Best bankruptcy law attorneys in Columbia
These are Columbia's top bankruptcy law specialists, firms where Chapter 7, Chapter 13, and debt relief work is a core part of the practice rather than a side offering, ranked by our earned composite score (see methodology).
Several of these firms also handle foreclosure defense, but foreclosure work is ranked on its own merits on our best foreclosure attorneys in Columbia page. The order here reflects bankruptcy-specific reputation and track record.
Picks are ranked by score and relevance to bankruptcy law, so a lower overall score can rank higher here.
At a glance
| # | Business | Score | Rating | From | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Reed Law Firm, P.A. | 90 | 5 (88) | — | All-round Chapter 7 & 13 filings |
| 2 | STONE LAW FIRM, LLC | 88 | 5 (82) | — | Multi-city debt relief |
| 3 | V.R. Perry Law Firm | 86 | 4.9 (75) | — | Fast Chapter 7 discharge |
| 4 | Stone Law Firm, LLC | 82 | 4.9 (35) | — | Round-the-clock client access |
| 5 | Meredith Law Firm LLC | 78 | 4.7 (71) | — | Plain-language case guidance |
| 6 | Benjamin R. Matthews and Associates | 76 | 4.5 (161) | — | High-volume free consultations |
| 7 | Gleissner Law Firm, LLC | 75 | 5 (12) | — | Small business & personal filings |
| 8 | The Law Office of Eddye L. Lane, P.A. | 73 | 5 (8) | — | Personal, extra-mile service |
| 9 | Finkel Law Firm LLC | 70 | 4.3 (93) | — | Named-attorney specialty work |
| 10 | Moss & Associates | 67 | 4 (92) | — | Home & vehicle retention cases |
| 11 | Riley Pope & Laney, LLC | 63 | 4.9 (7) | — | Established real estate-linked bankruptcy |
| 12 | Brunson Law LLC | 62 | 5 (9) | — | Estate-linked bankruptcy matters |
| 13 | Dilligard Edwards, LLC | 62 | 4.2 (5) | — | Urgent foreclosure-linked filings |
| 14 | Law Office Of Barbara E. Brunson | 59 | 5 (4) | — | Elder law-paired bankruptcy |
| 15 | Parker Poe | 57 | 5 (3) | — | Established multi-state firm brand |
Ranked picks
Reed Law Firm, P.A.
Why it ranks first
Reed Law Firm pairs a near-perfect rating across 88 reviews with consistently high marks for recency and completeness, the strongest showing on this list. Clients repeatedly single out staff like Daphne David and Buffy Campbell for quick answers and careful document handling through Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filings.
Pros
- Fast, consistent staff responses to questions
- Clear, step-by-step explanations of the bankruptcy process
- Named staff (Daphne David, Buffy Campbell, Kelly, Jane) praised repeatedly for follow-through
- Careful attention to document accuracy
Services: foreclosure defense, bankruptcy law, real estate law, debt collection defense
STONE LAW FIRM, LLC
Why it ranks second
Daniel Stone's firm backs a claimed 25 years in practice with strong, high-confidence review scores and a footprint across Columbia, Greenville, Florence, Rock Hill, and Charleston. Long-term clients describe decade-spanning relationships and an owner who stays personally involved in cases.
Pros
- Broad debt relief coverage: bankruptcy, foreclosure, debt settlement, repossession
- Owner personally involved in case work
- Prompt communication and efficient resolutions
- Multiple office locations across the state
Watch out: One reviewer mentioned trouble reaching the office by phone.
Services: foreclosure defense, bankruptcy law, real estate law, debt collection defense
V.R. Perry Law Firm
Why it ranks third
V.R. Perry Law Firm earns near-top marks with 75 reviews averaging 4.9 stars, and multiple Chapter 7 filers report discharge within 60-90 days. Vaughan Perry and staff member Michelle are named repeatedly for responding within hours and explaining the process without jargon.
Pros
- Calls and emails typically answered within hours
- Chapter 7 discharges reported in 60-90 days for several clients
- Staff (Vaughan Perry, Michelle) known by name for patience
- Plain-language explanations of complex filings
Watch out: A few cases ran longer than clients initially expected.
Services: foreclosure defense, bankruptcy law, real estate law, debt collection defense
Stone Law Firm, LLC
Why it ranks fourth
This Stone Law Firm location scores well on rating and sentiment despite a smaller review base, with clients highlighting Daniel Stone's team answering calls and texts at all hours. Reviews spanning five years point to steady professionalism in bankruptcy and debt cases.
Pros
- Available by call or text outside normal hours
- Warm, approachable staff (Daniel Stone, Michele, Vaughan)
- Clear explanations of legal steps
- Consistent reviews across a five-year span
Watch out: One older review flagged a rude intake call, though recent feedback has been steadily positive.
Services: foreclosure defense, bankruptcy law, real estate law, debt collection defense
Meredith Law Firm LLC
Why it ranks fifth
Robert Meredith and paralegal Sirena Starks draw praise for turning a stressful bankruptcy filing into manageable steps, with a strong 4.7-star average across 71 reviews. The sentiment score trails the top firms on this list, so it's worth reading a few recent reviews before booking.
Pros
- Attorney and paralegal known by name for warmth and knowledge
- Clear explanation of the legal process
- Responsive and available to clients
- Track record of successful case outcomes
Watch out: A couple of early reviewers reported refund delays and thin initial counseling.
Services: foreclosure defense, bankruptcy law, real estate law, debt collection defense
Benjamin R. Matthews and Associates
Why it ranks sixth
Benjamin R. Matthews and Associates has the largest review base on this list (161 reviews) and clients often credit the firm with helping them keep their homes through quick, free consultations. But the sentiment score is notably lower here, with recent reviewers describing communication breakdowns and confusion over Chapter 7 eligibility, so it's worth going in with clear questions.
