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Theodore Lyons Araujo

Chapter 7 bankruptcy Attorney at Syracuse, NY

5.0   25 reviews

also known as Ted


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About Theodore

Learn Theodore’s areas of practice.

5
Practice areas
  1. Chapter 7 bankruptcy
    30%
    Representation of people and small companies that need to get rid of debt and keep their homes and/or other property.

    37 years, 2,000 cases

  2. Bankruptcy and debt
    25%
    Trial work and appellate representation in matters where the rights of the debtor have been violated.

    37 years, 2,000 cases

  3. Chapter 13 bankruptcy
    25%
    Representation of debtors trying to save their homes or forced to file a 13 due to disposable income.

    37 years, 1,500 cases

  4. Chapter 11 bankruptcy
    10%
    My experience in this area is for high income, high asset, high secured debt individuals who could not qualify for Chapter 13.

    18 years, 16 cases

  5. Foreclosure
    10%
    Defense of Foreclosure actions in State Court using approiate affirmative defenses, including standing, and the failure of the banks to negotiate fairly under HAMP, etc., where bankruptcy is not an option. Conduct Short Sales, negotiate Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure and fund refinancings supported by litigation defense.

    37 years, 180 cases

I am an experienced Bankruptcy Attorney and Litigator.  Given the current state of the mortgage securitization market and foreclosures we have pursued Federal and State Court actions to defend against improper foreclosures and collection activity.  We offer the debtor and homeowner a full array of services, including mortgage modifications, short sale representation, foreclosure defense and Bankruptcy representation.

We also have a practice dedicated to helping the disabled secure their Social Security Disability benefits.

My professional background includes acting as an intern and then Clerk for a State Supreme Court Justice, an Assistant District Attorney, a Special Assistant United States Attorney, and in-house counsel to my alma mater,CornellUniversity.

We serve the communities surrounding Westchester and Onondaga counties in the State of New York.

Photos and videos

Licensed for 37 years
State NY
Status Due to Register within 30 Days of Birthday
Acquired 1986
Updated 11/17/2022
State NJ
Status Active
Acquired 1985
Updated 03/09/2023
State MA
Status Retired
Acquired 1990
Updated 03/17/2023

