Ruth Allen Law
Compassionate, Approachable Bankruptcy Counsel
Firm Overview
My main service areas include bankruptcy (Chapter 7 only) and debt defense. I am interested in helping those clients who are struggling with harassment by collectors, and who may be unaware that they can possibly take advantage of North Carolina's consumer friendly laws and sue the creditor. I also help people plan for unforeseen events in their lives, as well as end of life planning. I have visited many folks in their homes or in hospice to record their final desires for distribution of their personal belongings, which gives them peace of mind.
Example casesDue to client-attorney confidentiality, we do not share information about prior cases.
Mailing Address
7413 Six Forks Road
Suite 326
Raleigh
NC
27615
- (919) 481-4141
- (866) 321-9449
Fees
I will generally consult with a prospective client at no charge to determine if there is a matter which I am able to handle.
Generally my services are fixed rate flat fee, but that is determined by the nature and complexity of each individual matter. The current fee for Chapter 7 bankruptcy is $1,250(which does NOT include court filing fee of $306).
*Get Creditors Off your Back Program*
Flat fee of $325
Terms: One year
$200.00
Office Information
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
After hours available by appointment.
Our mailing address is 7413 Sixth Forks Road, Suite 326.
No
Likewise, once a debt has been discharged in bankruptcy, a creditor or collector can not try to collect it, OR to report it as other than discharged on your credit report. If they do, there is a cause of action which can be brought against them.
Our firm pursues these abusive practices by debt collectors.
How did your firm decide on the primary area of practice(s)?
During my work privately and at Legal Aid, I talked with and advised many people who had been taken advantage of or harassed by creditors and collectors who purposefully step outside of the bounds of the law. Many clients are not aware of their rights and available remedies, and I want to help them learn what they can do, and also educate the creditors about their legal limitations. I understand that financial burdens can be very stressful, overshadowing every other aspect of one's life, and are often brought about by unforeseen circumstances or events out of our control. My personal philosophy is "there but for the grace of God go I," and so I treat my clients with compassion and respect.
Nothing gives me greater satisfaction than handing a lesson to an abusive creditor in the form of a money judgment in favor of my client, or forgiveness of the debt they were trying to collect.
What is your firm's point of view regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
There is so much misinformation from many sources. I absolutely advocate having clients educate themselves from a reliable source. Information empowers those who are in precarious or uncertain situations, and makes them less vulnerable to being misled or taken advantage of.
Is your firm willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I generally do not review documents prepared by clients. I will review documents they present which may pertain to the matter I am handling for them, or analyze what their rights or responsibilities may be.
Is your firm willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
I generally do not coach clients who wish to represent themselves.
Ruth Allen
As a certified legal assistant since 1988, I have had experience in the legal field in government, law firms, and in-house in corporations. I lived and worked in Atlanta and Houston before moving to Raleigh in 1998. In 2002, I decided to go to law school to further my career. Since graduating, I have worked for over 3 years as a part time advocate at Legal Aid, as well as court appointed guardian ad litem for guardianship proceedings. I have worked with an attorney in drafting wills and other important life planning documents. While I currently work at Legal Aid part time, I am also developing a private practice to protect the rights of consumers.
I was a legal secretary in Atlanta, and then obtained a paralegal certificate. I qualified as a Certified Legal Assistant, and worked in the legal field for over 15 years before attending law school as a mature adult. I have a wealth of practical legal experience, and was fortunate to have excellent mentors and advisors during my life as a paralegal. I have worked in a legal capacity in government, law firms, and corporations.
As an officer in the United States Navy (Reserve Component) for over 20 years, I have been in positions of leadership and responsibility in a unit with up to 50 military members, so I take responsibility seriously. The military also enhanced my skills of organization and logistics, both of which are called upon in the practice of law.
Because of my mature age and experience, I am compassionate and nonjudgmental. I do not fit the typical "attorney" mold, because it does not reflect who I am at this point in my life, and because being rigid or unapproachable does not serve my clients.
Personal interests:Reading fiction, dance, old school music, and my daughter.
- Bar Number: 34739
North Carolina , 2006
- North Carolina Central University School of Law
J.D. , 2005
Durham, NC
- Maryville College
B.S. , 1980
Maryville, TN
Major in Political Science.
* 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.
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