Joseph Rogers | Blackwood Bankruptcy & Debt Lawyer

The bills are stacking up, demanding calls and letters are arriving with increasing frequency and despite the best of efforts, the overdue debts just cannot be paid. Maybe you are thinking of taking a payday loan just to get through this week. You just want to stop the phone calls in the middle of the night and at your work. You want help right now. We can help stop the debt collectors. We can help you get the bankruptcy relief you need and deserve. We can help you claim exemptions to keep your property. In chapter 13 cases, we can often help you to keep your house. Once considered a last resort, bankruptcy has become an accepted method of resolving serious financial problems. You can save your home and car; you may stop evictions; and in most cases, you can still get rid of your credit card debt. If you, your friends or family members are experiencing financial problems that may be helped by bankruptcy laws, please call my office as soon as possible.

Lawyer.com Member Questionnaire

Please describe a case(s) in the last year or two where you made a big difference.
Over the years our firm has has helped thousands of local residents save their homes and, cars and get back on the road to financial success. One young couple especially comes to mind. They were struggling to stay ahead when one of them lost their job. By the time they were back to work they were six months behind on their mortgage and facing foreclosure, auto repossession, and having the heat and electric shut off. They came into our office thinking their world was over. We were able to stop the foreclosure, lower their car payment, stop their utilities from getting shut off, and get rid of their credit card debt. They went from thinking their life was over to a very bright and productive financial future.

How did you build a successful practice?
I am the ninth of ten children. My father was a roofer and my mother worked as a cashier in a department store. Twenty years ago when I opened my law practice my father said charge a fair price and work harder than the other guy and you will do fine. There are firms that will charge you a lot more money than we will. They will tell you that you only get what you pay for or that they charge more because they are better than everyone else. No, they are charging you more because they think they can, they think you are desperate, and they think you are foolish with your money. I have never forgotten where I came from, the value of a dollar, the value of a hard day's work, or the difference between right and wrong. That has been a guiding principal from day one of my practice. That and we try to treat people like we would like to be treated if we were sitting on the other side of that desk.

What should clients look for in a lawyer?
You should look for a lawyer that will be fair, hard working and tell you the truth even when it's not want you want to hear. There are people that will tell you what you want to hear just to get your business. In the end they are not doing you any favors.

How important is local knowledge to the success of your cases?
We have been representing the people of South Jersey for 20 years. We know the judges, trustees and prosecutors. We know what they like, and, many times more importantly what they don't like. Having an attorney that knows the court and can guide you through the process can be the key to a successful fresh start.

What information can you provide in a free phone consultation?
A free phone consultation should be limited to seeing if there is an emergency, if we can help you, if bankruptcy is even an option and letting you know the basic facts. We offer free in-office consultations where we can give you a much more detailed review of your case and how we can help.

What information do you need in a free phone consultation?
In the initial free consultation if there is a real emergency or deadline this is the time to let us know. When you come into the office for your free in-office consultation it's good to have a list of what your debts are, any lawsuit documents, proof of income and a general idea of what your assets are worth.

What differentiates you from other lawyers in your community?
Work ethic and treating our clients like I would be treated. Some people will charge you more just because they think they can. They will tell you whatever they think it will take to get you to sign up. Then to add insult to injury they won't put in the long hours we do to try to make your case a success.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
When that old client calls to ask if I can help a friend, relative or neighbor the way I helped them. The fact that they trust me and to hear that it is because of something we did, their life is in a better place.

What are your other interests in addition to law?
If you visit our website or office you'll see a lot of pictures of Spike, my 15 year old Cocker Spaniel. I would spend every minute of every day with her if I could. My wife and I are avid hikers and cyclists. We have visited many of the National Parks. I am an avid reader and a pretty good cook. My associate Barbara swims, skis and gardens.

Are you involved in your community?
After going away for law school, I opened my practice in the town I, and my nine brothers and sisters, grew up in, because I love this community. I am a member of the Williamstown Rotary Club. I volunteer at the Rutgers Probono legal clinic. I get involved in many community activities as I can on a busy work schedule. My associate Barbara Snavelly volunteers with the Rising program at the Burlington County Detention Facility. She has also served on several Boards of Directors (Burlington County Chapter of Habitat for Humanity, Lutheran Office of Governmental Ministry, Treasurer for an international genealogical society).