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

Contact Theodore

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Reviews

5.0 / 5.0
  25 customer reviews
5 Star
 
96%
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Posted by Eric | October 29, 2018
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Very helpful!!!
Very helpful and gave me advice that gave me huge relief for my situation. Definitely give him a call if your in debt and are considering bankruptcy.
Posted by anonymous | October 10, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent job on Chapter 13
Mr. Araujo did a fantastic job on my Chapter 13. He laid out the rules, dispelled several mistaken notions I had about bankruptcy, and put together a plan that worked for me and was acceptable for the court and trustee. 5 years later and I'm done, without any issues. Thanks again!
Posted by Roy | June 5, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Works Impossible Acts for his Customers
I met with Ted and ask him to do the impossible with my finances. I was in extreme distress with no positive end in sight. He immediately went to work and started to analyze my situation taking everything into account. He gathered information from me about my finances, asked many questions and at the end of all of it put my best case forward. He was friendly, courteous, and very precise with every detail about my claim and to my utmost amazement he hit a grand slam out of the park for me. This lawyer is a most hire lawyer. He is very passionate about what he does and helping his clients. He will go the extra mile for you and put a win in your column.
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Posted by Eric | December 15, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Ted made my bankruptcy filing quick and easy
Ted was awesome, let me tell you why. I truly was not looking forward to filing bankruptcy. I was embarrassed to even walk in the office. I felt like I was admitting that, at almost 40 years old, I didn't know how to manage my finances and I was taking the easy way out. I had just gotten divorced and much, if not all, of my debt had been racked up by my now ex-wife. I was nervous. I didn't want to do it. I had great credit history my whole life up until shortly before my divorce. Then, I spoke with Ted. Very cool guy, knows what he's doing, very direct and to-the-point, funny, and had a way to make me relax. He explained every detail of bankruptcy to me in a way that I could easily understand and, believe me, there is a lot that I didn't know. By the end of my consultation with Ted, I felt completely comfortable with making the decision to file, and I'm happy that I did. Ted makes the filing process quick and easy. He basically has a checklist of the documents he needs you to provide to him. Once you're able to give him all of the required credit card statements, bank statements, medical bills, etc., he plugs away at it. So, the faster you get him the documents, the faster he can start your filing. You need to go through a class or two online that give you some good information about bankruptcy and managing your finances in the future. Before you know it, Ted has you set up with a date for the hearing. I went to my hearing, they ask a few questions, and then you walk out without any more stress on your shoulders. No more worries about how you're going to catch up on past due bills. And, as Ted explains very well, it's not because you took the easy way out...it's because you used your rights as an American citizen...rights that were given to you by our nation's forefathers who knew full well even then that people would need protection in this type of situation. Ted was awesome and I mean that sincerely. He answered all of my questions, thoroughly, even when I asked them a second time. My advice would be to make sure you take good notes, write down all of the advice he gives you, and write down all of the answers he gives you to your questions. I could say to just do what he tells you to do almost without question because he's been doing this for a while and he knows what you want and how you need to do it. If anyone were to ask me who I'd recommend for a bankruptcy attorney, there is no doubt...I would recomment Ted Araujo over and over and over again. Plus, his office is pretty sweet. Check him out. Believe me, you'll be glad you did.
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Posted by anonymous | December 1, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
He knows what he's doing
Great guy. Professional and precise. Know his job inside and out. Always quick to answer questions. Give him your facts and he will do his best in a timely manner. Thanks Ted !
Posted by anonymous | February 25, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Verified Review Avvo verified that the reviewer consulted or engaged this lawyer
Bankruptcy & Debt advice session
He gave me way more than the time specified on your website, was very knowledgeable on the subject, and helped me to resolve my questions about my issue. What more could a person ask for.
Posted by anonymous | December 22, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Verified Review Avvo verified that the reviewer consulted or engaged this lawyer
Bankruptcy & Debt advice session
Excellent! Very cordial. Very knowledgeable. Speaks to you in a concise, understandable manner. Gives you the logic behind the law. Highly recommend!
Posted by Haile Martinez | February 18, 2016
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Thanks for Posting the Answer form
I am getting suit by my associoation for non payment. They served me papers which I didn't understand, came across your profile and it help me so much. I was able to Answer them with your form and tips. Thanks so much for trying to help. Haile Martinez from Florida.
Posted by Kenneth | July 11, 2015
A new lease on life!
I never imagined myself having gone bankrupt. Circumstances were beyond my control. After having borrowed from my family a number of months to make ends meet there was no end in sight. Enough was enough and I had to take action. I reviewed the different attorneys online. I began calling different ones. Only one answered their phone on the first call, Ted Araujo. He guided me thru the process and made it so simple. He even bought me lunch. We had our hearing in Utica and the Judge seemed to have a lot of respect and rapport for Ted. They were both in the Military and highly educated. Prior to the hearing Ted had coached me thru what would happen and what to say and not say. It took a few minutes and my $80,000 in debt was discharged and my home and cars were safe. Just after my first meeting with Ted then after the bankruptcy it seemed like a burden had lifted away. A peace of mind over came me and the feeling of Relief. Everything turned around and my business is flourishing like never before! My mindset was downtrodden before and this seemed to effect my business and everything. It all changed after I hired Ted. Teds work gave me a new Lease on Life. The small fee he charged was the best money I ever spent. In the future I will live much more frugal and within my means. Ted does this himself and is a great example for his clients. I will also take much less risk with my financial decisions. Thank You Ted Araujo. Mr A.
