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03 Dec, 2012 by Roger
Mr. Russo represented me in a contract dispute. The seller of a car failed to complete the transaction by providing appropriate documentation so that I could register the vehicle in my home state. Mr. Russo was able to resolve this in less than three weeks to my full satisfaction. He kept me fully informed along the way and did everything he said he would do. He gets results!
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08 Nov, 2012 by Judy
After a horrible experience with a contractor, Mr. Russo advised me how I needed to proceed. Although my contract restricted me from going to court, Mr Russo still helped me get through the ordeal. His knowledge of the contract was very helpful in telling me what I could negotiate and what I should expect. After eight months, I am satisfied with the resolution and I appreciate all of Mr. Russo's advice.
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29 Oct, 2012 by Cary
Mr. Russo helped our son with a negligence complaint against a service company that damaged his car. With Mr. Russo's assistance, our son was able to get the compensation that he deserved.
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27 Aug, 2015 by Anonymous
My Attorney, Steven is a gem....extremely knowledgeable, professional and has compassion. I used him to correct an error on a five year old Bankruptcy. I was worried it would never be corrected but Steven got the job done! He spent the necessary time with me, LISTENED and provided the necessary solution to correct the issue. I strongly recommend him!
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27 Aug, 2015 by Nf
Steve was my attorney during a very difficult period of my life. He was very professional, caring and took the time to answer my every question. Steve returned every call and responded to my emails.
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24 Aug, 2015 by Lia
I am honored to be writing this recommendation, having been able to be helped by Steve, I can honestly say he works with the highest level of integrity, as well representation with the utmost attentiveness. If you ever have the privilege of having this attorney & firm represent you, know you're going to be in the best hands possible.
Steve has demonstrated that whatever line of work you do, one can always help make a favorable difference in other peoples lives
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31 Mar, 2015 by Jessica
We recently needed, for the first time, the assistance of an attorney. Not knowing the industry, I called several offices before having the pleasure of speaking with Nicole. She immediately made me feel at ease and actively listened our situation. She was very professional, friendly and knowledgeable. She handled our case quickly with the utmost professionalism and kept us informed every step of the way. I would most definitely recommend Nicole and her firm to anyone needing their services.
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06 Mar, 2014 by Melissa
We have worked with Nicole & Doug for many, many years and have never had a problem. We use them for non payment of services from businesses. They remit client payments in a timely fashion, send updates monthly with details of each case not just a generic status update. They work to resolve the case in our best interest. They are easily contacted either through phone, fax or email and are always friendly and courteous.
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01 Mar, 2014 by Anonymous
My case was handled with care and professionalism. My calls were returned in a timely fashion. Even with a complicated case and an unreasonable composing counsel, she kept focus and handled all motions immediately
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20 Apr, 2020 by Anonymous
Dan is currently working on my case of a foreclosure. His service has been excellent so far. I live in another city but he has kept me updated on all aspects of my case. Watching him defending my case was a joy to see. He is well prepared and seems to get the job done. Happy I chose him.
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11 Jun, 2019 by Gloria
Daniel Bialczak, Esq. IS an excellent Attorney! He handled everything from A to Z for me. Every time I spoke to him he had great news and accomplish a lot. His expertise and negotiating skills have surpassed any attorney I’ve ever worked with. He is amazing. Seriously, if you need an attorney, hire Daniel Bialczak, Esq.. The law offices of Korte and Associates are exceptional. You cannot ask for a better law firm!! BRIAN KORTE AND DANIEL BIALCZAK ESQ. ARE THE BEST! And Tammie Thank you guys so much for representing me!
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25 Mar, 2019 by Sean
I had the pleasure of working with Dan for several incidents:
The first was with our landlord who was being unresponsive on our 8+ service requests that had not been responded to for over 2 months. Dan offered advice on the best way to get both the landlord and management company to respond and it worked really well! We had people fixing up our rental house within 48 hours!
The second time was when we wanted to end our lease early. Again, Dan offered advice on the best way to go about this and we were able to satisfactorily end our lease without extra charges.
The third time was when we needed to get our deposit back from our rental company. Dan advised how to approach the landlord and management company and we were able to recover our entire deposit!
Dan's positive, can-do attitude made him a pleasure to work with and helped get us results.
Thank you sir!
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31 Jan, 2023 by Shanon
Jeff Eannarino is an absolute pleasure to work with, he is a true dedicated attorney and gets the job done! He handled my real-estate issues that I was turned away from by others who doubted themselvesto win. I was blessed to have been referred to Jeff. He works diligently to win and most importantly he cares!
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09 Aug, 2011 by Susan
No one really wants to go through bankruptcy but if you have to, or think you do, I highly recommend Debra Quinn. I was very resistant to the idea at first but she made me realize that bankruptcy was not a shameful thing but a legal tool that would help me get back on my financial 'feet' and have a better future. I initially just couldn't imagine how it would work out for me. Ms. Quinn was sensitive to my feelings about my financial situation and after meeting with her I began to feel hopeful. She reviewed the pertinent factors in my case and even with some challenging points, was able to work her way through them, with lasting benefit to me. Ms. Quinn went out of her way to answer my (many) questions and keep me informed about the process every step of the way. Ms. Quinn displays sensitivity and respect for her clients and conveys the message that anyone can find themselves in need of her services. If you choose Ms. Quinn to guide you through the bankruptcy process, you will not be disappointed. Ms. Quinn successfully handled my case to a positive conclusion and in the process, made me feel better about myself and my future. Thanks Debra!
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03 Jun, 2024 by Rebeca rivera
I have to give a big round of applause to Troy Klein. He did an excellent job in handling my domestic violence and divorce case. This process was not easy emotionally but I was able to rest assured that he was going to fight for what was rightfully mine. Troy knew my ex husband of 15 years more than I knew him within our first consultation. Because of Troy's knowledge and expertise, he knew how to go about strategically fighting for me and my children. You need someone that will listen, understand, allow you to make choices and fight on your behalf and Troy Klein has mastered the ability to go after what you might not even have the strength to do or knowledge to get! My ex husband said " you got what you got because of a good lawyer!" Way to go Troy. Thank you again!
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20 May, 2024 by Chosen won
A great attorney. He's punctual, well versed and very experienced. He also returns phone calls. Highly recommended.
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18 May, 2024 by Affordable roofing & coating
Attorney Troy Klein exemplifies excellence in legal representation, with his astute knowledge and genuine compassion he navigated my case with precision and care, his communication was clear, his strategy effective, and his results outstanding, I wholeheartedly endorse attorney Troy Klein for anyone seeking top-tier legal counsel.
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03 May, 2017 by David
Super smart and tireless lawyer that has done a fabulous job handling my foreclosure defense. I would highly recommend him and the firm!
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02 May, 2017 by David
Defending my foreclosure since 2009, Senior Paralegal is beyond awesome. How can you complain after 8 years of defense and still fighting.
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01 May, 2017 by Leona kunkle tamborello
The best decision I ever made was to hire Brian's office as my attorney in my home loan modification case. They have work very hard to keep me in my home and have won my foreclosure case. They keep fighting to keep me in my home and I appreciate everything they do for me. I would recommend them to anyone in my situation.
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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.
