Blake Goodman received his law degree from George Washington University in Washington, D.C.in 1989 and has been exclusively practicing bankruptcy and bankruptcy related law in Texas, New Mexico, and Hawaii ever since. As well, he received his Certified Public Accountant License from the State of Maryland in 1988.
Blake Goodman specializes in providing bankruptcy and non-bankruptcy solutions to your debt burdens and tax problems. To date, he has helped over 6000 individuals and families alleviate their financial setbacks caused by overwhelming debt problems. He is a member of the Hawaii State Bar Association-Bankruptcy Law Section, the Tax Freedom Institute, the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Lawyers and besides being a member of the American Bankruptcy Institute, he authored an article published in the ABI Journal entitled “The Often Overlooked 10-Year Tax Discharge Rule.”
Goodman moved to Hawaii in 1999 with his wife because he wanted to live in paradise. He has found Hawaii to be that and more.
Goodman would like you to consider the following 5 mistakes to avoid when choosing a lawyer:
Mistake #1: Choose a qualified Hawaii Attorney
Today, attorneys specialize in everything from divorce law to corporate mergers. Most attorneys have never handled a bankruptcy or tax problem resolution case. Make sure you choose a lawyer who has indepth qualifications and has been practicing in that particular field for at least 10 years.
Mistake #2: Make sure that if you’re looking for a solution to your debt problems, that you choose a Hawaii Lawyer that can give you the full range of options. Don’t go to an attorney that just handles Chapter 7 cases or that just handles bankruptcies. That’s like taking your Chevy to a mechanic that only works on Volkswagens. Seek the advice of someone that’s experienced in the full spectrum of possibilities. That is, that they know Chapter 7, Chapter 13, Non-bankruptcy Tax Solutions, Non-Bankruptcy Debt Reduction Plans, and can help suggest ways to repair your credit when the representation is over.
Mistake #3: Make sure your bankruptcy or tax attorney is also a CPA. Let’s face it, you need help in a financial area. Whether you’re involved in a business or just budgeting family expenses, have someone who understands your income, expenses, past transactions, property holdings, and taxes.
Mistake #4: Choose a Hawaii Lawyer only because he was referred by a friend. Referrals are a common way of learning about good lawyers, but don’t use a referral as your only measurement. Meet with the attorney and make sure you feel comfortable before you decide to hire him or her.
Mistake #5: Choose a lawyer just because his office is close to your home. Convenience is a consideration when hiring a Hawaii Bankruptcy Lawyer, but don’t put too much importance on the location of the lawyer’s office. In today’s electronic age, nearly all paperwork can be handled by mail, fax, or E-mail. It’s far more important that you choose an experienced, qualified lawyer, than to choose a lawyer because his office is down the street. We are located in the heart of downtown, easy to find, and we pay for your parking.
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