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Posted by anonymous | May 6, 2015
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
replied to email request in a very pro and experdient fashion
I emailed Mr.Theodore Lyons Araujo for some information he referred to while perusing AVVO website, and I was pleasantly surprised to receive it via email the very next day. I wish to thank him and his associates, as well as AVVO, for always knowing the correct path to take regarding legal matters and related questions which may arise.
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Posted by Brian | August 25, 2014
Excellent Service
If you need to retain an Attorney for Bankruptcy, I highly recommend Attorney Ted Araujo. Let me explain. After being sued by one of my creditors due to my inability to pay, I researched Bankruptcy Attorneys in the Syracuse area, and called Ted. After speaking with him on a Monday morning, he immediately had me come in later that same afternoon to discuss my case. After discussing my situation, he advised me that I would be able to file Chapter 7 Bankruptcy. I knew that he was the Attorney for me, and made a deposit that same day and retained him as my Attorney. Two weeks later, after paying my legal fee in full, we sat down and he filed the Bankruptcy in front of me, and gave me a copy of my Bankruptcy petition that he filed with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court.. One month later, I appeared with counsel at a mandatory Meeting of Creditors, and two months after that I received my Bankruptcy Discharge; discharging my debts filed in the Bankruptcy petition.. Again, if you want your Bankruptcy completed in a timely manner with an excellent Attorney, I highly recommend Attorney Ted Araujo.
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Posted by Happy Client - he knows | July 26, 2014
Greatest "THANKS" I could give this guy is sending him clients!!
If your thinking of Bankruptcy, the decision is usually extremely difficult to make due to the emotions involved. If your at that point then make the obvious decision and just file and not wait 1.5 years like I did. When you file you BETTER have Ted Araujo represent you because nobody in the Syracuse area knows the Bankruptcy code better than he does. I had a high value bankruptcy that included many bank creditors and included only myself and wanted to protect the family home too. Ted put it simply on that first meeting; "so what about the $$ amount, its all the same and the banks took a risk and they'll do it again; just the way the business is" and that is how it should be looked at, its business and not emotion. Ted may come off as abrupt upon first meeting him; thats the Marine in him, but he's just sticking with the facts. A caring attorney, who doesn't over inflate legal fees and does what he can to help. I found Teds background in his service, degrees and lectures just what I would want an attorney to have. His office was QUICK to handle things and did it in an organized manner and responded quickly to any concerns or issues that popped up. His office was very reassuring throughout the process and forewarned if there were to be any issues. I was told a consultant attorney would be going to my 341 hearing (it's the norm) and that he was a retired BK attorney and best in the biz; and that guy was, and handled the 341 with ease. Ted is a guy I would wholeheartedly recommend to anyone facing financial issues. He's not a "factory" law office; it's a small firm that gives you the attention you would want. (thats important) He has a great legal assistant that performs wonders on organizing everything. The greatest thanks I could give this guy is sending him clients, so I hope you at least him, because I know you'll retain him.
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Posted by Terrence | July 22, 2014
chapter 13
Mr. Araujo was there to explain everything, help us get ourselves back on our feet, and to do everything we needed done promptly and professionally. Highly recommend.
Posted by Carrie | July 7, 2014
Great service!
Ted's office represented my bankruptcy 8 years ago. I recently contacted Ted because I was having a legal issue with my credit and needed documents from the bankruptcy. Ted got me the documents I needed the same day at no charge! Great service!!!
Posted by Pam | July 2, 2014
Highly recommend
Mr. Araujo was very professional and helpful. I had other lawyers advise me over the phone that I would not be able to file chapter 7 bankruptcy. Mr. Araujo took the time to review the entire case before offering an opinion. He is very knowledgeable with the laws of bankruptcy. I would highly recommend him.
Posted by Jeremy | June 24, 2014
Thank you for your advice and guidance, Ted!
Through a series of events, I found myself living well beyond my means. When faced with the dilemma of filing bankruptcy, I turned to Ted Araujo. He immediately set me at ease and clearly explained the options I had in order to preserve life as it was while I worked through this transitional period. Since filing a Chapter 13, I've been through some twists and turns on this road we call life, and Ted has promptly and professionally responded to a number of questions I've had along the way. He handled a modification to the plan with ease and no stress on my part. He has been more than helpful through this experience, and I would easily recommend him and his office to anyone who might also be stretched beyond their limits.
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Posted by anonymous | June 13, 2014
Chapter 7
Ted was very thorough with my Chapter 7 bankruptcy. He always answered my calls and email right away. He attended the meeting with the creditors, which I was very nervous about. I've had questions since it was discharged and he still answers them right away. I would recommend him to anyone!!!
Posted by anonymous | June 12, 2014
Very Satisfied Client!!
I would recommend 100%. Very thorough, knowledgeable, caring etc.. It is not often these days that you get a response from someone especially so fast. Every time I ask a question through email or calling I am answered immediately and by him. I was referred to him by a family member who was also 100% pleased with his services. He has given outstanding service and I am very happy with the way he has represented me. In difficult times it is nice to know that he actually cares and will help in any way possible.
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Posted by Victoria | June 12, 2014
Excellent
He took my case instantly, I was blown off by another attorney I googled the closest attorney near me and made a phone call to his office met with him 5 minutes later. Very friendly and understanding. I will recommend him to anyone. Made t bankruptcy go so much easier and it was so quick.!
Posted by Richard | June 6, 2014
Review of Ted Araujo, Lawyer
Mr. Araujo was thorough and we feel he did an excellent job in representing us. He was able to schedule our appointments on days and at times that were convenient to our needs.
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Cost

