Why Hire a Lawyer
There are many areas of the law (such as writing a simple will, changing a name, or filing a no-fault divorce) where an individual might adequately represent him or her self legally with the aid of a "Self-Help" book. In the bankruptcy field, however, there is one crucial difference that makes hiring a lawyer the best idea:
The other side often has attorneys skilled in getting the monies due their client.
As such, banks and collection agencies frequently attack "in pro per" bankruptcies (those done without a lawyer) by filing a "Dischargeability Complaint" that states the particular debt owed them should be exempted from the discharge. Often, the individual filing without the benefit of a lawyer lacks the expertise to successfully fight back and ends up owing thousands of dollars more than they would if they had paid for the benefit of legal counsel.
What to Look For in an Attorney
Hiring the right attorney will save you money and will reduce your anxieties about the bankruptcy process, so make a careful choice. Three qualities to consider when looking at a bankruptcy firm:
Expertise - Look for a specialist in the field. If one has an eye problem, one should go to an eye doctor; if one needs a divorce, a divorce attorney.
We at the Bankruptcy Center of John D. Raymond do only one thing - bankruptcy-and have done it well for 17 years.
Aggressive Representation - Look for a lawyer skilled in creating customized solutions that fit your particular situation.
The motto of the Bankruptcy Center-"Creative Solutions that Save You Money"-is more than just words. By drawing upon our 17 years and 10,000 cases of experience, we come up with the plan that best serves your needs.
Personal Attention - Look for a lawyer who will explain your options clearly and will patiently answer your questions.
We at the Bankruptcy Center understand that the process can seem frightening and confusing for the person on the other side of the desk. As such, we take pride in our attention to phone calls - you never have to wait days for a question or concern to be addressed.
John D. Raymond, Esq.
Attorney
"I pride myself on the individualized service we offer and the results we get. I was once able to save a client's house in 38 minutes - from the time the client walked into my office until the foreclosure sale was set. I really make a difference in my clients' lives."
John's seventeen years of working exclusively in the area of consumer bankruptcy with over 10,000 satisfied clients cases make him one of the most experienced attorneys in his field.
He began his career as a managing attorney for one of the largest bankruptcy firms in California. In 1995, he started his own firm, The Bankruptcy Center of John D. Raymond. Some of John's accomplishments include:
- An extremely high success rate for plan confirmations and Chapter 7 discharges.
- Vast experience fighting both the IRS and state tax authorities-and winning.
- Membership in the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys.
John graduated from Lewis and Clark Law School in 1987, where he was a recipient of the Jauregay Grant, an award given to the three most promising students. Prior to that, he attended Tufts University as well as Choate.
When not practicing bankruptcy, John enjoys spending time with his family and cycling competitively.
Allan H. Rosenthal
Legal Assistant & Office Manager
"Bankruptcy is one of the few areas of the law where ordinary people can get immediate and dramatic relief. Clients usually leave my office smiling, having an incredible burden lifted and knowing they have been given a fresh start."
During his seventeen years working in the field of bankruptcy, Allan has served over 10,000 satisfied clients. In 1995, he joined forces with John D. Raymond to start The Bankruptcy Center. Prior to this, Allan created and operated The Non Lawyer Alternative, the most successful non-lawyer bankruptcy assistance firm in Northern California. From 1988 to 1991, Allan served as regional manager of one of the largest bankruptcy law firms in California.
Some of Allan's accomplishments include:
- Authoring the bankruptcy chapter in Nolo Press' Stand Up to the IRS.
- Authoring the bankruptcy chapters in Nolo Press' Foreclosure Survival Guide.
- Authoring the bankruptcy chapter in Help - I Owe Back Taxes.
- Being quoted in The Wall Street Journal, Legal Access for All, and Money USA.
- Lecturing before Golden Gate University CPA classes
- Lecturing before the Japanese National Bankers Association
- Authoring The Paralegal's Guide to Chapter 7.
- Teaching the bankruptcy section of IPW (Independent Paralegal's Workshop).
- Allan graduated Summa Cum Laude from State University of New York at Binghampton in 1977 and spent two years at UCLA Law School.
In his spare time, Allan loves adventure travel and has climbed both Mt. Kiliminjaro in Tanzania and the Throung La route up Annapurna in Nepal.
We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code.
