Firm Overview – Practice Areas

This is a general practice firm. That said, I focus on a few different areas, which I mention here.

Chapter 7 and Chapter 13

I am a federally designated debt relief agency. I help people file for relief under the bankruptcy code. Chapter 7 bankruptcies are a wonderful resource to low-income individuals who have enough to cover the basics, and maybe a little extra, but who are overwhelmed with debt. Often, senior citizens who have had health troubles not covered by their insurance are able to use a Chapter 7 bankruptcy to eliminate their medical bills and credit cards, and get back being able to enjoy retirement and grandchildren. There are also a surprisingly large number of people who earn a good wage, but extenuating circumstances have wound up up costing much more than they can afford who are able to qualify for this chapter of bankruptcy.

Chapter 13 bankruptcies are designed to allow you to save your home and otherwise reorganize your debt into an affordable plan. The Chapter 13 Plan can be designed to give you as long as five years to catch up on your house payment, pay your car, pay back taxes, and even to pay a portion or all of your other debt, depending on your personal needs and financial situation. You need to have an income, and there are some other qualifications we need to look at to be certain you qualify, but for many people in foreclosure, this is often the best option to save their home and get a fresh start.

Collection Defense

I am one of only a handful of attorneys in Louisiana that regularly offers defense services to consumers who are being hounded or sued by debt collectors. Bankruptcy isn’t always the best option for people, but even when bankruptcy is not for you, you may still need help dealing with debts. I can help defend you in State and City courts, and can help you settle the case if that’s what you prefer. If you’ve been sued by a debt collector, or if you are being harassed, contact me! You don’t have to do this alone. Get someone who knows how to help you get this resolved, and get the monkey off your back.

Successions

For those who have lost loved ones, it is often painful to deal with the paperwork that needs to be done in connection with their passing. However, without an official succession, title to the home, cars, and other possessions won’t pass to the heirs, and therefore cannot be sold. Many families also experience bickering and fighting between family members about what needs to happen with their loved-one’s property that can be resolved by speaking to an attorney about what the law requires. If you have lost a loved one, please come in for a free consultation to see what needs to happen to close this chapter, allowing you and your family to heal and move on.

Estate Planning

I currently offer limited estate planning services. If you need a complicated trust made, or have other complicated matters you need to plan for, my current focus on helping people save their homes using the protection offered by Chapter 13 of the bankruptcy code has made offering those services impractical for the time being. That said, if you are a normal family with a home, a car or two, a couple of bank accounts, and children, one of the simplest things you can do to make sure your wishes for your affairs are followed after your death is to write a will. These kinds of wills are typically affordable, easily understood documents when done by a qualified attorney. If you would like to simplify matters for your family in the event of your death, please come in and discuss writing a will with a qualified Louisiana attorney.

One other important document often not considered by people is a Power of Attorney that delegates authority to act in your place if you are incapacitated. This very helpful document can limit the authority so that it is only in effect if you are declared incapacitated by two doctors, or can be active at all times, whatever you prefer. With it, your bills can be paid and important decisions made by someone you trust. Without it, you may find yourself waking up homeless after a medical crisis or accident. The simple planning document will have paid for itself many times over when you find yourself in a position to need it.

Personal Injury and Off-Shore Injury

If you have been injured in an accident, a slip-and-fall, while working off-shore, or in any other way, please come in and discuss your case with us. Because we are not one of the big, machine-like firms you see advertising on TV, we have the time to give your case the attention it needs. Remember, if it’s not your fault, you shouldn’t have to pay. And for those who were injured while working on a ship, a tug, or other off-shore location, the Jones Act and other laws place certain duties on your employer and others to make sure you are taken care of. Don’t let them lull you into a sense of well-being. Often, you are owed much more than they are willing to offer without an attorney’s help, and the law often allows you to make your employer pay for your attorney when you have been injured working off shore. Don’t be a victim, instead come in and take action to protect you and your family from financial ruin.