Pros
- Free phone consultations, typically around 20 minutes
- Payment plans available for fees
- Some clients credit the firm with saving their home years later
- Benjamin Matthews handles cases personally
Watch out: Recent reviewers reported ghosted callbacks, a disrespectful staff interaction, and kept deposits when clients couldn't complete payment.
Services: foreclosure defense, bankruptcy law, real estate law, debt collection defense
Gleissner Law Firm, LLC
Why it ranks seventh
Gleissner Law Firm holds a perfect 5-star rating, though on a smaller base of 12 reviews. Clients describe Rick Gleissner, Luke, and Anissa Crow as quick to respond and equally comfortable with simple questions or complex cases, with some relationships lasting over a decade.
Pros
- Immediate response to calls and emails
- Client relationships spanning 11+ years
- Staff handle both quick questions and complex cases
- Legal strategy tailored to each situation
Watch out: Review volume is limited, so treat the perfect rating as an early signal rather than a settled track record.
Services: foreclosure defense, bankruptcy law, real estate law, debt collection defense
The Law Office of Eddye L. Lane, P.A.
Why it ranks eighth
The Law Office of Eddye L. Lane holds a perfect rating across all 8 of its reviews, with clients calling out Mrs. Lane by name for honesty and going beyond the minimum expected of a bankruptcy attorney. It's a small sample, so it earns its spot on reputation depth rather than volume.
Pros
- Consistently five-star feedback
- Staff described as caring and willing to go the extra mile
Watch out: Only a handful of reviews are on record so far.
Services: foreclosure defense, bankruptcy law, real estate law, debt collection defense
Finkel Law Firm LLC
Why it ranks ninth
Finkel Law Firm has real strengths on paper, a claimed 50-year history and individual attorneys like Elizabeth Von Keller, Harry Goldberg, and Charles Krawczyk who draw specific praise for responsiveness. That said, sentiment runs mixed, with repeated complaints about staff turnover and cases losing momentum mid-process, so it's worth asking who exactly will be handling your file.
Pros
- Named attorneys with track records on family and property matters
- Quick email responses on active cases
- Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers recognition claimed
- Decades of firm history
Watch out: Reviewers describe staff turnover leading to lost documents, missed court dates, and senior partners becoming hard to reach.
Services: foreclosure defense, bankruptcy law, real estate law, consumer protection law
Moss & Associates
Why it ranks tenth
Moss & Associates has helped clients save homes and manage debt, and staff member Amanda draws specific praise for clarity and empathy. The composite score is held back by a mixed sentiment record, with several reviewers describing long delays and unclear fees, so it's a firm worth vetting carefully before signing on.
Pros
- Track record on home and vehicle retention cases
- Amanda named repeatedly for clear, empathetic communication
- Statewide service reach
- Low stated retention fee
Watch out: Recurring complaints about long hold times, missing court documents, and unexplained fees.
Services: foreclosure defense, bankruptcy law, debt collection defense
Riley Pope & Laney, LLC
Why it ranks #11
Riley Pope & Laney is an AV-rated firm operating since 2001, and the small handful of reviews on file describe skilled, attentive handling of foreclosure, real estate, and bankruptcy matters. The review count and recency are both thin, so this listing leans on longevity and credentials more than recent volume.
Pros
- Firm established since 2001
- Martindale-Hubbell AV rating
Watch out: Very few recent reviews are on file, so recent client experience is hard to gauge.
Services: foreclosure defense, bankruptcy law, real estate law
Brunson Law LLC
Why it ranks #12
Brunson Law LLC holds a perfect 5-star rating across its 9 reviews, with Colleen Brunson singled out for compassion and for handling complex situations like post-death case termination. It's a smaller sample, so weigh the consistency of the praise against the limited volume.
Pros
- Direct client relationships with Colleen Brunson
- Free initial consultation offered
Watch out: Review volume is limited relative to larger firms on this list.
Services: foreclosure defense, bankruptcy law, real estate law, debt collection defense
Dilligard Edwards, LLC
Why it ranks #13
Dilligard Edwards handles both foreclosure and bankruptcy work in Columbia, and recent reviewers describe thorough updates and committed representation on time-sensitive filings. An older review flagged case file and communication issues, so the more recent, positive pattern is worth weighing against that history.
Pros
- Fast turnaround reported on urgent filings
- Thorough client updates on recent cases
Watch out: An older review cited poor record-keeping and a dismissive attitude on calls.
Services: bankruptcy law, foreclosure defense
Law Office Of Barbara E. Brunson
Why it ranks #14
Barbara Brunson brings over 30 years of experience and a Martindale-Hubbell peer rating, with all four reviews on file praising her clarity across bankruptcy and elder law matters. The review count is small, so this is more a credentials-and-consistency pick than a high-volume one.
Pros
- 30+ years of legal experience
- Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Rated
Watch out: Only a small number of reviews are on record so far.
Services: foreclosure defense, bankruptcy law, real estate law, debt collection defense
Parker Poe
Why it ranks #15
Parker Poe brings a claimed 28-year operating history and multi-state reach, with a perfect rating across its 3 reviews naming attorney Todd Haynie as a strong performer. The evidence here is thin, so this is a name-recognition pick more than a data-backed one for bankruptcy specifically.
Pros
- Firm established since 1996
- Multi-state service area
Watch out: Very few reviews mention bankruptcy work specifically, so evidence for this practice area is limited.
Services: bankruptcy law, foreclosure defense