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24 Feb, 2024 by Anonymous
Worst lawyer in NYC for sure!!! Took 2 in a half years to kick a tenant out! Did not pick up phone calls nor text messages for months! Called his office plenty of times for him to reach out to me and did not! Also, did not send in paper work to court as he was suppose too. Pay yourself before paying him to be your lawyer.
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06 Feb, 2024 by Anonymous
Hired to help get rid of bad tenants. He gave my bad tenants extra time on my property. Failed to file pw in timely manner even though I enphasized with plenty of time, how important it was to get them out as fast as possible. Was supposed to file pw on Sep 1st but waited until Sep 7th. Does not return calls when promised or at all. Does not respond to text messages and avoids answering a text regarding the case that could highlight his tardiness. Says one thing, then another after getting paid. Bad hire. You're better off filing your own paperwork.
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07 Aug, 2022 by Rose
This review is long overdue. I used Robert's services several years ago when I was losing my home. He was kind and compassionate and I really appreciated that. I was in a bad situation and he was sympathetic to me as a single mother, just me and my son. He would always ask how my son was doing and that meant a great deal. He helped me so much and because of him I kept my home. I highly recommend him.
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26 Sep, 2019 by Anonymous
He was aweful. He did not follow through on certain paperwork needed during my bankruptcy and so in turn my car almost got repossed. He was an idiot and caused me more stress and aggravation. Waste of my money and time.
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09 Dec, 2016 by Evan
handled personal bankruptcy and mortgage problems in the most professional manner always taking time to explain all options extremely fair with his fees and available for consultation at all times not only a wonderful attorney but a true gentleman as well
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15 Jun, 2024 by B bailey
Please run as far away from this attorney as possible. In addition to being inarticulate, my personal interactions with Mrs. Williams have lead me to believe she's dishonest and simply not good at her job.
Mrs. Williams was hired by my father's baby mother and her children to represent them in a probate proceeding. Though Mrs. Williams was not the attorney of record for the estate, she acted as the de facto spokeperson for matters regarding an estate that had been dormant for nearly a decade. Mrs. Williams did everything in the interest of her client. Kim Williams inserted herself in matters that did not involve her, including refusing to give me a copy of a Title Report to which I was entitled to receive per New York City's Surrogate Court Procedure Act. Furthermore, when I questioned Mrs. Williams' conflict of interest for handling the needs of her clients while interfering with the estate, she accused me of "threatening" her and sent me a cease and desist email. As an attorney, she was unaware that cease and desist letters must be served in person. What attorney, worth his or her salt, accuses someone of threatening them when they are unable to answer questions germane to an estate that they inserted themselves in? This is just one of many examples that show her inability to do her job well. Mrs. Williams also filed objections to me being the administrator of the estate when I never made the request of the court. Those objections cost money! One can assume reading comprehension is not her strong suit.
I have attached images of Mrs. William's 5 star review from a person who happens to share her same exact name. I've also included the email from her claiming she found my non-threatening emails threatening. Though I have redacted both of our email addresses, the emails are unedited. Please steer clear of this lawyer/real estate agent. You'll thank me later.
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11 Jun, 2024 by Majiya chai
04 Jun, 2024 by Bettye anderson
27 Feb, 2024 by Courtney s
Trial bulldog attorneys that know case law inside and out.
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24 Apr, 2022 by Tennis lover
Run as far as you can from these lawyers that promise to help you. When an attorney promises and says it's a clear and cut case run from those words. I learned the hard way. Naive and inexperienced. I know better now. Stole the money and I ended up in worst shape. Horrible memories from hiring these lawyers! I wished I hired the lawyer from the west end of Long Island because he spoke clearly and made no promises.
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04 Sep, 2019 by Michael wacik
04 Oct, 2023 by Brandon borradaile
Treasonous CULT members who are trying to help some criminal avoid accountability. Your CRIMINALS TOO!
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09 Dec, 2022 by T r
22 Oct, 2019 by Dj xentury
17 Oct, 2024 by Caroline torres
Please stay away. Trust this review! He's only there to take your money.
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02 Jun, 2024 by Anonymous
We hired him as a buyers attorney. He is extremely rude and was never cooperative. Worst attorney I have ever met.
