Here are some topics of the areas of the law I practice for your review:

• Consumer Bankruptcy- Chapters 7 and 13
• Elder Law, Estate Planning and Special Needs Trusts
• Wills, Powers of Attorney and Advance Health Directives
• Probate Administration and Guardianships
  

Consumer Bankruptcy Law
My firm's mission is to liberate individuals from past and present financial uncertainty, and help them create a future of possibilities and financial security. We do this in two areas of law: consumer bankruptcy and elder law.

Our philosophy is that bankruptcy is not necessarily a personal failure. Bankruptcy has been an important part of the legal world since Old Testament times. The founders of our country saw it as important option and provided for bankruptcy courts in Article I. of the United States Constitution.

Federal bankruptcy laws can help provide a fresh start--an opportunity to clear up old debts in a short period of them.

Chapter 7 is a liquidation bankruptcy. Under many circumstances, Chapter 7 debtors can keep their homes and vehicles and much of their personal property while releasing credit card debt.

Chapter 13 is a wage earner's debt consolidation plan that lasts for 36 to 60 months. Through Chapter 13 we can stop foreclosures, catch up past due mortgage and vehiclePayments, eliminate tax liens, discharge unpaid credit card debt and provide other benefits as well.

If you are currently suffering through financial challenges, please know that your are not alone: successful people have filed bankruptcy to solve difficult financial problems, including Willie Nelson, Burt Reynolds, and Kim Bassinger.The emphasis of our bankruptcy practice is with individuals and small businesses. Call, write or E-mail us for our Bankruptcy Information Sheet.

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Elder Law
As my 100 year-old aunt Betty used to say, "Getting old ain't for sissies." Growing older has become even more difficult in the current maze of issues including health insurance, nursing home care, declining capacities, Medicaid, Medicare and other programs. It takes planning to conserve your resources and provide you the most dignified and best care. State and federal laws governing these issues are constantly changing, and can effect you or your loved ones. I assist clients in navigating these issues, using living wills or advance-care directives, powers of attorney, Medicaid and Special Needs Trust planning, and guardianship as vehicles to bring security and comfort to seniors.

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Probate & Estate Administration
Probate is the legal process by which a person's debts are paid and assets are distributed upon her or his death. Lawyers refer to the entity that owns the deceased's assets until those assets are distributed as an "estate." Estate administration includes the probate process as well as non-probate transfers of the deceased's assets. Individual state laws direct the probate court on how to distribute the deceased's estate. State laws and procedures vary greatly, so, if it is important to consult an attorney with experience in this area of law to ensure that the deceased's assets are distributed correctly.

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