W. J. Winterstein Jr.

A solo practitioner, I work from a home office in Boyertown, PA, about 30 miles from center-city Philadelphia, and most of my cases are litigated in Philadelphia and Reading courts. With the assistance of local counsel, I also handle matters in Delaware. I have over 30 years experience in both state and federal courts; bankruptcy and mortgage foreclosure/workout are a large part of my practice. There isn't much I haven't seen, or done.
Currently rated "Distinguished" by the "gold standard" of lawyer ratings.
PLEASE CONTACT ME BY EMAIL FIRST, as that is my preference, and more reliable for each of us.

• General Civil

• Free Consultation
  I am happy to chat with you about your issues, for no charge, for up to one hour.

Pennsylvania

Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania

Since 1991

Attorney

Law Office of W.J. Winterstein, Jr.

1976 - Current

Over 30 years experience in bankruptcy reorganizations, out of court workouts, debtor/creditor, civil practice in all state and federal courts in PA, OK, with practice encompassing NJ and DE through local counsel. Admitted to Third Circuit, Tenth Circuit, and U.S. Supreme Court, and all lower courts in PA.

Oklahoma City University School of Law

J.D.

1974 - 1976

Honors: Graduated with honors, 2nd of 208, 1976

BV Rated

Martindale-Hubbell

2016

PA Bar Association

member

2007 - Current

Eastern district of PA Bankruptcy Conference

Member

1992 - Current

Q. Hello, I'm considering bankruptcy and I'd like a consultation about my financial situation. -Melanie

October 5, 2024

A: Law school students and recent law school grads, are primarily trained to look backward, about known facts, to spot and resolve legal issues; the more experienced lawyers certainly do that, but their more valuable skills are to assist a client to plan future behavior and events.

Moreover, it's way cheaper to use counsel to avoid future pitfalls than to call on counsel to get you out of the swamp when you're hip-deep in gators.

And then there are those who save money by filing for bankruptcy relief without the benefit of counsel.

Kudos to you to find the best available lawyer before you proceed.

Q. My credit card debt cuts into the food budget. How do I know if I should join a consolidation program or file bankruptcy

October 3, 2024

A: I've had scores of bankruptcy clients who have voiced deep regrets about debt consolidation groups.

Only a federal bankruptcy court, not any state court and certainly no debt consolidation group can provide a legal discharge of debt.

And with certain limited exceptions, no bankruptcy court can discharge a perfected lien, and it is exceedingly difficult to discharge an educational loan.

Your best path is to provide a full disclosure of debt and assets, with detail, to an experienced bankruptcy practitioner authorized to practice in the federal courts in your State to determine your best choices.

Q. My house is in pre-foreclosure. What are our options?

September 30, 2024

A: With certain exceptions under the Bankruptcy Code, which must be initiated by the debtor, perfected liens against your residence are not discharged.

You either should have known that much or asked your bankruptcy attorney in 2011 while your case was open.

Assignments of Mortgage liens in the so-called "secondary market are common and the practice is longstanding.

While it is somewhat unusual that the lender or assignee did not send you invoices or statements, that alone will most probably be no defense to a current lender's foreclosure action; bottom line, you got that money.

Do now? Confer with an experienced lawyer in your jurisdiction. You may be able to refinance with the current or new lender, or worst case, sell the property. In any event, confer with counsel without delay . ... Read More