Our team has experience with cases large and small. We are known for taking on the hard cases and going to trial when necessary to get the best results.
Pennsylvania Bankruptcy & Criminal Defense Lawyers
Serving Philadelphia, Bucks, Montgomery, Lehigh & Northampton Counties, PA
When your finances, your freedom, or your future are on the line, choosing the right law firm matters. At Young, Marr, Mallis & Associates, we help people across Eastern Pennsylvania who are struggling with unmanageable debt, facing criminal charges, or seeking disability benefits after an injury or illness. Our attorneys have dedicated their careers to guiding people through some of life’s most difficult moments with knowledgeable advice, responsive communication, and aggressive advocacy when it matters most. From local offices in Philadelphia, Bucks County, Montgomery County, Lehigh County, and Northampton County, we also represent clients in neighboring Delaware and Chester Counties. In each of these communities, our team has earned a reputation for standing beside clients from the beginning of a case until it is resolved.
For more than 40 years, Young, Marr, Mallis & Associates has represented thousands of individuals and families in legal matters that have a profound impact on their lives. Our bankruptcy attorneys have helped clients obtain financial relief in more than 15,000 bankruptcy cases, while our criminal defense lawyers, several of whom previously served as Bucks County Assistant District Attorneys, have defended people accused of offenses ranging from summary violations and misdemeanors to serious felony charges. Our disability attorneys have also helped countless clients pursue the Social Security Disability benefits they need after their claims were denied or delayed. That work has earned the firm Avvo Superb ratings and the American Institute of Bankruptcy Attorneys 10 Best Client Satisfaction Award, and our attorneys have been featured in The New York Times and The Philadelphia Inquirer. No matter what brings you to our firm, you can expect experienced representation and compassionate service from a team of Pennsylvania bankruptcy and criminal defense lawyers who are prepared to fight for your best interests.
Experienced Bankruptcy Representation for a Fresh Financial Start
Debt problems rarely happen overnight. Medical expenses, job loss, divorce, business difficulties, rising interest rates, and unexpected setbacks can leave hardworking people struggling to keep up with their bills. When debt becomes impossible to manage, bankruptcy may provide the opportunity to regain financial stability and move forward.
Bankruptcy is the foundation of our practice. Young, Marr, Mallis & Associates has handled well over 15,000 bankruptcy matters for individuals, couples, and small business owners throughout Eastern Pennsylvania. That volume means our attorneys have seen nearly every kind of financial situation, from a single lawsuit over an old credit card to a home that is weeks away from a sheriff sale. We take the time to evaluate your income, assets, debts, and long-term goals before recommending a strategy, because the right answer is different for every household.
Most of our clients file under one of two chapters of the Bankruptcy Code. Chapter 7 can eliminate qualifying unsecured debts such as credit cards and medical bills, and eligibility depends in part on how your household income compares with the state median. Chapter 13 lets people with regular income keep their property and repay what they can through a court-approved plan that usually lasts three to five years, which makes it a common choice for homeowners who have fallen behind on a mortgage. In either chapter, filing puts an automatic stay in place that stops most collection activity while the case is pending. Cases for residents of Philadelphia, Bucks, Montgomery, Delaware, and Chester Counties are filed through the Philadelphia Division of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, and cases for residents of Lehigh and Northampton Counties are filed through its Reading Division.
Our bankruptcy attorneys help clients with a wide range of debt problems, including:
- Chapter 7 bankruptcy
- Chapter 13 bankruptcy
- Emergency bankruptcy filings
- Mortgage foreclosure and sheriff sale defense
- Wage garnishment and bank levies
- Car repossession
- Creditor harassment and debt collection lawsuits
- Credit card, medical, and tax debt
- Debt consolidation and debt settlement
- Short sales and loan modifications
- Small business bankruptcy
Throughout the process, our legal team remains available to answer questions, prepare you for each stage of your case, and provide the guidance needed to move toward a stronger financial future. Our attorneys are supported by an experienced staff committed to making clients feel informed, respected, and cared for from the first conversation to the final discharge.