Rates
  • Free Consultation 60 minutes
  • Hourly Rates $ 250-450 per hour
  • Retainer Always
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Bodow Law Firm
  • Bankruptcy Law Center
  • 2003 - Present
  • Professor of Economics and Law
  • University Of Phoenix Online
  • 2001 - 2005
  • Partner
  • Brown, Pinnisi & Michaels PC
  • 1997 - 2003
  • Judge Advocate
  • United States Marine Corps
  • 1991 - 1997
  • Assistant University Counsel
  • Cornell University, Office Of University Counsel
  • 1988 - 1991
  • Attorney
  • Law Office of Gregory Leonard PC
  • 1987 - 1989
  • Assistant District Attorney
  • Erie County District Attorneys Office
  • 1985 - 1987
  • Intern/Clerk
  • Supreme Court, New York
  • 1984 - 1985
View all work experience

Education

  • State University of New York at Buffalo
  • Master of Arts
  • 1985
  • State University of New York at Buffalo School of Law
  • Juris Doctor of Laws
  • 1985
  • Cornell University
  • BS - Bachelor of Science
  • 1982

Legal Cases

  • Beacon v Darby 11-50102
  • Settled with lower payment
  • Schoonmaker v. Amerisist Tunaround Management
  • Client was awarded settlement
  • Matthew J Meaney 10-32106
  • Property returned to Debtor
View all legal cases

Associations

  • Cornell Alumni Association of Central New York
  • Life Member
  • 2004 - Present
  • National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys
  • Chair, New York State
  • 2003 - Present
  • Onondaga County Bar Association
  • Member
  • 1997 - Present
  • Marine Corps League
  • Life Member
  • 1997 - Present
  • Disabled American Veterans
  • Life Member
  • 1997 - Present
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • The Hammes-Shulman Award
  • National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys
  • 2018
  • Chair, New York State. Northern & Western Districts
  • National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys
  • 2013
  • Nominated and Listed in Who's Who for the Business Registry
  • Business Registry of Who's Who
  • 2011
  • Best of Syracuse Credit & Debt Counselling Service
  • U.S. Local Business Association
  • 2008
  • Navy Achievement Medal Consumer Law
  • United States Marine Corps
  • 1995
  • Navy Achievement Medal Consumer Law
  • United States Marine Corps
  • 1994
  • LAMP (Legal Assistance, Military Practice)
  • American Bar Association
  • 1993
  • Federal District Court Award for Pro Bono Service
  • Northern District of New York Federal Court
  • 1991
  • Trial Technique Award
  • Western New York Trial Lawyers Association
  • 1985
View all awards

Publications

  • Marine Corps Association Press “From the Horse’s Mouth”
  • Selected Thoughts on Small Unit Leadership, Legal Assistance
  • 1999

Speaking Engagements

  • Continuing Legal Education Fort Drum
  • Foreclosure Defense and Consumer Law
  • 2011
  • Annual Meeting National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys
  • The Means Test
  • 2010

