At Sterling Bankruptcy Center, we do not "sell" bankruptcies and we do not encourage our clients to file bankruptcy in the same fashion that we would encourage a client to prepare a Will.  We prepare bankruptcy filings as a service to our clients who find themselves in financial distress.  We will carefully review your information and advise you on your options.  A consultation on the subject of bankruptcy always includes a discussion of non-bankruptcy options.  In appropriate cases, we suggest that the client contact various non-profit credit counseling agencies to see if help can be received there for free.
           The decision to file bankruptcy is a serious one.  It is one not to be taken lightly.  Its implications are long lasting and should be thoughtfully considered.  In terms of life events, the decision is similar to that of purchasing a home, as opposed to purchasing a car. 
          While the firm does offer free phone consultations and a free 10 minute overview of bankruptcy law, as Abraham Lincoln said,  "an attorney's only stock in trade is his time," and with that adage in mind, we do charge a consultation fee for initial meetings that go beyond 10 minutes.  And in exchange for that fee, we dispense real and useful advice.   So what can a client expect as a result of a consultation with our office? You will get an analysis of your income and expenses, a summary of your liabilities and assets, along with an honest, non-sugar coated appraisal of your situation (at least as much as can reasonably be crammed into 30 minutes).  We will tell you what you need to hear.  We do not attempt to tell you what you want to hear in an attempt to get you to retain our services. You will get our honest appraisal up-front.   
           By charging a consultation fee, we remove the incentive to provide 'teaser' information designed to (mis?)-lead the client into believing that he or she must hire the attorney to resolve the presenting problem. (Indeed, in appropriate cases, we will actually discourage you from retaining an attorney.)   If we can help, then we will be pleased and honored to be of service to you.  The decision to retain the firm rests solely in the client's sound discretion, without any "salesman-like" pressure.