69/100LFR Score
Ranked #1 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.9★ from 105 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Bankruptcy attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Bankruptcy Lawyers in Gastonia, NC: 2026 rankings
39 bankruptcy lawyers ranked by LFR ScoreUpdated 0 paid placements in this rankingHow we rank →
The short answer
- 1
Highest LFR Score in Gastonia: The Layton Law Firm, LFR Score 69/100; 4.9★ from 105 Google reviews; open 24/7.
- 2
Open 24 hours (per Google): Farmer & Morris Law, posts 24/7 hours; ranked #2 of 39.
- 7
Most-reviewed: Hands Law Office, PLLC, 197 Google reviews at 4.6★, the most of 39 ranked; ranked #7.
Rankings can't be bought. Lawyers can't pay to change their rank or score. How we rank
39 Gastonia bankruptcy lawyers are ranked here by LFR Score, from nine published factors. 5 are open 24/7, 9 open Saturdays and 5 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 4.6★ across 39 rated law firms.
Top 10 bankruptcy lawyers in Gastonia at a glance
Ranked by our published LFR Score from public data, not by payment; a rank is not an endorsement or a prediction of results.
| Rank | Business | LFR Score | Google rating | Based in | Hours | Notable for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Layton Law Firm | 69 | 4.9★ (105) | Charlotte, 20 mi away | Open 24 hrs (Google) | Top score |
| 2 | Farmer & Morris Law | 68 | 5.0★ (68) | Shelby, 20 mi away | Open 24 hrs (Google) | Open 24 hours |
| 3 | Duncan Law, LLP | 67 | 4.7★ (82) | Charlotte, 24 mi away | Open 24 hrs (Google) | — |
| 4 | Benjamin R. Matthews and Associates, LLC | 66 | 4.6★ (71) | Rock Hill, 25 mi away | Open 24 hrs (Google) | — |
| 5 | The Law Office of Geoffrey A. Planer | 64 | 4.4★ (67) | Gastonia | — | — |
| 6 | Law Office of Jack G. Lezman, PLLC | 64 | 4.4★ (29) | Charlotte, 24 mi away | Open 24 hrs (Google) | — |
| 7 | Hands Law Office, PLLC | 64 | 4.6★ (197) | Charlotte, 24 mi away | — | Most reviews |
| 8 | The Howze Law Firm LLC | 64 | 4.7★ (166) | Rock Hill, 25 mi away | — | — |
| 9 | Blossom Law PLLC | 64 | 4.9★ (91) | Charlotte, 20 mi away | — | — |
| 10 | Jeanne Ann Pennebaker, PLLC d/b/a JA Debt Law | 63 | 4.8★ (24) | Charlotte, 18 mi away | — | — |
All 39 bankruptcy lawyers in Gastonia, in rank order
Ordered by LFR Score, a 0–100 score from nine published factors. Paid placement never changes the order.
Ranked by our published LFR Score from public data, not by payment; a rank is not an endorsement or a prediction of results.
Based in Shelby, 20 mi away
68/100LFR ScoreRanked #2 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 68 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Bankruptcy attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Charlotte, 24 mi away
67/100LFR ScoreRanked #3 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.7★ from 82 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Bankruptcy attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Rock Hill, 25 mi away
66/100LFR ScoreRanked #4 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.6★ from 71 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Bankruptcy attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Gastonia
64/100LFR ScoreRanked #5 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.4★ from 67 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Bankruptcy attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Charlotte, 24 mi away
64/100LFR ScoreRanked #6 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.4★ from 29 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Bankruptcy attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Charlotte, 24 mi away
64/100LFR ScoreRanked #7 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.6★ from 197 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Bankruptcy attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Rock Hill, 25 mi away
64/100LFR ScoreRanked #8 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.7★ from 166 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Bankruptcy attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Charlotte, 20 mi away
64/100LFR ScoreRanked #9 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.9★ from 91 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Bankruptcy attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Charlotte, 18 mi away
63/100LFR ScoreRanked #10 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.8★ from 24 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Bankruptcy attorney”.