A Law Firm Focused on Life’s Most Important Legal Challenges
Many law firms handle a wide variety of legal issues. At Young, Marr, Mallis & Associates, we have intentionally focused our practice on areas where experienced representation can have an immediate and lasting impact on our clients’ lives. Financial hardship, criminal accusations, and disabilities each create uncertainty, stress, and significant legal challenges. Our attorneys understand these issues because we have devoted our careers to resolving them.
Whether you need to stop creditor harassment, defend yourself against criminal allegations, or appeal a denied disability claim, our lawyers understand both the legal process and the practical concerns our clients face every day. We believe that legal representation should involve more than filing paperwork or appearing in court. It should include clear communication, realistic advice, careful preparation, and a commitment to protecting your future.
Strong Criminal Defense When Everything Is at Stake
Being arrested or charged with a crime can be one of the most frightening experiences a person will ever face. Even before a case reaches trial, criminal charges can affect employment, professional licenses, family relationships, educational opportunities, and personal reputation. The decisions made immediately after an arrest often have a significant impact on the outcome of a case.
Young, Marr, Mallis & Associates provides aggressive criminal defense representation for people facing charges in Bucks County, Philadelphia, Montgomery County, the Lehigh Valley, and the surrounding communities. One of our greatest strengths is the experience our attorneys bring from both sides of the courtroom. Several members of our criminal defense team previously served as Bucks County Assistant District Attorneys. That background provides valuable insight into how prosecutors evaluate evidence, make charging decisions, negotiate plea agreements, and prepare cases for trial. We use that knowledge to anticipate the prosecution’s strategy and build an effective defense.
Our lawyers handle serious criminal litigation on a regular basis, and we are fully prepared to take a case to trial whenever doing so serves our client’s best interests. Our criminal defense representation covers a wide range of offenses, including:
- DUI and traffic offenses
- Drug crimes
- Assault and violent crimes
- Domestic violence allegations
- Theft and property offenses
- Weapons charges
- White collar crimes
- Sex offenses
- Juvenile offenses
- Probation violations
- Homicide and other major felony charges
- Criminal appeals and post-conviction relief
Regardless of the allegations, we believe every client deserves a vigorous defense and the full protection of their constitutional rights.
Helping Clients Pursue Social Security Disability Benefits
Living with a disabling medical condition often creates financial challenges that grow worse when Social Security Disability benefits are denied. Unfortunately, many deserving applicants receive initial denials despite legitimate medical conditions that prevent them from working.
Young, Marr, Mallis & Associates helps individuals pursue Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits at every stage of the process. Whether you are filing an initial application, requesting reconsideration, preparing for an administrative hearing, or appealing an unfavorable decision, our attorneys can guide you through the federal disability system. Our legal team works closely with clients to develop medical evidence, communicate with healthcare providers, prepare testimony, and present a persuasive case for approval.
A Team-Based Approach Focused on Client Service
Legal problems affect more than court dates and paperwork. They affect families, careers, finances, and peace of mind. That is why Young, Marr, Mallis & Associates emphasizes responsive communication throughout every case.
Our attorneys are supported by knowledgeable paralegals, legal assistants, and administrative staff who work together to keep clients informed and answer questions promptly. Many people who contact our office have never hired a lawyer before. They deserve explanations they can understand, honest assessments of their situation, and a legal team that treats them with dignity and respect. From your initial consultation through the conclusion of your case, our goal is to provide personal attention along with experienced representation tailored to your circumstances.
Serving Eastern Pennsylvania From Local Offices
Young, Marr, Mallis & Associates has deep roots in Eastern Pennsylvania, with eight offices in the counties where most of our clients live and work. Meeting with a lawyer close to home makes a stressful situation easier, and our familiarity with the local courts, trustees, prosecutors, and judges allows us to give practical guidance tailored to the place where your case will be handled.
Bucks County
Our Bensalem and Quakertown offices serve clients from Lower Bucks to Upper Bucks, including Levittown, Bristol, Langhorne, Warminster, Yardley, and Doylestown. Bucks County is where many of our criminal defense attorneys began their careers as prosecutors, and that experience in the county’s courts benefits every client we represent there.
