The Emotional Support of a Bankruptcy Attorney: Beyond the Legal Aspect
Going through bankruptcy is trying. It goes so much deeper than dealing with financial stress. You’re also overwhelmed with mental and emotional stress. A trusted bankruptcy attorney can offer emotional support and guidance during this challenging time.
The Mental and Emotional Toll of Bankruptcy
Most people have been taught that filing for bankruptcy is a sign of weakness. It’s the mark of failure. You weren’t able to manage your finances correctly and now you’re paying the price. For some, it even feels shameful.
Of course, there’s also the mental stress involved here. Filing for bankruptcy is often the last step in an emotionally and mentally exhausting journey. It puts immense stress on families and relationships. In many cases, it can be very traumatic with wide-ranging impacts that range from damaged self-esteem and self-confidence to divorce.
Many filers have juggled their mounting debts for so long that they feel even filing bankruptcy will not change their situation. They worry about what their families might think, or what their employers will do if and when they discover the filing. For those between jobs or contemplating a shift in employment, filing for bankruptcy can mean the difference between finding a good job and being unemployed.
The Role of Your Bankruptcy Attorney
A bankruptcy attorney’s job is to provide sound legal advice and guidance. However, that doesn’t just extend to helping you decide if bankruptcy is the right decision or handling your paperwork. They can also provide you with emotional support during this time.
First, your attorney can help you process your situation and understand that dealing with mounting debt is not a sign of failure. Financial solvency is not as common as many people think – most successful businesses have filed for bankruptcy at least once (including Disney). The vast majority of American families also live paycheck to paycheck, with most people only one unexpected expense away from default.
Your attorney can help you explore the various options available to you, too. For instance, Chapter 7 is the most common filing, but others might fit your situation and goals better. You may also benefit from credit counseling and other financial learning options to help you move forward. Your attorney can also help you realize that bankruptcy is a beneficial tool for people in your situation. It was created to give you financial relief and a fresh start while protecting you against the actions of creditors and bill collectors. While it might be stressful and worrying, the ultimate outcome can be empowering.
The Right Bankruptcy Attorney Matters
While bankruptcy can ultimately be a positive force in your life, you must choose the right bankruptcy attorney. An experienced, compassionate attorney is committed to helping you through all aspects of this situation, not just the legal filing.
From working with you to improve your financial life to guiding you through the process and helping you understand that there is no shame in filing for bankruptcy, the attorneys at DeLuca & Associates are committed to giving you the fresh start you deserve.