Fried & Rosefelt LLC in Baltimore: Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 representation from attorneys with 30+ years combined experience
Fried & Rosefelt LLC is a two-attorney bankruptcy practice in Baltimore that handles both Chapter 7 liquidation and Chapter 13 reorganization cases for individuals, with a stated specialization in addressing unsecured debt relief for residents navigating job loss, medical debt, or divorce-related financial collapse.
What this firm handles
The practice covers personal bankruptcy filing, which in Maryland splits into two primary paths. Chapter 7 dissolves most unsecured debts (credit cards, medical bills, personal loans) through asset liquidation, typically concluding within four to six months. Chapter 13 restructures debt into a court-approved repayment plan, usually spanning three to five years, and allows debtors to keep property while catching up on arrears. Fried & Rosefelt's focus on both tracks means the firm can advise which filing type matches your income, assets, and goals. The firm does not advertise handling business bankruptcy, commercial debt restructuring, or adversary proceedings (lawsuits within bankruptcy court).
Retainer structure and fees
Individual Chapter 7 filings in the Baltimore federal bankruptcy court typically cost between $1,200 and $1,800 in attorney fees once court filing fees ($335 as of 2024) are excluded. Chapter 13 cases generally range from $2,500 to $4,500 depending on plan complexity and whether wage garnishment or foreclosure urgency is involved. Filing fees alone add $310. Fried & Rosefelt's specific fee schedule is not published online, so contacting the office directly is required to confirm whether the firm offers flat fees (covering entire case through discharge) or retainer-plus-hourly billing. Most Baltimore bankruptcy firms quote flat fees for straightforward cases, then adjust upward if complications like a second mortgage, tax debt, or business income arise. Ask during your consultation whether the quoted fee includes the credit counseling courses (mandatory pre-filing and post-filing) or whether those costs ($15 to $50 per course) are separate.
How Fried & Rosefelt compares to other Baltimore bankruptcy options
The Baltimore bankruptcy bar spans solo practitioners, small two- to three-person firms, and larger practices with staff support. Fried & Rosefelt's two-attorney structure sits between a solo generalist and a high-volume operation. Solo practitioners often charge lower retainers ($800 to $1,200 for Chapter 7) but may handle cases as a side practice or show limited availability. Larger firms like those with bankruptcy divisions in regional law offices typically charge more ($2,000 to $3,000 for Chapter 7) but offer faster document turnaround and paralegal support during the case. Fried & Rosefelt's mid-size footprint suggests direct attorney involvement without the overhead markup of a big-firm referral. If you prioritize cost, a solo practitioner may fit; if you need extensive asset protection planning or anticipate objections from creditors, a larger firm's resources can be worth the premium. For a standard job-loss-driven Chapter 7 with few assets, Fried & Rosefelt's size often means reasonable fees with personalized attention.
Who should file with this firm; who should look elsewhere
Fried & Rosefelt is a fit for individuals with primarily consumer debt (credit cards, payday loans, medical debt) earning W-2 wages or stable income, and filing in the District of Maryland's federal bankruptcy court (which includes Baltimore). The firm works well if you have minimal assets (no rental property, second home, or business), are not in active foreclosure proceedings, and owe no significant tax debt. If you are a small-business owner with commingled personal and business debt, your case warrants a firm experienced in sole-proprietor bankruptcy, which requires careful separation of assets. If you are facing imminent wage garnishment or foreclosure, confirm during intake whether Fried & Rosefelt can file expedited cases; some firms prioritize cases filed within 48 to 72 hours to halt collection activity. If you speak primarily Spanish or another language, verify in advance whether the firm provides interpreters or operates bilingually. Self-employed individuals with variable income often need Chapter 13, which adds complexity; ensure the firm has concrete Chapter 13 plan experience in your income bracket.
What the first consultation involves
Initial calls are typically brief phone screens to confirm jurisdiction (you must live, work, or have property in the District of Maryland), debt type, and income ballpark. The firm will ask about your largest debts, monthly household income, rent or mortgage, and whether you own a car or home. Expect to provide recent pay stubs, a list of creditors (even approximate), and a rough sense of your monthly budget. Some firms charge $100 to $300 for an in-depth written consultation; others offer the first call free and charge only when you retain them. Confirm the firm's policy upfront. The consultation should result in a clear recommendation of Chapter 7 versus Chapter 13, a fee quote in writing, and a timeline for filing (typically two to three weeks after you sign a retainer agreement). Ask whether the fee covers revising your petition if the trustee (the court-appointed officer overseeing your case) requests corrections, or whether rewrites cost extra.
Hours and logistics
Fried & Rosefelt operates in downtown Baltimore. Confirm current office hours and location by phone before visiting, as a two-attorney firm may have limited walk-in availability. Most clients manage the case by phone, email, and mail, with documents signed and submitted electronically. Court filings occur in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Maryland (located at 101 W. Lombard St., Baltimore), but you are not required to attend the 341 meeting (creditor meeting with the trustee) in person if you file by video or phone; the firm will advise on procedure.
Fried & Rosefelt's track record in the Baltimore federal court and its two-attorney continuity make it a credible choice for straightforward personal bankruptcy in Maryland, particularly if you value direct attorney access over firm size.