Based on 6 of 9 factors; bar status, recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Charlotte, 19 mi away
63/100LFR ScoreRanked #11 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.8★ from 61 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Bankruptcy attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
#12 Cordes Law, PLLC
Based in Charlotte, 20 mi away
62/100LFR ScoreRanked #12 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.8★ from 61 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Bankruptcy attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Charlotte, 27 mi away
62/100LFR ScoreRanked #13 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.7★ from 54 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Bankruptcy attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Gastonia
62/100LFR ScoreRanked #14 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.1★ from 27 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Bankruptcy attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Charlotte, 25 mi away
62/100LFR ScoreRanked #15 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.7★ from 87 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Bankruptcy attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
#16 Dove Law Firm
Based in Belmont, 9 mi away
61/100LFR ScoreRanked #16 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.8★ from 20 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Bankruptcy attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Gastonia
61/100LFR ScoreRanked #17 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.0★ from 20 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Bankruptcy attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Gastonia
61/100LFR ScoreRanked #18 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.0★ from 8 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Bankruptcy attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Charlotte, 24 mi away
60/100LFR ScoreRanked #19 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.7★ from 40 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Bankruptcy attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Charlotte, 20 mi away
60/100LFR ScoreRanked #20 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 10 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Bankruptcy attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
#21 Offit Kurman
Based in Charlotte, 19 mi away
60/100LFR ScoreRanked #21 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.4★ from 28 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Bankruptcy attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Shelby, 20 mi away
60/100LFR ScoreRanked #22 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.8★ from 21 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Bankruptcy attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Matthews, 29 mi away
59/100LFR ScoreRanked #23 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.9★ from 30 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Bankruptcy attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Hickory, 34 mi away
59/100LFR ScoreRanked #24 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.3★ from 67 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Bankruptcy attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Concord, 36 mi away
59/100LFR ScoreRanked #25 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.6★ from 49 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Bankruptcy attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
All 39 bankruptcy lawyers
#1 to #25 are shown in full above. Here are #26 to #39, in LFR Score order; each links to its profile.
| Rank | Business | LFR Score | Google rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26 | The Cummings Law Firm, P.A. | 58 | 4.1★ (17) | 19 mi |
| 27 | Nardone Law | 58 | 4.6★ (37) | 36 mi |
| 28 | Brannen Law, PLLC | 58 | 4.3★ (52) | 36 mi |
| 29 | The Collier Law Firm, P.C. | 58 | 4.4★ (19) | 22 mi |
| 30 | Young, Morphis, Bach & Taylor, LLP of North Carolina | 57 | 4.2★ (32) | 34 mi |
| 31 | Joseph M. Bochicchio, PLLC | 57 | 4.5★ (11) | 24 mi |
| 32 | Brian P. Hayes, Attorney at Law | 57 | 4.7★ (18) | 36 mi |
| 33 | Law Office Stephen G. Court | 56 | 5.0★ (4) | 29 mi |
| 34 | Dowless Law Firm | 55 | 3.8★ (25) | 36 mi |
| 35 | David R. Badger, P.A. | 55 | 4.0★ (4) | 20 mi |
| 36 | Law Office Of James B. Mallory III | 55 | 4.6★ (12) | 40 mi |
| 37 | Rod A. Vujovic, Attorney at Law, PA | 55 | 5.0★ (8) | 35 mi |
| 38 | Law Offices of Thomas C. Flippin, PC | 54 | 5.0★ (9) | 40 mi |
| 39 | Hamby & Hamby, P.A. | 47 | 4.3★ (30) | 40 mi |
Also serving Gastonia
20 more bankruptcy lawyers within 40 mi that we can't rank yet: too few reviews, or a practice area we couldn't confirm. Listed A to Z.
