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01 Jul, 2023 by Susan
It took me months of on and off research to find the right bankruptcy attorney. When I read Krystal’s background and reviews, I knew she was someone I could trust and depend on to get all the details and everything done right in my case. Her extensive knowledge, experience, and clear communication throughout the entire process made this a good experience. I would highly recommend Krystal to anyone who is going through this challenging time. She’s the very best and I will be forever grateful for all her help.
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14 Jun, 2023 by Alen
While I only had a consultation with Krystal, she was extremely sympathetic to my concern, making heartbreaking bad news not quite as hard to swallow. She's the kind of attorney you know has your best interest in mind. And she was able to answer every question clearly and understandably to boot. She was intuitive to understand what would be good for me to know as well, even without me asking. If I ever need to hire a bankruptcy attorney, she's the one I would hire hands down.
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17 Mar, 2023 by Jodi
I had the pleasure of talking to Krystal yesterday. After hearing about my individual situation she recommended I take an alternate route. Not only did she answer all my questions she also went the extra mile and helped educate me. I highly recommend Krystal.
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09 Feb, 2024 by Brittany m
Mr Stone and his team were absolutely wonderful when I went in for assistance with some legal finance issues I was having. Communicative, informative, willing to answer any question I had, no matter what. I would recommend Stone Law to anyone. They were absolutely perfect. I will definitely go back if I need help in the future. Brittany M
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16 Jan, 2024 by Kacie
My whole bankruptcy process went smoothly and Shawn was amazing about explaining everything in detail and answering all my questions. All staff were friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. I highly recommend Shawn Stone!
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10 Jan, 2024 by Anonymous
Stone Law Group was very knowledgeable & helped guide me through the entire process with ease! I would recommend them!
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01 Apr, 2019 by Angie
Ashley Tuchman is representing me through my divorce. Going through a divorce has been the most demanding experience of my life. Truly the light throughout this laborious and emotionally draining process has been the support of my attorney. I cannot stress enough how important aligning yourself with the right attorney, with the right attitude will serve you well and keep your head on straight at a time where you need to be on your game. Ashley is pragmatic, knowledgeable and honest. Her no nonsense style while dealing with facts and challenges is well balanced by her empathetic and attentive nature to see you through the most challenging circumstances. Ashley is supportive and helps keep it all together in a time where many things seem to be falling apart. She is reliable, responsive and diligent. She does an outstanding job of keeping you on target and prioritizing demands effectively. Ashley is a true client advocate and a trusted advisor. I would highly recommend her services.
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20 Feb, 2019 by Stacia
I had the privilege of working with Ashley Tuchman during my divorce. She made things very simple and easy for me to understand during the entire process. She was amazing at catching the smallest details and coming up with brilliant strategies that helped my ex and I come to an agreement and settle our divorce in a timely manner. I’m forever grateful for her expertise and advice and understanding in helping me through this difficult time. Her knowledge and creativity and the way she worded the documents was very helpful to my case. I’m very confident in her abilities and I absolutely would hire her again. Thank you.
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30 Dec, 2018 by Nicole
I could not have asked for a more seamless experience with my divorce. Ashley and her team guided me through each step and anticipated the next. Not only were they professional but they made my experience very personal as well. My concerns were prompltly addressed and answers were given very quickly! At the end of this entire roller coaster, my ex husband even stated that he would recommend my attorney over his! Thank you Ashley and Modern Law, for your excellence in taking care of me and my family!
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31 May, 2020 by Janet
We were very fortunate to have found Mr. Larry Karandreas to handle our Chapter 13 bankruptcy. I highly recommend him! He is a superb negotiator who is staunchly on your side. Our case was somewhat complicated and we ran into several unexpected snags during the course of our bankruptcy. Mr. Karandreas handled these surprises with professional aplomb. At the outset of our case Mr. Karandreas was able to set aside a large portion of our debt that was held by unsecured creditors that had not contacted us for a number of months. This was very helpful. Mr. Karandreas is clear and concise about what he needs to receive from you. He works to keep his fees as low as possible, but never misses a deadline, always giving you ample notice. He has a Shakespearean sense of humor with which he paints word pictures that leave the judge with no doubt as to the character of predatory lenders. If you choose Mr. Karandreas for your bankruptcy attorney, you will be in good hands. Thank you Larry Karandreas for a job well done!
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22 Mar, 2019 by Ron
Larry helped us through a stressful time in our lives. He made the process seem less daunting and was with us every step of the way, answering any questions that we had. During the five years he was our attorney, he went above and beyond for our family.
