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Mark P. Cressman

Mark P. Cressman

Cressman Law Firm
13350 West Colonial Drive
Suite 350
Winter Garden, FL 34787

Phone: (407) 877-7317  |  Fax: (407) 877-7189
http://www.cfl-bankruptcylaw.com

Contact Mark P. Cressman

Personal Approach From Start to Finish - Ch. 7 & 13

Legal Topic

Bankruptcy

Preferred New Clients

Bankruptcy Chapter 7 and Chapter 13, and Personal Injury.

Sub-Categories

Bankruptcy
  • Chapter 13
  • Chapter 7
  • Collections & Repossessions
  • Credit Disputes
  • Debt Relief
  • Garnishments
  • Credit Repair
  • Credit Restoration
  • Creditor Harassment
  • Personal Bankruptcy

Bar Admissions

FL, Jun 1995
Bar Number: 51519

Other Court Admissions

Florida State Courts, United States District Courts for Southern, Middle and Northern Districts of Florida.

Association Memberships

Orange County Bar, American Association for Justice, Federal Bar Association, and Florida Bar.

Continuing Education

I attend Continuing Legal Education courses which focus on Bankruptcy Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filings, along with consumer advocate courses sponsored by various legal organizations, including the Florida Bar, Thompson West and Lexis/Nexis.

Example Cases

Case 1:
Currently assisting one client with personal bankruptcy after the building industry collapsed. He had signed several personal guarantees for his business. To date, the client has been able to pay his Chapter 13 debt repayment plan and will do so over a three year period after which we anticipated the remainder of his debt will be discharged.

Case 2:
Recently we were able to obtain a full discharge through Chapter 7 for a single mom who was saddled with a mountain of debt from unsecured credit card bills which were incurred to pay for the legal fees for a family member as well as significant medical bills. The client had a car repossessed and bankruptcy was the only alternative for her since she made significantly below the median income for the State of Florida. She would have never been able to repay all of her debt. In the end, she was able to keep her home and car, and has started fresh with the skills needed to remain relatively debt free for her future.

Education

Degree:

J.D.

School:

Novasoutheastern University

City:

Ft. Lauderdale

State:

FL

Year:

1994

 

Degree:

B.A.

School:

University of Florida

City:

Gainesville

State:

FL

Year:

1988

Number of Attorneys

1

State Licensed In

Florida

Firm Focus and History

Founding member of the West Orange Law Center. A legal center where consumers have the ability to obtain legal assistance without paying the high price of most legal fees. I assist clients in filing Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Petitions, as well as other bankruptcy related matters. I specialize in assisting, representing and advocating on behalf of consumers under the Bankruptcy Code in all courts throughout the State of Florida.

The Cressman Law Firm, P.A. was founded in 2006. In 2009, I opened the West Orange Law Center to provide a place where consumers can obtain legal advice and assistance at an affordable price.

Previous Employment Summary

I was a partner in a civil litigation firm in Orlando and a former acting Assistant Attorney General in the State of Tennessee.

Activities and Awards

Volunteer Instructor for the Justice at Stake program sponsored by the Florida Bar and Florida Supreme Court, which tries to keep the courts free from political interference.

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

I believe that clients should educate themselves on the legal issues they are facing so that the attorney and the client are able to have an open discussion.

Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?

I am always willing to review documents prepared by clients in order to obtain an understanding of their legal needs.

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

Although I am willing to assist clients with their legal needs, for liability reasons I cannot coach a client to represent themselves as the bankruptcy laws are constantly evolving.

Why did you decide to be a lawyer?

To assist people navigating through the legal system, and because our courts should be open and available to all the citizens no matter their ability to pay.

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

Representing consumers.

Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?

I like to assist people in making informed decisions about their financial affairs and assisting them when bankruptcy is necessary for them to make a fresh start on life.

What do you like best about your career?

Helping others gives me the satisfaction that I am making a difference in my client's lives, especially when they are faced with the decision of having to file for bankruptcy and are unsure of how it may affect them. I personally walk each client through the bankruptcy process.

Tell us about your law firm:

As a solo practitioner, all my clients deal directly with me. I have an open door policy - "My door is always open for my clients to come in and discuss their legal needs without the fear of incurring significant legal bills."

We have a very relaxed atmosphere in our office and try to make all of our clients feel at ease when discussing their legal needs. My staff and I work together as a team to help our clients through the difficult decisions that need to be made in the bankruptcy process. The office is efficient and will not over-staff any matters in an effort to raise the legal costs. My staff and I are dedicated to client service and we partner with our clients to meet their needs.

What are your strengths and style?

My personal approach to each client.

Personal Interests:

Sports and coaching my sons in baseball and football.

Office Manager/Assistant

Tracey Shane

Fax

(407) 877-7189

Office Hours

Monday through Friday
8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Evening and Saturday appointments available.

Emergency After Hours

No

Fixed-Price Services and Fees

Yes. $1,500 for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy and $3,500 for Chapter 13 Bankruptcy.

Hourly Rates

All other legal work is $250 per hour.

Free Initial Consultation?

Yes, the first 30 minutes are always free.

Typical Retainer

No, it depends on each individual case and the client's ability to pay. We give flexible billing plans and retainers.

Understanding Fees

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.