How much does it cost to hire Steve for a bankruptcy case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Steve walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does Steve offer a free consultation?

Steve charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Steve's office. Some bankruptcy attorneys offer free consults — check Steve's current terms during booking.

How long do bankruptcy cases in California 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. Steve gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Steve take my case if I'm outside Modesto?

Steve is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Steve 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 Steve?

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. Steve will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Steve accepting new bankruptcy clients right now?

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

Steve S. Altman, Bankruptcy Attorney in Modesto

Quick answer

Steve S. Altman is an associate based in Modesto, CA. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Chapter 11. Steve has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Borton Petrini, LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Modesto, CA
Experience: over 51 years
Known for: Bankruptcy · Business · Chapter 11

Handles Bankruptcy, Business, and Chapter 11 matters from Modesto, CA.
Over 51 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with Peer Reviewed.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Steve takes on

Steve concentrates on bankruptcy, business, chapter 11, chapter 13, and chapter 7. Each area below outlines the kind of case Steve handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Bankruptcy cases in Modesto, California

Steve takes bankruptcy matters in Modesto, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Steve agrees to represent you.

Business cases in Modesto, California

Steve takes business matters in Modesto, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Steve agrees to represent you.

Chapter 11 cases in Modesto, California

Steve takes chapter 11 matters in Modesto, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Steve agrees to represent you.

Chapter 13 cases in Modesto, California

Steve takes chapter 13 matters in Modesto, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Steve agrees to represent you.

Chapter 7 cases in Modesto, California

Steve takes chapter 7 matters in Modesto, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Steve agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Steve S. Altman — bankruptcy lawyer in Modesto

Steve S. Altman is an associate based in Modesto, CA. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Chapter 11. Steve has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Borton Petrini, LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Steven S. Altman graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles in 1970 earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and a Juris Doctorate Degree from the University of San Francisco in 1974. Steve Altman was admitted to the California State Bar in 1975.

Steven was a Certified Law Clerk for San Francisco Neighborhood Legal Assistance Foundation prior to being admitted to the State Bar, with the principle emphasis on Landlord/Tenant, Administrative, and debtor/creditor proceedings from 1971-1974.

After being admitted to the State Bar, Steven became an Associate at South Folsom Law Firm, concentrating in general/civil litigation matters, bankruptcy, domestic relations and debtor/creditor issues.

In 1977 Steve moved to the Stanislaus County Legal Assistance Foundation with a concentration in Bankruptcy, Consumer Civil Litigation, Civil rights and was the acting Directing Attorney at the time of his departure.

In 1978 Steven started working for California Rural Legal Assistance with special areas of concentration on housing, debtor/creditor litigation, and administrative hearings..

Steven has worked in solo and partnership roles including the Modesto Law Clinic, the Law Firm of Altman & Carr, the Law Firm of Steven Altman, Collin & Gross, and Altman & Collins since 1980, specializing in areas dealing with debtor/creditor rights, complex bankruptcy proceedings, and representation of trustees and creditor committees in bankruptcy proceedings.

Some of Steven’s more notable cases include: In re Gose, 308 B.R. 41 (BAP 9th Cir. 2004), which resulted in a favorable ruling for his client, a bankruptcy trustee, construing California personal injury exemptions; Achterberg v. Creditor, Trade Associates Inc., Eastern District Court Case No. 9 15-09054 (Judge Sargis, February 2017) regarding the Violation of an Automatic Stay and Discharge Injunction; In re Carroll, Case No. 09-90311-E-7, GMW-3, regarding the successful mesh claim as to property of a bankruptcy estate.

Publications:
Michael B. v. Superior Court (1978) 83 Cal.App.3d 1006

Lectures, Seminars & Publications:
MCLE Presenter Stanislaus County Bar Association, 2015-2017

Steve's approach to bankruptcy cases

Steven S. Altman graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles in 1970 earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and a Juris Doctorate Degree from the University of San Francisco in 1974. Steve Altman was admitted to the California State Bar in 1975. Steven was a Certified Law Clerk for San Francisco Neighborhood Legal Assistance Foundation prior to being admitted to the State Bar, with…

The kind of cases Steve takes

Steve reviews new inquiries case-by-case for bankruptcy, business, and chapter 11 matters in Modesto and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

University of San Francisco
J.D. · 1974
University of California, Los Angeles
B.A. Sociology · 1970

Jurisdictions

Steve's state bar admissions

State Bar of Califor
1975 · ACTIVE

Steve studied at J.D. in University of San Francisco and B.A. Sociology in University of California, Los Angeles.

Law school and academic background

Steve completed J.D. in University of San Francisco and B.A. Sociology in University of California, Los Angeles. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Steve runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

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

Peer Reviewed

Legal awards and honors

Peer Reviewed.

Locations

Steve S. Altman's office in Modesto

Steve's primary office is at 201 Needham Street, Modesto, CA, 95354. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Borton Petrini, LLP

201 Needham Street

Modesto, CA 95354

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Steve S. Altman — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

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

5.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Steve S. Altman claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Steve S. Altman — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new bankruptcy attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Steve usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Steve charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Steve'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; Steve will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a bankruptcy attorney in Modesto, California

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 Steve

Steve 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. Steve confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Steve'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 Steve S. Altman

How much does it cost to hire Steve for a bankruptcy case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Steve walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Steve offer a free consultation?
Steve charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Steve's office. Some bankruptcy attorneys offer free consults — check Steve's current terms during booking.
How long do bankruptcy cases in California 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. Steve gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Steve take my case if I'm outside Modesto?
Steve is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Steve 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 Steve?
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. Steve will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Steve accepting new bankruptcy clients right now?
Steve's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by California residents in the last few months, answered by bankruptcy attorneys like Steve S. Altman. Each link opens the full answer thread.

What Happens To My House When I File Bankruptcy In California?
I live in Los Angeles, California, and I'm about to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. My home is currently worth around $600,000, but I owe $400,000 on the mortgage. I’m worried about
1 verified answer · Bankruptcy · California
Does Filing Bankruptcy Stop Foreclosure In New York?
I’m facing foreclosure on my home in Buffalo, New York, and I’m considering filing for bankruptcy as a last resort. My mortgage lender has already sent me a notice. If I file for C
1 verified answer · Bankruptcy · New York
How Much Will Bankruptcy Cost Me In Michigan?
I live in Detroit, Michigan, and I’m exploring my bankruptcy options. I’ve heard filing can be expensive, but I need to know what to expect in terms of legal fees and court costs.
1 verified answer · Bankruptcy · Michigan
Can I Get A Loan After Filing Bankruptcy In Washington?
I filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Seattle, Washington, six months ago, and I'm starting to think about my financial future. How soon can I apply for a personal loan after bankrup
1 verified answer · Bankruptcy · Washington
What Are The Consequences Of Bankruptcy In Maryland?
I’m considering bankruptcy in Baltimore, Maryland, and I'm worried about the potential consequences, like losing property or having my credit ruined. What are some common consequen
1 verified answer · Bankruptcy · Maryland
Can Bankruptcy Help With Medical Bills In Texas?
I racked up around $15,000 in medical bills after an emergency surgery last year in Houston, Texas. I’m struggling to keep up with payments, and I’m considering bankruptcy. Will fi
1 verified answer · Bankruptcy · Texas

Areas served

Bankruptcy attorneys serving Modesto, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California

Steve handles bankruptcy matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified bankruptcy attorneys in that community.

Steve S. Altman, Bankruptcy Attorney in Modesto, California

Quick answer