Robinson McFadden and Moore: A Bankruptcy Law Firm in South Carolina
Who Robinson McFadden and Moore Are
Robinson McFadden and Moore is a law firm based in South Carolina that handles bankruptcy cases. The firm represents individuals and businesses working through Chapter 7, Chapter 13, and other bankruptcy filings in federal court. If you are considering bankruptcy or have already filed, understanding what a firm like this one does—and how to work with a bankruptcy attorney—can help you move through the process with clearer expectations.
The firm operates within South Carolina's federal bankruptcy courts, which handle all personal and business bankruptcy cases in the state. Bankruptcy law is federal law, so any attorney handling these cases must be licensed to practice in federal court and must follow strict procedural rules set by the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.
Key Takeaways
- Robinson McFadden and Moore is a South Carolina-based firm that represents clients in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases filed in federal court.
- Bankruptcy attorneys handle paperwork, represent you in court, negotiate with creditors, and explain your rights and obligations under federal bankruptcy law.
- You can find contact information and details about the firm's services by searching online or through the South Carolina Bar Association's lawyer directory.
- Bankruptcy cases require detailed financial disclosure, and an attorney helps ensure all documents are accurate and filed on time.
- The cost of hiring a bankruptcy attorney varies, and many firms offer payment plans or discuss fees during an initial consultation.
What Bankruptcy Attorneys Do
A bankruptcy attorney like those at Robinson McFadden and Moore handles the legal and procedural side of your case. This includes preparing and filing your petition, schedules, and financial statements with the federal bankruptcy court; representing you at the meeting of creditors (also called the 341 meeting); and responding to any objections or motions filed by creditors or the trustee assigned to your case.
Attorneys also advise you on which chapter of bankruptcy may fit your situation. Chapter 7 involves liquidating assets to pay creditors, while Chapter 13 sets up a repayment plan over three to five years. The choice depends on your income, debts, and what property you own. An attorney explains the consequences of each option and helps you understand what you will keep and what you may lose.
Beyond paperwork, bankruptcy attorneys negotiate with creditors, object to claims that are incorrect or unfair, and protect your rights if a creditor tries to collect after you have filed. They also advise you on which debts can be discharged (eliminated) and which cannot—for example, most student loans and child support cannot be discharged in bankruptcy.
How to Contact Robinson McFadden and Moore
To reach Robinson McFadden and Moore, search for the firm online or look up the firm's name in the South Carolina Bar Association's lawyer directory. The directory includes phone numbers, office addresses, and practice areas for licensed attorneys in the state. You can also ask for a referral from a legal aid organization, a local bar association, or a trusted advisor.
Most bankruptcy firms offer an initial consultation, sometimes at no charge or for a flat fee. During this meeting, you can discuss your financial situation, ask about the firm's experience with cases like yours, and learn what the attorney would charge to represent you. This is also the time to ask about payment plans, since many firms allow you to pay fees over time rather than all at once.
What to Bring to a Bankruptcy Attorney
Before meeting with an attorney, gather documents that show your financial picture. This includes recent pay stubs, tax returns from the past two years, bank statements, credit card statements, mortgage or lease documents, car loan paperwork, and a list of all debts you owe. You should also bring any collection notices, lawsuits, or eviction notices you have received.
The attorney will use these documents to prepare your bankruptcy petition and schedules, which list all your assets, debts, income, and expenses. Accuracy matters—the court and creditors rely on this information, and mistakes can delay your case or cause problems later. An attorney reviews everything with you to make sure it is correct before filing.
Bankruptcy Court in South Carolina
South Carolina has one federal bankruptcy court, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of South Carolina. It has divisions in Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville. Your case will be filed in the division that covers the county where you live or where your business is located. The judge assigned to your case oversees all proceedings and makes final decisions on disputed matters.
After you file, the court appoints a trustee—a neutral person who reviews your case, collects information from you and your creditors, and manages the process. In Chapter 7, the trustee may sell your non-exempt assets and distribute the money to creditors. In Chapter 13, the trustee collects your monthly plan payments and distributes them to creditors according to the court-approved plan.
Costs and Fees for Bankruptcy Representation
Bankruptcy attorney fees vary depending on the complexity of your case, the chapter you file under, and the firm's experience. Chapter 7 cases are typically less expensive than Chapter 13 cases because they involve less ongoing work. Some firms charge a flat fee for the entire case, while others charge hourly rates or a combination of both.
The court sets limits on what attorneys can charge for Chapter 7 cases in some situations, though these limits do not apply to all cases. For Chapter 13, the court must approve the attorney's fee as part of your repayment plan. Many firms offer payment plans so you can pay the fee over several months rather than upfront. During your consultation, ask for a clear written estimate of what the firm will charge and what that fee covers.
Finding Other Bankruptcy Resources in South Carolina
Beyond hiring an attorney, you can learn about bankruptcy through free resources. The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of South Carolina publishes information on its website about the bankruptcy process, local rules, and what to expect. Legal aid organizations in South Carolina offer free or low-cost legal help to people who cannot afford an attorney, though availability depends on your income.
You can also attend a credit counseling session, which is required before you file bankruptcy. These sessions are offered by nonprofit organizations approved by the U.S. Trustee, and they cost between $50 and $100. The counselor reviews your budget, explores alternatives to bankruptcy, and helps you understand what bankruptcy involves. After you file, you must complete a debtor education course as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I should hire a bankruptcy attorney?
Bankruptcy law is complex, and mistakes in your paperwork can have serious consequences. An attorney helps ensure your petition is accurate, protects your rights in court, and may help you keep more of your property than you would on your own. If you have significant debts, own a home or car, or face a lawsuit or wage garnishment, an attorney is usually worth the cost.
What happens at the meeting of creditors?
The meeting of creditors, held about 30 to 40 days after you file, is where the trustee and any creditors who show up can ask you questions about your finances and assets. Your attorney attends with you and can object to improper questions. Most creditors do not attend, and the meeting is usually brief. Your attorney prepares you for what to expect and what questions you may be asked.
Can I file bankruptcy without an attorney?
You can file without an attorney, but it is risky. Bankruptcy forms are detailed and technical, and errors can result in your case being dismissed, your debts not being discharged, or you losing property you could have protected. An attorney knows the local rules, the judge's preferences, and how to handle problems that come up during your case.
How long does a bankruptcy case take?
Chapter 7 cases typically close within three to six months after you file, though some take longer if there are disputes. Chapter 13 cases last three to five years, depending on your repayment plan. Your attorney can give you a better timeline once they review your specific situation and the current court schedule in your division.
What debts can bankruptcy eliminate?
Bankruptcy can discharge credit card debt, medical bills, personal loans, and some other unsecured debts. It cannot discharge child support, alimony, most student loans, recent taxes, or fines. An attorney reviews your debts and explains which ones will be eliminated and which will remain after your case closes.