Law Offices of Joseph G. Pleva
Our law practice is devoted to helping people who are finding it hard to make ends meet. We specialize in offering a variety of solutions to help our clients get the fresh start you deserve
Firm Overview
In 2005, after spending several years working at that firm, I decided to start my own practice. During my time at the larger firm, I saw that many of our clients did not get the attention they needed to navigate the often difficult process of filing for bankruptcy. I felt I could use the experience I gained working in such a large and busy office to provide a more personal level of representation to individuals who needed help filing for bankruptcy.
In 2011, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to back to my hometown of Huntsville. It has been a goal of mine to take the experience I have gained in Detroit to help people here in North Alabama who are facing difficult financial circumstances.
The focus of my practice is providing personal service to people facing financial hardship. The majority of my clients have been caught up in the economic downturn. My office has a specific focus on helping people reorganize their debts, saving their homes and cars, and being able to live a debt free life. I know the stress financial problems can put on people and their families.
We are proud to have been designated as a debt relief agency by the U.S. Congress. We strive to help honest but unfortunate people to reorganize their finances using the Bankruptcy Code so that they can get a fresh start. We help people get on the road to financial peace.
Main
3077 Leeman Ferry Road
Suit A-15
Huntsville
AL
35801
- (256) 617-7115
Fees
We generally offer free consultations. I typically spend 30-60 minutes to determine what we can do help
Fees for bankruptcy filings are generally fixed-price depending on how complicated a case is (e.g. whether the client is seeking to file Chapter 7 or Chapter 13). I generally recommend that people interested in retaining our office contact us at (256) 617-7115 to schedule an appointment to meet with me. Once I have an idea what your situation is, I can make a recommendation as to how to proceed and how much it will cost.
We generally charge on a flat or fixed-price fee structure.
Office Information
Monday through Friday
8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
I take appointments after hours or on weekends by Skype of FaceTime
Brandy Fortune.
Yes
I speak some Spanish. My assistant speaks some Croatian.
How did your firm decide on the primary area of practice(s)?
When I went to law school, I had a chance to learn about many different areas of law and see a number of different things that I could do with a law degree. I had no desire to work for a large firm or the government. I knew I wanted to do some sort of practice where I would be able to help regular people.
I had known some lawyers who had experience with bankruptcy law and they told me it would be a good area to practice in. After law school I jumped on the opportunity to work for a firm representing debtors in consumer bankruptcy cases. I feel this is one of the best things someone can do with a law degree. I feel that the credit industry is doing serious damage to individuals and families. I like that I am able to do something to help people caught up in debt to have a chance to escape.
What is your firm's point of view regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I think it is a good idea for clients to be educated about legal issues. Even with an attorney representing them, clients need to understand what is going on with their case, what their obligations are, and when they need to notify their attorney. I try to help my clients understand what filing for bankruptcy entails and what questions they need to ask us so that they can know what they need to do to get the results they are seeking.
Is your firm willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I am happy to review any documents that clients prepare and find such documents useful in helping to prepare the bankruptcy petition and related documents with the court. I have several questionnaires which I have clients to fill out which help me to better understand their financial situation and to advise them of the best way to proceed.
Is your firm willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
I am willing to discuss all options which are available to clients in an effort to assist them with their decision about filing for bankruptcy relief. Generally, I find that the main reason a client may seek to represent themselves is that they are concerned about the cost of retaining an attorney. I advise potential clients that our fee structure is set up so that almost anyone who needs to file for bankruptcy can afford to hire us.
Is your firm willing to help a client with one discrete part of a case, without taking on the whole case?
I generally believe in specialization. Our firm handles only bankruptcy cases and other issues related to debt collection and restructuring. We don't handle legal issues in other areas. I often find that a client will come to us because of some other issue. For exampleI will often meet with someone who tells me they need to file for bankruptcy because they are getting a divorce or have a child support issue. I will tell that client that they will be best served having us help with the bankruptcy and that they get a lawyer who specializes in family law to help with those issues.
Joseph G. Pleva
Prior to opening my practice, I worked as an associate in a large consumer bankruptcy practice which represented individuals in filing for Chapter 7 and 13 bankruptcies. During the four years that I worked there I represented thousands of people and helped them to obtain much needed relief from their creditors.
Honestly, I had to finance law school through student loans and I bought a house in 2005 and saw its value drop by 50% almost overnight and have faced the same situation many of my clients have. I have understood first-hand what financial struggles are and the stress it puts on families. I feel that this helps me to fight to do a better job for them.
I think that my ability to relate to what my clients are going through makes me able to do a better job with their cases. I understand what they are going through and what the effects of getting bankruptcy relief can be for them.
Personal interests:Aside from representing my clients, I enjoy soccer. I coach my daughters' teams and try to play as much as I can. I enjoy hiking and spending time enjoying the out of doors.
- Bar Number: PLE004
Alabama , 2012 - Bar Number: P60043
Michigan , 2001
- Michigan State University - Detroit College of Law
Juris Doctorate , 2001
East Lansing, MI
- University of Michigan
Bachelor of Science , 1998
Ann Arbor, MI
Economics.
* 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.
Find us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Find us on Google+
Watch us on YouTube
Listen to us on iTunes