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LAKE LAW, PLLC
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The Cortese Law Offices, P.C. in Chicago, IL
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Chicago-based bankruptcy law firm specializing in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filings, led by Frank G. Cortese with 30+ years of experience serving the Chicagoland area.
Data compiled from public sources
The Cortese Law Offices, P.C. Review
The Cortese Law Offices, P.C. is a bankruptcy-focused legal firm located in downtown Chicago (77 West Wacker Drive, Suite 4500) that has been serving individuals and families facing financial hardship throughout the Chicagoland region. The firm is headed by Frank G. Cortese, a Georgetown University Law Center graduate with over 30 years of bankruptcy experience and a track record of representing more than 7,500 clients. The firm concentrates exclusively in bankruptcy law rather than offering broader legal services, which reflects a specialization strategy.
The firm's core service offerings include Chapter 7 bankruptcy filings, Chapter 13 bankruptcy filings, foreclosure assistance, creditor harassment defense through automatic stay provisions, garnishment and lien resolution, and credit counseling guidance. A distinguishing feature is their claim to file Chapter 7 cases in as little as one day with $0 down payment required, and they offer free initial consultations via phone or text. The firm serves multiple counties including Cook, DuPage, Kane, Will, Grundy, Kendall, Lake, and McHenry, positioning themselves as a regional resource rather than a single-location practice. Clients are represented directly by Frank G. Cortese rather than by junior associates, according to their marketing materials.
What sets this firm apart is their emphasis on convenience and speed—specifically the "File Chapter 7 in 1 Day" claim and "No Office Visit Needed to File" positioning. Client reviews highlight responsiveness, same-day filing capability, and straightforward communication. The firm's long tenure (30+ years) and client volume (7,500+) suggest stored reputation signals and operational scale typical of a mature practice.
However, potential clients should understand that bankruptcy is a complex legal process with long-term financial consequences, and no firm should be selected based solely on speed or cost. The website includes appropriate disclaimers that contact form submissions do not create attorney-client relationships and cautions against sending sensitive information through non-encrypted channels. While the firm's experience appears substantial, individual results in bankruptcy cases vary significantly based on personal financial circumstances, debtor qualifications for Chapter 7 versus Chapter 13, and case complexity.
Services & Features
Automatic stay enforcement
Chapter 13 bankruptcy filing
Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing
Credit card debt bankruptcy resolution
Creditor harassment defense
Foreclosure defense and assistance
Free initial consultations
Liens on real estate negotiation and removal
Mandatory credit counseling guidance
Medical bill debt elimination through bankruptcy
Post-bankruptcy financial planning
Wage garnishment resolution
Feature Checklist
Mobile App
Online Portal
Score Tracking
Credit Education
Personal Advisor
Identity Theft Protection
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 30+ years of bankruptcy law experience with 7,500+ clients represented
- Direct representation by Frank G. Cortese rather than junior associates
- Claims same-day Chapter 7 filing capability with $0 down requirement
- Free consultation available by phone or text
- Serves 8 counties across Illinois (multi-county coverage)
- No office visit required to file bankruptcy
- Positive client reviews citing responsiveness and efficiency
Cons
- "1-day filing" claims may oversimplify the actual Chapter 7 process timeline
- Limited online information about attorney credentials beyond Georgetown Law degree and years of experience
- Website emphasizes speed and low cost, which may not align with complexity of individual bankruptcy cases
- No information about fee structure provided beyond "$0 down" marketing
- Serves primarily Chicago/Illinois area—not accessible to consumers in other states
State Consumer Finance Context
This is state-level context for Bankruptcy Services consumers in Chicago, IL. It does not confirm that The Cortese Law Offices, P.C. or this specific location is licensed.
State regulator
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
Consumer protection
Credit and debt help rules in Illinois
Relevant law: Illinois Credit Services Organization Act (815 ILCS 605/1 et seq.)
Registration: Required with Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR)
Upfront fees: Listed as prohibited in the current CreditDoc state summary
- Credit repair organizations must provide written contract clearly stating all terms, conditions, and cancellation rights before consumer pays any fee
- Prohibits charging or collecting any fee before services are fully performed and results are achieved
- Requires written disclosure of consumer's right to dispute items directly with credit reporting agencies at no cost
Key state rules to check
- The Predatory Loan Prevention Act (2021) caps all consumer loans at 36% APR including fees.
- Traditional payday loans are effectively eliminated due to the 36% cap.
- The Consumer Installment Loan Act regulates installment lending with additional protections.
Complaint resources
Source: CreditDoc state-law summary and listed public regulator resources. Verify licensing directly with the listed state regulator before relying on a provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
What services does The Cortese Law Offices, P.C. offer?
The Cortese Law Offices, P.C. offers 12 services including Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing, Chapter 13 bankruptcy filing, Foreclosure defense and assistance, Creditor harassment defense, Automatic stay enforcement, and 7 more.
What profile signals are listed for The Cortese Law Offices, P.C.?