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30 Apr, 2024 by Veronica s. matus godoy
Trying to steal and elderly person's livelihood bad. Not being responsible for acquisitions made two fraudulent companies wose.
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26 Feb, 2025 by Stephanie knapp
Trying to get a response from Bruce is IMPOSSIBLE. I have money owed to me since 2023 and he will not respond to any of my requests. Very poor business manners.
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15 Oct, 2021 by Tim rinaldo
30 Aug, 2021 by Gisela
we hired him to read the sales contract on our house - he obviously did not read the contract and just send it on to us the loan for the buyer did not go thru because the Buyer did not put down enough down payment and therefore did not get the loan. This Lawyer should have made us right away aware of that we have lost 3 month because of his neglegience.
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09 Jun, 2020 by Anonymous
Sharman represented me in a family law matter and was incredibly opinionated and unprofessional. Heard more about her personal critique of my character before court than the situation she was there for. Felt like she was representing my Ex and not myself. I resent ever having dealt with this person. Clearly she did not want to be there and clearly made her judgement of me well known.
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31 Oct, 2017 by Anonymous
When I was being investigated by at least two prosecuting agencies, I immediately contacted and hired Sharman. She guided me through the process, and allowed me to have my sanity when I felt that everything was crashing down. She gave me the peace of mind to know that my case was being defended in the best way possible. If you are ever charged with a crime, or are being investigated for a potential one, then you will know exactly what I mean. Sharman is highly skilled, but most importantly, trustworthy.
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20 Apr, 2022 by Johnny rodriguez
29 May, 2018 by John athanasatos
Very Unprofessional! This firm hired me to serve a 30 day notice on a tenant. First, they try to haggle me with my fee, then after I make 2 attempts and mail out summons to tenant and submit an affidavit (notarized) to the office, the owner(Robert) insults me, tries to make excuses not to pay me, wanting me to re serve the papers again. Rather than arguing with him, I just left the office. He follows me outside, harassing me, cursing at me, that I slammed his door. I do not recommend this attorney or this firm. I had a feeling all along that he was going to cheat me out of my fee.
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12 Jan, 2025 by Bernalson jean-pierre
Awful
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07 Jan, 2025 by Chris
Title: Disappointed by Lack of Flexibility and Understanding
Review:
I’ve been a Discover customer for many years, but my recent experience has been very disappointing. I reached out to resolve a financial issue and hoped to work out a reasonable payment plan that fit my financial circumstances. Unfortunately, I found Discover to be rigid and unwilling to consider any compromise, even when I demonstrated good faith and explained my hardships.
During a time when many companies are showing empathy and understanding for customers facing challenges, Discover’s approach felt unnecessarily harsh. Their insistence on unaffordable payment terms left me feeling undervalued as a customer.
While I’ve appreciated certain aspects of their service in the past, this lack of flexibility has made me reconsider my trust in Discover as a company that prioritizes its customers. I hope they revisit their policies and provide more reasonable solutions for those trying to resolve their debts responsibly.
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27 Dec, 2024 by Shawndelle harts
I absolutely hated getting the notifications from this company and decided to call them. Everyone that I spoke to was extremely helpful and seemed too nice to be from a collection agency. They made it very easy for me to pay the debt and close the account. These people made me realize that it truly wasn't that bad, and I was able to repay the debt and put an end to this nightmare eventually.
Just saying that they really treat you like you are a person!
Thank You!
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14 Jul, 2022 by Anonymous
Nathan was very nice when we first met him. However, once the retainer was paid there was terrible communication from the office. They only needed to up load legal documents since this case was a no loose type of case. There were major errors made in the paperwork and it was never fixed. They refused to answer/return calls or emails. We ended up calling the court and finding out that they never did anything with our case. The most work they did was write a lengthy email blaming covid for everything. Loosing our legal documents in your office has nothing to do with a virus.
It took them 8 months to upload successfully a document. It was riddled with errors and missing vital information. After waiting weeks for them to fix the errors we decided to hire another attorney.
This office does not care, even when we changed lawyers they never bothering calling or writing us to see if they could keep us on as there clients.