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28 Apr, 2016 by Fred & terry
Referred by family, Mr. Karandreas took the time to explain the totality of filing for Bankruptcy. His reassurance of the process made us feel comfortable. During this entire time Mr. Karandreas handled all issues in an exceptional and timely manner. He made himself available and made matters go smooth. He is a true professional that produces outstanding results. We absolutely and highly recommend Mr. Karandreas a man of high integrity and great character.
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16 May, 2016 by Hubert
I've been the victim of identity theft and it's the most difficult thing to have to deal with. David has listened patiently and worked to help me resolve debts that I was wrongly being sued for. Words cannot express the professionalism, empathy and kindness David has demonstrated throughout this process.. Calls, emails etc… were beyond my expectations. I highly recommend David and I'm still continuing to fight with him in my corner. Again, thank you for all you do and many blesssigs.
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10 Jul, 2015 by Tiffany
David is a very caring, go the extra mile attorney that you don't run into very often. He is knowledgeable and is able to communicate well both with his clients and other parties involved. I would highly recommend David.
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10 Feb, 2015 by Kat
I had a debt turned over to collections that got out of control; I wasn't able to pay the exorbitant amount and started getting harassing calls at my place of work. In addition, I was embarrassed and scared of how to proceed. From the start to finish, David was understanding, non-judgemental, knowledgeable, and highly professional. His help resolved the situation completely, and it finally became manageable for me to pay off. I would recommend him to close friends, family, and strangers alike!
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29 Jun, 2020 by Michael c.
Cindy did an excellent job in all aspects. There was never a time that I felt she didn't know what she was doing, or was putting me on the, "back burner." All of her efforts led to the most positive outcome I could have expected from the case. Thanks Cindy!
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24 Apr, 2020 by Alyssa
Very happy with the help Cindy provided! She is very thorough and professional. She answered all of my questions and I appreciated the constant communication! I could tell she had my best interest and outcome at heart. Thank you Cindy!
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19 Mar, 2019 by Maresa
A+++ I would highly recommend Cindy (and I Have) to friends when they are needing assistance with debt issues. She is super easy to work with and very responsive to your calls and emails. I have used Cindy on a few items and will again if need be!! Couldn't ask for a better lawyer on your side!!
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22 Jan, 2021 by Ian
Nat is a sharp, diligent and DEDICATED attorney. He gave me a very quick history on precedents of my legal issue, gave me some options, made recommendations and came up with a plan. He was instrumental in not only resolving a frustrating experience with my HOA.....but also set the scenario up so that if they *didn't* acquiesce, then we would be in a particularly advantageous position, legally speaking. Fortunately, that never had to play out, but he was ready to be there. If you want a lawyer who will listen, take your side, tell you your options and potential/likely outcomes, and is thinking multiple steps ahead of your adversary, and it willing to be generous and judicious with your/his time....then, hire him.
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19 Jul, 2017 by Andrea jenkins
Attorney Nickele has done a wonderful job for us! He not only listened intently in our initial interview, but explained different courses of actions and the costs for each. He made himself available to us each step of the way. He is thorough, kind, shrewd and capable. I would hire him again, for any legal action in the future.
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04 Oct, 2016 by Anonymous
Nat truly goes above and beyond for his clients. He not only works diligently to take care of your actual needs but also provides special attention to your potential needs. He is a well rounded individual who establishes a solid rapport with his client. I highly recommend him!
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08 Sep, 2024 by Jordan banning
Paula Hannah is an exceptional estate attorney. Her professionalism, clear communication, and extensive knowledge make the estate planning process smooth and understandable. She is always caring and personable, and takes the time to understand each client's situation and needs. I've referred a numerous clients to her over the years, and without exception, they've been impressed with her service. If you are looking for an estate attorney who brings expertise in addition to a genuine concern for her clients, Paula Hannah is the one to choose. Highly recommended!
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26 Aug, 2024 by Carol kent
I felt connected with Paula right away. She was very personable and nice. She spent time getting to know me and was so easy to talk to. She never rushed me when we were on zoom meeting and was very thorough in explaining the process of putting all my assets into a Trust. She is professional and made recommendations that would work best for me and my family. When I met her in person, she reviewed everything one more time and sent me home with the most comprehensive binder to house all of my paper work. Everything is in there which makes it so easy for my family members to execute once I am gone. I was so grateful that I found her to do my Trust.
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26 Aug, 2024 by Breann foster
Paula was an absolute pleasure to work with. Extremely responsive and personable. She answered our many questions and talked us through everything to ensure we understood and were absolutely comfortable. Overall, very comprehensive yet quick process.
