Legal Solutions for You,
Your Family & Your Business
Find a Lawyer >
Bankruptcy lawyers serving Adams County, CO >
Stephen Harkess
Back to Search Results
Stephen Harkess
Harkess & Salter, LLC
2109 South Wadsworth Blvd.
Suite 202
Lakewood, CO 80227
Phone: (303) 531-5380 | Fax: (303) 991-6240
http://www.cobankruptcy.org
Stop Foreclosure and Eliminate Debt
Legal Topic
Bankruptcy
Preferred New Clients
My preferred client is any individual or couple who is overwhelmed by financial trouble and needs the chance to start over personally and financially. Additionally, I enjoy representing individuals against creditors that violate consumer protection laws, such as the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) or Unfair and Deceptive Acts and Practices (UDAP) and automatic stay violations and bankruptcy discharge violations.
Sub-Categories
Bankruptcy
- Chapter 13
- Chapter 7
- Collections & Repossessions
- Credit Disputes
- Debt Relief
- Garnishments
- Business Bankruptcy
- Credit Repair
- Credit Restoration
- Creditor Harassment
- Personal Bankruptcy
- Foreclosures
Bar Admissions
CO, Oct 1999
Bar Number: 30968
Other Court Admissions
Colorado, U.S. District Court for Colorado, 10th Circuit Court of Appeals.
Association Memberships
Colorado Bar Association, National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys (NACBA).
Continuing Education
I attend continuing education seminars on topics of bankruptcy, foreclosure and other areas pertinent to debt relief.
Example Cases
I have helped clients save their home from foreclosure and eliminate second and third mortgages. I've helped people get out from under tens of thousands of dollars of debt and get a fresh start. I have also helped to end creditor harassment and pursued creditors who violate Fair Debt Collection laws.
Education
Degree:
Juris Doctorate
School:
University of Denver, College of Law
City:
Denver
State:
CO
Year:
1999
Honors:
Award for Scholastic Excellence in International Trade & Investment; Corpus Juris Secundum Award in Torts.
Focus and Accomplishments:
Preventive Law Reporter; Secretary, Phi Delta Phi Legal Fraternity.
Degree:
B.S. Business Administration (Accounting)
School:
University of Colorado
City:
Boulder
State:
CO
Year:
1994
Number of Attorneys
2
State Licensed In
Colorado
Firm Focus and History
The primary focus of the firm is consumer bankruptcy (Chapter 7 and Chapter 13). This accounts for over 80% of the work we do. Our attorneys also handle divorce and child custody cases, and wills and estate planning.
I have been serving clients in my own law firm since 2002. In 2006, I was joined by my partner Robert Salter. My primary focus is real estate and consumer bankruptcy. Robert Salter focuses on estate planning and family law.
Previous Employment Summary
I clerked for a District Court Judge in Arapahoe County, Colorado, during law school and while I studied for the bar exam. I worked in a general litigation firm for a couple of years before starting my own firm in 2002.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
An attorney is an advisor and an educator. Ultimately, the client is in control. It is important for people to get as much information as they can and to understand their situation and their options. I pride myself on my ability to make complex issues understandable.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
Due to the bankruptcy laws, I do not review bankruptcy documents prepared by clients. I will, however, review other types of documents, including contracts, estate planning documents and miscellaneous business documents.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
I do not encourage clients to represent themselves in bankruptcy court. Competent legal representation is relatively inexpensive compared to the benefits, and mistakes can be very costly.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I am a problem-solver. I enjoy helping people and the law touches on and affects all of the important areas of life.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
My experience and education in business, accounting, and real estate helps me to help clients make the most of what they have.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
Bankruptcy practice allows me to make an immediate positive impact on client's lives. I can stop foreclosure, save houses, eliminate creditor harassment, and give people a fresh start - free of thousands of dollars of debt.
What do you like best about your career?
Every day brings something new.
Tell us about your law firm:
We have a caring and competent staff. I am personally involved with every client.
What are your strengths and style?
My strength lies in making complex concepts understandable. I strive to ensure that clients fully understand the process and their options so that they are able to get the best results.
Personal Interests:
I enjoy music, movies, hiking and travel.
Office Manager/Assistant
Cynthia
Fax
(303) 991-6240
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Evenings and weekends by appointment.
Emergency After Hours
No
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
For an uncontested Chapter 7, whether for an individual or a couple, there is a flat fee of $1,500 including court costs and credit counseling fees. For a Chapter 13, the case can be filed for as low as $600. We do charge a total of $3,000 for a Chapter 13; however, the balance can be paid through the client's payments to the Chapter 13 Trustee. We do reserve the right to alter the Fee Schedule for complex cases; however, written retainer agreements are used in all cases and clearly state the fees charged.
Hourly Rates
Most cases are handled for a flat fee.
Free Initial Consultation?
I offer a free 30-minute consultation by phone or email.
Typical Retainer
$600.
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.
