Reid Winder And Green in Chattanooga: Bankruptcy Law for Individuals and Small Businesses
Reid Winder And Green is a law firm in Chattanooga specializing in bankruptcy representation for individuals and small-business owners facing insolvency, debt restructuring, and creditor disputes. The firm handles both Chapter 7 liquidation bankruptcy and Chapter 13 reorganization plans, serving clients across Hamilton County and surrounding areas in southeast Tennessee.
What the firm handles
Reid Winder And Green manages consumer and business bankruptcy filings under federal law. Chapter 7 bankruptcy, typically resolved within four to six months, liquidates nonexempt assets to discharge unsecured debt such as credit cards and medical bills; exempt assets such as a primary residence (within Tennessee limits), vehicles, and retirement accounts generally remain protected. Chapter 13 bankruptcy establishes a court-approved repayment plan over three to five years, allowing debtors to keep assets while paying creditors a percentage of what is owed, often useful when a household has regular income but cannot meet current obligations.
The firm also advises on nondischarge debts (student loans, recent taxes, child support) and negotiates with creditors before or during bankruptcy proceedings. Business bankruptcy guidance covers sole proprietorships and small corporations navigating Chapter 7 closure or Chapter 13 continuance.
Services and typical costs
Initial consultations are offered; confirm current fee structure directly with the firm. Chapter 7 bankruptcy filings typically range from $1,200 to $2,000 in attorney fees (not including the $335 federal court filing fee as of 2024). Chapter 13 filings, which require plan preparation and creditor negotiation, generally cost $2,500 to $4,000 in legal fees. Many bankruptcy attorneys in the area offer payment plans tied to the bankruptcy case itself, allowing fees to be incorporated into the Chapter 13 repayment plan or paid over installments before Chapter 7 closure.
The firm may also charge hourly rates for pre-bankruptcy counseling, creditor negotiations, or unrelated business legal matters, typically ranging from $150 to $300 per hour in the Chattanooga market depending on attorney experience.
How it compares to other Chattanooga bankruptcy options
Chattanooga hosts both solo practitioners and small firms in bankruptcy law. A solo practitioner may charge $1,000 to $1,800 for a Chapter 7 filing and offer flexible scheduling; larger firms with multiple attorneys may charge more but provide wider availability and separate staff for paperwork processing. Legal aid organizations such as the Legal Aid Society of East Tennessee and Northwest Georgia accept low-income clients at reduced or no cost, but operate with limited capacity and long waitlists. Reid Winder And Green sits between these poles: established enough to handle complex cases and creditor disputes but typically smaller and more personal than a regional firm. Choose Reid Winder And Green if you want continuity with one or two named attorneys; choose a larger firm if you need rapid processing and multiple department specialties; choose legal aid if your household income qualifies.
Who it suits and who it should not
The firm is suited to Chattanooga residents and small-business owners with $5,000 to $500,000 in unsecured debt, regular income or salable assets, and straightforward financial situations (no recent major business failures or complex commercial disputes). Chapter 13 clients with stable employment benefit most, as the repayment plan requires demonstrable income. Chapter 7 clients benefit when assets qualify for Tennessee exemptions and creditor claims are standard.
The firm may not be the best fit for those with minimal assets, no unsecured debt, or primarily secured debt (car loans, mortgages); in those cases, creditor negotiation outside bankruptcy may be more cost-effective. Clients needing simultaneous business litigation or complex asset protection may be better served by a larger firm with dedicated commercial departments.
What the first visit involves
A bankruptcy consultation typically covers household income, debts, assets, recent financial transactions, and reasons for insolvency. Bring recent pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, and a list of creditors with balances. The attorney will assess whether Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 is preferable under the federal means test (Chapter 7 requires monthly income below Tennessee median; Chapter 13 has no income cap but requires a feasible repayment plan). The firm will explain the timeline, asset consequences, credit impact, and fees. Most initial consultations last 45 minutes to one hour and may be offered at reduced cost.
Hours, location, and logistics
Confirm current office hours and location directly with Reid Winder And Green. Most Chattanooga law firms operate Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some offering evening or Saturday appointments for working clients. Parking availability depends on the firm's address; downtown Chattanooga offices typically offer street parking or paid lots, while offices in outlying areas often provide free lots.
Reid Winder And Green serves the Chattanooga bankruptcy market with federal court experience in the Middle District of Tennessee and local creditor knowledge, reducing delays and surprises common when using out-of-state firms.
