James E Fontenot, Bankruptcy Attorney in Abbeville, Louisiana
Over 56 years of legal practice · focused on Bankruptcy, Family Law, and Personal Injury
Abbeville, LA
Practicing bankruptcy in Abbeville since 1970.
- 56+
- Years practicing
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you James E Fontenot?
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Quick answer
James E Fontenot is an attorney based in Abbeville, LA. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Family Law, and Personal Injury. James has over 56 years of legal experience.
- Based in
- Abbeville, LA
- Experience
- over 56 years
- Known for
- Bankruptcy · Family Law · Personal Injury
- Handles Bankruptcy, Family Law, and Personal Injury matters from Abbeville, LA.
- Over 56 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About James E Fontenot: James E Fontenot is an attorney based in Abbeville, LA. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Family Law, and Personal Injury. James has over 56 years of legal experience.
Areas of practice
Legal matters James takes on
James concentrates on bankruptcy, family law, personal injury, probate, and real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Bankruptcy
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Family Law
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Personal Injury
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Probate
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Real Estate
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Bankruptcy cases in Abbeville, Louisiana
James takes bankruptcy matters in Abbeville, Louisiana. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.
Family Law cases in Abbeville, Louisiana
James takes family law matters in Abbeville, Louisiana. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.
Personal Injury cases in Abbeville, Louisiana
James takes personal injury matters in Abbeville, Louisiana. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.
Probate cases in Abbeville, Louisiana
James takes probate matters in Abbeville, Louisiana. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.
Real Estate cases in Abbeville, Louisiana
James takes real estate matters in Abbeville, Louisiana. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet James E Fontenot — bankruptcy lawyer in Abbeville
James E Fontenot is an attorney based in Abbeville, LA. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Family Law, and Personal Injury. James has over 56 years of legal experience.
James E Fontenot is a lawyer practicing real estate, probate, personal injury and 2 other areas of law. James received a B.A. degree from University of Southwestern Louisiana in 1967, and has been licensed for 56 years. James practices in Abbeville, LA.
How James handles bankruptcy matters
James E Fontenot is a lawyer practicing real estate, probate, personal injury and 2 other areas of law. James received a B.A. degree from University of Southwestern Louisiana in 1967, and has been licensed for 56 years. James practices in Abbeville, LA.
The kind of cases James takes
James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for bankruptcy, family law, and personal injury matters in Abbeville and the surrounding Louisiana area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of Southwestern Louisiana
B.A. · 1967
Jurisdictions
James's state bar admissions
Louisiana
1970 · ACTIVE
James studied at B.A. in University of Southwestern Louisiana.
Law school and academic background
James completed B.A. in University of Southwestern Louisiana. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in Louisiana is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Locations
James E Fontenot's office in Abbeville
James's primary office is at 112 St. Charles St., Abbeville, LA, 70511-0187. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of James E Fontenot
James has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
No reviews yet
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire James E Fontenot — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new bankruptcy attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with James usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
James charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain James's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; James will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a bankruptcy attorney in Abbeville, Louisiana
A short list to run through before you commit: How many bankruptcy matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for James
James discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in bankruptcy practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every bankruptcy matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. James confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
James's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many bankruptcy practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about James E Fontenot
How much does it cost to hire James for a bankruptcy case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. James walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does James offer a free consultation?
James charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain James's office. Some bankruptcy attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.
How long do bankruptcy cases in Louisiana typically take?
Simple bankruptcy matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. James gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can James take my case if I'm outside Abbeville?
James is licensed in Louisiana. Matters governed by Louisiana law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — James will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with James?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. James will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is James accepting new bankruptcy clients right now?
James's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Bankruptcy attorneys serving Abbeville, New Orleans and Baton Rouge in Louisiana
James handles bankruptcy matters throughout Louisiana. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified bankruptcy attorneys in that community.
More counsel
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If James's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these bankruptcy attorneys in Abbeville handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