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21 Dec, 2020 by Anonymous
He never answers the calls or returns them. My case didn’t require much work . It was simple divorce. & accidentally when answers . I said are you busy I can come & sign . He tells me yes sure come in . I was there in 20 minutes. Which I told him before getting there. When I reached there he had a client I waited over 25 minutes. On a second occasion the same senario. Both times I leave work to see him since he closes at 5 n my work is over at 5:15. The second time also he made me wait so long I saw Nathan thru the glass window from the waiting room chit chatting with his secretary. I waited over & hour. All to sign 2 documents. It’s been almost 3 months he had communicated with me in the initial meeting the divorce would take 3 months. Don’t waste your time. The older secretary never knows what’s going on. She’s oblivious all the time!
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11 Apr, 2019 by Mayra
I hired Mr Schitssell in the early months of 2016 for an annulment case. The person handling my case quit and misplaced my case documents without leaving it the hands of anyone in the office. If I didn’t call to find out the status of my case I wouldn’t have known it was not being handled. The case ended in the hands of Nathan Decorpo who was unable to get the annulment because they couldn’t the signature from my “husband” so he convinced me that a divorce would be a quick solution as we wouldn’t need signature from the other party. The case has been dragged all this time without any results. I have called the office in numerous occasions but no call or response from anyone, Nathan Decorpo or Elliot Schitssell.
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04 Feb, 2025 by Bulldod23
New York Attorney General Letitia James has demonstrated a pattern of overreach and questionable judgment that raises serious concerns about her fitness for office. Her relentless pursuit of former President Donald Trump, culminating in a civil lawsuit alleging financial fraud, appears to be driven more by personal vendetta than by objective legal standards. This has led to accusations of conducting a biased investigation, undermining the integrity of her office. 
Moreover, James has faced criticism for her handling of internal matters within her own office. Notably, her longtime chief of staff, Ibrahim Khan, resigned amid sexual harassment allegations, prompting questions about her leadership and the internal culture she fosters. 
In addition, her recent directive to New York hospitals to continue gender-affirming procedures for minors, despite a federal executive order to the contrary, has been labeled as reckless and dangerous. This move not only defies federal authority but also places healthcare institutions in a precarious legal position. 
These actions collectively suggest that Letitia James prioritizes personal and political agendas over her duty to uphold the law impartially. Such behavior is unbecoming of the state’s highest legal officer and warrants serious consideration of her removal from office. She needs to be Fired!!!
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05 Mar, 2024 by Ibrahima keita
05 Mar, 2024 by Leul selase
07 Apr, 2023 by Anonymous
Between him and Bruce Kennedy you know you are in deep trouble dealing with either one of these unethically, sleaze, bottom of the barrel liars . They are con men both of them. They have no right taking your money. Stay clear
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12 Jun, 2019 by David
So originally I found Glenn through a referral. That said, I expected him to be on point. On his website he mentions "all types of law", but in reality he doesn't necessarily properly practice all aspects of law.
Why do I say that? Well, because I probably had the worst experience ever with this council.
"30 years" in the business and he doesn't know I need a form filled out and notarized to represent me in court since I'm from out of state.
That said, alongside his poor communication, unscrupulous billing methods, and overall lack of professionalism, all I have to say that maybe it's time to hang up his law practice hat!
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17 Apr, 2019 by James
I ran into some legal issues and looked for a local attorney in Amityville NY. I met with Glenn and it probably turned out to be one of the best decisions I ever made. He doesn’t ‘beat around the bush’ and make false promises. He’s a man of his word and I appreciate all the work he did for me. If you need a lawyer, Glenn is your guy.
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07 Mar, 2022 by Michael
Jane was recommended by my real estate agent. She did no negotiation during contract and conceded many points to seller that the agents had previously agreed upon. She was unavailable and I had to deal with her clerk. Told me it would take 4 weeks and I was unable to change lawyers. Boy was she wrong. I got a new lawyer and am closing in ten days. I would recommend you find someone who will be on your side.
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26 Aug, 2020 by Jeffrey
Jane and her staff especially Grace are the most wonderful legal team to have your back. Weather it comes to buy or selling or evene will trust and estate issues Jane and her team always have their clients best interest at heart. I have both used her and her team personally and recommended countless clients that have all been extremely satisfied with her help. If you're looking for the best look no further then Jane M McLaughlin and her team.
