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Alan D. Walton
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Alan D. Walton
Brekenridge and Walton
514 W. Court St.
Flint, MI 48503
Phone: (810) 239-4050 | Fax: (810) 239-3949
http://www.laurabreckenridge.org
Bankruptcy is all we do. "Father and Daughter Firm."
Legal Topic
Bankruptcy
Preferred New Clients
I prefer to take on Bankruptcy Chapters 7 & 13 cases.
Sub-Categories
Bankruptcy
- Chapter 13
- Chapter 7
- Debt Relief
- Garnishments
- Personal Bankruptcy
- Foreclosures
Bar Admissions
MI, Dec 1980
Bar Number: P31786
Other Court Admissions
Michigan State Courts, Michigan Federal Courts, New York State and Federal Courts.
Association Memberships
State Bar of Michigan, National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys, Consumer Bankruptcy Association of Eastern Michigan, Flint/Bay City Bankruptcy Association.
Continuing Education
Both Alan D. Walton and Laura Breckenridge attend the annual educational meeting of the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys, and local (Michigan) training seminars sponsored by the American Bankruptcy Institute and/or the Consumer Bankruptcy Association of Eastern Michigan. Both are founding members and Directors of the Flint/Bay City Bankruptcy Association and plan and conduct trainings for local bankruptcy practitioners. Both participate in the monthly Flint chapter 13 Trustee brown bag luncheons. Laura enjoys coaching local high school student in the annual Law Day Moot Court competition.
Example Cases
The 2005 changes to the Bankruptcy Laws make every one of our cases unique. We pride ourselves in being aware of court decisions nationwide that might affect our clients' cases. We recognize that part of our practice is fighting for consumer debtor rights, and we vigorously pursue issues that can have a lasting effect on our future clients.
Education
Degree:
Juris Doctor
School:
University of Michigan Law School
City:
Ann Arbor
State:
MI
Year:
1980
Degree:
B.S.
School:
Eastern Michigan University
City:
Ypsilanti
State:
MI
Year:
1977
Honors:
Graduated with honors
Focus and Accomplishments:
Major: Political Science; Minor: Conservation and Resource Use
Number of Attorneys
2
State Licensed In
Michigan & New York
Firm Focus and History
Laura Breckenridge was admitted to the New York Bar in 2001 and the Michigan Bar in 2002. After practicing Bankruptcy law as an associate for several years, she opened the offices of Breckenridge & Associates in early 2005. Alan D. Walton was admitted to the Michigan Bar in 1980 and practiced general consumer law for 25 years before affiliating with Laura Breckenridge in 2005. Breckenridge & Walton expanded from its original Flint office location and added its Birch Run office in 2006.
The Firm is dedicated to Consumer Bankruptcy. 99% of our cases are either Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 Bankruptcies. By dedicating our practice to this specific area of the law, we are proud to have developed an expertise that provides extraordinary service to our clients.
Previous Employment Summary
Laura Breckenridge was an associate of Case & Leader in New York, then returned to Michigan in 2002 where she practiced Bankruptcy law in Flint and Bay City before starting Breckenridge & Associates in 2005. Alan D. Walton was a sole practitioner before his employment with the UAW Legal Services Plan in 1983. After 22 years in its Flint, Waterford and Bay City offices, he left to partner with Breckenridge & Associates in 2005.
Activities and Awards
Alan D. Walton served as President of AFSCME Local 3069 (representing attorney employees of the UAW Legal Services Plans) for 20 years. He is also accepts Pro Bono referrals from Legal Services of Eastern Michigan in Saginaw.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
We welcome the self-educated client. The background information they acquire helps us with meaningful communications about their case and the bankruptcy process. We have a combined 14 years of post high school education and over 36 years of practice experience. We appreciate a client who has an understanding of the general bankruptcy process, and who trusts the value of our education and experience in presenting their case in the best way possible to achieving their goals.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
When the Bankruptcy Court initiated electronic filing in 2005, documents were required to be prepared so that they can be regenerated into an acceptable electronic format. Regular practitioners can no longer file paper pleadings, but instead must submit all documents electronically. We prefer to discuss these requirements with clients in advance to insure that document preparation efforts are not wasted. We do ask our clients to prepare a number of documents in anticipation of their bankruptcy filings, but only in a format acceptable to the Court.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
Unfortunately, bankruptcy practice, with the 2005 law changes, and the advent of electronic filing, is not something that can be coached. There are too many issues in the recent law changes that have not been resolved by the Appeals Courts. We believe that effective advocacy in the Bankruptcy Court requires the assistance of counsel and therefore are not able to assist persons who wish to represent themselves.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I have always been able to analyze situations and find resolutions that are acceptable to all sides. This skill led me to the legal field, where dispute resolution is paramount.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
Continuous career enhancement through various educational programs, 22 years practicing consumer law, 20 years as a union leader, and running for elective office, have all contributed to my ability to understand and comprehend the circumstances being experienced by my clients.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
Bankruptcy is a complex process, even more so since the changes in the law in 2005. I feel that my experience can make it easier for those who are no longer able to keep their creditors at bay. While it may be difficult to admit that debt has become overwhelming, bankruptcy is a legitimate mechanism available to overcome the problem.
What do you like best about your career?
For the last few years, I have had the privilege of working with my daughter in developing a specialty law practice geared toward assisting folks who find themselves overwhelmed by their debts. We take great pride in being able to guide our clients through a complex system that allows them to get the fresh start the bankruptcy law was intended to provide them.
Tell us about your law firm:
We make it a point to have direct attorney/client contact. We have one full time legal assistant/secretary. She can usually help with case status and information requests, and she insures that our file documentation is complete. If you need legal advice, she will make sure that an attorney will get back to you as soon as possible. We usually have one or two part time employees helping out with paperwork and phone calls.
What are your strengths and style?
By focusing our practice on bankruptcy, our strength is our commitment to being as up to date as possible. There are hundreds of judges nationwide interpreting various aspects of the recent law changes. Through the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys, we are part of a network of over 2000 consumer attorneys that share information and court decisions nationwide. If an issue comes up locally, we can draw on the collective experience and knowledge of this group to present the strongest arguments on behalf of our clients.
Personal Interests:
We focus our time supporting the (grand) children in their educational and sports endeavors. We do our best to balance our busy work lives with family time.
Office Manager/Assistant
Barbie
Fax
(810) 239-3949
Office Hours
Monday through Thursday
9:00 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Friday
9:00a.m. to Noon
(Other hours by appointment)
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Additional Offices
Birch Run, MI
8070 Main Street
PO Box 489
Birch Run, MI 48415
(989) 624-4050
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
No fixed fees. Each case presents its own circumstances. Fees are based on client circumstances and issues that are currently the focus of the United States Trustee. Our fees are based on the anticipated time required and the various issues presented by each case. Once we have met and discussed the particulars of a case with a potential client, we can quote a fee for the case. If there are extraordinary issues where the fee could increase, those will be discussed in depth at that time.
Hourly Rates
$250.
Free Initial Consultation?
Free initial consultations, 30 minutes.
Typical Retainer
25% of fees and costs for a chapter 13 payment plan (balance paid through plan payments), 50% of fees and costs for a chapter 7 (balance due at time of filing).
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 applicable bar associations upon joining the directory.
Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any bar association.
