Mortimer Law Firm
456 W. Baldwin Street
Alpena, MI 49707
Phone: (989) 358-2100 | Fax: (989) 358-2103
http://www.mortimerlaw.net
Government & Environment
Bankruptcy, Social Security Disability, and Criminal Law.
Bankruptcy
Bankruptcy, Social Security Disability, and Criminal Law.
MI, Aug 1979
Bar Number: P40341
All Michigan Courts, Federal Court, and United States Tax Court.
Michigan Bar Association, Alpena Bar Association, and Consumer Bankruptcy Association.
I attend Michigan Bar seminars and Consumer Bankruptcy seminars on a frequent basis. Michigan has no continuing education requirements at present, but I take extensive continuing education classes every year. I have the certificate from the Probate and Estate Planning Program (Michigan Bar Association).
I have aggressively defended my clients and have a number of successful appeals that have protected my client's property and personal rights. A recent case held that a nonworking spouse would be entitled to one half of her husband's income tax refund, notwithstanding that her husband was the sole income earner. The court decided the case on our argument that marriage is an emotional and financial partnership and the wife's contributions to the marriage entitled her to one half of their joint tax refund. Other cases have defined the meaning of business property and exemptions available to debtors who have filed bankruptcy.
Juris Doctorate
Michigan State University
East Lansing
MI
1978
Bachelor of Arts
Michigan State University
East Lansing
MI
1972
Chartered Financial Consultant and Charter Life Underwriter
American College
Bryn Myr
PA
1982
Instructor of Estate Planning and Law.
1
Michigan
I began my practice with a medium sized firm where I advanced to senior partner. The firm had members who became judges, congressmen, and a state senator. Mortimer Law Firm was established in Alpena in 2002. I have practiced law since 1979. The office in Alpena was opened in 2002 and has focused on serving its citizens ever since.
We dedicate our time and expertise to Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Bankruptcy, Social Security Disability and Criminal Law. We handle Personal and Business Bankruptcies.
Practicing attorney since 1975. I have over 20 years of bankruptcy experience and have handled well over a thousand personal and business case filings. I have represented clients in varied criminal matters, including felonies, capital cases, and misdemeanors.
Prior Administrative Law Judge for Alcohol Beverage Control Board, Corporate Counsel for numerous charities, law instructor at college, certificate for Probate and Estate Planning (Michigan Bar).
All citizens are presumed to know the law and ignorance of the law is not a defense to violations of the law. An educated populace insures a better operating society. We are eager to assist those seeking legal knowledge and are not remiss in alerting our clients on those matters beyond their ability to handle.
We are willing and able to offer valuable advice to clients seeking to protect their legal and property rights.
We are willing and able to assist clients formulate a strategy and means to protect their financial and legal interests. However, in some instances, it takes more time to coach our clients to do a legal task then it takes for us to do it for them.
While a student in college, a member of my family had legal entanglements. I decided that I would not allow my family or friends suffer the injustice from not having competent legal counsel.
While in college I worked for a Certified Public Accountant Firm and I learned what it takes to make a business or a family operate successfully. I had a good business education at Michigan State University and I received financial training leading to my designation as a Chartered Financial Consultant and a registered investment advisor. With my bankruptcy training, I know how to protect the rights of my clients and solve their financial problems.
While in college I worked for a Certified Public Accountant Firm and I learned what it takes to make a business or a family operate successfully. I had a good business education at Michigan State University and I received financial training leading to my designation as a Chartered Financial Consultant and a registered investment advisor. With my bankruptcy training, I know how to protect the rights of my clients and solve their financial problems.
I like to solve people's problems. I like to be a positive influence in my client's lives. When I am out in the public and people tell me things have worked out for them and their families I am gratified.
I have a talented and dedicated staff. Michael Centala is a paralegal with a law degree. He is bright and dedicated. He is a positive force that helps me solve our client's problems. Patti Clute has 16 years of experience at bankruptcy and is knowledgeable and interested in helping you. We have other legal assistants with extensive experience, unmatched in our legal community.
I firmly believe clients are more comfortable with attorneys who are genuinely interested in their lives. If an attorney is interested in you and your family, he or she will do a wonderful job solving your legal problems. Clients like us and our office because we care about our clients. Clients know we are dedicated to serving them and they know they are at the right place for their legal matters.
I like spending time with my wife. We are best friends. I like tennis, love golf, and family outings like canoeing or camping. I enjoy having friends and family over for dinner.
Michael T. Centala, Paralegal.
(989) 358-2103
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
For emergency after hours, please call (989) 255-4996.
Yes
Our office offers fixed fees for most of our services. Clients need to know what the cost of our representation is in order to budget their finances. For Chapter 7 Bankruptcy our fees run between $900 and $1,200, depending on the number of creditors and complexity of the case. For Chapter 13 Bankruptcies our fees run between $2,000 and $3,000, depending on the number of creditors and the complexity of the case. For example, a Chapter 13 that needs a mortgage eliminated would cost an additional $500 to rid the debtor of this monthly obligation.
$150.
Yes, initial consultations are free for up to one hour of time.
$800.
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