| Business | Google rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| 24 Hour Closing Gastonia NC | 3.7★ (25) | In Gastonia |
| Alston & Bird | 5.0★ (2) | 19 mi |
| Beam Richard Law Office Of | In Gastonia | |
| Caulder & Valentine Law Firm, PLLC | 5.0★ (189) | In Gastonia |
| David Bolger Attorney at Law | 1.0★ (1) | 34 mi |
| Davis and Goldsmith Law Office | 5.0★ (1) | 36 mi |
| Dolley-Morgan Page | 4.3★ (20) | In Gastonia |
| Grier Wright Martinez, PA | 5.0★ (1) | 19 mi |
| Hoyle Larry G | 4.2★ (57) | In Gastonia |
| Joseph W. Grier III | 19 mi | |
| Law Offices of Robert H. Gourley, Jr., P.A. | 5.0★ (1) | 29 mi |
| McSpadden Malcolm | 4.2★ (13) | In Gastonia |
| P. Wayne Sigmon | 4.0★ (2) | In Gastonia |
| Pearce Law PLLC | 20 mi | |
| Russell Jr John H | 5.0★ (3) | In Gastonia |
| Scott A. Harper II, Attorney at Law | 19 mi | |
| The Bankruptcy Law Network of Charlotte | 19 mi | |
| The Law Office of Eddie L. Meeks, PLLC | 4.6★ (16) | In Gastonia |
| The Law Offices of Kelvin J. Atkinson, PLLC | 4.5★ (49) | In Gastonia |
| The Ratchford Law Firm | 4.7★ (136) | In Gastonia |
How we ranked Gastonia bankruptcy lawyers
We scored 39 Gastonia bankruptcy lawyers on nine factors, weighted as shown. A law firm is ranked when its practice area is confirmed and it has 3 or more Google reviews or a claimed profile. A law firm with no Google reviews scores zero on rating, review volume and recency. Other unknown factors are left out, not counted as zero. Scores last refreshed November 9, 2026.
Paid placement never changes a rank or score. Attorney advertising businesses are paid, labelled, limited to 3 and shown above the ranking, outside it.
| Factor | Weight | Computed from | In Gastonia data |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reputation | 25% | Google star rating, adjusted for how many reviews back it | Measured |
| Bar status | 10% | An active bar or law society record matched to a lawyer at the firm (not measured until a record source is loaded) | Not yet collected |
| Review volume | 10% | Number of Google reviews, compared with the most-reviewed firm on the list | Measured |
| Recency | 10% | Share of reviews from the last 12 months | Not yet collected |
| Availability | 5% | Weekly office hours, Saturday, Sunday, and phones answered 24/7 | Measured |
| Practice focus | 15% | How clearly the firm practises this area (its Google category and name) | Measured |
| Proximity | 5% | An office in the city scores highest, less the farther away it is | Measured |
| Claimed profile | 10% | The firm has claimed its Law Firms Ranked profile (free and paid earn the same) | Measured |
| Law Firms Ranked reviews | 10% | Verified client reviews collected by Law Firms Ranked: their rating and how many there are | Measured |
How to choose a bankruptcy lawyer
- Check the lawyer’s status and any public discipline in the state bar or law society directory.
- Ask how many bankruptcy law matters the lawyer handles each year, and who at the firm will do the work.
- Get the fee arrangement in writing: hourly, flat or contingency, and which costs are charged on top.
- Ask how and how often the firm will update you, and how fast it answers calls and emails.
- Read recent reviews for how the firm communicated and billed, not only for outcomes.
- Ask whether the lawyer, not only staff, will review your forms and go with you to the meeting of creditors.
- Meet more than one firm; many offer a short first consultation, sometimes free.
Questions to ask a bankruptcy lawyer
- How would you approach a matter like mine, and what are the realistic options?
- How do you charge, and what will the total likely cost?
- Who will be my main contact, and how quickly do you reply?
- Which chapter fits my situation, and why?
- Which of my property is exempt?
- Is there any conflict of interest that would stop you representing me?
Terms explained
- Contingency fee
- A fee that is a share of the money recovered, paid only if there is a recovery. Common in injury cases; not allowed for criminal defense or for securing a divorce.
- Retainer
- Money paid up front and held in a trust account, which the lawyer draws on as fees are earned.
- Flat fee
- One set price for a defined piece of work, such as a will or an uncontested matter.
- Limited-scope representation
- Paying a lawyer for part of a matter only, such as reviewing documents or coaching for one hearing (also called unbundled services).
- Statute of limitations
- The deadline to file a lawsuit or charge. It differs by state or province and by type of claim.
- Good standing
- A lawyer’s status as active and eligible to practise with a state bar or law society.
- Law society
- The body that licenses and disciplines lawyers in a Canadian province or territory.
- Board certification
- Recognition in a field of law by a state program or an organisation accredited for that purpose. Lawyers may only claim it when they hold it, naming the certifying body.
- Attorney–client privilege
- The rule that keeps confidential communications between a client and lawyer, made for legal advice, out of court.