Attorney endorsements

Received (39)
Given (24)
Endorse Theodore
Chapter 7 bankruptcy Attorney | Jan 11
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Mr. Araujo has gained a reputation in New York State as one of the best, if not the best Bankruptcy lawyer in the region. His knowledge of the bankruptcy code is immense. I personally would send friends or family members with debt issues to Mr. Araujo without hesitation."
Bankruptcy and debt Attorney | May 02
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have had the pleasure of meeting Ted Araujo at 4 day seminar and having in-depth conversation with him. In addition, he is a colleague in the Max Gardner Bootcamp, and so I have had extensive interaction with him through that medium as well. Ted is a knowledgable and aggressive atttorney. If you have bankruptcy or mortgage problems and are in his geographic area, you coud not do better than to have Ted as your attorney."
Real estate Attorney | May 31
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. What sets Ted apart from other attorneys is his attention to detail. Ted also seemingly really cares about his clients and does not treat them as mere "numbers". Ted has earned my respect, and the respect of other members of our legal community."
Bankruptcy and debt Attorney | May 26
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse "Ted" to the fullest. He is always prepared, knowledgeable, and professional. His ability to advocate for his clients is the standard for the community. Our firm does not hesitate to refer our own clients to Ted for his services."
Bankruptcy and debt Attorney | Apr 12
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Chapter 7 bankruptcy Attorney | Apr 10
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Attorney Theodore Lyons Araujo is a zealous advocate for his clients. He utilizes unique approaches to obtain a favorable outcome for his clients. I endorse this lawyer."
Unknown Attorney | Feb 28
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Attorney Araujo is respected by colleagues and is dedicated to the field and his clients. He is strategic, compassionate and a relentless attorney who goes the extra mile for his clients. His experience makes him uniquely qualified to provide the practical advice that matters most to clients. I endorse this attorney because, in addition to those qualities, I know that he can be trusted to handle the case to the best of his ability."
Personal injury Attorney | Sep 02
Relationship: Friend
"I endorse this lawyer."
Bankruptcy and debt Attorney | Dec 02
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer without hesitation. Ted Araujo deservedly has a strong reputation for his zealous debt relief advocacy, as well as for his vast legal expertise. He meticulously advocates for his clients' positions and serves as a source of knowledge and advice as to other lawyers in the legal community. If you are looking for an attorney, look no further."
Chapter 11 bankruptcy Attorney | Dec 20
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer. A brilliant, trustworthy and highly respected attorney in the legal community."
Bankruptcy and debt Attorney | Nov 04
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse Ted. He is well known in the bankruptcy law community as having a strong grasp of the law and reputation for zealously representing his clients."
Bankruptcy and debt Attorney | Oct 02
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community, I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone looking for a lawyer who knows the law and truly cares about protecting the rights of his clients and getting them the most favorable result possible."
Chapter 13 bankruptcy Attorney | Jul 03
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Unknown Attorney | Jun 09
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Ms. Araujo is one of the most giving lawyers in Avvo history. His record of providing help to people is beyond elite. Kudos. I endorse this lawyer."
Unknown Attorney | Feb 07
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. It is clear by reading the answers in the AVVO community that this lawyer is a top notch attorney who is highly respected in the legal community."
Chapter 11 bankruptcy Attorney | Feb 07
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Bankruptcy and debt Attorney | Nov 22
Relationship: Other
"Ted is one of those attorneys that other attorneys go to with their questions. He has a keen mind and is more than willing to share his expertise with his fellow lawyers. Ted is a fellow disciple of O. Max Gardner III and a fellow graduate of Mr. Gardner's Bankruptcy Boot Camp."
Unknown Attorney | May 28
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Bankruptcy and debt Attorney | Feb 07
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Attorney Araujo has already reached the highest level of approval from his clients and fellow attorneys. His endorsements are well earned by his service. I read and learn from what he writes on an almost daily basis. Attorney Araujo's advice is, as they say, priceless."
Bankruptcy and debt Attorney | Jan 31
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
View more endorsements
Bankruptcy and debt
Bankruptcy and debt
Foreclosure
Chapter 13 bankruptcy
Chapter 13 bankruptcy
Corporate and incorporation
Medical malpractice
Medical malpractice
Criminal defense
Divorce and separation
Divorce and separation
Chapter 13 bankruptcy
Bankruptcy and debt
Foreclosure
Bankruptcy and debt
Personal injury
Bankruptcy and debt
Bankruptcy and debt
Syracuse Chapter 7 bankruptcy Lawyer Theodore Lyons Araujo
Theodore Lyons Araujo
Chapter 7 bankruptcy Attorney
Syracuse, NY
Licensed for 37 years
Free Consultation