The Moore Law Firm, PC in Baltimore: Chapter 7, 13, and Business Bankruptcy Representation
The Moore Law Firm, PC is a solo bankruptcy practice based in downtown Baltimore that handles Chapter 7 liquidations, Chapter 13 reorganizations, and business bankruptcy filings for individuals and small business owners throughout Maryland. The firm does not handle divorce, immigration, or criminal work, concentrating instead on the specific mechanics of personal and corporate insolvency.
What the firm handles
Chapter 7 bankruptcies eliminate unsecured debt (credit cards, medical bills, personal loans) through asset liquidation; Chapter 13 restructures debt into a three- to five-year repayment plan while protecting certain assets. The Moore Law Firm advises on which chapter fits your situation, whether filing is necessary before a wage garnishment or foreclosure sale, and what assets you can protect under Maryland exemption law. It also represents business owners dissolving corporations or LLCs in bankruptcy and advises on the difference between personal and business filings when both are on the table.
Fee structure and initial consultation
Retainer fees for Chapter 7 cases in the Baltimore market range from $800 to $1,500 depending on complexity; Chapter 13 plans typically start at $1,200 to $1,800. Many solo practitioners, including those in this category, offer payment plans so you do not pay the full retainer upfront. The firm offers an initial consultation to assess your income, debts, and assets and explain the timeline and risks specific to your situation. Verify current fees by calling directly, as they adjust based on court filing fees and case load.
How to choose between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13
Chapter 7 is faster (usually discharged in four to six months) but requires a means test: if your income exceeds Maryland's median for your household size, you may not qualify. Chapter 13 works for higher earners and allows you to keep your home if you stay current on a repayment plan. A solo firm like The Moore Law Firm spends more time on means-test calculation and disposable-income analysis than a high-volume mill; this detail work determines whether you qualify and how much your plan pays creditors. Larger firms with multiple attorneys may process cases faster; solo practitioners often provide more direct attorney contact and fewer handoffs to paralegals.
Who it suits and who it doesn't
This firm suits individuals with straightforward debt (credit cards, medical bills, unsecured loans), homeowners facing foreclosure who want to preserve the property through Chapter 13, and business owners who need to understand personal liability during a business closure. It does not handle student loan discharge (a narrow and complex area), tax disputes (which require tax expertise), or situations where you need intensive asset protection planning (which calls for an estate-planning attorney's involvement alongside bankruptcy counsel). If your business bankruptcy is multi-state or involves significant tax issues, a larger firm with tax credentials may be more appropriate.
What the first appointment covers
Bring recent pay stubs, a mortgage statement (if you own), credit card statements, and any collection notices or lawsuits. The attorney will walk through your monthly income, living expenses, and total debt to run a preliminary means test. You will learn whether Chapter 7 discharge is available, what your Chapter 13 plan payment would be, and what property you can exempt. The consultation ends with a clear timeline: filing, the automatic stay (which stops wage garnishment and foreclosure immediately), the 341 meeting of creditors (typically six to eight weeks after filing), and final discharge. Written fee agreement and court filing-fee costs ($338 for Chapter 7, $313 for Chapter 13 as of 2024; confirm these with the firm) are discussed before you commit.
Local alternatives and when to choose them
Murphy & Associates, a three-attorney firm also in downtown Baltimore, handles high-volume Chapter 7 and 13 cases and accepts monthly payment plans; they are the faster choice if you need a filing within two weeks. The Law Offices of David M. Freed, with offices in Baltimore County, brings employment-law and creditor-harassment background to cases where harassment is a factor. A solo practitioner like The Moore Law Firm typically invests more time in each case and answers calls directly; larger firms move faster but with less personalized oversight.
Hours, location, and logistics
The firm operates from a downtown Baltimore address accessible by public transit and offers phone consultations. Verification note: call to confirm current hours, as solo practices adjust based on court schedules and filing deadlines. Parking in downtown Baltimore is metered or lot-based; street parking near the office may be available but is not guaranteed. Virtual initial consultations are common in bankruptcy practice; ask about this option when you call.
The Moore Law Firm fills the gap between the do-it-yourself bankruptcy websites that charge $200 to file but offer no legal analysis, and the high-volume mills that file hundreds of cases a year with minimal attorney review. For a Baltimore resident weighing Chapter 7 versus Chapter 13 or unsure whether filing is necessary, the firm's focus on individual case mechanics and direct attorney access makes it the practical choice.
