Andrew S Gustafson's blog

I’m a bankruptcy attorney with Lincoln Law. This means I get to speak with and listen to a number of people every day that are considering bankruptcy. I’ve been doing this work for almost 16 years now and have helped over 10,000 people struggling with too much debt.

The biggest complaint that people have about their attorney is a lack of communication. People trust their attorney and open up about some really sensitive difficult situations. They share what they are struggling with the very most, and they share it with someone who knows a lot more than them about the law. Then they have to trust that they will get the help they need on their difficult situation.

Well, imagine the frustration when the attorney does not respond back in a way or a time that is quick enough.

Lincoln Law addresses our clients' very real needs to communicate with us about their case and their personal situation.

1. Do You Have a Reliable Source of Income?

In order to be eligible for a chapter 13 your income should be steady, periodic, and likely to continue.

The pain doesn't always stop after you make it home from the hospital. Your body may feel fine, but deep down your mind continues to stir with the stress of mounting medical bills. After paying for your trip to the ER, the abundance of tests, consultations, supplies, room, hospital staff, plus the doctor's bill, your wallet is done for. Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do to prevent, reduce, or even eliminate your financial headache. 

As I watch my neighbors pull away in their new 33 ft. Chateau Motorhome, I can’t help but wonder how in the world they ever afforded it. I’ve only ever seen them drive old cars. And, while they’re always dressed quite nicely, he’s not wearing Calvin Klein, and she’s not carrying Gucci.

As I stop to think about it, I realize, that may be our problem. Our need to have shiny, new toys may be why we never seem to get ahead—why we have so much debt. I’ve always known my neighbors to be thrifty, now I know why.

While you might think running from your creditors would keep you in good shape, the harsh reality is, "you can run, but you can't hide." Change your phone number as many times as you want, but you'll still be looking over your shoulder, waiting to be sued or waking up at 3 in the morning thinking you heard the repo-man in your driveway.

Student loans are ballooning. At four-year colleges and universities, more than two thirds of students have them. An average amount as of 2008 is over $23,000. Almost all students who go to private universities have student loans.

These statistics are made worse when you realize that they are just for federal student loan debt and do not count private student loans.

Many people feel really bad about the decision to file for bankruptcy, and there are a number of situations in which bankruptcy is not the right solution.  However, in many instances the people who feel bad cannot, despite their absolute best efforts, payoff the debts that they owe.  In such situations, is it better to just not pay your bills or is a more ethical to file for bankruptcy?

A lot of clients wonder what steps it takes to file a bankruptcy case. Below is a basic outline of our appointment schedule. We don't charge you for wanting to see us, and you are always welcome to add a follow-up, document drop-off or payment appointment if you choose.

At Lincoln Law, we understand that you are going through tough times so we don't hassle you for payments or to schedule appointments. The appointments below are always required.