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If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
About
My first priority is to listen. Once I understand your short-term & long-term goals, I’ll discuss options and will make recommendations.
I help clients Start Fresh through bankruptcy and settlement negotiation. I also guide families in protecting and transferring wealth through estate planning services.
Whether you're facing financial stress or planning for the future, I’m here to offer clarity, compassion, and practical solutions.
Overview
Hired 129 times
Serves San Diego, CA
Background checked
10 years in business
Business hours
This pro hasn't listed their business hours.
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Cash and Check.
Top Pro status
Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
Services offered
Bankruptcy type
Chapter 7 - liquidation
Work location
My customers travel to me
I travel to my customers
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for responsiveness, professionalism, and work quality.
Excellent 4.9
55 reviews
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93%
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Read reviews that mention:
Ray s.
Sep 30, 2026
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Hired on Thumbtack
Attorney John M. Given was an excellent bankruptcyattorney. I interviewed five different attorneys before making my decision, and I’m very glad I chose John.
From the beginning, he was attentive, caring, and very responsive. Whenever I had a question, he was always available by text, email, or phone. He took the time to explain everything thoroughly and made sure I understood each step of the process.
This was my first time filing for bankruptcy, so naturally I had a lot of questions and concerns. John made the entire process much easier and less stressful. He was also very understanding about my financial situation and worked with me to make sure I could afford his services. His fees were very reasonable compared with the other attorneys I spoke with.
I sincerely appreciate all of his help, professionalism, and patience throughout the entire process. I hope I never have to file for bankruptcy again, but if I ever needed a bankruptcyattorney in the future, I would absolutely choose John again.
Highly recommend Attorney John M. Given to anyone looking for a knowledgeable, responsive, caring, and affordable bankruptcyattorney.
Personal Bankruptcy Attorney
Steve B.
Aug 14, 2026
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Hired on Thumbtack
I had an excellent experience working with John M. Given. He successfully guided me through the entire bankruptcy process and made what could have been a very stressful and overwhelming experience much easier to navigate.
John was thoughtful, professional, knowledgeable, and responsive throughout the process. He took the time to explain things clearly, answered my questions, and made sure everything was handled properly from beginning to end.
I truly appreciate John's help and professionalism and would highly recommend him to anyone considering bankruptcy and looking for an attorney they can trust.
Personal Bankruptcy Attorney
May R.
Mar 31, 2017
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Hired on Thumbtack
From the initial phone call and in-person consult, John had a very calm, nonjudgmental demeanor. I talked to a few other attorneys prior to deciding to work with John. Bankruptcy is a difficult, embarrassing, and sometimes confusing process. As a single practitioner and small business owner, John gives his clients the personalized attention that I think is needed for bankruptcy. He was readily available via phone, email, and even in-person meetings to explain the process and set expectations, answer any questions, and alleviate our concerns. He even helped with slightly unrelated financial/legal issues (tenant/landlord issues, rental security deposit questions, etc.) Other larger bankruptcy firms seemed to not care so much about the individuals they were serving and often advertised the bigger, well-known attorneys to reel clients in but actually had less experienced attorneys or even paralegals/interns do the majority of work on their cases. Some firms don't even have an attorney attend the bankruptcy hearing with you, which I would imagine to be nerve-wracking for the client. You want to make sure the paperwork is completed and filed correctly, you are well-prepared for your hearing, and that the process runs seamlessly, so you can have a quicker path to a fresh financial start. I would not have felt as confident about the outcome if I were to go through this process alone or have a junior level attorney or intern work on my case. John was great to work with, and I would highly recommend him to anyone considering making such a tough decision. It is a very impactful decision, so while there are bankruptcyattorneys available for a fraction of the cost, I think it is worth the larger investment to have a caring, accessible, and experienced attorney like John on your side to ensure a higher chance of having a positive outcome and seamless process to restarting your financial future. We began the process in December, attended our hearing in January, and received notification of our discharge in March. We are already working to rebuild our credit, which John also provided advice on how to best go about the post-bankruptcy rebuild. Thank you, John!
Personal Bankruptcy Attorney
Maria N.
Apr 17, 2020
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Hired on Thumbtack
Just before the COVID-19 i was just seeing my earnings go to payments i have been making in years and never see my credit card balance come down. I consulted with a big bankruptcy firm in downtown San Diego and agreed to work with them. However i was not satisfied with the consultation so i continues to research more until i discovered John Given who made me feel at ease, very respectful, professional and so easy to work with. The whole process was an easy job made possible with John protecting my interest! I highly recommend him!
Law Office of John M. Given's reply
Thank you for the kind review. Your 341a hearing was one of my first telephonic appearances as a result of COVID19. I am glad the BK courts continue to operate through this pandemic. I look forward to seeing your case completed in short order. - John
Personal Bankruptcy Attorney
Marianne S.
Oct 26, 2015
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Hired on Thumbtack
Excellent experience with John M. Given at Freeman & Given as my bankruptcy lawyer. It was one of the
best decisions I could have made. He helped me from start to finish in a very professional and courteous manner. Through the whole process, he kept me informed and was always quick to return my emails and respond to my questions or concerns. He made it a very non-stressful experience.
I would highly recommend him to anyone needing help with bankruptcy.
Thank you, John!
Personal Bankruptcy Attorney
Credentials
Background Check
John Given
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
I proudly offer professional services at a fair price. If you need it ... I offer a file now, pay later option. Discounts for military service. Discounts for paying fees and costs in a lump sum.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
My first responsibility is to listen & to learn what my prospective client(s) goals are. Then we can discuss options, timeline, the scope of services & fees.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
John M. Given is actively involved in the North County Bar Association where he continues to learn and stay up to date on changes in the law.
