Our attorneys each have litigation, transactional, general civil and business experience. They have worked for circuit judges, the State Attorney's Office, the U.S. Government, private law firms, and a host of private businesses and clients. Their transactional experience includes a range of work with small and mid-sized businesses, as well as individuals. Their litigation experience includes tens of jury trials.

Mr. Budgen’s business experience includes working for several technology companies, working with the White House and working with businesses large and small. He also held a position as an associate at the largest technology specialty law firm in Florida and worked as an Assistant State Attorney. He earned his Bachelor’s and a minor in Business from Northwestern University. He earned his law degree and a Master’s in Management from Syracuse University. Mr. Budgen is a member of MENSA, a Director of the Central Florida Bankruptcy Law Association and a member of the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys.

Mr. Budgen's Bankruptcy experience includes multiple reported decisions and single cases in excess of $14,000,000.00.

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Important Items Regarding Fees:

There are many places in Florida that will advertise fees as low as $100 for filing bankruptcy. There are some important details that are left out of those offers though.

A bankruptcy case is an ongoing court case. The average Chapter 7 may take 4 to 6 months to complete. Although many of our clients are surprised at how simple the process can be, there are many challenges the improperly represented filer will face.

“Document Preparation"

The United States Department of Justice (DOJ), which regulates and appoints United States Trustees to oversee the bankruptcy process, is currently investigating many paralegal and “document preparation” businesses. Many of these businesses operate without any sort of licensing and are guilty of the unauthorized practice of law. The largest problem with many such organizations is that they often fail to inform their customers of the many documents or court appearances the client will likely need help with throughout the process. For example, the U.S. Trustee in Orlando has been investigating many recent Chapter 13 cases that were improperly prepared by such organizations. Although many of these customers saved a few hundred dollars, they stood to loose their homes! Many of the cases being investigated by the DOJ were brought to their attention because only the first 2 of approximately 40 pages of paperwork were completed. Although 2 pages are enough to open a case, the other 40 or so pages are required to survive more than 15 days. Many of the filers didn’t realize their cases were improperly filed and about to be dismissed.

Paralegal Services

Our law firm regularly receives calls from filers who used paralegal businesses to prepare their filings where the documents were improperly completed or the filers were improperly advised. The filer must then hire a law firm to correct the mistakes to avoid their case being dismissed. Call us for the case numbers of example cases where we fixed these types of mistakes.

On average, we receive one such call per month. In a recent case we handled, the client was improperly advised by a paralegal service, filed the wrong Chapter of bankruptcy, and lost $20,000 equity he could have otherwise preserved. He did save $500 on his filing though.

“Discount” Law Firms

We rarely see improperly prepared documents by other law firms. However, we do see a variety of pricing schemes and sometimes misleading price quotes. For example, here is a how a filing is advertised for $590 and results in $1200 in fees. Note, the following items are included in our filing price. Some firms will advertise $590 bankruptcies, then add many items their clients are not even aware that they will need during the course of the case. These items include.

Item Other Firms Charge extra for:

• Reaffirmations $75-$150 each (to keep cars, houses, furniture, etc.);

• Listing creditors $20-$50 each (you must list everyone you owe);

• Attend your “341 meeting” $100-$300 each (this is your court hearing);

• Mail cease & desist letters varies (we will contact creditors to stop contact immediately).

Calling creditors usually not offered.

Obtaining a credit report may not be offered (public records search for judgment & liens you may not be aware of)

Our firm charges one low flat rate up-front price for all of the services we believe the average client would need for a successful bankruptcy filing. Over 90% of our clients fit within our flat rate pricing and never pay additional fees. We know we offer a very competitively priced service. However, you may discover this for yourself. Call around and be sure to ask about the above services and what they cost. You may be surprised to find out that a $590 quote will cost you between $1200 and $1400, hundreds more than our fee..

Payment Plans are available.

Orlando Employment & Labor Law Attorney & Lawyer: Professional Employment & Labor Law legal services in Orlando and the Central Florida area.

L. Todd Budgen