- Conflict check
- The search a firm runs before taking a matter to make sure it does not represent someone on the other side.
- Pro bono
- Legal work done for free, usually for people who cannot afford a lawyer.
- Legal aid
- Publicly funded legal help for people with low incomes, through legal aid offices, public defenders or provincial legal aid plans.
Bankruptcy lawyers in Gastonia: frequently asked questions
Which bankruptcy lawyer has the highest LFR Score in Gastonia?
By LFR Score, the highest-ranked bankruptcy lawyer in Gastonia, NC is The Layton Law Firm with an LFR Score of 69/100. It has 4.9★ from 105 Google reviews. It is open 24/7. Farmer & Morris Law (#2) and Duncan Law, LLP (#3) follow. We ranked 39 bankruptcy lawyers on nine factors, last updated November 9, 2026.
How many bankruptcy lawyers are there in Gastonia?
LawFirmsRanked ranks 39 bankruptcy lawyers serving Gastonia, NC. 4 of them are based in Gastonia; the rest serve it from nearby towns. Another 20 within 40 mi are listed but not ranked yet. Counts are as of November 2026.
Which bankruptcy lawyers in Gastonia are open 24/7?
5 ranked bankruptcy lawyers in Gastonia post 24/7 hours. The highest-ranked are The Layton Law Firm (#1), Farmer & Morris Law (#2) and Duncan Law, LLP (#3). Hours come from each law firm's Google listing as of November 2026, so call to confirm.
Which bankruptcy lawyers in Gastonia work on weekends?
9 of 39 ranked bankruptcy lawyers post Saturday hours and 5 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are The Layton Law Firm (#1), Farmer & Morris Law (#2) and Duncan Law, LLP (#3). Posted hours are office hours; many firms meet clients by appointment outside them.
What Google rating do Gastonia bankruptcy lawyers have?
The median Google rating among 39 rated bankruptcy lawyers in Gastonia is 4.6★, with a median of 30 reviews. Hands Law Office, PLLC has the most, 197 reviews, and ranks #7. We adjust ratings for review count, so a few five-star reviews cannot top the list.
How does LawFirmsRanked rank bankruptcy lawyers?
Each bankruptcy lawyer gets a 0–100 LFR Score from nine published factors, led by reputation (25%), practice focus (15%), review volume (10%) and recency (10%). A law firm with no Google reviews scores zero on rating, review volume and recency; other factors we cannot measure are left out. Only law firms with a confirmed practice area and 3 or more reviews, or a claimed profile, are ranked.
Do bankruptcy lawyers outside Gastonia count in this ranking?
Yes, if they are within 40 mi of the Gastonia city center, our service radius for bankruptcy lawyers. Each listing shows where the law firm is based and how far away it is. Proximity is 5% of the LFR Score, so a nearby law firm gets a small edge.
Can bankruptcy lawyers pay to rank higher on LawFirmsRanked?
No. The LFR Score never reads payment status, and this ranking has 0 paid placements. Up to 3 Featured law firms may appear above the list, labelled Attorney advertising and showing their honest rank.
How do bankruptcy lawyers in Gastonia, NC charge?
Consumer bankruptcy lawyers usually charge a flat fee for Chapter 7; Chapter 13 fees are often paid partly through the repayment plan and are reviewed by the court. Under federal law they must give you written disclosures and a written contract (11 U.S.C. §§526–528). Lawyers using Clio billed an average of $481 an hour in this area (Clio Legal Trends data, October 2026; all areas $362). Ask for the fee arrangement in writing before you agree.
What is the difference between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13?
Chapter 7 sells non-exempt property to pay creditors and usually ends in a few months; Chapter 13 keeps your property under a three- to five-year repayment plan. Income and assets decide which you can use. This is general information, not legal advice.
How is this list of bankruptcy lawyers in Gastonia, NC ranked?
By LFR Score only, from public data on reviews, practice focus, office location and hours. Firms labelled “Attorney advertising” paid for that placement; payment never changes a rank, and a rank is not an endorsement.
Does a lawyer need an office in Gastonia?
No, but the lawyer must be licensed in your state (or, for federal matters such as immigration, in some state). A local office makes meetings and court appearances easier, so proximity is one of our factors.
Update log for Gastonia
- November 2026: LFR Scores recalculated for 39 bankruptcy lawyers serving Gastonia.
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