The Cortese Law Offices, P.C. has profile signals associated with Illinois residents in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Will, Grundy, Kendall, Lake, or McHenry Counties facing Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 filing decisions, Individuals and families experiencing creditor harassment, wage garnishments, or foreclosure proceedings, Consumers seeking experienced bankruptcy counsel who want direct attorney representation rather than working with associates.
What are the strengths and weaknesses of The Cortese Law Offices, P.C.?
Key strengths: 30+ years of bankruptcy law experience with 7,500+ clients represented; Direct representation by Frank G. Cortese rather than junior associates; Claims same-day Chapter 7 filing capability with $0 down requirement. Areas to consider: "1-day filing" claims may oversimplify the actual Chapter 7 process timeline; Limited online information about attorney credentials beyond Georgetown Law degree and years of experience.
How does The Cortese Law Offices, P.C. compare to similar companies?
In the Bankruptcy Services category, comparable providers include LAKE LAW, PLLC, Saedi Law Group, LLC, Fonfrias Law Group, LLC. Each company has different strengths, so compare services, pricing, and consumer complaint records before deciding what to do next.
Quick Facts
- Headquarters
- 77 W Wacker Dr Ste 4500, Chicago, IL 60601
- BBB Accredited
- No
CreditDoc Profile Note
Research Note on The Cortese Law Offices, P.C.
The Cortese Law Offices is profile signals for Illinois residents (primarily Chicagoland) who qualify for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy and want experienced legal representation with direct attorney involvement. The main caveat is that bankruptcy should only be pursued after confirming eligibility and understanding long-term credit impacts; firms marketing extremely fast timelines should be approached thoughtfully, as individual cases often require more time for proper analysis and paperwork completion than headline claims suggest.
Profile Signals
- Illinois residents in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Will, Grundy, Kendall, Lake, or McHenry Counties facing Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 filing decisions
- Individuals and families experiencing creditor harassment, wage garnishments, or foreclosure proceedings
- Consumers seeking experienced bankruptcy counsel who want direct attorney representation rather than working with associates
Updated 2026-04-29
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Quick Summary
- The Cortese Law Offices, P.C. is listed as a Bankruptcy Services provider in Chicago, IL on CreditDoc.
- Use this page to check contact details, location, listed services, review signals, FAQs, and similar providers before deciding what to do next.
- If you need a loan, account, installment option, credit help, or debt support, start with the fit quiz and compare alternatives before contacting a provider.
- For broader context, continue into the free Credit Fundamentals course or a relevant financial wellness guide.
Next Steps
Find contact or location Check phone, address, map, and website availability. Check specific services See whether the provider lists the help you need. Review fit context Use the quiz to compare category, service, and public-rating fields. Compare alternatives Review similar providers before making contact. Improve your position What Your Credit Score Actually Means: Number-by-Number Breakdown Learn the basics Start the free Credit Fundamentals course.
Financial Wellness Guides
What Your Credit Score Actually Means: Number-by-Number Breakdown
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Read guide →Financial Terms Explained (14 terms)
New to credit and lending? Here are the key terms used on this page, explained in plain language with real-number examples.
How Loans Work
Default — Loan Default
When you fail to repay a loan according to the agreed terms — usually after 90-180 days of missed payments. It's the point where the lender gives up on collecting normally.
Why it matters
Default triggers severe consequences: credit score drops 100+ points, the debt may be sent to collections, you could be sued, and your wages or assets could be seized.
Example
You miss 4 consecutive car payments. The lender declares your loan in default, repossesses your car, sells it at auction for $8,000, and you still owe the remaining $5,000 (called a deficiency balance).
Legal Terms
CFPB — Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
A federal agency created in 2010 to protect consumers from unfair financial practices. They write rules, supervise financial companies, and handle consumer complaints.
Why it matters
The CFPB is your most powerful ally against high-cost lenders. Filing a complaint with them gets a response from the company within 15 days — companies take CFPB complaints seriously.
Example
A debt collector calls your workplace after you told them to stop. You file a CFPB complaint online. Within 15 days, the collection agency responds and agrees to stop. The CFPB tracks complaint patterns across all companies.
FDCPA — Fair Debt Collection Practices Act
A federal law that limits what debt collectors can do. They can't call before 8am or after 9pm, can't harass you, can't lie, and are required to stop contacting you if you request in writing.
Why it matters
Knowing your FDCPA rights stops abusive collection tactics. If a collector violates the law, you may have a right to sue for up to $1,000 per violation plus attorney fees.
Example
A collector calls your workplace 3 times after you told them not to. That's 3 FDCPA violations. You hire a consumer attorney (free — they get paid by the collector). The collector settles for $3,000.
Garnishment — Wage Garnishment
A court order that requires your employer to withhold part of your paycheck and send it directly to a creditor. Usually happens after a creditor sues you and has obtained a judgment.
Why it matters
Federal law limits garnishment to 25% of disposable income. Some states have lower limits. Student loans and taxes can be garnished without a court order.
Example
You owe $8,000 on a defaulted credit card. The bank sues, gets a judgment, and garnishes your wages. On a $3,000/month net paycheck, they take $750/month until the debt is paid.