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13 Nov, 2017 by Anonymous
Jane does not return calls and seems a bit "put out" when you send email inquires. Not exactly what you want from a legal adviser. While she did perform the job she was hired for I would not recommend or use her services again.
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26 Nov, 2024 by Thomas netzband
Well, I just had a useless conversation with the D.A.'s office. He has jokes!? I told him someone cost me a set of tire because whomever was changing the air pressure, and he asked me if they did it remotely? The tire blow out while I was driving down rt 5. I told him things were missing out of my safe deposit box, and he treated me like I was an idiot. I am down $140,000 and instead of coming up with helpful suggestions, he talks down to me.
Great guy, seems he works for the wealthy and connected.
Ps. I have proven my mental state to 3 Judges. One federal and two local and by suggesting otherwise could be seen as slander and defamation of my character.
30/Nov/ 2024 What a fun time at the Verona post office. A small group of people and insulting things being said by one of the staff ( stalker was there too). I admittedly did not catch all that was said, but enough to be humiliated and embarrassed. Also enough to know that my mail was gone through by someone other than staff. Is that not what is called mail tampering? How do I know that some of my mail was not taken by the stalker? Why is someone other than employees doing going through mail anyway? Attempted burglary and robbery, theft by deception and unauthorized entry.
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16 Sep, 2024 by Douglas bamford
17 Feb, 2024 by Thomas netzband
Good afternoon,
I am wondering when my parole is going to happen? I am suing Oneida County, 2 counties, the NY AG and a person for breaching my civil rights. I have a Dr's app next week in New Hartford. I am tired of a certain few people, who are not invited to show up and do raise hell. One of the people, call someone, after the cops are called and the cops are sent away. It is also getting back to me that if someone comes to see me, a few of the people involved show up every time. The guy who came to see me leaves without ever having see me.
Now it seems that my mail is no longer private. I received a box and a woman approached the sub mail carrier and wanted to know what was in the box and where it came from. Did I fall asleep and wake up in a 3 world country? Is this
not the month where we are celebrating the fact people who were treated like they were less than everyone else are not anymore? Am I missing something? Oh and by the way, my meds that were either short one month and over the next. I did report these events.
Weird that after changing the locks twice, it is still happening.
4th day of April 2024 and as I thought nothing appears to be being done. Last night, between 9:30 and 10 pm I was told that I should join my late husband. It was too dark but seemed to me to be a man. It reminds me of the first time that type of thing happened. It was the Nov before my husband passed. A guy was letting air out of my tires. This time whoever he was beating on my car.
22/April/2024
I went to the second place where I have a safe deposit box. Strange thing that my late partner's name that was not in thier sign in book, the last time I was there BUT it was this time. The second strange thing was it looked nothing like my partner's signature and his signature was study. No one at this second bank can explain how anyone could possibly know about what was in these safe deposit boxes because the contents were not typical . 3 David's name did not appear in both pages, just one... It must be being done by a magician or ghost...
Perhaps? I should have asked Senator Griffo about the events that keep happening to me? Last night, I was again told that I should join my late partner. The content of my house keeps being rifled and I know that being common trash you folks have better things to do or my 3 stockers come by but one would think that you might show a little bit of interest...
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30 Jun, 2014 by Anonymous
This office turnover was every year, which made a very confusing and unprofessional office. Your calls are never returned in a courteous time frame. I got better results doing my own research. It will be a big mistake hiring her
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21 May, 2013 by Cora
The absolute worst, stay away at all costs. Cookie cutter answers to complex or even simple problems, they didn't read or research what I wrote them and barely even showed up in court on time (over an hour late). Poor communication and even worse client management skill.
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12 Nov, 2018 by Mariela
Extremely unreliable and rude. We contracted her services paid in advance in full and she did not meet her part of our agreement. Did not return phone calls nor does she follow through on her commitments. She has been reported to the Bar. We do not recommend her.
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15 Apr, 2012 by Anonymous
Giannina did not follow through on our agreement, misinformed me and then ignored my request for updates, she delivered NO results whatsoever. I have reported her to the Bar.
