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IF
YOU ARE LOOKING FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT BANKRUPTCY OR DEBT RELIEF: The decision
to file for bankruptcy protection is a difficult one. Bankruptcy laws have changed many times over the years. Many people have strong opinions about bankruptcy.
Some people believe it is morally wrong, or that it is an "easy way out." Some people believe that
they cannot file for bankruptcy protection because their income is too high. Many people believe they can't file because
they think they will lose their house, their car, or their job. A
lot of the information circulating about bankruptcy is wrong. You need the facts. Even if
you have a friend or family member who filed for bankruptcy protection in the past, your situation may be different. The
U.S. Bankruptcy Code and Maine's exemption statutes change. Different states allow different exemptions (what property
is protected from your creditors). Courts in different states may interpret the U.S. Bankruptcy Code differently. Therefore,
you may have a different experience (positive or negative) than someone else. We work
to offer professional services at reasonable prices. While we understand that most people who are
considering bankruptcy are strapped financially, we believe that most clients benefit from professional
assistance, to ensure that their exempt property is protected and their debts discharged. Clients also need competent
legal advice to determine if filing for bankruptcy protection is the right decision for them. We offer a free initial consultation to discuss your options.
We help determine if you are eligible to file for bankruptcy protection, and if so, which chapter is right for you.
During the initial consulation, we will provide you with a written fee policy, a checklist of documents that we will
need prior to filing your case, and a detailed client information worksheet so that we can complete your petition and
schedules. You can download the document checklist and client information worksheet from this page prior to
your appointment. We are happy to arrange the required pre-filing credit counseling and post-filing
debtor education courses for our clients. Credit counseling and debtor education courses can be completed in-person,
online, or over the phone. Generally, we refer people to Institute for Financial Literacy (www.iflbk.org; 1-866-662-4932 - located at 260 Western Avenue, South Portland) or Money Management International (www.moneymanagement.org; 1-866-531-3814 - (formerly CCCS of Maine, located at 111 Wescott Road, South Portland). There are many companies
that offer these courses, but these are the only two companies that are located in Maine. We like
to work with local companies whenever possible, and many clients prefer to meet with a counselor in person. The
most recent amendments to the U.S. Bankruptcy Code classify attorneys who represent clients in bankruptcy court as "debt
relief agencies." By law, we are required to include the following disclaimer in any advertising materials:
"We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for protection under the
Bankruptcy Code."
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