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Craig Helgesen
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Craig Helgesen
Helgesen Waterfall and Jones
1412 S. Legend Hills Dr
Suite 310
Clearfield, UT 84015
Phone: (801) 544-5306 | Fax: (801) 614-0443
http://utahattorneys.com
http://www.utahbankruptcytoday.com
Free Yourself - Get your life back.
Legal Topic
Bankruptcy
Preferred New Clients
We represent clients who need help solving various problems related to debt. Our services range from debt negotiation and stopping debt collectors, to filing for bankruptcy under Chapter 7 or Chapter 13.
Sub-Categories
Bankruptcy
- Chapter 13
- Chapter 7
- Debt Relief
- Garnishments
- Chapter 11
- Business Bankruptcy
- Credit Repair
- Creditor Harassment
- Personal Bankruptcy
- Foreclosures
Bar Admissions
UT, Oct 2009
Bar Number: 12547
Other Court Admissions
Utah Supreme Court, United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Utah and United States District Court for the District of Utah.
Association Memberships
Utah State Bar and National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys.
Continuing Education
I attend various educational seminars that are focused on Bankruptcy. I also attend courses in Family Law.
Example Cases
We handle all types of Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases. Many people are concerned about keeping their home, their car, and holding onto things that are essential to their livelihood. They come to us to relieve them of the stress that these things cause. We have helped many in this situation. We can help file bankruptcy, negotiate and settle debts, or just give advice and options. In most cases, once we are involved, our clients begin do direct harassing creditor calls to our office and that alone allows for a more peaceful life. Visit my Bankruptcy website for more information.
Education
Degree:
Juris Doctor
School:
Thomas M. Cooley Law School
City:
Lansing
State:
MI
Year:
2009
Honors:
Cum Laude
Focus and Accomplishments:
Senior Editor Thomas M. Cooley Law Review.
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts
School:
Weber State University
City:
Ogden
State:
UT
Year:
2004
Number of Attorneys
8
State Licensed In
Utah
Firm Focus and History
In addition to providing quality Bankruptcy help, our firm provides legal assistance in nearly all areas of the law. We have eight attorneys with specialists in all areas of Litigation, Divorce and Family Law issues, Elder Law, Wills and Trusts, Business Law, Social Security, and one of Northern Utah's most experienced Condominium Law Attorneys. Our focus is on helping people. In the area of Bankruptcy, I will be working alongside one of Utah's most experienced attorneys.
HW&J has been around since 1982 and has helped more than 35,000 clients solve their legal problems. The firm originated in Ogden, Utah with two attorneys and now has offices Ogden and Clearfield and has grown to eight attorneys. The firm has handled hundreds of cases in Bankruptcy and has won many large and complex litigation cases including some of the largest in the State of Utah. The experience and legal ability has earned HW&J an A-rating from other lawyers and judges, the highest rating for legal ability and ethics.
Previous Employment Summary
I worked as an Online Investment Specialist and then Financial Advisor for over five years prior to becoming an attorney with firms such as Ameriprise Financial and Morgan Stanley. I brought my investment and financial experience along with my recent legal education to Helgesen Waterfall and Jones.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
If a client has some knowledge about the legal issues that we are assisting them with it helps us explain and emphasize the important issues. It also makes for more effective communication by us and better understanding on the part of our clients.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
In the area of bankruptcy our office prepares all of the documents which we present to the court. Due to the complexity of the law and stringent duties expressed in the Bankruptcy code regarding debt relief agencies, we typically do not offer this type of service, but each case is different, and we will do what we can. In other areas of the law, such as divorce or contracts, we can offer this to our clients.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
Learning the in and outs of Bankruptcy takes time and continued education, as well as experience dealing with local trustees. I do not recommend that anyone represent themselves in a Bankruptcy case. However, we will do what we can according to the laws set in the Bankruptcy code. Something we just can't help with even where we would like to. I do offer free advice on whether a client should file bankruptcy, and the decision to file with us or on their own is always up to the client.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
While I was working in the financial industry, I saw from firsthand experience some of the trouble that money and debt causes to individuals and families, and I always wished that I could do something more. Growing up with a father who was a lawyer, I was able to see the satisfaction he received by helping regular people solve very large problems. He enjoyed his work tremendously and always seemed happy to do it. At the same time, his clients were equally grateful and happy to have received help. I wanted to experience a similar life of helping regular people with large problems.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
Possibly the most important thing is that I can relate well to most people. Throughout my life I have had the opportunity to meet and become friends with lots of different people who come from all walks of life. I know and understand the challenges of life and I know that it is not always your own fault when trouble presents itself. Also, with specific knowledge and experience in finance, I can help with money trouble as well as anything else.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
When I came to the firm, I saw Bankruptcy as an opportunity to directly help people overcome one of life's biggest challenges (debt), while at the same time help preserve the dream of home ownership. I can not only help with the legal issues, but I have knowledge and experience to share with people on how to use money wisely.
What do you like best about your career?
I would be lying if I didn't say that it is awesome to work alongside my dad each and every day and learn from him. I also think it is great to meet new people all the time and hear of their struggles and be able to say, "I can help." Helping people is a great job, and that is why I work in this firm.
Tell us about your law firm:
I generally work out our office in Clearfield, Utah. There are three attorneys and three paralegals in the office. We have one paralegal who works almost exclusively on the Bankruptcy cases. She works great with people to ensure the process of gathering the paperwork goes smoothly. She or myself can be reached by phone during the day, and we are generally quick to respond by email.
What are your strengths and style?
My style is to work directly with all of my clients to learn and understand the issues at hand. I meet with my clients directly and I try to respond to phone calls and emails as quickly as possible. With an office in both Weber and Davis County, I can make travel time easier for most people. I am upfront and honest about my clients' situations and I give as much detail as a client needs to understand what to expect.
Personal Interests:
I am married to a beautiful wife and I have two kids, a boy and a girl. I love doing fun children activities with my kids like going to the zoo, museums, picnics at the park, Disneyland, or just chasing them around the house. Being a father is a lot of work and a lot of fun. I am also a sports fanatic; I like football, basketball and my favorite is baseball. I'm a nut with the fantasy stuff. I cheer for the San Francisco Giants and the Chicago Bears. I watch baseball as much as I can, but I also leave time to watch football and basketball. I can't wait until I can play catch with my boy or coach him on a team. Some other things I enjoy are reading books and writing entries in my blog.
Office Manager/Assistant
Kristine McWilliams
Fax
(801) 614-0443
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
After hours by appointment.
Emergency After Hours
No
Foreign Languages
We have a Divorce and Family Law attorney who routinely helps clients that speak Spanish.
Additional Offices
Ogden, UT
4605 Harrison Blvd.
3rd Floor
Ogden, UT 84403
(801) 479-4777
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
In a typical Chapter 7 case there is a court filing fee of $299 and attorney fees of $1,200. However, depending on the complexity of the case our fees can vary. For a typical Chapter 13 case the court filing fee is $274 and our fees are generally $2,500, but are considered on a case by case basis. Depending on the circumstances, we also offer payment arrangements and try to work with client as best we can.
Hourly Rates
For hourly work, my rate is $165.
Free Initial Consultation?
I offer a free initial consultation for up to one hour.
Typical Retainer
I typically require the flat fee and court filing fee in advance to filing the bankruptcy.
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.
