Why Merritt & Hagen?

There are many reasons why a person may choose our firm to represent them. Some like the look of our office or the friendliness of our staff. However, we feel that the two biggest reasons to utilize our services are QUALITY and VALUE.

1. QUALITY

When talking about legal services, "quality" means experience.

Experience can make a difference in determining whether a Bankruptcy is successful. A properly planned Bankruptcy can be almost painless. An improperly planned Bankruptcy can be a person's worst nightmare, resulting in significantly increased fees, a flood of litigation, and, ultimately, no discharge at all. We are asked to fix messes in other attorneys' cases all the time. We occasionally do so, but it is very expensive and difficult to do. It is far better to do it right the first time.

The hallmark of our firm is experience. Every attorney in the firm has been involved in several thousand Bankruptcy filings. One of our attorneys is a certified specialist in individual Bankruptcy law. Another attorney helped write the book other attorneys use as a resource when practicing Bankruptcy law.

Our attorneys enjoy a good reputation in the legal comminity. This gives us, and our clients, credibility. This can help to ensure that your Bankruptcy is successful. When getting a fresh start, you want the maximum chance of getting through your Bankruptcy case with a minimum of hassle.

2. VALUE

Even though we are among the very best at what we do, our fees are similar, and sometimes even less, than most Bankruptcy firms. This equates to value for your dollar, especially when you are going through difficult financial times.

In addition, we provide a package of services that no other firm in the country provides. Some of these "value added" items include:

A. Personal Attention

You meet and talk with an attorney, not a paralegal or assistant. You will fill out the Bankruptcy paperwork personally with your attorney. This is very different than most other firms. In fact, our goal is to develop a personal relationship with you and that we will stay in touch over the years.

B. Information Booklets and Tapes

We all know that information is power. We want you to know as much as possible about your Bankruptcy proceeding. We provide booklets, information letters, and tapes all throughout the Bankruptcy process. We want you to be well informed. A good example of how we do this is this booklet. We hope that you find it thorough but also very easy to understand. Explaining complicated legal issues in easy to understand terms is something in which we take great pride.

C. Financial and Credit Rehabilitation

At the end of your Bankruptcy, we will provide you with a booklet and other information on how to restructure your finances and re-establish credit. We will show you how to get credit after the Bankruptcy. We provide each client with the opportunity to attend up to three financial rehabilitation classes at our expense. We will even provide you with a free consultation with a financial planner if you desire. Later down the line, we also have access to a mortgage broker who can help you get a loan to acquire your first home or refinance your current home. There is no other firm in the Country that provides this type of "holistic" array of services.

D. "Alumni" Program

We are the only firm in the country that has established a client "alumni" program. After the Bankruptcy, even though no longer technically a client of the firm, alumni can feel free to call us for answers to quick questions or a referral to an attorney for other types of matters. It is our hope that this relationship will continue for life. Alumni also have priority access to special portions of our web site which contain forms, articles, and information on how to order free tapes. Alumni also receive a yearly letter which contains information about the firm, success tips and offers of free materials. Finally, Alumni receive a bimonthly "e-newsletter" entitled "The Financial Wellness Letter."

You get all of the above benefits for about what other firms charge. To us, this constitutes the very best value in the country for Bankruptcy representation.

Again, we hope that this relationship is for life. We are proud that we have helped more than 9,000 people and businesses with their financial problems since 1988.