Monday, September 15, 2008 Who are Debtors -- People Just Like You and Me
The Hype
I have practiced bankruptcy law for 22 years. In that time, I have been called upon many times to defend the actions of “irresponsible debtors” who run up debt and then run to the bankruptcy court for protection. You know the type of person I am talking about. The debtors who run up their credit cards, who sign car loans at 25% interest, who take out payday loans at 400% interest. Those debtors who should have known better, who should have understood the terms of their loans, the ones who shouldn’t have borrowed the money if they couldn’t afford to pay it back. Yes, you know the kind of person I am talking about--the deadbeats, the failures, those people who are out to take advantage of the system. Those are the faces of your average debtor, right?
The Reality
Daily, I look into the faces of people torn apart by debt they always intended to repay. People just like you and me --doctors, lawyers, dentists, teachers, builders, grandmothers, our neighbors, friends, and family members. Despite what the credit card industry would have you believe, my clients aren’t deadbeats or people out to take advantage of the system. My clients are hard working people who come to see me as their last resort. My clients don’t want to file bankruptcy and often refuse to even consider options which would give them greater relief but require them to repay less of what they owe. If you want to know what your average debtor looks like, look in the mirror. The average debtor in America is you hit by a job loss, an illness, a business failure, rising gas prices, rising food prices, or just plain bad luck. When you think about who the average debtor in America is remember the adage “there but for the grace of God go I.” In today’s economy, people who never thought they would find themselves in financial trouble are struggling to make ends meet. My clients are your neighbors, your friends, your family members, your co-workers, people you know and respect. People just like you. People just like me. Friday, August 01, 2008 No Botox Needed-The Bankruptcy Facelift
No Botox Needed-The Bankruptcy Facelift
Financial problems are no laughing matter, but sometimes humor helps us get through our darkest days. I want to share with you the story of a client who had to file a Chapter 7 case for himself and his business. In a matter of just a year, his once thriving business had died. He couldn't make his business work, and he was personally liable for much of the business debt. Filing a Chapter 7 case was the only real option for him, but he struggled with the decision. The stress of his finances was killing him. He looked tired, pale, and he carried himself as if he had the weight of the world on his shoulders.
Recently that same client came into my office to ask when he might receive his discharge. We were coming to the end of his case and he was just stopping by to say hello. He was doing well in his new job, was about to get married, and he looked like a million bucks. He was tan and probably 20 pounds lighter than when I had seen him a few months earlier. I promise you, he even looked taller! I was so amazed by the change in his appearance that I couldn't help but comment on it. It was rewarding to see how much his life had changed since he filed his Chapter 7 case. I jokingly told him that "If bankruptcy could make you look that much better and 20 years younger I wanted one of those bankruptcy facelifts." We all laughed and he went on his way.
Throughout the rest of the day, I keep thinking back on how amazing his transformation had been. I thought if I could only show people the "before" and "after" shots, I could make people understand how powerful a tool bankruptcy can be. Anyone who has ever struggled with financial problems understands how debilitating it can be. You get warn down by the constant worry, the harassing phone calls, the fear that you aren't going to make it. As much as you fear not being able to pay your bills, you fear the filing of a bankruptcy case even more. Yet, few people who have ever filed a bankruptcy case would tell you they regret their decision. We should all work hard to pay our debts. Sometimes the reality of life is that we can't. When you find yourself in this situation you have two choices- do nothing and keep struggling, or do something to fix the problem.
Are you ready to take charge of your finances? Our bankruptcy lawyers can show you how to solve your problems, stop your worries, and get back to living your life. If you are ready to change your life and your look, without Botox, call to schedule your free consultation. Find out for free how different your life could be. |