On Bankruptcy

It seems like these last few years have been really tough on a lot of good people. In my law practice have seen a lot of hardworking folks, friends and family who have been down on their luck. Now, bankruptcy gets a bad rap, but I want to tell you that it is precisely because so many good folks that I know were having trouble that I added bankruptcy to the services that we provide, and what a difference it has made for people.

While no one desires to file bankruptcy, bankruptcy is a good thing. The idea of bankruptcy has existed for thousands of years. In fact, as one historical reference you will find forgiveness of debts every seven years in the Bible. Over these thousands of years, we have tried other systems. Our English cousins established debtors' prisons. Fortunately, we have rejected this idea. It offered no relief to the debtor and did nothing for society. In modern times we have returned to the ancient idea of bankruptcy because it works. Debtors now have a way to discharge debts that that could otherwise never pay. They are given firm footing on life's path and a second chance. In the process, for those debtors who can actually repay some of their debt, they are given a plan under which they can do so. For those who cannot repay anything, the debt is forgiven.

How marvelous is it that good people are given a second chance ... that debt collection and constant oppression cease, and that families who would otherwise be forever relegated to a life of poverty can rise again, re-establish themselves, and succeed.

So to all those whose luck is down and who are fighting to survive, don't let your head hang down. Keep working hard. There is a way out that has served us well for thousands of years. And by the way, you are in good company; Henry Ford, Henry Heinz, Larry King, Johny Unitas and many others have had to file and came back from it to be incredibly successful.