W. J. Winterstein Jr.

A solo practitioner, I work from a home office in Boyertown, PA, about 30 miles from center-city Philadelphia, and most of my cases are litigated in Philadelphia and Reading courts. With the assistance of local counsel, I also handle matters in Delaware. I have over 30 years experience in both state and federal courts; bankruptcy and mortgage foreclosure/workout are a large part of my practice. There isn't much I haven't seen, or done.
Currently rated "Distinguished" by the "gold standard" of lawyer ratings.
PLEASE CONTACT ME BY EMAIL FIRST, as that is my preference, and more reliable for each of us.

• General Civil

• Free Consultation
  I am happy to chat with you about your issues, for no charge, for up to one hour.

Pennsylvania

Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania

Since 1991

Attorney

Law Office of W.J. Winterstein, Jr.

1976 - Current

Over 30 years experience in bankruptcy reorganizations, out of court workouts, debtor/creditor, civil practice in all state and federal courts in PA, OK, with practice encompassing NJ and DE through local counsel. Admitted to Third Circuit, Tenth Circuit, and U.S. Supreme Court, and all lower courts in PA.

Oklahoma City University School of Law

J.D.

1974 - 1976

Honors: Graduated with honors, 2nd of 208, 1976

BV Rated, Distinguished professionally and personally

Martindale-Hubbell

2016

PA Bar Association

member

2007 - Current

Eastern district of PA Bankruptcy Conference

Member

1992 - Current

Q. Why won't a collection agency reissue satisfaction or payoff after bankruptcy?

June 26, 2025

A: In my state, PA, a final judgment becomes a lien when properly filed. And after the bankruptcy "preference" (90 days preceding bankruptcy filing) and "fraudulent conveyance" (2 years federal and up to four years a "state law") has passed, that judgment lien becomes immune to attack. Your dates are close, the collection agency is unsure, so conferring with WI counsel is probably your best path.

Q. Should I fight a $34,000 collections lawsuit or file bankruptcy in Oregon?

June 23, 2025

A: You should fully CONSIDER a voluntary form of bankruptcy, WITH experienced bankruptcy counsel, with ALL your assets, debts and exemptions allowable under Oregon/Bankruptcy law. A voluntary bankruptcy is a major financial step and deserves that level of planning and thought.

Without full thought, and knowledge of your local judge's thoughts on various issues, you most likely get a "cookie-cutter" filing with major potential for "oops", and many bankruptcy filings are difficult to change once the world sees.

Q. Can I exclude co-signed loans in Chapter 13 bankruptcy?

June 21, 2025

A: Regardless of the chapter of bankruptcy relief you choose, the Official forms require to sign an affidavit that what you list is ALL of the claims against you and all of the assets you have an interest in. You do not have a choice about what to show on your Schedules of assets and debts.

Do not transform a mere debt issue into a criminal perjury matter.

Confer with an experienced bankruptcy lawyer in your locale for the many questions you will have.