FAQs
Consultation Fees
Existing Trust Review - $395
In this consultation (by phone or Zoom), we will discuss your existing trust and answer any questions you have relating to the documents and/or changes you wish to be made.
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Estate Planning Consultation - One Hour - free
In this consultation (by phone or Zoom), we will strategize estabilishing your personal estate plan and achieving your individual goals. This consultation will help you get a handle on your estate because you will know the options available to make a estate plan for you to move forward.
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Personal Bankruptcy Consultation - One Hour - free
Business Bankruptcy Consultation - $275
Begin your journey towards financial freedom by filling out our brief bankruptcy intake form provided by our staff. Once we have your basic information, we will check for conflicts and send you a link to a more detailed intake form and a link for payment of our consultation fee. Once you have completed the intake form online and the consultation fee is paid, we will set up a phone/Zoom consultation with the attorney.
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Probate Consultation - One Hour - free
In this consultation (by phone or Zoom), we will work with you to review the estate to be administered and steps to be taken to finalize the estate.
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Follow-Up Call After Consultation - $195
If you did not require additional services after our initial consultation, but you need additional assistance or to follow up on your matter, you may schedule a half-hour follow-up call (by phone or Zoom) or schedule another full consultation (if you need more than 30 minutes). We will review our notes from the initial consultation and advise you on any additional questions that you have.
Common Bankruptcy Myths
Myth #1: Bankruptcy will destroy your financial life for 7 to 10 years
This is FALSE. In fact, the reverse is true. Individuals exiting bankruptcy will be able to rebuild their credit rapidly after they are discharged from their bankruptcy case. After bankruptcy, most people are an excellent credit risk because typically, individuals coming out of bankruptcy have little to no debt. Moreover, they do not want to file a bankruptcy again, and often are unable to do so for a number of years without fully repaying their debts. Yes, the bankruptcy will be reported on their credit report for 7 to 10 years, but our clients have been able to buy houses and cars at good interest rates while they were in an active bankruptcy case and even immediately after they were discharged. This myth has been perpetuated by credit card companies that do not want people to take advantage of the federal law designed to assist them when they hit hard times.
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Myth #2: If you file bankruptcy, you will lose your house and car
Bankruptcy is not designed to devastate you. It is designed to help those who have found themselves in financial distress, for whatever reason, create a better financial future. Individuals in bankruptcy need to have a place to live and transportation to go to work. Bankruptcy laws are designed to protect these things. You will most likely be able to keep your house and your car. You still have to pay for them, but if you do so, you will likely be able to keep them.
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Myth #3: Debt Consolidation is a better alternative
Bankruptcy is a vital legal tool that enables individuals and businesses to effectively reorganize and eliminate debt. However, it's important to be aware of misleading promises by some debt consolidation companies. We have encountered numerous clients who were assured by such companies that their debts could be settled for "pennies on the dollar." In reality, no company can guarantee these outcomes. These clients paid significant fees upfront, only to find out that negotiations with creditors hadn’t even begun until the company's fees were fully settled—a crucial detail hidden in the fine print. By then, many faced lawsuits, garnishments, and were forced to file for bankruptcy to regain financial stability, losing sleep and money along the way.
Key Takeaway: Before engaging with any debt relief service, consult a qualified bankruptcy attorney. Legal professionals can provide accurate guidance and secure solutions that debt consolidation companies cannot promise.
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Myth #4: Being in a Chapter 13 bankruptcy for 3 to 5 years means you are stuck financially.
A Chapter 13 bankruptcy is a process which allows you to be discharged of certain debts upon the completion of your Chapter 13 plan. Being in a Chapter 13 bankruptcy does not mean you are stuck financially during the process. During your Chapter 13 bankruptcy, if you need a new car, a new house or need to sell your property, you may do so and obtain financing during that time, as long as it is reasonable and you obtain the necessary court approvals to do so.
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Myth #5: You should not file bankruptcy because it will hurt your credit score
If you are anticipating you will be in or are already in the unfortunate circumstances where you need to file bankruptcy, your credit score is already decreasing. There are ways to rebuild credit after bankrputcy. Many times a credit score can be raised after filing if you take the right steps.
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