Thinking Of Filing Bankruptcy? 

Rather, consistent with the philosophy of my firm, I have focused my practice primarily on consumer debtors, helping individuals and married couples and small-business persons find their way out of the morass that attends debt problems. I strive to provide personal, compassionate, and nonjudgmental assistance to all my clients.

Bankruptcy Relief Is A Constitutional Right

The federal bankruptcy code and forms of organized debt forgiveness have been in place in one form or another in this country for over 125 years. I often tell my somewhat embarrassed bankruptcy clients that bankruptcy relief is a Constitutional right and the federal bankruptcy code is created and periodically adjusted by the U.S. Congress, and that like any federal right, it is relief put in place for their use and benefit.

My clients find it comforting to know, from the very beginning of my relationship with them, that they have nothing to explain, be ashamed of or feel guilty about unless they have done something contrary to the bankruptcy code’s rules and requirements, which fortunately is attempted by only a very small group of potential clients

I Carefully Analyze Your Situation

Unlike some other bankruptcy lawyers, I will take an hour to an hour and a half during my intake conference to carefully analyze your individual situation and explain your choices and the ins and outs of the bankruptcy code to you. It is not my goal to make you a bankruptcy lawyer during that time.

I do think it is my duty to make you an informed client so that you can make intelligent choices about your bankruptcy, the debts that you elect to take from bankruptcy and the consequences of your election to go forward with a bankruptcy filing after meeting with me. The bankruptcy laws require detailed and complete disclosure and expect that all debtors and their attorneys will file accurate and complete schedules with their bankruptcy petitions.

I also spend a few moments during a bankruptcy intake to speak with my clients about how they got into debt difficulty, and how they need to cure whatever habits brought them to my door to avoid enduring the necessity of a bankruptcy filing again. I spend some time talking about debt relief and how you can begin rebuilding your credit, which is critical in a society as credit-obsessed and as credit-driven as ours.

You Can Still Get A “Fresh Start”

As you may be aware, Congress drastically overhauled the federal bankruptcy code back in 2005. The law carried the rather ominous title of the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act (BAPCPA). Like most hysterical “reform” movements, several high-profile manipulations of the prior bankruptcy process were exploited to present the impression of widespread abuse, which was simply not the case.

The law was the result of intense lobbying and spending by banks and credit card companies. Despite its noble-sounding title, it appears that the goal of Congress was to make this process more difficult, more expensive and even more intimidating for someone contemplating bankruptcy relief. Sadly, Congress primarily benefited their constituents, the credit card companies! Nonetheless, for most individuals, Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 still provides the best solution to overwhelming debt problems, and I can help you obtain the “fresh start” the Bankruptcy Act promises.