Vivian A. Houghton

Vivian A. Houghton

4.2
Rating: 7.5

Licensed for 45 years

Bankruptcy and debt Lawyer at Wilmington, DE
Practice Areas: Bankruptcy & Debt, Real Estate, Tax

800 N West St Fl 1, Wilmington, DE

About Vivian

Biography

Practice Areas

3

Practice Areas

Bankruptcy and Debt 90%

Consumer Bankruptcy- Chapter 7 & Chapter 13

90%
Tax 2%

Tax Preparation ONLY

2%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 60 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Delaware for 45 years

State: Delaware

Acquired: 1980

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in Maryland for 34 years

State: Maryland

Acquired: 1991

Inactive - Retired

No misconduct found

Location

Law Office of Vivian A. Houghton, Inc.

800 N West St Fl 1, Wilmington, DE, 19801-1565

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Vivian A. Houghton's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.2 /5.0

10 Client Reviews

5 star (8)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (2)

Posted by Angie | July 31, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Vivian Houghton and Staff OUTSTANDING!!!!

Vivian Houghton and her staff, in particular Luci, was wonderful with me regarding my Chapter 13 Bankruptcy. They were caring and understanding. Ms. Houghton put me at ease right away about the terrible financial situation I was in. She made me feel like it was okay and stuff happens beyond our co...ntrol. That ease carried over with Luci. I loved working with both of them. Ms. Houghton's fees were reasonable and she did not charge anything up front for my Chapter 13. My car was repossessed and she was able to get it back for me. All I had to pay was the filing fee and the credit report fee. All her fees were put into my Chapter 13. I cannot say enough about Ms. Houghton and her staff. You will not go wrong with Ms. Houghton and this law firm.

Posted by ANGELA | July 30, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

EXCELLENT BANKRUPTCY LAW FIRM

If you need a superb bankruptcy law firm, they will not disappoint! Excellent Law Firm! "Everyone at the firm has always answered all my questions with great clarity and patience. They kept me informed every step of the way, which always gave me great peace of mind." "They are always available ...to answer my questions and concerns. They have gone above and beyond, always providing me with excellent representation! Thank you, Vivian, Lucia, and Victoria, for putting me at ease throughout the legal process." ‍

Posted by Loretta | July 30, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Trust is most important!! And that was it for me

I have worked with Vivian and Lucia at Doroshaw, Pasquale, Krawitz, and Bhaya Esq. I had filed a Chapter 13, about 3 years ago. They were so easy to work with, explained everything that was going on, and was available when I called and had questions. I was so excited when my credit score went up ...too.! And most of all, very kind. I would recommend Vivian to anyone.

Posted by Dan Wright | June 19, 2024 | Consulted Attorney

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

Belittled the entire time on the phone

From the start Vivian belittled me, talked over me and wasn't listening to half of what I was trying to tell her. She says she cares but, that's not true. The woman just runs her mouth before you get a chance to answer her questions. It went from $0 down chapter 13 to now you have to give me $500.00 ...which I was happy to do but, she kept trying to find a way to talk me into contacting a different attorney. I used her services years ago for a child support hearing and she was great at that time but, when I needed her for chapter 13 she just kept trying to find ways for me to go with a different attorney. Little things like the IRS website not working so I can get my transcripts, she made it sound like that was all my fault which is ridiculous. Any attorney that I know would be more than willing to get those transcripts for you if you are unable to do so which I would gladly pay for. She gave me a hard time about a different attorney that I used in chapter 7 years ago saying " Why didn't you contact me " ? She said you should know that the other attorney would charge high fees well, no, I don't know that and when you're under pressure to find an attorney to help you and one offers $0 down, you go with it which I did at the time. The call with Vivian left me disgusted, belittled and confused. If she responds to this saying that any of this is not true she is lying. I should have thought something wasn't right when 1 minute into the conversation you are being pushed by her to find another attorney. Apparently, her $0 down chapter 13 isn't true and I still would have no problem putting the $500 down she wanted but, to jump all over me because I used a different attorney instead of her years ago is beyond disgusting. She takes it out on me because I didn't call her first in which she claims she is the best Chapter 13 lawyer in business but, she doesn't act the least bit professional at all. She said you need to close all bank accounts with creditors that you are listing and I told her 3 times that I already done that but, she doesn't listen and starts raising her voice saying you are not listening and after the 4th time telling her that I did listen and closed those accounts a while ago she starts stuttering, without apologizing for not listening to me the 1st 3 times that I told I have already done those things. My car was endangered of being repo'd and I really needed her but, she just kicks you to the curb and continues to be arrogant. I have never come across any attorney that treats clients or potential clients that way. Maybe she's too old to do what she does I don't know but, if that's how you will continue to treat people when she was clearly the person not listening to anything I told her, maybe it's time to hang it up. I'll end this by saying what she did to me was uncalled for and disgraceful and anyone that considers using her should think twice.

Posted by Ruby | February 12, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Best attorney, cares about the customer

I love Ms Houghton's law firm. She is understanding of how life sometimes hits hard. She helps with the getting back in the game. I am grateful for her.

See All Client Reviews

Vivian A. Houghton's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Vivian
Gregory M. McCauley Jr. headshot
Gregory McCauley

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | May 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Bayard Marin headshot
Bayard Marin

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Feb 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Vivian for many years. She is the first person I would recommend to an individual having serious financial troubles. She is extremely competent in the field of bankruptcy. She cares about people and will fight for her clients. She is a great resource to have in our bar."

Ronald Lee Burdge headshot
Ronald Burdge

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Dec 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Vivian has been a member of the same professional group of Consumer Law attorneys as I am, for a decade. She knows bankruptcy law extremely well from her years of handling the financial problems and bankruptcy cases of consumers who need her help. She is smart, she knows the law, and she cares about her clients and making sure that they get the best legal advice possible for them and their families. If her office is anywhere near you, I recommend her to you."

View All Endorsements

No Endorsement Data Available Yet
This attorney hasn't created any attorney endorsements recently on Avvo.

Experience

Rating:  7.5 (Very Good)

Honors

2025

Top Lawyers Most Recommended By their Professional Peers, Delaware Today Magazine

2024

Top Lawyers Most Recommended By their Professional Peers, Delaware Today Magazine

2023

Top Lawyers Most Recommended By their Professional Peers, Delaware Today Magazine

2022

Top Lawyers Most Recommended By their Professional Peers, Delaware Today Magazine

2010

Top Lawyer in Bankruptcy, Delaware Today Magazine

2001

Top Lawyer in Bankruptcy, Delaware Today Magazine

N/A

Top Lawyers, Delaware Today Magazine

Work Experience

1980 - Present

Owner/CEO, Law Office of Vivian A. Houghton, Inc.

Associations

National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys

member

National Association of Consumer Attorneys

member

Education

1979

Widener University School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

Publications

1991

brochure Bankruptcy Facts and Fiction – What You Need to Know to Protect Yourself

Languages

English

Avvo Rating

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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution