Legal Solutions for You,
Your Family & Your Business
Find a Lawyer >
Bankruptcy lawyers serving Alcona County, MI >
Dean E. Sheldon III
Back to Search Results
Dean E. Sheldon III
The Law Office of Dean E. Sheldon III
1378 Gold Court
Traverse City, MI 49686
Phone: (231) 932-9388 | Fax: (231) 933-1273
http://www.holisticbankruptcy.com
A Holistic Approach to Bankruptcy
Legal Topic
Bankruptcy
Preferred New Clients
Bankruptcy and Consumer Protection Law.
Sub-Categories
Bankruptcy
- Chapter 13
- Chapter 7
- Credit Disputes
- Debt Relief
- Garnishments
- Chapter 11
- Business Bankruptcy
- Credit Repair
- Credit Restoration
- Creditor Harassment
- Personal Bankruptcy
- Foreclosures
Bar Admissions
MI, Dec 1998
Bar Number: P58967
Other Court Admissions
All Michigan State Courts, U.S. District and Bankruptcy Courts for the Eastern and Western Districts.
Association Memberships
Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Antrium Bar Association, National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys.
Continuing Education
I frequently attend seminars in the areas of bankruptcy law and consumer protection.
Papers and Publications
• 70 Marquette Law Review 1 (1986); "Private Revitalization and Low-Income Housing"
• Zoning and Planning Law Report, Vol. 9, no. 6, Clark Boardman, Co., Ltd., New York, NY 10014 (1986), republished in 1987 Zoning and Planning Handbook, Clark Boardman Co.,Ltd., New York, NY 10014.
Example Cases
I have helped many people manage the nightmare of overwhelming debt to end years of struggling.
Education
Degree:
Juris Doctor
School:
University of Dayton School of Law
City:
Dayton
State:
OH
Year:
1986
Honors:
Graduated with Honors in Federal Jurisdiction, Editor of "Equitable Relief," University of Dayton School of Law Student Newspaper.
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in English
School:
Miami University
City:
Oxford
State:
OH
Year:
1983
Honors:
Dean's List, four quarters.
Focus and Accomplishments:
Editor-in-Chief of "Dimensions," Miami University's Magazine of the Arts. (Professional Writing Program, business and technical writing) and Political Science.
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
Michigan
Firm Focus and History
At Sheldon Law Office, bankruptcy is just part of a process to restore you to financial health. We will explore all your options upfront.
You are more than just a file to be rammed through a judicial process. You will receive close attention working one on one with a bankruptcy specialist.
We understand bad things happen to good people. Expect to be treated with compassion, dignity and respect.
There are many laws available to protect your rights. These include the Fair Credit Reporting Act, Truth In Lending Act and Real Estate Settlement and Procedures Act. We will use these powerful tools to get justice for you! That justice may come in the form of a cash award and an award of attorney's fees.
Following the discharge of debt, we will follow up with the credit bureaus to make sure they are accurately reporting your credit history. We will also advise you how to increase your credit scores. We care!
We have minimal overhead so we can keep our fees low without compromising a superior level of service. We use cutting edge technologies to respond quickly and work efficiently. My wife assists me at my home office. With this setup, you can be assured of an added level of privacy and confidentiality.
We are dedicated to achieving the best outcome for you. It's time to stop worrying and give us a call!
Previous Employment Summary
I received my Juris Doctor degree from the University of Dayton School of Law in 1986, graduating with honors in federal jurisdiction. I was admitted to the Ohio Bar and served as a law clerk for Hon. Judge Don J. Young, United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, Western Division.
In 1987, I joined the law firm of Nathan & Roberts in Toledo, Ohio as an associate attorney, specializing in bankruptcy and commercial litigation. During this time, I also worked as an attorney for Chapter 7 Trustee, H. Buswell Roberts, Jr. In 1990, I joined the firm of Donald D. Simmons, former Wood County Common Pleas Judge. Dean started his solo practice in 1991. In addition to bankruptcy, my practice included real estate, probate, juvenile, domestic relations, criminal, creditor's rights, landlord/tenant, personal injury, worker's compensation, social security, and business law.
Drawn to the natural beauty of northern Michigan and wanting a healthy environment for our two year old daughter, Sally Sheldon and I moved to Traverse City in 1997. I worked for a year as closing agent at Mid-American Title Company. I was admitted to the Michigan Bar in 1998. I started Good Harbor Mortgage Company in 2000. I was also admitted to practice in the U.S. District and Bankruptcy Courts of Michigan, Western Division. I am a member of the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys and Grand Traverse, Leelanau and Antrim Bar Association.
Activities and Awards
I was an active member of the Ohio Bar, participating in Pro Bono lawyering, including the AIDS Assistance Committee and Literacy projects, serving on numerous community and church boards. I have continued my devotion to social justice by serving as an officer and board member on political and civil rights organizations in northern Michigan.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
It is helpful to have clients educate themselves on legal issues. However, there is no substitute for the advice of a seasoned bankruptcy practitioner. After spending thousands of dollars on late fees and interest for years, most people find my fee very reasonable in comparison, considering the work involved.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I am delighted to review documents prepared by clients.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
I am glad to coach clients want to represent themselves.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I decided to become a lawyer because I wanted to help people and to create a more just society. My favorite uncle was a lawyer. I always admired his skill in the courtroom. I thought my communication and analytical skills would be great assets to me as a lawyer.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
I ran my own mortgage company for ten years which gave me knowledge of underwriting standards, credit repair, and the impact of bankruptcy.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I find bankruptcy to be an extremely interesting and challenging area of law. Bankruptcy is very powerful and levels the playing field between your average person and huge multi-national corporations. I like helping people and bankruptcy provides an amazing tangible benefit. People in bankruptcy will always come out ahead of the game, unlike the situations that present themselves in areas of the law such as family and criminal law. Making things better for the "little guy" is very satisfying.
What do you like best about your career?
I get to meet and help interesting people from all walks of life.
Tell us about your law firm:
As a solo bankruptcy specialist, you will be working directly with me. My wife assists me at my home office. With this setup, you can be assured of an added level of service and confidentiality
What are your strengths and style?
I am compassionate and smart. I have a pretty easygoing personality and get along well with others.
Personal Interests:
Justice, politics, gardening, jogging, biking and dogs.
Office Manager/Assistant
Sally
Fax
(231) 933-1273
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
I have a fixed fee for the standard Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Other legal services are available on an hourly basis.
Hourly Rates
Varies.
Free Initial Consultation?
Yes, for reasonable amount of time.
Typical Retainer
No.
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.