Philadelphia
From our office on Bustleton Avenue in Northeast Philadelphia, we help residents across the city who are dealing with foreclosure, wage garnishment, overwhelming debt, criminal charges, and denied disability claims.
Montgomery County
With offices in Bala Cynwyd, Jenkintown, and Plymouth Meeting, our attorneys are within easy reach of clients in Norristown, Abington, Lower Merion, Lansdale, King of Prussia, Pottstown, and the surrounding townships.
Lehigh County
Our Allentown office serves individuals and families throughout Lehigh County, including Whitehall, Emmaus, Macungie, and the Lehigh County side of Bethlehem.
Northampton County
Our Easton office serves clients throughout Northampton County, including Bethlehem, Nazareth, and Hellertown, along with the rest of the Lehigh Valley.
We also regularly represent clients in Delaware County and Chester County, and the firm maintains additional offices in Harrisburg and in New Jersey.
Why Experience Makes a Difference
The outcome of a legal matter often depends on preparation, judgment, and experience. At Young, Marr, Mallis & Associates, our attorneys have spent decades representing clients in bankruptcy courts, criminal courtrooms, and administrative disability proceedings. That experience allows us to recognize potential problems early, develop effective strategies, and pursue favorable outcomes through negotiation, litigation, or trial.
Whether your case involves eliminating overwhelming debt, defending against criminal allegations, or securing disability benefits, our attorneys understand what is at stake. We are committed to protecting our clients’ rights while helping them move forward with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can bankruptcy stop foreclosure or wage garnishment?
In most cases, yes. Filing bankruptcy puts an immediate hold on most collection activity, including foreclosure proceedings, wage garnishments, lawsuits, and creditor calls. How long that protection lasts and what happens next depend on your financial circumstances and the type of bankruptcy you file, so it is important to speak with an attorney before a sale date or court deadline arrives.
How do I know whether Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 is right for me?
The answer depends on your income, the kind of debt you have, and what you are trying to protect. People with limited income and mostly credit card or medical debt often look at Chapter 7. People who are behind on a mortgage or car loan and want to catch up over time often look at Chapter 13. Our attorneys review your full financial picture and explain both options before you decide.
Will I lose my home or car if I file bankruptcy?
Many people who file keep both. Whether you can depends on factors such as how much equity you have, whether your payments are current, and which chapter you file under. Protecting the property that matters most to you is one of the first things we discuss in a consultation.
When should I talk to a bankruptcy lawyer?
As early as you can. People often wait until a sheriff sale is scheduled or a paycheck has already been garnished, and by then some options may be harder to use. Talking with an experienced attorney while you still have time gives you more choices, including options other than bankruptcy.
Why should I hire a former prosecutor as my defense attorney?
Former prosecutors understand how criminal cases are investigated, evaluated, and prosecuted. That experience gives them insight into plea negotiations, evidentiary issues, and trial preparation, which helps them anticipate the other side’s arguments and build a stronger defense.
What if my Social Security Disability application was denied?
A denial does not necessarily mean you are ineligible for benefits. Many claims are approved during the appeals process after additional medical evidence is presented or testimony is given to an Administrative Law Judge. An attorney can evaluate why your claim was denied and help build a stronger appeal.
Does Young, Marr, Mallis & Associates offer free consultations?
Yes. The firm offers free consultations so you can discuss your concerns, understand your options, and learn how an experienced attorney can help before deciding how to move forward.
Call Young, Marr, Mallis & Associates for a Free Consultation
Whether you are considering bankruptcy, facing criminal charges, or seeking Social Security Disability benefits, getting experienced legal guidance as early as possible can make a significant difference. Young, Marr, Mallis & Associates has built its reputation by helping people in Philadelphia, Bucks County, Montgomery County, and the Lehigh Valley through difficult legal challenges with knowledgeable advice, responsive communication, and dedicated advocacy. Call our Pennsylvania bankruptcy and criminal defense attorneys today for a free consultation. We are available to answer your questions, explain your options, and begin protecting your rights and your future.
