Blake Goodman, PC, is the specific legal entity structured as a Professional Corporation (PC) specializing in bankruptcy and debt settlement, named after attorney Blake Goodman [1]. This firm focuses on providing legal services to individuals and businesses facing financial distress, emphasizing personalized debt relief strategies. It is indeed listed in legal directories such as Find US Lawyers, where it appears under bankruptcy attorneys in Hawaii, confirming its legitimacy and professional standing [2]. Additional verifications from sources like Avvo and Justia also highlight the firm's active status and positive client reviews, with Blake Goodman licensed to practice law in Hawaii since 1999 [3].
The firm's primary geographical area of service is the state of Hawaii, with its main office located in Honolulu [1]. While it primarily serves clients across all Hawaiian islands, including Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island, the Honolulu office acts as the central hub for consultations and filings. The firm caters to local residents dealing with issues like medical bills, credit card debt, and economic challenges unique to Hawaii's high cost of living. They offer virtual consultations to accommodate clients in remote areas, ensuring accessibility throughout the state [4].
In terms of bankruptcy services, Blake Goodman, PC handles Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies specifically [1]. Chapter 7 involves liquidation of non-exempt assets to discharge unsecured debts, ideal for those with limited income seeking a fresh start. Chapter 13, on the other hand, allows for a repayment plan over three to five years, suitable for individuals with steady income who wish to retain assets like homes or vehicles while reorganizing debts. The firm guides clients through eligibility assessments, petition filings, creditor meetings, and court proceedings, often achieving debt discharge or reduction [5].
Beyond standard bankruptcy filings, Blake Goodman, PC advertises several alternative debt relief options. These include debt settlement programs, where the firm negotiates directly with creditors to reduce outstanding balances, potentially settling debts for 30-50% of the original amount [1]. They also offer debt consolidation advice, helping clients combine multiple debts into a single, manageable payment plan. Credit counseling services are promoted, involving budgeting assistance and financial education to prevent future debt issues. Additionally, the firm provides foreclosure defense and options like loan modifications for mortgage-related debts, aiming to avoid bankruptcy altogether when feasible [4]. These alternatives are tailored to clients who may not qualify for bankruptcy or prefer non-legal resolutions, with an emphasis on long-term financial stability. The firm's approach integrates free initial consultations to evaluate the best path, whether bankruptcy or alternatives, backed by over two decades of experience in Hawaii's legal landscape [3].
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## References
[1] Blake Goodman, PC Official Website - https://www.debtfreehawaii.com/
[2] Find US Lawyers Directory - https://www.finduslawyers.com/law-firms/blake-goodman-pc-honolulu-hi
[3] Avvo Lawyer Profile for Blake Goodman - https://www.avvo.com/attorneys/96813-hi-blake-goodman-1749487.html
[4] Justia Lawyer Directory - https://lawyers.justia.com/lawyer/blake-goodman-1497050
[5] Nolo Legal Encyclopedia on Bankruptcy Chapters - https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/chapter-7-13-bankruptcy-basics-29700.html
The legal entity is Blake Goodman, A Law Corporation, a professional corporation structure based in Hawaii [1]. Attorney Blake Goodman's firm specializes in bankruptcy and debt relief. The firm's main office is located in Honolulu, Hawaii, and it provides services to clients across all Hawaiian islands [1, 2]. Verification confirms that Blake Goodman, A Law Corporation is listed in the 'Find US Lawyers' legal directory, which details their practice area as bankruptcy and provides their Honolulu office address [3].
The firm's primary focus within bankruptcy law centers on assisting individual and business clients with two main types of filings under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. They handle Chapter 7 bankruptcy, often referred to as "liquidation" or "straight" bankruptcy, which involves the discharge of unsecured debts like credit card balances and medical bills [1]. In addition, the firm provides comprehensive legal support for Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases. This "reorganization" or "wage earner's plan" allows individuals with regular income to develop a plan to repay all or part of their debts over a period of three to five years, often enabling them to keep valuable assets like a house or car [1].
Beyond standard bankruptcy filings, the firm prominently advertises several alternative debt relief options. They position these as potential first steps to explore before committing to bankruptcy. A key alternative offered is debt settlement, also known as debt negotiation, where the firm's attorneys negotiate directly with creditors to resolve debts for a reduced amount [1]. Other advertised options include non-bankruptcy workouts specifically for homeowners, such as pursuing loan modifications to alter mortgage terms, arranging a short sale to sell a property for less than the outstanding mortgage balance, or facilitating a deed in lieu of foreclosure to avoid the foreclosure process [1]. The firm emphasizes a personalized approach to determine if these alternatives are a more suitable path for a client's specific financial situation.
## References
1. Blake Goodman, A Law Corporation. (n.d.). *Hawaii Bankruptcy & Debt Relief*. Retrieved from blakegoodman.com
2. Blake Goodman, A Law Corporation. (n.d.). *Contact Us*. Retrieved from blakegoodman.com/contact-us/
3. Find US Lawyers. (n.d.). *Blake Goodman, A Law Corporation*. Retrieved from finduslawyers.org/attorney/blake-goodman-a-law-corporation-1925698