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Michael Anthony Cataldo
About Michael
Biography
Associate Gellert, Seitz, Busenkell & Brown, LLC.
I am senior board certified for over 30 years. I am elected to the Super Lawyer community In 2010, 2021 and 2022 and do nothing but bankruptcy. I will give you personalized attention. I am the only attorney you will deal with in your chapter 7 or chapter 13. I also handle business cases in Chapter 11 and Chapter 11V. I will advise you according to what is in your best interest and not mine. You will receive quality representation, attentive service and at a fair are no pressure sales. You may take the options I suggest, kick them around and come back if interested.
I joined this firm to have the freedom to select cases. To have a more intimate connection to my clients and avoid the bankruptcy mill approach of other bankruptcy firms. I will let you know if bankruptcy is not the answer for you. Because of this approach we have a stellar reputation in the legal community and with the Courts. Consultations are free unless they require extensive review or research as part of the process. I work for you. You are the boss. You will be treated with respect and the tools to make your own, intelligent decision as to what you want to do. I won't just tell you, "Don't Worry' . If I do I clearly explain why. If there are concerns you will know those concerns so If they arise it was not a surprise. We will be a team. I will need your help to achieve results. Bnakruptcy requires a lot of documentation and your participation. But I will be there to assist you step by step along the way.
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
Bankruptcy and Debt
10%
40 years | 17,000 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Pennsylvania for 38 years
State: Pennsylvania
Acquired: 1987
No misconduct found
Location
Gellert Seitz Busenkell & Brown LLC
Suite 3020, 901 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19107
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Michael Anthony Cataldo's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 18 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | April 26, 2022 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
A job well done
Michael provided me with first rate advice - the process he outlined to complete the case successfully, was spot on. The resolution was 100% in my favor.
Posted by anonymous | December 10, 2021 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Excellent
The best lawyer I have ever worked. He faced a very difficult case and took on the challenge. Michael did an outstanding job being prepared and having a plan in place for a complete uphill battle which was successfully executed! Thank you
Posted by anonymous | December 9, 2021 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Mike Cataldo is an incredible attorney and expert in his field.
Mike is an incredible attorney. Not only is his expertise in his field second to none, he his also an incredibly compassionate and caring person. Those qualities shine through when he is working with his clients. He constantly managed my expectations and stayed on top of every step, communicating w...
Michael Cataldo
Replied last December 9, 2021Thank you. I am of the mindset that I work for you. It is your life and stress. We all need help from time to time. I am glad I could make it as painless as possible. I am so glad to help and continue to help.
Posted by Martin | November 14, 2021 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Garnishment
Social security, withholding funds with no legal grounds to do so. Mr. Cataldo had litigated this case was successful. And social security again, withheld funds , Mr. Cataldo quickly resolved it 100%. He's always right there for us. Thank you.
Michael Cataldo
Replied last November 15, 2021Thank you. It is great to be able to help good people.
Posted by Leslie | November 12, 2021 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Compassionate
Mr. Cataldo was very compassionate when my husband and I had the consultation. He was perceptive and realized that we were very upset, especially me. He was soft spoken and understanding. He explained everything to us so that we understood what was going to happen. We hired him and he worked out a f...
Michael Cataldo
Replied last November 13, 2021It was my pleasure Thank you
Michael Anthony Cataldo's Lawyer Endorsements
"Based on Mr. Cataldo's analytical responses to Avvo questions and his outstanding Client Reviews, I endorse this lawyer."
"Mike is skilled, knowledgeable and dedicated to his craft. As a fellow attorney, I have seen Mike work hard to achieve many favorable outcomes for his clients. He is an expert in the law and has mastered practicing it. He has a fabulous reputation among is colleagues in the debtors and creditors bars as well as with the Court and Trustee's Offices. I wholeheartedly endorse Michael Cataldo."
"I endorse this lawyer. I endorse this lawyer. Why? I have seen Michael's answers to over 200 questions here on AVVO. In that time, I have had an opportunity to review his answers, which have always been thoughtful, accurate, and complete. Those answers show why he has a high rating of 10 and is also like myself an attorney who only practices bankruptcy 100% of the time. And he is board certified which most bankruptcy attorneys are not but he achieve that too. I highly recommend this knowledgeable and capable attorney for any bankruptcy-related work. Great job Michael and hope to continue seeing such great accurate answers. Richard"
"I endorse this lawyer. Michael is an excellent bankruptcy lawyer. I Have known him for over 20 years as we both practice in the same field. He is respected by the courts as well as other lawyers for his knowledge of bankruptcy law."
"Top notch bankruptcy lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. One of the most insightful, bright and intelligent bankruptcy lawyers I know. Top notch and great person to boot!"
"Michael is an excellent lawyer and a fearless advocate for his clients. Michael has an excellent reputation in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Cataldo has maintained a very active consumer bankruptcy practice in Philadelphia for years and he provides a wealth of knowledge to his clients daily. Mr. Cataldo is active on AVVO and provides solid information and advice in his responses to inquiries for advice."
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Cataldo volunteers his time answering questions on Avvo to people looking for legal advise. His answers reflect his excellent knowledge of the law. I would recommend Attorney Cataldo to any in need of a bankruptcy."
"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mike Cataldo is one of the foremost consumer bankruptcy attorneys in Pennsylvania, with unchallenged integrity, skillful in communications with clients, the courts and fellow counsel, and his knowledge of the law and presentation are at the top of the qualitative list of practicing bankruptcy attorneys in Eastern Pennsylvania."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Michael Anthony Cataldo offers candid & trustworthy answers to the everyday questions people have about the law. I am happy to offer him my endorsement."
