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Skeen & Kauffman, LLP

911 North Charles Street
Suite 2nd Floor
Baltimore, MD 21201
Map

Phone: (410) 625-2272 | Fax: (410) 625-2292
http://www.skaufflaw.com

Providing Sophisticated Legal Services

Types of Cases
Firm Focus & History
Practice & Philosophy
Office Information
Fees

Legal Topic

Bankruptcy

Number of Attorneys

State Licensed In

Maryland, Washington, D.C., Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Arizona

Firm Focus

Skeen & Kauffman focuses on high quality legal representation at affordable prices. Our firm represents clients in a variety of financial related cases with emphasis on consumer and small business bankruptcy.

Firm History

Skeen & Kauffman was formed in 2004 by two attorneys with over 60 years of legal experience. Skeen & Kauffman’s bankruptcy group is headed by Terry Goddard who has been practicing law since 2002 and has been assisting consumer and small business bankruptcy clients since 2007.

Example Cases

Bankruptcy attorney Terry Goddard has assisted Chapter 7 consumer bankruptcy clients discharge troublesome debts like student loans and taxes. Discharging a tax debt or student loan in bankruptcy is not an automatic process, and in many cases it may not be possible. To discharge a tax, a taxpayer has to satisfy a number of requirements imposed by the bankruptcy and tax laws. To discharge a student loan, a debtor must prove to the bankruptcy court that repaying the loan would cause an undue hardship for the length of the loan repayment period.

What is your firm's point of view regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?

Skeen & Kauffman encourages our clients to educate themselves on the legal issues impacting their life. The hiring of an attorney is the establishment of a partnership and the more informed each partner is the more successful the partnership. Skeen & Kauffman is very interested in the success of our clients.

Are your attorneys willing to review documents prepared by clients?

We are willing up to a certain point and consistent with applicable court rules and Rules of Professional Conduct.

Are your attorneys willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?

Within the bankruptcy context we will not coach a client who wants to represent themselves.

Are your attorneys willing to help a client with one discrete part of a case, without taking on the whole case?

Depending on the nature of the case and the discrete part, yes.

What are your policies about dividing work among the firm's partners, associates, and paralegals to make the process most cost-effective for the client?

Skeen & Kauffman is committed to reasonable fees for any matter and will utilize firm resources as cost efficiently as possible.

How frequently does your firm use mediation, arbitration, or collaborative law to resolve cases?

As often and as frequently as a specific case warrants.

Does your firm provide pro bono legal services or otherwise participate in your community?

Skeen & Kauffman is committed to bettering the community we serve through a variety of charitable activities and pro bono work.

What distinguishes your law firm from others?

Skeen & Kauffman is committed to client satisfaction and to that end we provide affordable legal services of the highest quality. In addition, we are willing to set appointments at times and places that are most convenient for our clients including in home, weekend, and evening appointments.

Office Manager/Assistant

Theresa Mitchell

Fax

(410) 625-2292

Office Hours

Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with weekend and evenings past 5:00 p.m. by appointment

Emergency After Hours

Foreign Languages

None.

Additional Offices

Great Mills Office
22325 Greenview Parkway
Suite 1C
Great Mills, MD 20634
(410) 625-2272

Fixed-Price Services and Fees

Skeen & Kauffman’s bankruptcy attorney fees are flat fees for non-business Chapter 7 and 13 cases. Fees depend on the specific case circumstances. By mentioning nolo a client will receive a $100 credit toward their attorney fees.

Hourly Rates

Hourly rates vary depending on the nature of the case but are generally $225 per hour for attorney time and $65 per hour for paralegal time.

Free Initial Consultation?

On bankruptcy cases Skeen & Kauffman does offer a free initial consultation. The initial consultation usually lasts anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Typical Retainer

Retainer is typically required. Retainer amount varies depending on circumstances.

Understanding Fees

Nolo's Licensing Check

Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the state agency that licenses lawyers upon joining the directory.

Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any state licensing agency.