As hard as it can be for you and your business, declaring bankruptcy may just be the opportunity for a fresh and brand new start. So if you’re thinking about filing a claim, make sure the best bankruptcy lawyer in Calgary is representing you.
Bankruptcies are often complex and emotional cases, so we’re here to make things a bit easier for you. In this article, we’ve compiled everything you need to know about bankruptcy, from FAQs and general information to a list of the best bankruptcy firms to help you out.
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Is Bankruptcy Right For You?
If you have unpaid debts, you can either file a consumer proposal or a personal bankruptcy case. In a consumer proposal case, you will be paying back your debt at a lower rate for a couple of years.
On the other hand, personal bankruptcy may require you to give up some of your assets to be discharged of your outstanding debts. Although bankruptcy will give you a fresh start, it also has its consequences, such as losing secured assets, staining your financial and credit records, and even blocking you from a stable job.
So, before you approach a licensed insolvency firm, make sure you at least meet these standards:
- You have unsecured debt. Make sure your debt is unsecured because bankruptcy can’t really help with secured loans. Unsecured debt pertains to credit cards, medical bills, and student loans.
- You don’t have a co-debtor. Filing bankruptcy may affect both of your credit reports. So, if you have a co-debtor, make sure you’ve talked with them about your decision.
- You’ve tried debt consolidation. This type of financial service helps you pay back your debts through a new plan.
To decide on whether bankruptcy is your best option, consult with legal and financial experts such as a licensed insolvency trustee or the best bankruptcy lawyer in Calgary.
Price Range for Filing Bankruptcy
Did you know that you also need to pay costs and fees for filing bankruptcy? If not, then you should know that bankruptcy costs approximately $1,800!
This fee includes administration fees, court fees, mailing charges, taxes, and other filing fees. This cost may also be subject to change depending on your family size, income, associated assets, and expenses.
The Top Firms with the Best Calgary Bankruptcy Lawyers
Now that you know more about bankruptcy, it’s time for our list of the best bankruptcy lawyers in Calgary. You can take your pick from this list as we’ve only listed law firms with exceptional services and excellent client care.
1. McLeod Law
| BEST FOR | Versatility in industries handled |
| SERVICES | CCAA plans of arrangement, BIA proposals, creditors’ rights, collections and debt recovery, directors liability, shareholders’ rights |
| WEBSITE | https://www.mcleod-law.com/ |
| ADDRESS | 14505 Bannister Rd SE #300, Calgary, AB T2X 3J3 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (403) 278-9411 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
McLeod Law has over 40 years of experience in the legal industry. It offers its bankruptcy and insolvency services to trustees, creditors, and debtors alike.
McLeod’s services include creditor’s and shareholder’s rights, debt collections, and Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (“BIA”) proposals. With its years of service, McLeod’s three-man-insolvency team can handle cases for all types of industries.
This law firm also promises to communicate in plain English so that you won’t get confused over the technical and legal terms. McLeod Law can even connect you with other legal professionals, should you need assistance outside of Alberta.
Pros
- Prompt communication
- Expertise in all types of industries
- Cost-effective and economic litigations
Cons
- Limited debt solutions for creditors
Customer Reviews
Clients appreciate the responsiveness and professionalism McLeod’s staff exhibits. Here are reviews to tell you more about what clients have to say about McLeod Law:
“Great company. Whenever I needed help, they’ve always took time to help me. The people who work here actually care!
“Great Lawyers, awesome support staff, professional in all areas, with a kind, healthy environment within their organization. Highly appreciate all they have done for me and would highly recommend them for all you legal needs.”
2. Miles Davison LLP
| BEST FOR | Additional restructuring services |
| SERVICES | Corporate bankruptcy, personal/consumer bankruptcy, bankruptcy discharges, proposal, receivership, proceedings under the CCAA, foreclosures, corporate reorganizations, security enforcement, and collections |
| WEBSITE | https://www.milesdavison.com/ |
| ADDRESS | 517 10 Ave SW #900, Calgary, AB T2R 0A8 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (403) 298-0333 [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Since 1958, Miles Davidson has helped Calgarians in courtroom litigations and by providing sound legal advice in boardrooms.
Miles Davidson may be a small firm, but it has experts in over seven law practices, including bankruptcy and business law. Thus, its lawyers will help you not only with your bankruptcy claim but also with restructuring.
It has a large team of eight lawyers who are experts in insolvency laws. With this large team, Miles Davidson can handle all types of bankruptcy cases, from personal to corporate.
Pros
- 60+ years of experience
- Expertise in business law
- Personal and corporate bankruptcy cases
Cons
- Expensive rates and fees
Customer Reviews
Clients appreciate how efficient Miles Davison lawyers are, just as these reviews will tell you:
“Great staff. An actual law firm that cares and not only gets it done, but gets it done quickly. They were amazing to work with and so professional and knew the law for sure.”
