Business Details
30 Years
experience
Your Trusted Boston Bankruptcy Attorney
The Law Offices Of Richard N Gottlieb has provided trusted legal counsel to Massachusetts residents since 1996. With over 35 years of experience and dual board certification in consumer and business bankruptcy law, our firm specializes in guiding individuals and businesses through complex debt relief solutions under Chapters 7, 11, and 13. We combine deep legal expertise with personalized service, offering innovative strategies to resolve financial challenges while maintaining the highest ethical standards.Our practice extends to creditors' rights litigation and commercial collection matters, supported by a proven track record of successful case outcomes. As a boutique law firm, we prioritize direct client access, transparent communication, and tailored legal solutions that address each client's unique circumstances.
Services
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
Creditors' Rights
Bankruptcy Litigation
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- Board-certified in both consumer and business bankruptcy law
- 35+ years of specialized bankruptcy litigation experience
- Personalized one-on-one client representation
- Innovative debt restructuring strategies for complex cases
- Recognized as Top Bankruptcy Lawyer in Boston by multiple legal directories
Associations and certifications
- American Board of Certification - Consumer Bankruptcy Law
- American Board of Certification - Business Bankruptcy Law
- Martindale-Hubbell
What people say
Professionalism
Understanding approach
Stress-free process
Timely communication
Successful debt discharge
Services
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Chapter 7 bankruptcy provides debt relief through asset liquidation for qualifying individuals. Our firm guides clients through debt discharge of unsecured obligations while protecting exempt property. With board-certified expertise, we help Massachusetts residents eliminate credit card debt, medical bills, and other financial burdens through this four-to-six-month process. Our strategic approach maximizes exemptions to preserve essential assets while achieving complete debt discharge for eligible clients.
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
Chapter 13 bankruptcy establishes structured repayment plans for income-earning clients. We develop customized three-to-five-year payment schedules that protect homes from foreclosure while addressing mortgage arrears. Our representation ensures compliance with court requirements while balancing debt repayment with clients' financial capabilities. This solution works particularly well for those with steady income seeking to reorganize secured debts while maintaining property ownership.
Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
Chapter 11 bankruptcy enables business debt reorganization through court-approved restructuring plans. Our firm specializes in complex business reorganizations, including Subchapter V proceedings for qualifying small businesses. We develop viable repayment frameworks while maintaining operational continuity. With extensive experience in corporate debt restructuring, we help businesses navigate creditor negotiations and court approvals to achieve sustainable financial recovery.
Creditors' Rights
Creditors' rights representation protects financial interests during bankruptcy proceedings. We represent secured and unsecured creditors in discharge objections, asset recovery, and stay relief motions. Our services include adversary proceeding prosecution and creditor committee representation. With dual perspective from representing both debtors and creditors, we develop effective strategies to maximize debt recovery while maintaining compliance with bankruptcy regulations.
Bankruptcy Litigation
Bankruptcy litigation addresses contested debt matters in Chapters 7, 11, and 13 cases. Our firm handles preference actions, fraudulent transfer defenses, and dischargeability disputes. We represent parties in adversary proceedings before Massachusetts bankruptcy courts, leveraging deep procedural knowledge to resolve complex legal challenges. This includes objection handling, settlement negotiations, and trial representation to protect client interests throughout the bankruptcy process.
People
Richard N. Gottlieb
Principal Attorney
With over 35 years of bankruptcy law experience, Richard N. Gottlieb holds dual board certification in consumer and business bankruptcy. He earned his Juris Doctor cum laude from New England School of Law and a Master of Laws in Banking Law from Boston University. A former FDIC bankruptcy counsel, he teaches bankruptcy law at multiple institutions and maintains active memberships in major legal associations.
Questions
What bankruptcy chapter best suits my situation?
Chapter 7 eliminates unsecured debt for qualifying individuals, Chapter 13 establishes repayment plans for income-earning clients, and Chapter 11 reorganizes business debt. Our board-certified attorney evaluates your financial situation to recommend the optimal solution.
How does the bankruptcy process work?
The process begins with filing a petition that triggers an automatic stay. We prepare necessary documentation, represent you at creditor meetings, and guide you through court requirements to achieve debt discharge or reorganization based on your specific chapter.
Can bankruptcy stop foreclosure?
Chapter 13 bankruptcy immediately halts foreclosure proceedings. We develop repayment plans to cure mortgage arrears while maintaining current payments, allowing homeowners to retain their property through structured debt management.
What are creditors' rights during bankruptcy?
Creditors can object to discharge, request stay relief, or participate in reorganization plans. Our representation protects creditors' interests through asset recovery actions, preference defense, and effective participation in bankruptcy proceedings.
How long does bankruptcy stay on credit reports?
Chapter 7 remains for 10 years, while Chapter 13 appears for 7 years. However, clients often rebuild credit within 2-3 years post-discharge through responsible financial management and our guidance on credit restoration strategies.
What debt cannot be discharged?
Non-dischargeable debts include child support, student loans, recent tax obligations, and debts from fraud. Our consultation identifies which debts qualify for elimination and which require alternative resolution strategies.
