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.
Every situation is different. We offer every available path to relief - and we will tell you
honestly which one fits your circumstances.
7
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
13
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
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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
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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.
ML
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.
RV
Rafael D. Vargas
Senior Attorney - Chapter 13
Specializes in complex Chapter 13 cases involving mortgage rescue and small-business reorganization.
KO
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.
DP
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.
01
Free Consultation
A confidential call or in-office visit where we review your debts, income, and goals - no pressure, no fee, no commitment required.
02
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.
03
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.
04
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 managerHartford, 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 nurseSpringfield, 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 ownerProvidence, RI
Composite illustrative testimonials for a concept brand. Not actual client statements.
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.