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07 Aug, 2024 by Karra krug
I am grateful for Kristen and her services. Kristen represented my family cases for approximately 4 years. The overall case is complex needing representation with several components multiple times. Kristen was the 4th attorney that I had. The first was for the divorce; I wish I knew about Kristen then. I would have retained her immediately and likely never had to go through what I did. Kristen was up against a 'shark' of an attorney, who represented my ex. Kristen handled everything with grace and tact. There where moments when she presented the ugly truth to me in a kind way. Her knowledge and professionalism is unmatched. The only reason that I have new representation is because I moved across the country. She provided me with guidance to transfer my case. She also has great communication. I never felt that I was left hanging and wondering.
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10 Jan, 2024 by Angeline rose nixon
Kristen Kaffer is amazing!! She’s very patient, efficient, understanding and knowledgeable. I high recommend her!
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23 Sep, 2023 by Kimely gallagher
Kristen made the whole process easy and smooth for me. She was on top of everything and responded to all my questions in a timely manner. I appreciate her and I am very grateful to her.
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08 Dec, 2022 by George leiva
Patrick Dennis and his team were excellent to work with. They were very knowledgeable and informative throughout the entire process. They worked very hard on my case and I highly recommend this law firm
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07 Dec, 2022 by Victor leyva
I am writing this review on behalf of my mother Ms. Mota. We are thankful for the extremely great work that this firm as well as Patrick Dennis and Brittany have provided to my mother on her case. After going back and forth with the other party and dealing with them not acting in good faith towards my mother Patrick the attorney in charge made them accountable and made sure that my mother was respected and collected a great settlement. When the other party offer a low offer settlement. Patrick said "NO"! And fought continuously to collect a good offer for my mother. If you are searching around for a law firm don't search any longer you will not regret hiring them to represent you. We will definitely keep them in mind for any further lawsuits we need to file. Thank you to the firm to the receptionist to the paralegals and most importantly to Patrick Dennis! Keep up the great work!
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20 Nov, 2022 by Chad brassel
Professional! I have always been treated with the utmost respect. All interactions have been held with confidentiality and transparency.
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12 Jul, 2024 by Traci weber
I had a good experience with Phoenix accident and injury law firm. I was afraid at first to get a lawyer because of my past experiences. But they put me at ease they kept me up to date with everything. They care about their clients. If you have a question they're there to answer it, if you have concerns they're there to listen. In the end when it was time to settle they came to me and did nothing until I said yes or no. They made me feel like I was a person and that what I had to say matter to them. I would recommend Phoenix accident and injury lawyers to anyone that needs a good lawyer and law firm. A sincere thank you to everyone that had any part with my case and helped in making this a great experience for me. Thank you!
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13 Jun, 2024 by Karissa murphy
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13 Jun, 2024 by Malik
Karissa and Shane were amazing! They were there for any questions I had and checked up on me regularly. Highly recommend these guys!!
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06 Jul, 2018 by Cheri
I paid the fee to talk to a lawyer because I did not know who was keeping me from registering my vehicle. Time was getting close and I was stressed. Mr. Fuerst was worth every penny! Just by asking questions, calming me down, and what it could NOT possibly be I was able to think about it and figure it out. Just a ticket with one payment made late! That late fee was keeping me from being able to register my car. What I thought was going to cost $1000's was a mere $65.00. Thank you Nicholas! Sorry if I was a nut case......
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21 Feb, 2016 by Anonymous
He was honest about the information and provided other contacts that might help me further.
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27 Nov, 2013 by Anonymous
I engaged Mr. Fuerst Oct 2012 for a simple case. He did not complete the filing in spite of being ordered by the judge to do so one year later. He didn't return my calls in spite of commitments to do so by specified dates. He did not file my case correctly yet did not communicate to me if he was not competent with the subject matter of the case if that was the barrier to proper filing. He did not execute on legal filings in a timely fashion and when done did not do so properly as noted above. He provided me with inaccurate information (would commit to completing a filing but did not do so when I called to follow up). I had to discharge him due to utter frustration and exasperation related to his unprofessional conduct. My new lawyer completed the task in 30 days! I recommend avoiding this lawyer if you desire prompt service, professional, trustworthy communication and dependable follow-through. Unfortunately you will not find any of these desirable qualities if you retain this lawyer.
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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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. How long will the debt settlement process take?
    Get an estimated timeline for negotiations and resolution.
  5. Will you handle communications with all my creditors?
    Clarify whether the lawyer will negotiate with all your creditors or only specific ones.
  6. What happens if a creditor refuses to settle?
    Discuss alternative strategies if a creditor is uncooperative.
  7. How will debt settlement affect my credit score?
    Understand the potential impact on your credit and how to rebuild it afterward.
  8. 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.