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12 Nov, 2014 by Elabella
I have hired Mr.Carrozzo two years ago to help me with mortgage modification,and guess what?I was never able to meet my attorney.He was never ,ever available to talk to me.Two times he picked up the phone in his Floral Park office and gave me no time at all,just telling me "don't worry i have my people working on your case,they know what the're doing".On the end of it they told me ,that i was aprooved for 2 years of mortgage modification.When i called my bank,they didn't know anything about it.How about that?When i called back the attorneys Carrozzo's office to get some copies of their work they ask for $500 more.I paid them on the begining $3500,they took the money,did nothing,my eyes never saw the attorney,never saw the mortgage modification that was promised to me,and in the most off all never saw my money back that they promised to returned to me if the permanet modification won't work.So,please think twice before you even call them ,they are going to shave you of your money and leave you bold for long time.
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17 Aug, 2012 by Anonymous
I hired Mr. Carrozzo to modify my mortgage. I paid him 3,500, and he failed twice. He offered a money back guarantee if the mortgage was not modified. When I called him for a reund I left several messages, and he did not return any of my calls. I am now in the process of suing him and have contacted the Attorney General.
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13 Feb, 2021 by Anonymous
After he was retained for a job, he became none responsive.
It has been a year to date , I contacted Attorney Lawrence Katz about an issue regarding my Home.
He was then hired, and of coursed, retained . I tried contacting this Attorney 20 times Via emails and phone calls over a period of twelve months. He has only responded to two phone calls and no email. The two phone calls he briefly mentioned he is in quarantine , and he will file the documents pertaining to my home with the Courts, this was back in August of 2020.
Now ,it is mid February 2021 , no documents has been filed and I cannot get in contact with my Attorney Lawrence Katz.
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04 Jul, 2015 by Anonymous
When given items to review to see if legal action was warranted and after a few calls and a two week wait a call was made by him to me. He proceeded to tell me all the reasons why I didn't have a case and then asked a series of questions that were answered on the first page of my two page letter to him that he apparently didn't review! When I questioned him as to how he was able to determine that I had no legal remedy when he obviously had not reviewed any of the paperwork sent to him he became extremely condescending which I didn't appreciate. I also let him know that if he wasn't interested in my case they just say so but don't tell me that I have no course of action when you haven't a clue as to what you're talking about! Totally unprofessional. I contacted another lawyer and when I told him over the phone the same particulars he cited at least three items that I had legal recourse against the party I was looking to sue. He then told me to look for a particular piece of legal papers in the mountain of paperwork I had gathered over the years so I could save myself the cost of having him spending hours looking for. Like I said, 100% unprofessional. Avoid him like the plague!
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18 Jul, 2009 by Anonymous
We talked a lot about what I needed and she seemed to understand and was enthusiastic. Over and over. She reassured me my problem was getting solved and that I need not worry. Over and over. I spent plenty, both in time and money. She was unable to deliver.
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29 Dec, 2014 by Eric
I hired Mr. Richard Evans to assist to defend me in the event that I was to be sued by our lender for a real estate project that went sour. To start, I was billed $1819 for initial research in the first week. I was then billed an additional $3,333 the following week for more research. After these 2 invoices were paid (Total $5152) Mr. Evans asked for a $7500 retainer that would be used for future litigation. I have an email from Mr. Evans that supports this as well. After the first week, I got an invoice that showed $5350 was already used of the $7500 retainer. I immediately contacted Mr. Evans and he explained that the money was spent on even more research. This research was not authorized or approved. This retainer was to be used for his services in actually litigating. The definition of litigation is: the process of taking legal action. IE: legal proceedings, legal actions, showing up in court, etc. None of these items happened. He merely continued to do more double research and charge excessive amounts. Mr. Evans misrepresented what this retainer was for and took advantage of me. When I signed this retainer, Mr. Evans made it very clear that it would be for future litigation and it would get me a good chunk of the way through the lawsuit. Instead, he blew through $5350 of $7500 (almost all of the retainer) in the first week doing absolutely nothing. He even lumped in old charges of work he did before the retainer was signed and those charges should have been on previous invoices. I have emails and invoices that support all of my claims. I have paid $10,500 for "alleged" research for this lawyer and have absolutely nothing to show for any of it. Once I realized that I was being scammed I promptly terminated the services of Mr. Evans. I have hired a new lawyer and he is advising me to file a complaint with the BBB and attorney general. Mr. Evans refuses to give a refund of any amount. I have a significant amount of experience with dealing with lawyers and have never been treated like this.
