Maybe.
This past week I sat through a session with a couple who left feeling offended at the truth of their situation. We went through their budget and they could not afford their life style. Just remember – the numbers don’t lie. If you can’t afford your house in the neighborhood of your dreams than you better get ready to move, get a job or win the lotto.
Bankruptcy does not create income – it only manages debt.
After an hour or so of “whoa is me” and the usual “pity party” , I cut to the chase with this couple: What do you want to do? I was direct, professional and to the point. I pulled a credit report (on my dime) and ran their budget and other very useful information that you can find on my checklist.
I guess I didn’t provide the “warm fuzzy” that was expected from someone who lives in a neighborhood with this judge and that tycoon and this super business person and on and on. They took all of my work product and ran down the street to a competitor who sat back and said to himself (“Thanks Mike for putting this case together for me). Now, he can be the good guy that saves the day and I am a jerk for being too tough.
Listen folks: Bankruptcy is not a warm fuzzy matter. This is serious business. I take my job very seriously. And – don’t tell me I lack sympathy or empathy – I have been in your shoes. Been there, done that. Brutal, humiliating, embarrassing and very real. Just like me – the real deal.
I take great pride in the standards of due diligence which we maintain at my office. If you can’t deal with it – fine. You can find any lawyer to do a bankruptcy for you. But – will you get the message – to wit: Are you living within your means? What happens after you file, your debts go away and you still can’t afford your lifestyle?
Good questions. That’ s why we have eliminated the “free” office consultation. Now, if you want to meet with me, you have to pay $50. You get a “real” credit report with a “real” credit score (a $39 value) – but you have to commit to the process.
If you come to my office – you enter the reality zone. If you are looking for an easier, softer way – than let some other attorney hustle you like a used car salesman (sorry Eddie). Otherwise, come to the doctor and let the healing begin.
Our State of the Art Computer system allows us to serve all of the Counties and Cities in the North East Michigan including: Saginaw (Saginaw, Frankenmuth, Chesaning, St. Charles, Hemlock, Shields, Freeland, Carrollton ); Bay (Bay City, Essexville, Auburn, Kawkawlin, Linwood, Pinconning, Standish); Midland (Midland, Sanford, Edenville, Wixom Lake); Gratiot (Ithaca, Alma, St. Louis, Breckenridge); . Isabella (Mount Pleasant, Shepherd, Coleman); Gladwin (Gladwin, Beaverton, Rhodes); .Clare (Clare, Farwell, Harrison); Roscommon (Roscommon, Prudenville, Houghton Lake, Higgins Lake, St. Helen); Crawford (Grayling); Otsego (Gaylord); Cheboygan (Cheybogan); Presque Isle (Rogers City); Montmorency (Atlanta); Alpena (Alpena); Oscoda (Mio); Ogemaw (West Branch, Skidway Lake, Prescott); Alcona (Alcona, Harrisville); Iosco (Oscoda, Au Sable, East Tawas, Tawas, Whittemore, Alabaster); Arenac (Au Gres, Standish); Tuscola (Caro, Reese, Richville, Mayville, Millington, Akron, Fairgrove, Cass City); Huron (Bad Axe, Sebawing, Bay Port, Pigeon, Caseville, Pinnebog, Port Austin, Harbor Beach)