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Ralph O. Thompson

Ralph O. Thompson

Law Offices of Ralph O. Thompson
1187 N. Main St.
Suite 115
Salinas, CA 93901

Phone: (831) 235-7881  |  Fax: (866) 354-3359
http://www.ForeclosedDreams.com

Contact Ralph O. Thompson

Bankruptcy, Foreclosure & Real Estate Representation

Legal Topic

Real Estate

Preferred New Clients

Individuals and families confronted with serious financial problems, usually related to real estate, requiring the expertise of a knowledgeable and responsive attorney to guide them. My clients typically need foreclosure counseling or bankruptcy. I explore all options from negotiating with a lender to guiding a client through the complex process of filing a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy petition.

Sub-Categories

Residential Real Estate
  • Broker & Transaction Litigation
  • Buying & Selling
  • Mortgages

Legal Topic

Bankruptcy

Preferred New Clients

Individuals and families confronted with serious financial problems, usually related to real estate, requiring the expertise of a knowledgeable and responsive attorney to guide them. My clients typically need foreclosure counseling or bankruptcy. I explore all options from negotiating with a lender to guiding a client through the complex process of filing a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy petition.

Sub-Categories

Bankruptcy
  • Chapter 13
  • Chapter 7
  • Debt Relief
  • Creditor Harassment
  • Personal Bankruptcy
  • Foreclosures

Bar Admissions

CA, Dec 1975
Bar Number: 67810

Other Court Admissions

U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California and the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District.

Association Memberships

California Bar Association, American Bankruptcy Institute, Monterey County Association of Realtors, and California Broker.

Continuing Education

I always exceed the required number of continuing education hours in relevant areas. As a licensed real estate broker, I take an additional 45 hours continuing education every four years to maintain my broker license.

Papers and Publications

Foreclosed Dreams: A Homeowner's Guide To Foreclosure (2007).

Example Cases

A typical case involves a homeowner who is overextended on their mortgage payments. Their house is worth far less than they paid for it and the client is falling farther and farther behind. I work with the lender to seek an affordable solution for the client or look for other resolutions, including bankruptcy.

Education

Degree:

J.D.

School:

Willamette University School of Law

City:

Salem

State:

OR

Year:

1975

Focus and Accomplishments:

Managing Editor Law Review.

 

Degree:

B.A.

School:

Stanford University

City:

Stanford

State:

CA

Year:

1972

Focus and Accomplishments:

Economics.

Number of Attorneys

1

State Licensed In

California

Firm Focus and History

I provide professional legal help for homeowners considering bankruptcy or facing foreclosure. Full legal representation and advocacy on those issues is my focus and I do not dabble in other areas of the law. New cases are restricted solely to bankruptcy, foreclosure and related legal matters. We keep a manageable caseload to ensure your case get the full attention it deserves. I handle every stage of your case. My current firm was established March 2005.

Previous Employment Summary

• Intern with District Attorney's Office, Benton County, Oregon
• Associate with practitioner in Monterey
• Owner-operator of 400-person business in Monterey County
• Solo practitioner in Monterey and Salinas

Activities and Awards

Judge Pro Tem for Monterey County Municipal Court (1976)

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

I strongly believe clients should educate themselves on the legal issues confronting them. My website, www.forecloseddreams.com, has over a hundred pages of information on foreclosures and bankruptcies. I try to give homeowners all the information they need to understand foreclosure and bankruptcy and the alternatives available to them.

Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?

I will help clients who want to negotiate with lenders for a loan modification. My website discusses how to do this in detail.

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

I don't believe a person should pursue a bankruptcy without a lawyer. The money you save on lawyer's fees can cost you thousands later on. The process is too complicated and the consequences from making a mistake are too serious. However, by learning all you can about your legal issues can save you money on lawyer's fees. If you've read my website and/or read a Nolo Press book on your legal issue my job is a lot easier and I adjust my fees accordingly.

Why did you decide to be a lawyer?

Understanding the law helps understand how and why society works. I like to solve problems and practicing law helps me do that it a way that is meaningful.

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

I worked in the fields and had a newspaper route when I was a teenager. I worked to help put myself through college and law school. I was the photography editor for the Stanford Daily and covered the student protests of the sixties and met people such as Cesar Chavez and Coretta Scott King. I have seen both the lows and highs of life which I believe gives me a better perspective on my client's problems.

Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?

Real estate is an active, interesting area to practice in. Work in foreclosures and bankruptcy followed naturally with the housing market's downward spiral.

What do you like best about your career?

Helping my clients regain control of their lives and putting their financial nightmares behind them.

Tell us about your law firm:

I am a solo practitioner so all my clients work directly with me. I maintain a high-tech virtual law office which allows me to practice law virtually anywhere. I have a conference room in Salinas where I meet clients, but handle much client interaction over the telephone or by email. By streamlining my operating procedures and overhead, I provide more individualized, personal service and keep your legal fees down. I answer all client phone calls personally--usually by returning voice mails within 2 or 3 hours.

What are your strengths and style?

I am empathetic and take the time to learn about my client's unique situation. I truly want to help find a resolution to their problems.

Personal Interests:

I am an avid reader and feel that we should explore anything and everything that interests us in our short time on earth. I'm an instrument rated private pilot, interested in mathematics, history, science and classical literature. I enjoy movies and hiking.

Office Manager/Assistant

Cynthia

Fax

(866) 354-3359

Office Hours

Monday through Saturday
8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Emergency After Hours

No

Foreign Languages

I speak some Spanish.

Fixed-Price Services and Fees

I charge $220 an hour. Legal fees for a Chapter 7 average $1,600. A Chapter 13 case costs around $2,500, depending on its complexity.

Hourly Rates

$220.

Free Initial Consultation?

The initial consultation is free until I can establish whether I can help the client or not.

Typical Retainer

I charge a minimum of 5 hours, or $1,100, to negotiate a workout with a lender. My minimum fee for a Chapter 7 is $1,550 and a Chapter 13 is $2,750. Filing fees, required counseling, and due diligence reports for a single filer is $414.

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.