"Mike is throrough and persistent. He will tenaciously represent his clients and advocate their position."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. This lawyer is very knowledgeable in bankruptcy matters, particularly Chapter 7 and Chapter 13s. He is very patient with potential clients and spends alot of time with them to lay out various options based on the client's individual needs. He also carefully prepares all documents to ensure the best chance of a successful Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 discharge."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. He handled a debtor's bankruptcy case professionally and was always accessible and courteous. He did a great job."
"I endorse this lawyer. He is Bankruptcy Board Certified."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mike is a hard worker and he knows bankruptcy law. He is friendly, helpful and punctual."
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Experience
Honors
2026
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2025
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2022
Super Lawyer Recipient, SuperLawyers
2022
Lead Counsel Verified, Thomson Reuters
2021
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2021
Three Best Bankruptcy Attorneys in Philadelphia, Three Best Rated
2016
Distinguished, Martindale-Hubbell
2014
Board Certified In Consumer Bankruptcy, American Bankruptcy Institute
2014
ABI Certification, 25 Year Pin-Senior Certified
2013
Top Lawyers in Pennsylvania, The Legal Network
2010
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
1993
Board Certification In Business Bankruptcy, American Bankruptcy Institute
Work Experience
2021 - Present
Attorney, Gellert, Scali, Busenkell & Brown,LLC
1989 - 1991
Instructor/Teacher, Pierce Junior College
1985 - 2020
Attorney, Michael A. Cataldo,Esquire
Associations
2013 - Present
Temple Law Alumni AssociationMember
2006 - Present
National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy AttorneysMember
1993 - Present
American Bankruptcy InstituteMember
2024 - 2025
Community Bankruptcy Assistance ProjectBoard Member
2024 - 2025
Eastern District of Pennsylvania Bankruptcy ConferenceC0-Chair
2021 - 2022
Law Infolead counsel
1995 - 2007
Eastern District of Pennsylvania Bankruptcy ConferenceMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Sanchez
confirmed chaper 13 plan
chapter 7
discharge 9/24/13
chapter 7 discharge
discharged 9/17/13
421 CHESTNUT VS ALOIA
Creditor was denied the right to pursue a nondischargeability action
chapter 7
discharged $38,282
Chapte 7
discharge 9/24/13
CHAPTER13
confirmed plan
Adamar/Tropicana vs, August
Gambling Debt Discharged
CHAPTER 13
DISCHARGE 8/15/13
CHAPTER 13
DISCHARGE 8/15/13
ch 13 discharge
discharge 8/15/13
ch 13 discharge
discharge 9/30/13
CHAPTER 13
DISCHARGED 9/23/13
Kasitz v Yelow Book
Obtained sanctions and collected $7,500 for the debtor for the wrongful activity plus our atty fees of $2,186.25
In Re: Cossmam
avoided inchoate judicial liens on home with state exempt
In Re Straughter
discharge as to debtor wife
Education
1987
Temple University - James E. Beasley School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1984
Villanova University
BS - Bachelor of Science
Speaking Engagements
2025
Eastern District of Pennsylvania Bankruptcy Conference
Bankruptcy -Various in game show format
2021
At request of Judge Mayer
Addressed Summer Interns-Path to Bankruptcy Law
2019
Bankruptcy Institute 2019
Top Consumer Cases
2018
Eastern District of Pennsylvania Bankruptcy Conference 29th Annual Forum
Klaas and Related Cases
2018
Eastern District of Pennsylvania Bankruptcy Conference 29th Annual Forum
Repeat Bankruptcy Filings
2018
23rd Bankruptcy Institute
Advanced Stay Relief Issues
2017
The Essentials of Chapter 13 and chapter 7 practice
The Essentials of Chapter 13 and chapter 7 practice
2017
Spring Event
341 TRUSTEE MEETING
2017
Eastern District of Pa bankruptcy Conference
Definition of Surrender
2016
Bankruptcy Institute
How to Grow Your Practice Ethically
2016
A Brand new Day
New Bankruptcy Forms
2015
Essentials Of Ch 7 & 13
Bankruptcy Overview
2013
PBI Bankruptcy Institute
Basic Bankruptcy Track
2012
Annual Conference
Interview and Schedule Preparation
2011
PBI seminar
Ten Things You Need to Know About Ch 13 cases
2011
FALL DINNER
CH 20 CASES
2010
Pennsylvania Bar Institute
Basics Of Chapter 13
2008
Seminar
The Role Of the Paralegal
2007
Seminar
Successful Chapter 13 plans
2005
Roundtable
Serial Filings
2002
Seminar
Achieving a Successful Chapter 13 Discharge
2001
Seminar
Ethical Consireations and Issues
2000
Eastern District of Pennsylvania Bankruptcy Conference
Ethical Issues for Debtors's Counsel
1999
Television show-panel of three
Bankruptcy
1999
Seminar
Reaffirmation,Surrender,Redemption
1994
Domestic Relations Office
Child Support and Bankruptcy
Publications
2009
seminar materials
Conducting the client interview
1999
Seminar materials
reaffirmation, redemption or surrender
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
We filed bankruptcy and had our mortgage reaffirmed. Our mortgage company said they never received the reaffirmation.
24 Mar 2022
Q&A
Is Chapter 7 credit counseling a pass or fail? Can you debts /left over income be too much or too little that it affects filing
19 Feb 2022
Q&A
What can Onemain Financial do if I stop making loan payments ?
17 Feb 2022