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Kurt W. Wolfgang

Kurt W. Wolfgang

The Law Office of Kurt Wolfgang, Chtd.
9375 Chesapeake Street
Suite 113
La Plata, MD 20646

Phone: (301) 934-6000  |  Fax: (301) 934-4504

Contact Kurt W. Wolfgang

Sound Experience in Bankruptcy Court

Legal Topic

Bankruptcy

Preferred New Clients

We are interested in helping all consumers in Chapters 7 and 13 bankruptcies. We are one of the few firms in the area equipped to prepare a Chapter 12 (farmer) bankruptcy.

Sub-Categories

Bankruptcy
  • Chapter 13
  • Chapter 7
  • Collections & Repossessions
  • Credit Disputes
  • Debt Relief
  • Garnishments
  • Business Bankruptcy
  • Credit Repair
  • Credit Restoration
  • Creditor Harassment
  • Family Farmer Bankruptcy Chapter 12
  • Personal Bankruptcy
  • Foreclosures

Bar Admissions

MD, Jan 1985

Other Court Admissions

Maryland Court of Appeals (allows practice in all Maryland State Courts), U.S. District Court for District of Maryland.

Association Memberships

Maryland State Bar Association and Bankruptcy Law Section, National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys.

Continuing Education

I am constantly engaging in continuing education seminars and reading the latest professional publications to stay up on developments in the field. Through and with the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys, I have reached out to Congress in order to help make new developments in the field as well. My latest efforts involve trying to get Congress to pass more protections against foreclosure for people who, through no fault of their own, find themselves facing foreclosure.

Example Cases

I recently represented a couple who was facing foreclosure. The husband was retired, age 69, and despite severe arthritis was trying to supplement his income by doing construction work. They had never been late on their home payments - that is until his wife, who worked for the State of Maryland, had a stroke and couldn't work anymore. And he had to stay home to take care of her.

Through filing bankruptcy, we were able to save their family home. These are the types of cases that I find so rewarding. There is no greater feeling than helping people in desperate circumstances.

Education

Degree:

Juris Doctor

School:

University of Baltimore School of Law

City:

Baltimore

State:

MD

Year:

1984

Focus and Accomplishments:

Published Article: "Let's Stop Criminals"

Number of Attorneys

2

State Licensed In

Maryland

Firm Focus and History

We are a general practice firm who can take tare of most of your legal needs. We have practiced in Bankruptcy court for many years representing consumers, and have never had a bankruptcy petition denied.

The firm was established in 1988, after I had practiced as a prosecutor, (Assistant State's Attorney) and as the Director of Intergovernmental Affairs for the National District Attorneys Association.

Previous Employment Summary

I served our country as an Air Force Pilot from 1987 to 2001. I served in the Middle East, Somalia, Panama, and all over the world. I received 14 decorations including the Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Air Medal, Aerial Achievement Medal, and the Humanitarian Service Medal.

Activities and Awards

I have served for 25 years as a member or chair of the Board of Directors of the Stephanie Roper Foundation, now known as the Maryland Crime Victim Resource Center, Charles County Senior Services, the American Red Cross, and the Port Tobacco River Coalition.

What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?

An educated consumer is the best client! Educated clients become part of their own legal team, and can help assure a smooth process from beginning to end.

Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?

We are willing to review filings.

Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?

Within the bounds of legal ethics, we are willing to do so.

Why did you decide to be a lawyer?

My father grew up poor during the Great Depression. He was able to become an attorney, and enjoyed helping people. He instilled in me this desire to help the struggling. This is the most fulfilling aspect of practicing law.

What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?

There are several elements in my life that have enhanced my ability as an attorney. The first is having been raised by parents who were not aristocrats. They were both children of the Great Depression, and they taught me that there is no one better than anyone else. The result is that I am an attorney who is just an average guy, who has been fortunate enough to get a law degree. I am not an aristocrat who has trouble connecting with the average person.

The second great life event that has had an impact on my ability to practice law is my 23-year career in the United States Air Force. I served as a pilot and an officer, and served in several wars. There is nothing that can impress upon you what's truly important like war. And the camaraderie of the Air Force taught me trust, fairness, and a sense of giving to the community.

Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?

I have tried to use my skills as a litigator and an advocate to maximize my usefulness to those who are in need. The legal system is unnecessarily complicated. I try to cut through the confusion and red tape to get my clients through the process with a minimum of aggravation and confusion.

What do you like best about your career?

Nothing will ever equal the great feeling of helping those in need. Often, we are the last resort to straighten out the troubles of our clients. Many of them remain friends for years after their legal matters are over.

Tell us about your law firm:

I am blessed with very friendly and wonderful staff members, who are more like family than employees. Most importantly, they love what they do, and they all care about our clients.

Cathy Cooksey is my office manager. She has been an office manager for eight years now. My paralegals are John Howard, who has a Masters Degree in Business Administration from the University of Maryland, and Sally-Ann Martin, who is a British attorney (Solicitor). Sally-Ann is married to Group Captain Gary Martin of the Royal Air Force, stationed at Patuxent River NAS. Sally-Ann is not admitted to practice here, so serves as my paralegal.

We also are honored to have Michael Crumrine, Esq. , who was recently admitted to the Maryland Bar. Michael is a graduate of the University of Baltimore School of Law.

What are your strengths and style?

The strengths of this firm are friendly, personal service. We know that people are going through a hard time, and we are very considerate and accommodating, while ensuring that the clients' needs are met.

Personal Interests:

I enjoy flying, boating, jet-skiing, farming, and studying U.S. history.

Office Manager/Assistant

Cathy Cooksey.

Fax

(301) 934-4504

Office Hours

Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or other times by appointment.

Emergency After Hours

Yes

Foreign Languages

Yes, we have a Spanish interpreter available.

Fixed-Price Services and Fees

For a normal "full service" chapter 7 bankruptcy, our fee is $1,990, which does not include filing fees and fees due for credit reports, counseling, and other required services not performed by our office. Our fee also does not include court fees. Chapter 13 cases are much more variable, but an average fee would be $3,500 to $3,900.

Hourly Rates

$250 per hour for attorney time; $150 per hour for paralegal time.

Free Initial Consultation?

Initial consultation is free!

Typical Retainer

Chapter 7 must be paid in advance of filing. Chapter 13 would be $1,000 paid in advance, the balance paid by the trustee.

Understanding Fees

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