Statute of Limitations — Statute of Limitations (Debt)
A time limit (typically 3-6 years, varies by state) after which a creditor can no longer sue you to collect a debt. The debt still exists, but they lose the legal power to force payment.
Why it matters
Knowing your state's statute of limitations prevents you from being tricked into paying debts that are legally uncollectable. Beware: making a payment can restart the clock.
Example
You have a $3,000 credit card debt from 2019. Your state has a 4-year statute of limitations. In 2024, a collector calls demanding payment. The statute has expired — they cannot sue you.
Debt & Recovery
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy — Chapter 13 Bankruptcy (Reorganization)
A type of bankruptcy where you keep your assets but follow a court-approved 3-5 year repayment plan to pay back some or all of your debts. Stays on credit for 7 years.
Why it matters
Chapter 13 may be more relevant than Chapter 7 if you have a home or assets you want to keep. It can stop foreclosure and let you catch up on mortgage payments over 3-5 years.
Example
You're 3 months behind on your mortgage and have $30,000 in credit card debt. Chapter 13 stops foreclosure and puts you on a 5-year plan: you pay $600/month to catch up on the mortgage and pay 40% of the credit card debt.
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy — Chapter 7 Bankruptcy (Liquidation)
A type of bankruptcy that wipes out most unsecured debts (credit cards, medical bills) by liquidating non-exempt assets. It stays on your credit for 10 years.
Why it matters
Chapter 7 gives you a fresh start but at a steep cost: 10 years on your credit, difficulty getting loans, and you may lose assets. Income is generally required to be below your state's median to qualify.
Example
You have $45,000 in credit card debt and earn $35,000/year. Chapter 7 erases the debt. You keep exempt property (basic car, household items). Your score drops to ~500 but you're debt-free.
Charge-Off
When a creditor declares your debt a loss after 180 days of nonpayment and removes it from their books. But you still owe the money — they just stop expecting to collect it themselves.
Why it matters
A charge-off is one of the most damaging entries on your credit report and stays for 7 years. The debt is usually sold to a collection agency who will pursue you for it.
Example
You stop paying your $4,000 credit card. After 180 days, the bank charges it off and sells the debt to a collector for $800. The collector now contacts you demanding the full $4,000 (they profit from what they collect above $800).
Collections — Debt Collections
When an unpaid debt is transferred or sold to a third-party collection agency that specializes in recovering the money. Collection accounts appear on your credit report for 7 years.
Why it matters
Even a $50 collection account can drop your score 50-100 points. Some newer FICO models (FICO 9) ignore paid collections, but many lenders still use older models.
Example
An old $200 gym bill goes to collections. It appears on all 3 credit reports and drops your 720 score to 640. Paying it helps with newer scoring models but under FICO 8 (still widely used), a paid collection still hurts.
Debt Consolidation
Combining multiple debts into one single loan with one monthly payment, ideally at a lower interest rate. It simplifies repayment and can reduce total interest.
Why it matters
Consolidation is generally most useful when you get a lower rate than your existing debts. But it doesn't reduce what you owe — and extending the term can mean paying more total interest.
Example
You have: $5,000 at 22% (credit card), $3,000 at 18% (store card), $2,000 at 25% (payday loan). A $10,000 consolidation loan at 11% saves you ~$2,100 in interest over 3 years.
Debt Settlement — Debt Settlement / Negotiation
Negotiating with creditors to accept less than the full amount you owe — typically 40-60 cents on the dollar. Usually done after you've already fallen behind on payments.
Why it matters
Settlement can save thousands, but it severely damages your credit (settled accounts show for 7 years) and the IRS may tax the forgiven amount as income.
Example
You owe $15,000 on a credit card and negotiate a settlement of $7,500 (50%). You save $7,500 but: your credit drops 100+ points, the account shows 'settled' for 7 years, and you may owe taxes on the $7,500 forgiven.
DTI Ratio — Debt-to-Income Ratio
The percentage of your monthly gross income that goes toward paying debts. Lenders use it to judge whether you can afford another loan payment.
Why it matters
Most lenders want DTI below 36% for personal loans and below 43% for mortgages. Above that, you're considered overextended and likely to be denied.
Example
You earn $5,000/month gross. Your debts: $1,200 mortgage + $300 car + $200 student loans = $1,700/month. DTI = 34%. A new $400/month loan would push you to 42% — risky for lenders.
Judgment — Court Judgment (Debt)
A court ruling that says you legally owe a specific amount to a creditor. It gives the creditor power to garnish wages, freeze bank accounts, or place liens on your property.
Why it matters
Judgments are enforceable for 10-20 years (varies by state) and can be renewed. They give creditors far more collection power than a simple unpaid debt.
Example
A credit card company sues you for $8,000 and has obtained a judgment. They can now garnish 25% of your paycheck ($750/month on a $3,000 net salary) and freeze your bank account.
Want to learn more? Read our Financial Wellness Guides for in-depth explanations and practical advice.
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