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Robert W. Kovacs
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Robert W. Kovacs
The Law Office of Robert W. Kovacs, Jr.
172 Shrewsbury Street
Worcester, MA 01604
Phone: (508) 926-8833
http://www.rkovacslaw.com
Get Your Financial Affairs Back in Order
Legal Topic
Bankruptcy
Preferred New Clients
Consumer Bankruptcy, including Chapters 7, 12, and 13 and other matters relating to consumer debt.
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
MA, Jun 2008
Bar Number: 671497
Other Court Admissions
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Federal District Court, District of Massachusetts, and U.S. Tax Court.
Association Memberships
Worcester County Bar Association, Committee on Homelessness, Massachusetts Bar Association, American Bar Association, and National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys.
Continuing Education
Massachusetts is one of the few jurisdictions that does not require continuing legal education for attorneys.
However, I believe continuing legal education is an important part of the profession and keeps my skills current. Therefore, I regularly attend courses and seminars on bankruptcy and other areas.
Example Cases
Everyone facing bankruptcy has seen some amount of adversity in his or her financial life. Often individuals find themselves unable to keep up with their credit cards, mortgage and other bills. This can lead to hard decisions as to which bill to pay. In bankruptcy, an individual may get their debts discharged and no longer have to face the stress of this decision.
Recently, I had a client force her home mortgage company to allow her to repay missed mortgage payments, entirely get rid of a second mortgagee (without having to pay it off), and discharge credit card bills and income tax owed to the government.
Education
Degree:
Juris Doctor
School:
The Thomas M. Cooley Law School
City:
Lansing
State:
MI
Year:
2008
Honors:
Dean's List
Focus and Accomplishments:
Concentration Business Transactions and Moot Court.
Degree:
Bachelor's of Art
School:
Fairfield University
City:
Fairfield
State:
CT
Year:
2004
Focus and Accomplishments:
Major: Politics
Minor: Peace and Justice Studies
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
Massachusetts
Firm Focus and History
The Law Office of Robert W. Kovacs, Jr. was established to aid individuals facing challenges dealing with overwhelming debt. Our practice is limited to handling consumer bankruptcy matters and other solutions to consumer debt.
It is our philosophy that by limiting our practice to bankruptcy, we will be better able to assist clients with their debt.
Previous Employment Summary
Since receiving my license to practice law, I have been a sole practitioner in Worcester, MA. Currently my practice is limited to consumer bankruptcy matters.
Activities and Awards
Pro Bono:
On a monthly basis, I visit a Worcester County homeless shelter to asses the legal needs of the shelter's residents. I take select cases from the shelter for full representation. This work is conducted through a program at Legal Assistance Corporation of Central Massachusetts.
I also accept pro bono and reduced fee cases from the Worcester County Bar Association.
Additionally, I sit on the Board of Directors of IHN. IHN is a Worcester County non-profit corporation dedicated to finding both long and short-term solutions for homeless families.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I always encourage individuals to educate themselves as much as possible. There are many great resources available to clients, including the internet, public library, and Nolo's products.
I look at free initial consultations with clients as an opportunity to educate the client on what bankruptcy really is. The client and I will talk about the four chapters of bankruptcy, how the case will progress from start to finish, and what to expect during the case.
I have no time limit on free consultations because clients may have a lot of questions or a complex case. I want to make sure that after the initial consultation, clients feel they have a good understanding of bankruptcy.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I encourage clients to bring any documents that they have prepared or feel are relevant to their financial affairs. It is only through review of these documents that I can truly understand and work to figure out solutions to clients' overwhelming debt.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
Bankruptcy is a complex area of law and it is always advisable for clients to seek out the advice of a bankruptcy attorney.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I cannot remember a time in my life that I did not want to be lawyer. I come from a family that has always prided itself on its generosity and helping others.
Being a lawyer allows me to help individuals that are in need of legal assistance.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
My undergraduate education in social science helps me better understand the difficulties life can often bring.
My legal education, with a concentration in business, has aided my understanding of individuals' financial affairs.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I truly think the bankruptcy laws stay true to our country being a place for a second chance and a fresh start. For people overwhelmed with debt, bankruptcy provides a fresh start and opportunity to start their financial life over, without the debt.
What do you like best about your career?
Working with people to get them through a challenge time in their life.
Debt can not only impact an individual's financial life, but it can also have an emotional and personal toll. It is truly rewarding to help someone through these challenges.
Tell us about your law firm:
I am a sole practitioner, therefore clients will deal directly with me. I am readily available to answer clients' questions.
What are your strengths and style?
I want my clients to feel informed and knowledgeable about their case. I make myself available for clients on days, nights, and weekends.
Personal Interests:
In the summer I enjoy working outside in the yard and the garden. Additionally, I enjoy volunteering at the Community Harvest Project (a farm which donates all its produce to the Worcester County Food Bank).
I truly treasure spending time with family, whom I live with in Auburn, MA.
Office Hours
Monday through Thursday
8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Friday and Saturday
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
Cases are handled on a flat fee. This means that you know what your entire legal cost will be before work begins on your case.
Typically, Chapter 7 cases will cost between $1,100 and $1,500, plus expenses.
However, every case is different. In limited circumstances, reduced rates may be available.
Payment plans are available.
Hourly Rates
Not applicable.
Free Initial Consultation?
I offer free initial consultations.
I have no time limit on free consultations because clients may have a lot of questions on a complex case. I want to make sure that after the initial consultation, clients feel they have a good understanding of bankruptcy.
Most consultations last about 1 1/2 hours.
Typical Retainer
Cases are handled on a flat rate.
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.
