When you’ve dealt with as many Chapter 7 Bankruptcy cases in Manhattan or Brooklyn or Queens as I have, a particular type of client emerges. You know, almost within the first few minutes of walking into the door, whether that person will be filing Chapter 7 Bankruptcy at that time….or not. You know because its an emotional response.
The first type of client, lets call him/her, “The Filer” (I didn’t go to Law School for originality) comes in and says “Hi, Im in debt way over my head and I need to file for Bankruptcy”. That person, as is pretty obvious, is likely filing for Bankruptcy right then and there. They’ve gone through the options, figured out they don’t make sense and has decided to take control and get out of this debt.
The second type of client is the “Meh” client. This client comes in and knows that Bankruptcy will likely be their best option, but they still have a multitude of concerns. Everything to “When is my credit coming back” to “What happens if I get a higher paying job after filing for Bankruptcy.” However, this client, emotionally, is also ready to file. They just need some reassurance that this is not financial armageddon.
The third type of client is the “Cmon” client. Ive had two of these in the past week. It’s an odd situation. This type of client is different from 1 and 2. They want to be re-assured that Bankruptcy ISNT right for them. And for some people, its not. People who have a small amount of debt and a large amount of income. People who have a large (over $100,000) amount of equity in their homes. People who own brand new cars outright. But many of these people that come see me do not have this issues. They simply believe that Bankruptcy is a trick. “What do you mean I get to get rid of this debt.” “Why wouldn’t everyone file for Bankruptcy then?” “Are you a cop? (j/k)” In any event I explain to these clients that they arent emotionally ready to file (like Jennifer Love Hewitt in the Ghost Whisperer) and that they should take some time to think over their options again. Many of them are in such financial dire straits that there is literally nothing that will get them out of their hole other than Bankruptcy, but they refuse to accept it, and there is only a limited amount I can do as a Bankruptcy attorney to get them there.
Its my pleasure and realistically I am blessed that so many clients meet with us on a weekly basis to discuss their options. Its just that at the end of the day Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Manhattan is as much an emotional decision as it is a legal one.
No matter what client you are, we’d be more than willing to talk to you about your options.
