Can anyone please reccomend a GOOD HONEST reputable bankruptcy attorney in the Orlando area? Thanks so much.
Thank you for the nice words. Yes it is embarrassing. And hard to talk about.
I don't know anyone local to you... but just because you've already gotten slammed, I just wanted to point out (for some others) that bankruptcy is protected under the constitution. In fact; here's a lovely/ one of my favorite quotes on the subject:
"The drafters of our Constitution guaranteed the right to file BANKRUPTCY because they believed that free people should never feel imprisoned by their debt."
Please try and pay off the debt that you consumed. By filing bankruptcy it makes it harder for everyone else. You owe the money so pay it back. And then don't ever go into debt again. Read The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey.
Lisa
Rick Baker
I went to highschool with Rick, 20+years ago. He's agood guy.
All I can say is don't feel bad or embarrassed no one knows your circumstances (business failure,stock market, medical issues, funerals any or all on credit). Most are able to keep a car and house. You will be a better person/parent as you go thru it. You need legal protection for you and your family just like any big business out there.
I hope more people answer. We are also thinking of doing this.
Many people assume that bankruptcy is the only option. This is not the case. Please consider speaking to a financial counselor and allowing someone to look over your situation and let you know if bankruptcy is the best route. For some people, filing only opens the door to a new set of problems and creates new financial obstacles.
Like Lisa said in her response, bankruptsy protects your from your creditors. it doesn't end your moral obligation to repay the debt. Keeping that in mind, know that there are other solutions that are often effective in dealing with agressive creditors.
I am a small business owner. When the market crashed, I had thirty thousand dollars in invoices that I struggled to collect. I have a few former customers that were up front with me. Job losses and personal debt left them unable to pay in full. A few are paying as little as five dollars a month for life. Some pay more but most don't bother. If I had business debt, I would have had to shut down my business and my employes would have lost their jobs. Many businesses are closing each month due to uncollectibles and loss of business due to the recession. This is how important it is for all of us to deal honorably with others in our finances.
Lisa also suggested a book by Dave Ramsay. Go to his web site and see if there is an 800 number or live chat/ Many churches in your area offer his Financial Freedom University free or for the cost of the workbook ( which you can buy used on-line inexpensively)
Also call Crown Financial Ministries 1-800-722-1976 or check them out on the web. They can hook you up with a free counselor near you to help you evaluate your options. If they think filing bankruptcy is the best option, more than likely, they will be able to give you some references.
Remember that a financial collapse is not the end of the world. Many people of wealth have gone through the same thing multiple times before finding their way to stability and success. Just take it day at a time and pray as you go. If bankrupsy is truly necessary, there are other organizations that can hold your hand during the process and help you plan for the future. Choose wisely. Hope this helps.