“Ashley Hahn at Miles Davison was highly recommended to me and the experience with her has been extremely good and she has been very responsive, and has extensive experience and knowledge in her field.”
3. Parlee McLaws LLP
| BEST FOR | Oil and gas cases |
| SERVICES | Debt recovery, repayments, reorganization statutes, restruction debt and, where appropriate, resist collection. |
| WEBSITE | https://www.parlee.com |
| ADDRESS | 421 7 Ave SW #3300, Calgary, AB T2P 4K9 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (403) 294-7000 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
Parlee McLaws prides itself on building strong relations with its clients. This way, its lawyers are able to listen to its clients and provide the best solutions for them.
This law firm has helped creditors, debtors, and trustees alike. With such varied experience, Parlee McLaws guarantees to handle even the most complex cases of bankruptcy and insolvency cases.
Although it can cater to all types of clients, Parlee McLaws has a considerable edge in oil and gas cases. Its other legal services are related to finance, business, construction, energy, and securities.
Pros
- Renowned expertise in oil and gas cases
- Vast experience in complex insolvency cases
Cons
- Only one bankruptcy lawyer in Calgary branch
Customer Reviews
Here’s a testament to Parlee McLaws’s strong client relations:
“They did an excellent job for me and I would highly recommend them to all my friends and family. Thank you for helping and making things smooth and easy.”
4. Miller Thomson LLP
| BEST FOR | National-level reorganizations |
| SERVICES | Creditor’s rights and remedies, commercial landlord-tenant matters, foreclosure action, land recovery, priority disputes, condominium disputes. |
| WEBSITE | https://www.millerthomson.com/ |
| ADDRESS | 700 9 Ave SW #3000, Calgary, AB T2P 3V |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (403) 298-2400 [email protected] |
Miller Thomson’s services reach five provinces of Canada. The Calgary location alone has 55 lawyers who can assist you with any legal issue you may need.
With various connections all over the country, Miller Thomson Calgary can do more than just guide you throughout your bankruptcy claim. It can also help you with regional, national, and even international reorganizations.
What makes this law firm unique is that it offers its services in both English and French, so you can expect great communication with Miller Thomson.
Pros
- Communication in English and French
- Nationwide coverage and connections
- Handles international reorganizations
Cons
- Expensive rates and fees
Customer Reviews
Here are some reviews to tell you more about one of Miller Thomson’s experts in bankruptcy and insolvency laws, Nichole Smith:
“Nichole Taylor Smith is a wonderful lawyer and is very nice and very helpful. Thank you.”
“I am just very thankful for spending so much time to me and explaining me everything. Definitely, one of a kind law firm.”
5. Field Law Calgary
| BEST FOR | Global connections |
| SERVICES | Debt recovery, bankruptcy, insolvency, commercial reorganizations |
| WEBSITE | https://www.fieldlaw.com/ |
| ADDRESS | 444 7 Ave SW #400, Calgary, AB T2P 0X8 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (403) 260-8500 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Field Law is well-known for offering its services to a wide range of clients, including the indigenous peoples. It is also part of the SGC Legal, which means it’s also a part of a large global legal network.
The firm specializes in cases for construction, finance and banking, mining, and real estate.
And with its connection to the global scene, Field Law guarantees the latest practices and a vast bank of resources.
Although its lawyers generally give legal advice to directors, creditors, and shareholders, Field Law also caters to all types of customers, from creditors to trustees and even debtors.
Pros
- Global connections for more resources
- Expertise in construction, mining, finance, and real estate
- Caters to both debtors and creditors
Cons
- Only two bankruptcy lawyers in Calgary
Customer Reviews
Read these customer reviews and learn more about what Field Law’s best bankruptcy lawyer in Calgary can provide you:
“I retained Rami for assistance with a corporate/ tax law inquiry. His service was prompt, the information provided was very helpful, and it far exceeded my expectations. He was polite, kind, and personable throughout the whole experience!”
“I was very lucky to have been referred to Field Law after being bounced around several other law firms and being told no one could help. I had the privilege of having Predrag Tomic in my corner and I couldn’t have asked for anyone better. Predrag and his team are dedicated, compassionate, and they were very efficient in settling my case. I’d highly recommend Field Law.”
Frequently Asked Questions
And that concludes our list of the best bankruptcy lawyers in Calgary. We hope we helped you find a lawyer that’ll support and guide you through such a challenging financial journey.
Filing bankruptcy should be your last resort, so make sure you’ve exhausted your options before turning to bankruptcy. One alternative is to get the best debt consolidation in Calgary to help you get back on the horse and finally manage your finances for the better.