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27 Jul, 2017 by Anonymous
Todd was my "lawyer" in a family court matter....I quickly learned he has no clue, no spine and no understanding of professional ethics! Steer clear of this one
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18 Jan, 2013 by Ada
Mr. Johnson would not return emails, texts or phone messages. He did not keep me informed of my case and did not appear in court on my behalf.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Foreclosure Lawyer Can Do for You
A foreclosure lawyer specializes in helping homeowners navigate the legal complexities of foreclosure, working to protect their rights and potentially save their homes. Foreclosure lawyers assist homeowners facing foreclosure by negotiating with lenders, filing legal defenses, and representing them in court. They also help with loan modifications, short sales, and other alternatives to foreclosure. Whether you’re behind on mortgage payments or already in foreclosure proceedings, a lawyer can help you explore your legal options and work toward a solution.
If you’re at risk of losing your home, a foreclosure lawyer can provide guidance on how to stop or delay the foreclosure process and protect your financial future.
When Should I Hire a Foreclosure Lawyer?
You should consider hiring a foreclosure lawyer in several situations where you are facing financial difficulties with your mortgage. Common reasons to hire a lawyer include:
- Facing foreclosure proceedings: If your lender has initiated foreclosure proceedings, a lawyer can help you file a legal defense and explore options for stopping or delaying the process.
- Loan modification: If you want to modify the terms of your mortgage to make payments more manageable, a lawyer can help you negotiate with your lender and ensure that the modification complies with legal standards.
- Challenging the foreclosure: If you believe your lender has violated foreclosure laws or the terms of your mortgage agreement, a lawyer can help you challenge the foreclosure in court.
- Stopping a foreclosure sale: If your home is about to be sold at a foreclosure auction, a lawyer may be able to file for a temporary restraining order or injunction to halt the sale.
- Short sale or deed in lieu of foreclosure: If you cannot afford to keep your home but want to avoid foreclosure, a lawyer can assist with arranging a short sale or a deed in lieu of foreclosure, where you voluntarily transfer ownership of the home to the lender to avoid foreclosure.
- Filing for bankruptcy: If you’re unable to manage your mortgage debt and other financial obligations, a lawyer can advise whether filing for bankruptcy might stop foreclosure and help you restructure your debts.
Hiring a lawyer as soon as possible - especially when foreclosure is imminent - can provide you with more legal options to save your home or limit financial damages.
What Does a Foreclosure Lawyer Do?
A foreclosure lawyer provides a variety of legal services to homeowners facing foreclosure, working to protect their rights and help them avoid losing their homes. Their responsibilities often include:
- Negotiating with lenders: A lawyer can negotiate with your lender to modify your mortgage or create a repayment plan, helping you avoid foreclosure by securing more favorable terms.
- Filing a legal defense: If your lender is improperly foreclosing or has made errors in the foreclosure process, a lawyer can file a legal defense, challenging the foreclosure in court. Defenses may include violations of foreclosure laws, predatory lending practices, or failure to follow the terms of the mortgage.
- Representing you in court: A lawyer can represent you in foreclosure proceedings, whether you are defending against the foreclosure, seeking more time to negotiate with the lender, or filing for bankruptcy.
- Stopping or delaying foreclosure sales: If your home is scheduled for a foreclosure auction, a lawyer can help file a motion to stop or delay the sale, giving you time to explore other options.
- Advising on bankruptcy: A foreclosure lawyer can assess whether filing for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy would be beneficial, as bankruptcy can temporarily stop foreclosure and give you time to reorganize your finances.
- Arranging short sales or deeds in lieu of foreclosure: A lawyer can help facilitate a short sale (selling the property for less than the mortgage balance) or a deed in lieu of foreclosure (transferring the property to the lender), which may allow you to avoid the foreclosure process.
How Are Foreclosure Lawyers Paid?
Foreclosure lawyers typically charge for their services based on the complexity of the case and the legal work involved. Common payment structures include:
- Hourly rate: Many foreclosure lawyers charge by the hour, with rates typically ranging from $150 to $500 or more, depending on the lawyer’s experience and location.
- Flat fee: For specific legal services, such as negotiating a loan modification or filing a bankruptcy petition, some lawyers offer a flat fee. Flat fees can range from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on the scope of the work.
