruptcy. She is not only knowledgeable and experienced, but she is also compassionate and understanding. I highly suggest Ms. Weil if you are looking for a lawyer who will represent and guide you through the bankruptcy process with ease and professionalism. Thank you, Ms. Weil for all of your help and support!
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05 Apr, 2023 by Richard
Ms. Weil handled my Chapter 7 Bankruptcy. Ms. Weil handled it in a diligent, knowledgeable and thorough fashion. She reviewed my case and advised me of my best option(s). She told me what to expect and how to respond to any inquiries of my financial situation. I highly recommend Ms. Weil.
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28 Apr, 2022 by Dina
I consulted with Jennifer about a matter, and while it was outside her scope of practice, she graciously took the time to speak with me and refer me to attorneys she knew could help. She has a warm, professional, caring demeanor.
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03 Nov, 2020 by Anonymous
James Cerbone and staff were truly a blessing for me and my family. He was prompt and very reasonably priced. His staff responds quickly and were extremely helpful. HIGHLY recommend this office.
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27 Oct, 2020 by James
I'm a person who puts things off... especially when it's dealing with troubling issues. I tend to ignore them until I simply can't anymore. On the Friday before a court filing due the next Monday, I contacted James Cerbone's law office after finally opening a piece of mail I had received from them the week before - remember the part about putting things off? Cindy returned my messaged call within the hour, and arranged to stay late so that I could come in and sign the paperwork. The price was fair and everything settled to my satisfaction. (It was a case involving old debt). Cindy was not only understanding, but friendly and personable - my only regret is that I didn't contact her sooner!
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23 Oct, 2020 by Stephanie
They made the process very simple and easy and anytime I had a question they answered it. Very attentive very informative and I would recommend them to anyone.
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24 Jan, 2025 by Debbie baylor
My experience with Kaplun Marx was beyond excellent. I had an accident 4 years ago and Ashley Killeen was amazing and she was always keeping updated and couldn't ask for a better place. Thank you Ashley for putting up with me u are truly a legend
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08 Nov, 2024 by Cj cavender
Just tried to call to find an attorney to represent me for an old case I literally have no idea about. Legit, just looking for somebody to throw my money at to take care of it. And this guy is just extremely unprofessional, talking to me like I’m some sort of piece of crap or something, talking to me like I should know all the details of something I ALREADY stated twice in email, and once after beginning our phone call that I . Very arrogant, and disrespectful
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19 Sep, 2024 by Philip
I highly recommend Mr Brennan. He did a great job on my son’s case, we are very happy with the outcome.
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12 May, 2024 by Sonya
After speaking with him on the phone in my mind he was already hired. He took time to answer my questions before I actually met him for a consultation. You will never talk to a receptionist, secretary or legal assistant when you call his office. He will always pick up the phone so there is no waiting for a return call which is priceless because you are already stressed. He is very professional and handles things when you hang up. You can expect an email or text explaining how he handled whatever it was. HE IS THE BEST AND IF ANY OF MY FAMILY OR FRIENDS EVERY NEED AN ATTORNEY I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND HIM.
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02 Feb, 2020 by Anonymous
When dealing with an unfortunate event in our life we couldn’t have asked for better support and honesty. Mr. Ferro was professional and supportive, very knowledgeable and walks us through each step of the process. Things were always well explained and the responses to any questions were very prompt. We would highly recommend him to anyone. Thank you so much for your hard work . It’s important to have someone who truly cares and is compassionate when going through something like this.
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17 Mar, 2017 by Farzad
Ralph is very professional and gets the job done!. I highly recommend Ralph. He took care of my case in 2 months. Very efficient and delivered on all promises.
I couldn't be more happy!
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27 Mar, 2024 by Jeff
I contacted the Cintron Firm after getting a notice I was being sued for $18,000. Attorney Mary Srafen got everything dismissed. I owed nothing!! Excellent team and I would definitely recommend.
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17 Nov, 2022 by Santiago
Real estate transaction gone wrong. Mark diligently worked on this case while no other attorneys were willing to accept it. He was always in constant communication, and thoroughly detailed expectations. We won, and highly recommend his services!
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07 Nov, 2020 by Anonymous
I hired Mark Cintron through those mass mail advertisements. We won. There is improvement to be had in communicating because although he said it was easy to reach him his office did make it look unattainable.
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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
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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.
