Evans Dorsey Law in Baltimore: Chapter 7 and 13 Bankruptcy Representation

Evans Dorsey Law is a solo bankruptcy practice handling Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filings for individuals and small business owners in Baltimore. The firm operates from the Fells Point neighborhood and focuses on debt elimination and reorganization cases rather than litigation or corporate work.

What This Practice Actually Does

Evans Dorsey Law specializes in consumer bankruptcy, advising clients on whether liquidation (Chapter 7) or a three- to five-year repayment plan (Chapter 13) fits their situation. The practice also handles business bankruptcy for sole proprietors and partnerships. The attorney does not take on creditor representation, foreclosure defense beyond bankruptcy context, or debt settlement negotiation outside the formal filing process.

Services and Fee Structure

The practice charges a flat fee for Chapter 7 cases, typically in the $1,200 to $1,500 range, covering the petition, schedules, creditor meeting preparation, and the 341 meeting appearance. Chapter 13 cases run $2,500 to $3,500 flat, which includes drafting the repayment plan, attending the confirmation hearing, and plan modification if circumstances change during the case. Fees do not include the bankruptcy court filing fee (currently $335 for Chapter 7, $310 for Chapter 13), which the client pays separately. Some clients roll court costs into their Chapter 13 repayment plan. The practice does not use retainer billing; the fee is due in full or split into payments before the petition is filed.

An initial consultation costs $150 and lasts approximately 30 minutes. During this meeting, the attorney reviews income, assets, debts, and household expenses to determine whether bankruptcy makes sense and which chapter is appropriate. The consultation fee applies toward the full service fee if the client retains the firm.

How Evans Dorsey Compares to Other Baltimore Bankruptcy Options

Baltimore's bankruptcy landscape divides between solo practitioners, small firms, and legal aid. Evans Dorsey's flat-fee structure contrasts with higher-volume practices that charge by the hour or tie fees to the repayment plan amount in Chapter 13 cases. Legal Aid Bureau of Baltimore serves uninsured and low-income filers at no cost but has significant wait times (currently six to nine months for a consultation) and strict income limits. Firms like Murphy & Associates or Lexington Law charge $1,800 to $2,200 for Chapter 7 and higher for Chapter 13, reflecting additional services like credit report review or post-discharge credit counseling. Choose Evans Dorsey if you want straightforward filing at mid-market pricing and a single attorney handling your case throughout. Choose Legal Aid if you qualify and have time to wait. Choose a larger firm if you need bundled credit repair or expect your Chapter 13 plan to require multiple modifications.

Who This Fits and Who It Does Not

This practice suits individuals with clear debt profiles, stable employment or retirement income, and no pending litigation beyond creditor collection. Small business owners dissolving a sole proprietorship also fit the scope. Clients who value working directly with the attorney handling their petition find a good match here.

The practice is not suited to cases involving real property disputes, business valuations, or creditor litigation. Similarly, clients needing emergency filing (within 24 hours) to stop a foreclosure or wage garnishment should confirm availability first, as the firm operates part-time. Individuals seeking payment plans stretched beyond five years or discharge exceptions (non-dischargeable debt strategies) may require specialized counsel or legal aid.

What Happens at the First Full Consultation

After scheduling, you will bring a list of debts (credit cards, medical bills, personal loans, student loans), recent pay stubs or tax returns, a list of assets (vehicle, home, bank accounts, retirement accounts), and household expense estimates. The attorney will walk through your eligibility for Chapter 7 under the means test, which compares your average monthly income to the state median for your household size. If you fall below the median, Chapter 7 is available. If you exceed it, Chapter 13 becomes the filing option unless you can afford a Chapter 13 plan payment.

The attorney will also explain what property is protected (exempt) in your state under federal and Maryland exemptions. For example, $6,500 in equity in a vehicle is protected; equity above that threshold becomes estate property. Your home is exempt up to $25,150 in equity under Maryland law (as of 2024; confirm this with the attorney, as exemption amounts adjust annually). At the end of this meeting, you will decide whether to proceed and set a filing date.

Hours, Location, and How to Reach the Firm

Evans Dorsey Law operates from a private office on South Anne Street in Fells Point, near the Broadway corridor. Hours are Tuesday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday by appointment. Street parking is available but limited; a municipal lot on South Ann Street near the waterfront offers hourly rates. The firm has no public transit connection closer than the Fells Point Light Rail stop (approximately 0.3 miles). Phone consultations are available for clients unable to visit in person; video meetings are not offered. Contact the office by phone to schedule; the practice does not accept walk-ins or same-day appointments.

Evans Dorsey Law fills a specific need for Baltimore filers seeking fixed-price bankruptcy representation without waiting months for legal aid or paying premium rates at larger firms.