- Retainer: In more complex foreclosure cases, especially those involving ongoing negotiations with lenders or court appearances, a lawyer may require a retainer. This is an upfront payment that is billed against as the lawyer works on your case.
- Contingency fee (rare): In some rare cases, particularly when suing a lender for wrongful foreclosure, a lawyer may work on a contingency fee basis. This means they only get paid if they win the case or settle on your behalf.
It’s important to discuss fees and payment arrangements with your lawyer upfront, especially if you are facing financial difficulties.
How Much Does a Foreclosure Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a foreclosure lawyer depends on the complexity of the case, the lawyer’s experience, and the amount of time required to resolve the issue. General cost estimates include:
- Hourly rates: Foreclosure lawyers typically charge between $150 and $500 per hour. For example, a simple case with 10 hours of legal work at $300 per hour would cost $3,000.
- Flat fees: For straightforward services such as filing for bankruptcy or negotiating a loan modification, flat fees typically range from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on the complexity of the work.
- Retainers: In more complex or ongoing foreclosure cases, a lawyer may require a retainer ranging from $2,500 to $10,000, depending on the length of the case and the lawyer’s experience.
In addition to legal fees, you may also need to cover additional costs, such as court filing fees or expenses related to property appraisals.
Top Questions to Ask a Foreclosure Lawyer
Before hiring a foreclosure lawyer, it’s important to ask key questions to ensure they have the necessary experience and approach to help you. Key questions to ask include:
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What experience do you have with foreclosure cases?
Ensure the lawyer has experience handling foreclosure cases similar to yours and has successfully helped homeowners avoid foreclosure or negotiate better terms. -
How do you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges by the hour, a flat fee, or requires a retainer, and ask for a detailed estimate of the total cost of their services. -
What are my options for stopping foreclosure?
Ask the lawyer to explain the different legal strategies available for stopping or delaying foreclosure, such as loan modifications, filing a legal defense, or bankruptcy. -
What is the likelihood of success in my case?
Ask the lawyer for an honest assessment of your case and the chances of successfully avoiding or delaying foreclosure. -
How long will the process take?
Foreclosure cases can vary in duration, so ask the lawyer how long they expect the process to take and what factors might affect the timeline. -
Will I need to go to court?
Ask whether your case is likely to settle out of court or if a trial may be necessary. If a trial is possible, ask what steps the lawyer will take to prepare. -
What steps can I take to protect my home?
Ask the lawyer for advice on steps you can take to protect your home, such as making partial payments, negotiating with your lender, or exploring foreclosure alternatives.
How to Check the Credibility of a Foreclosure Lawyer
To ensure you are hiring a reputable foreclosure lawyer, take the following steps to verify their credentials and experience:
- Check their bar status: Verify with your state bar association that the lawyer is licensed to practice law and has no disciplinary actions against them.
- Look for foreclosure experience: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in foreclosure law and have successfully handled cases similar to yours.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for reviews on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to see what previous clients have said about their experience with the lawyer.
- Ask for references: A reputable lawyer should be able to provide references from past clients who have worked with them on foreclosure matters.
- Check for certifications or memberships: Look for lawyers who are members of organizations like the National Association of Consumer Advocates (NACA) or who have specialized certifications in real estate or foreclosure law.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first consultation with a foreclosure lawyer, it’s important to come prepared with relevant documents and information. Here’s what you should bring:
- Mortgage documents: Bring a copy of your mortgage agreement, payment history, and any correspondence you’ve received from your lender, including foreclosure notices or demand letters.
- Financial information: Provide information about your income, expenses, and debts, as this will help the lawyer assess your financial situation and determine the best legal strategy for your case.
- Previous communications with your lender: If you’ve already tried to negotiate with your lender, bring any emails, letters, or records of phone calls that document these communications.
- Court documents (if applicable): If foreclosure proceedings have already begun, bring any court documents related to the case.
- Questions about your legal options: Prepare a list of questions about the foreclosure process, your options for avoiding foreclosure, and how the lawyer plans to help you.
By preparing thoroughly for your consultation, you can help the lawyer assess your situation more effectively and provide the best possible legal advice for protecting your home from foreclosure.
