How much does it cost to hire James for a creditor rights 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 creditor rights attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.

How long do creditor rights cases in New Jersey typically take?

Simple creditor rights 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 Newton?

James is licensed in New Jersey. Matters governed by New Jersey 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 creditor rights clients right now?

James's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Unclaimed · Is this you?

James M Cerra, Creditor Rights Attorney in Newton, New Jersey

Over 55 years of legal practice · focused on Creditor Rights, Estate Planning, and Family Law · 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Of CounselatMorris, Downing & Sherred, LLP

Newton New, NJ

Practicing creditor rights in Newton since 1971.

55+: Years practicing
4.4 ★: 1 client review
3: Bar admissions

Practices in

Creditor Rights Estate Planning Family Law POA Real Estate

Are you James M Cerra?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

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Quick answer

James M Cerra is an of counsel based in Newton, NJ. The practice focuses on Creditor Rights, Estate Planning, and Family Law. James has over 55 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Morris, Downing & Sherred, LLP. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Newton, NJ
Experience: over 55 years
Known for: Creditor Rights · Estate Planning · Family Law

Handles Creditor Rights, Estate Planning, and Family Law matters from Newton, NJ.
Over 55 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with BV Distinguished.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by James M Cerra

James concentrates on creditor rights, estate planning, family law, poa, and real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Creditor Rights cases in Newton, New Jersey

James takes creditor rights matters in Newton, New Jersey. 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.

Estate Planning cases in Newton, New Jersey

James takes estate planning matters in Newton, New Jersey. 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 Newton, New Jersey

James takes family law matters in Newton, New Jersey. 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.

POA cases in Newton, New Jersey

James takes poa matters in Newton, New Jersey. 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 Newton, New Jersey

James takes real estate matters in Newton, New Jersey. 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

About James M Cerra — Over 55 years of New Jersey creditor rights experience

James M Cerra is a lawyer practicing family law, real estate, collection and 2 other areas of law. James received a B.S. degree from Seton Hall University, and has been licensed for 55 years. James practices at Morris, Downing & Sherred, LLP in Newton, NJ.

How James handles creditor rights matters

The kind of cases James takes

James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for creditor rights, estate planning, and family law matters in Newton and the surrounding New Jersey area.

Credentials

James M Cerra's legal education and bar admissions

Seton Hall University J.D.
—
Seton Hall University B.S.
—

Jurisdictions

James's state bar admissions

U.S. Supreme Court
2001 · ACTIVE
New Jersey
1971 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1971 · ACTIVE

James studied at — in Seton Hall University J.D. and — in Seton Hall University B.S..

Law school and academic background

James completed — in Seton Hall University J.D. and — in Seton Hall University B.S.. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in New Jersey is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of James M Cerra

James has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

BV Distinguished

Legal awards and honors

BV Distinguished.

Affiliations

James's professional memberships and bar associations

Sussex County Bar Association (member, Family Practice Committee) Sussex County Chamber of Commerce Newton Chamber of Commerce Branchville Businessmen's Association
membership

Locations

James M Cerra's office in Newton

James's primary office is at One Main Street, Newton, NJ, 07860. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Morris, Downing & Sherred, LLP

One Main Street

Newton, NJ 07860

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of James M Cerra — 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of James. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing creditor rights attorneys in Newton.

4.4

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once James M Cerra claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire James M Cerra — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new creditor rights 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 creditor rights attorney in Newton, New Jersey

A short list to run through before you commit: How many creditor rights 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 creditor rights practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every creditor rights 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 creditor rights practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about James M Cerra

How much does it cost to hire James for a creditor rights 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 creditor rights attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.
How long do creditor rights cases in New Jersey typically take?
Simple creditor rights 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 Newton?
James is licensed in New Jersey. Matters governed by New Jersey 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 creditor rights 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

Creditor Rights attorneys serving Newton, Trenton and Newark in New Jersey

James handles creditor rights matters throughout New Jersey. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified creditor rights attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If James's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these creditor rights attorneys in Newton handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.