Nobody wants to file for bankruptcy.
It is all too common for people to delay reaching out for help. But more often than not, waiting can be a big mistake.
People don’t take credit card debt seriously enough. They don’t think the credit card companies can do much to collect money other than calling and sending letters. Some people find out the hard way just how far the bill collectors can go.
What Happens When Collectors Come Calling
If a credit card company sues you for an unpaid debt, you should not ignore it. Many people do and then the credit card company will get a judgment, which is an order of the court which says you owe the debt and gives the credit card company expanded collection options – even freezing your bank account.
I have gotten countless phone calls from people who tried to use their debit card, got declined, and called their bank only to find out their account had been frozen.
While bankruptcy can still help in this situation, having your bank account frozen is never ideal. Being left without the ability to pay for food, gas, or utilities until the money can be unfrozen or you get paid again can be extremely tough. If we would have been contacted earlier, we would have been able to stop the lawsuit and the bank account would have never been frozen.
How About Other Types of Debt
Another time-sensitive situation is foreclosure. If you’ve fallen behind in your mortgage payments and are unable to get caught up on your own, waiting to ask for help will only make the situation worse.
The further you let the foreclosure proceed, the more you will be behind in mortgage payments and the more in fees and costs will be tacked on to the balance of your loan. This makes it harder for us to help you get caught up. If you wait too long and don’t contact us until after a sheriff’s sale, we won’t be able to help you save your home.
The Worst Mistake You Can Make is to Wait
We understand that deciding to contact a bankruptcy attorney is scary and embarrassing, but what could happen if you wait too long is much worse.
Give Steidl & Steinberg a call as soon as you start experiencing financial hardship. We will meet with you for a free consultation to find the best option for you to get back on the right track.