My mission is to empower and advise individuals, families, and small business owners. I work for clients on matters of bankruptcy, consumer law, family law, and civil litigation.
I opened my first office in January 2009 with one desk, one phone, and one computer. I quickly found a lot of people that need legal help, and I also found a lot of colleagues eager to share their support and guidance. My business has grown with the support of my colleagues and clients. Every client has their own goals and challenges, so I learn something new every day -- about the law, about solving problems, and about people.
I have recently helped clients stay in their homes by either stopping foreclosure or providing debt relief which allows their budget to continue covering payments.
Main
220 College Avenue
Suite 304
Athens
GA
30601
I offer half-hour initial consultations for $35.
My representation on bankruptcy petitions are usually done for a flat fee determined before filing, starting at $1,250 for Chapter 7 and $2,500 for Chapter 13.
$125 per hour, charged to a deposit (not applicable to most bankruptcy petitions).
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with some appointments available after hours.
Christina Whitfield
Yes
I chose working for debtors in bankruptcy court because it is a way to help individuals. It is also a niche of growing importance which can only be filled by dedicated attorneys and not attorneys just looking for another bullet point on their yellow-page ads.
My job is to help clients make informed decisions, not to tell them what to do. An informed client is empowered to make choices and solve problems.
I can review certain documents for certain purposes for a flat fee, but this service is not common in my practice areas.
I often point out important deadlines during initial consultations, but I cannot provide detailed advice that would be very helpful. Litigation involves twists, turns, and pitfalls I cannot foresee. To use an analogy, my mechanic cannot tell me how to investigate and repair a problem in my car without actually getting under the hood. Bankruptcy cases involve many areas of law and have long lasting effects on a client's financial and legal future.
During law school, I worked as a law clerk in a firm's litigation department serving individual and corporate clients. I also worked as a student practitioner in my law school's Family Violence Clinic. Before my legal career, I worked as an electronics technician, bus driver, and customer service representative.
My prior work with the public made me a better communicator and taught me about different kinds of people. My work inside a large organization taught me more about collaborating to solve problems. My study of philosophy taught me to look for the values and goals that motivate people. And my law professors taught me to be professional but keep a sense of humor at the end of the day.
On bankruptcy issues, I start by helping prospective clients evaluate their options. My job is to promote their best interests, not to take an order and collect a check. I can refer them a credit counselor or another attorney to explore other options. On legal disputes, I look for ways to negotiate for efficient results, so I am not a "bulldog lawyer" who fights tooth and nail when there are better and cheaper ways to solve problems. However, I am an advocate who will stand my ground, and courtrooms are just another part of my workplace, though I only take clients there for good reasons. If my style is not what you are looking for, please allow me the chance to recommend other attorneys.
Personal interests:I enjoy walking, jogging, photography, reading good literature, and following all levels of politics. I would like to learn Spanish and become a better piano player.
* Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the state agency that licenses lawyers. Any past disbarments and suspensions (with possible exceptions for minor violations or nonpayment of dues, in our discretion) will be indicated accordingly in the badge. Member attorneys are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any state licensing agency.