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Bankruptcy & Debt Relief

Your financial fresh start starts here.

We help individuals and families overwhelmed by debt find a clear, legal path forward - Chapter 7, Chapter 13, or debt negotiation - without judgment and without surprises.

Confidential, no-obligation - always free.

Chapter 7 - illustrative relief

Before and after filing.

Credit card balances $14,200 $0
Medical bills $38,500 $0
Personal loan $6,800 $0
Collection accounts $2,100 $0
Potential relief $61,600 Discharged

Concept illustration only. Results vary; not a guarantee or legal advice.

2008 Serving clients since
100% Free initial consultations
24 hrs Automatic stay takes effect
0 Judgment - just solutions

What we do

Practice areas

Every situation is different. We offer every available path to relief - and we will tell you honestly which one fits your circumstances.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

The fastest path to a clean slate. Most unsecured debts - credit cards, medical bills, personal loans - can be discharged in three to six months.

  • Most unsecured debt discharged
  • Collections halt the day you file
  • Keep exempt property and assets

Chapter 13 Repayment

A structured repayment plan that lets you keep your home and car while reorganizing what you owe into manageable monthly payments over three to five years.

  • Catch up on mortgage arrears
  • Restructure vehicle loans
  • Protect non-exempt assets

Debt Negotiation

When formal bankruptcy is not the right fit, we negotiate directly with creditors to settle outstanding balances - often at a meaningful reduction from the original amount.

  • Direct creditor negotiation
  • Lump-sum settlement options
  • Stop harassment and collection calls

Credit Rebuilding

A fresh start is only the beginning. We guide you through the practical steps to rebuild your credit and lay a financial foundation that actually lasts.

  • Post-discharge credit review
  • Secured card and loan strategy
  • Budget and savings roadmap

Why clients choose us

Honest, caring, and effective.

We built this firm around a simple promise: treat every person in financial trouble with the dignity and expertise they deserve.

No judgment, ever

Life happens - medical crises, job loss, divorce. None of it is a character flaw. We approach every client with the same respect we would want for ourselves.

Plain English, always

Bankruptcy law has a lot of jargon. We translate every step into clear language so you always know exactly where you stand and what comes next.

Fast relief when it matters

Filing triggers an automatic stay the same day - stopping garnishments, foreclosure, and collection calls almost immediately. We move quickly because you need relief now.

A licensed attorney on your case

Every case is handled by a licensed bankruptcy attorney - not a paralegal or a document-prep service. You deserve qualified legal counsel.

Flat fees, no surprises

Clear, flat-fee pricing for most cases means no surprise bills when you can least afford them. Payment arrangements available.

Our attorneys

The people in your corner

A focused team of licensed bankruptcy attorneys. Every case is personally handled - never passed off to support staff.

Margaret A. Linden

Founding Partner

Started Fresh Start after years at a large firm, convinced that bankruptcy clients deserve personal attention - not assembly-line service.

Rafael D. Vargas

Senior Attorney - Chapter 13

Specializes in complex Chapter 13 cases involving mortgage rescue and small-business reorganization.

Keisha T. Okafor

Attorney - Consumer Bankruptcy

Guides clients through Chapter 7 with a focus on protecting exempt property and a smooth, low-stress filing experience.

David S. Pham

Attorney - Debt Relief

Handles debt negotiation and credit rebuilding for clients who may not be the right fit for a formal bankruptcy filing.

How it works

From first call to fresh start

A clear, four-step process so you always know what happens next - and never feel left in the dark.

  1. Free Consultation

    A confidential call or in-office visit where we review your debts, income, and goals - no pressure, no fee, no commitment required.

  2. Review Your Options

    We lay out every available path in plain language: Chapter 7, Chapter 13, debt negotiation, or doing nothing - with honest pros and cons for each.

  3. File and Get Relief

    Once you decide to move forward, we prepare and file your petition. The automatic stay takes effect the same day, stopping most collection activity immediately.

  4. Your Fresh Start

    We see you through to discharge or plan completion, then help you take the first steps toward rebuilt credit and lasting financial stability.

In their words

Illustrative client voices.

I was terrified to make the call. Within ten minutes I felt like a weight had lifted. The garnishment stopped the next business day.
A warehouse manager Hartford, CT
After my medical bills hit six figures I thought my life was over. They walked me through Chapter 7 step by step. Now I actually sleep at night.
A registered nurse Springfield, MA
They did not just file the paperwork. They explained every choice, protected my car, and helped me plan the next two years. I feel like a person again.
A small business owner Providence, RI

Composite illustrative testimonials for a concept brand. Not actual client statements.

Resources

Know your options

All articles

Good questions

Before you reach out

The questions most people want answered first. If yours is not here, our free consultation will sort it out.

Book a free consultation
Will bankruptcy ruin my credit forever?

No. A Chapter 7 stays on your credit report for ten years and Chapter 13 for seven, but most filers see meaningful credit score improvement within two to three years of discharge. Many filers qualify for a mortgage within a few years of their discharge date.

Will I lose my home or car if I file?

Not necessarily. Most states have exemptions that protect your primary residence equity up to a set amount, and Chapter 13 is specifically designed to let you keep assets while restructuring what you owe. We review your exemptions in the first consultation.

What is the automatic stay and how fast does it work?

The automatic stay is a federal court order that immediately halts most collection actions - lawsuits, wage garnishments, bank levies, repossessions, and foreclosure proceedings. It takes effect the moment your petition is filed, typically within 24 hours of your decision to move forward.

How much does it cost to file for bankruptcy?

Court filing fees are set by federal law - currently $338 for Chapter 7 and $313 for Chapter 13. Our attorney fees are flat-rate and disclosed upfront before you agree to anything. We also offer payment plans so that cost is never the reason someone stays stuck.

Can I file if I have a regular job?

Yes. Most employed people qualify for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 depending on income. A means test determines Chapter 7 eligibility, and Chapter 13 is specifically designed for people with regular income who want to reorganize rather than discharge debt outright.

What debts cannot be discharged?

Certain debts survive bankruptcy: most student loans, recent tax debts, domestic support obligations like child support and alimony, and debts from fraud or willful harm. We will tell you exactly which of your specific debts can and cannot be discharged before you decide to file.

Get started today

Start with a free, confidential call.

No paperwork, no pressure. Just an honest conversation about your situation and your options - at no cost and no obligation.

  • Free and completely confidential
  • Same-day appointments often available
  • Evening and weekend availability
  • Phone, video, or in-office - your choice

Call us now: (555) 018-9240

Request your free consultation

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