Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Louisiana Bankruptcy Law Firm Since 1907
Simon Fitzgerald has been a trusted name in Louisiana bankruptcy law since 1907. With over a century of combined experience among our team of eight attorneys and 20+ paralegals, we specialize in guiding individuals and small businesses through Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy filings. Our firms legacy of leadership in debt relief is built on a foundation of compassionate client support, board-certified expertise, and a commitment to transparency.We offer free initial consultations and have successfully resolved over 25,000 cases, ensuring clients retain essential assets while achieving financial freedom. Our three strategically located offices serve Shreveport, Monroe, Alexandria, Lafayette, and Lake Charles, providing accessible, personalized legal solutions tailored to each clients unique circumstances.
Services
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
Debt Relief
Creditor Harassment Solutions
Foreclosure Prevention
Wage Garnishment Stop
Asset Protection
Credit Counseling
Bankruptcy Consultation
Debt Restructuring
Details
- Year established: 1907
Highlights and features
- Louisianas oldest bankruptcy law firm with over 100 years of combined experience
- Three convenient office locations serving five major regions across Louisiana
- Board-certified consumer bankruptcy specialists with 25,000+ successful cases
- Free initial consultations with no upfront attorney fees for Chapter 13 filings
- Compassionate, judgment-free guidance through complex bankruptcy processes
What people say
Helpful staff
Debt free
Felt at home
Straight to the point
Went above and beyond
Services
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy eliminates unsecured debts like credit cards and medical bills, offering immediate relief from creditor harassment. Our attorneys guide clients through asset exemptions and debt discharge, ensuring compliance with Louisiana laws. This process typically concludes within 80 days, providing a fresh financial start while protecting essential assets through state exemptions.
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy restructures debt into manageable monthly payments over 3-5 years, stopping foreclosure and repossession. Our team creates personalized repayment plans based on disposable income, allowing clients to retain assets while discharging remaining unsecured debt. Attorney fees are included in payments, with no upfront costs, making this option accessible for wage earners.
Debt Relief
Our debt relief services focus on eliminating or restructuring overwhelming debt through bankruptcy or alternative solutions. We provide free credit reports, personalized consultations, and strategies to stop wage garnishment and creditor harassment. With board-certified specialists, we ensure clients understand all options for achieving long-term financial stability.
Creditor Harassment Solutions
We offer immediate protection from creditor harassment through bankruptcy filings that trigger automatic stays. Our attorneys handle communication with creditors, stopping collection calls, lawsuits, and wage garnishments. Clients receive guidance on legal rights and strategies to regain control of their financial future without intimidation.
Foreclosure Prevention
Our foreclosure prevention services use Chapter 13 bankruptcy to halt eviction proceedings and restructure mortgage arrears. We work with clients to create feasible repayment plans, allowing them to retain their homes while addressing other debts. Immediate action ensures protection under bankruptcy laws and preserves housing stability.
People
Paul M. Cooke
Partner
Paul M. Cooke brings decades of bankruptcy law experience to Simon Fitzgerald, specializing in complex Chapter 13 cases. His strategic approach to debt reorganization has helped countless clients retain assets while achieving financial stability through structured repayment plans.
Keith M. Welch
Partner
Keith M. Welch has practiced bankruptcy law in Shreveport since 1977, focusing on Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filings. He emphasizes compassionate client support, ensuring individuals and small businesses understand their debt relief options while navigating the bankruptcy process with confidence.
Kevin R. Molloy
Partner
Kevin R. Molloy specializes in consumer bankruptcy, leveraging over 20 years of experience to guide clients through debt elimination and asset protection. His expertise in Louisiana exemptions ensures clients retain essential property while discharging unsecured debts.
L. Laban Levy
Partner
L. Laban Levy focuses on Chapter 13 bankruptcy, helping clients restructure debt and stop foreclosure. His client-centered approach prioritizes long-term financial recovery, offering personalized solutions to regain control over personal and business finances.
Karl M. Helo
Partner
Karl M. Helo specializes in Chapter 7 bankruptcy, providing swift debt discharge solutions for individuals overwhelmed by unsecured obligations. His straightforward guidance ensures clients understand eligibility requirements and exemption protections under Louisiana law.
Questions
What is the difference between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy?
Chapter 7 eliminates unsecured debts quickly, while Chapter 13 restructures debt into manageable payments over 3-5 years, allowing asset retention.
How does bankruptcy stop creditor harassment?
Filing bankruptcy triggers an automatic stay, immediately halting collection calls, lawsuits, and wage garnishments by law.
Can I keep my home and car in bankruptcy?
Chapter 13 protects assets through repayment plans, while Chapter 7 exemptions often allow retaining essential property.
What are the credit implications of bankruptcy?
Chapter 7 stays on credit reports for 10 years, Chapter 13 for 7 years, but responsible financial habits enable rebuilding within 1-3 years.
Are there income requirements for bankruptcy?
Chapter 7 requires passing a means test, while Chapter 13 needs regular income to fund repayment plans.
How much does bankruptcy cost?
Chapter 13 attorney fees are included in payments; Chapter 7 involves $330 court filing fees with no upfront legal costs.
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