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The Law Office of Thomas W. Hodge

1917 Laskin Road
Suite 110
Virginia Beach, VA 23454
Map

Phone: (757) 575-8949 | Fax: (866) 215-8727

For Your law is my delight.

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

Legal Topic

Bankruptcy

Sub-Topics

Business Bankruptcy

Chapter 11

Chapter 13

Chapter 7

Collections & Repossessions

Credit Disputes

Credit Repair

Credit Restoration

Creditor Harassment

Debt Relief

Family Farmer Bankruptcy Chapter 12

Foreclosure

Garnishments

Municipality Bankruptcy Chapter 9

Personal Bankruptcy

Number of Attorneys

State Licensed In

Virginia

Firm Focus

My practice focuses in the areas of Wills, Trusts and Estates, Bankruptcy, and Social Security/Disability Law,

Firm History

I began this firm approximately 6 years ago and practiced a great deal of real estate. 2 years ago, when the market turned, I took a position in Richmond, Virginia. During that time I realized that I truly loved what I was doing in my own practiced and returned to Virginia Beach in 2010 to re-open my small practice.

Example Cases

I average 2-3 Social Security hearings per month, and file between 5 and 10 bankruptcies every month

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

I am always excited to hear what a client has learned for themselves. I enjoy the teaching aspect of helping clients understand where they are correct and where they are incorrect in what they believe is the law.

Are your attorneys willing to review documents prepared by clients?

I have reviewed several documents that clients have brought me. I understand that the economy has been difficult on everyone, and if I can help a client keep their costs down, and still give them the benefit of my legal expertise I am glad to do that. My philosophy is that that client may need me for another matter or will certainly be glad to tell their friends about the personal service that they received from me.

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

As I mentioned earlier, one of the aspects that I like most about the law is educating clients about the law and the process that happens. I find that when clients understand what is happening or how things work they are less stressed about their situation.

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

Yes. I have helped many clients in drafting documents for court when they did not want me to appear with them due to cost. In addition to drafting documents we usually go over potential strategy for their case.

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?

The majority of work done in my firm is on a flat fee basis. However, when situations arise that required an hourly rate agreement, my firm uses paralegals as much as we can to keep costs as low as possible.

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

I encourage mediation, although my primary areas of practice (Bankruptcy, Social Security, and Wills) do not require mediation.

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

Yes. I work consistently through a church group and with a addiction recovery group to provide both pro bono and reduced fee services to those in need.

What distinguishes your law firm from others?

My firm is small and customer service is extremely important to us. I give all my clients my cell phone number so that they can reach me after hours and on weekends if it is needed.

Office Manager/Assistant

Fax

(866) 215-8727

Office Hours

Monday through Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm; evenings and weekends by appointment

Emergency After Hours

Foreign Languages

I have a paralegal who speaks fluent spanish

Additional Offices

Chesapeake Office
3808 Poplar Hill Road
Suite D
Chesapeake, VA 23321

Fixed-Price Services and Fees

Bankruptcy Chapter 7 fees are $1100.00 plus court costs, but would give 25% discount for Nolo mention; Bankruptcy Chapter 13 fees are $3000.00 plus court costs, but would give 25% discount for Nolo mention; Social Security fees are contingent and set by Social Security at $6000 or 25% whichever is less; would also give 25% discount for Nolo mention.

Hourly Rates

$225 per hour, and would give 25% discount for Nolo mention.

Free Initial Consultation?

Yes, I give free consultations for no more than 1 hour.

Typical Retainer

I have no typical retainer it depends on the case.

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.

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