1. FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION
BANKRUPTCY-Debt Relief
FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION
STOP: CREDITOR HARASSMENT • FORECLOSURE •COLLECTIONS
CALL NOW OR VISIT US ON THE WEB AT
My Office Is A Debt Relief Agency. We Help People File For Bankruptcy Under The Bankruptcy Code.

2. For legal advice you must consult an attorney.
All material provided is general information already available to the public. However, all bankruptcy cases are individual in nature and need to be handled by a qualified bankruptcy attorney.
Bankruptcy is a serious decision. It is not a “magic wand” and should be considered carefully.
Please DO NOT take any of this information as LEGAL ADVICE
For legal advice you must consult an attorney.
“Did You Know” are quotes from a book called the Two Income Trap by Elizabeth Warren and Amelia Warren Tyagi

3. Let’s Get
Started

4. The Question Is
Why Bankruptcy?

5. Do you know someone who has been
laid off from their job?
suffered from a divorce?
lost a loved one? or
has just had some bad luck?

6. the phone rings in fear of creditor harassment ?
Is someone you know
cringing every time
the phone rings in fear of creditor harassment ?

7. Do you know anyone who has changed a digit in their phone number to avoid bill collectors?

8. Is someone you know missing work due to stress related
problems regarding their finances

9. Do you have a co-worker always leaving work to take care of financial related matters

10. Do you know someone who’s financial problems
are causing stress in their relationships

11. someone who is lying awake at night worrying about how to pay
their bills, which bills to pay …

12. Trying do decide whether to pay the bills
Or even worse,
Trying do decide whether to pay the bills Or
put food on the table or

13. How many of us know someone who is terrified of unexpected expenses because they know they don’t have the money to cover it no matter how small it may be

14. Could any of this pertain TO YOU

15. I think that most of us can say that we have known someone who experienced some of these situations

16. For people in FINANCIAL CRISIS whether or not to file bankruptcy is a SERIOUS decision
All too often that decision making process is complicated by lack of information or a lot of misinformation

17. Sometimes this comes from well-meaning family or friends,
Or from people like aggressive creditors and bill collectors trying
to intimidate you

18. FINANCIAL FRESH START PEACE OF MIND Bankruptcy can provide you with
For some people, filing bankruptcy can also be a moral and/ or spiritual dilemma. But did you know that it can actually be a strategic way for you and your family to get a
FINANCIAL FRESH START
Bankruptcy can provide you with
PEACE OF MIND
and help get you back on track .

19. Did you know that bankruptcy is not a new concept
It ’s roots actually date back to the U.S. Constitution
and
Is rooted in the Bible

20. “ At the end of every seven years thou shalt make a release.
And this is the manner of the release: creditors
release that which he has lent unto his neighbor
and his brother; because the Lord’s release hath been proclaimed”
Deuteronomy 15:1-2

21. The TOP FIVE reasons that people file for bankruptcy might surprise you.
But, should you find yourself in one of these situations, and are considering bankruptcy, there is nothing to be Embarrassed about

22. Unexpected Medical Bills Loss of a Job Loss of investment income
Top 5 Reasons People File Bankruptcy
Divorce
Unexpected Medical Bills
Loss of a Job
Loss of investment income
Death of a loved one

23. But…
There are also may other reasons people could experience financial trouble which could ultimately lead to the need in filing for bankruptcy such as…

24. Identity Theft
Some of us may know someone who has been the victim of some sort of an identity theft. Identity theft is the fastest growing white collar crime in the US today
Many people who experience this fast growing crime are left in a financial crisis

25. only to lose everything after it turned out to be a some sort
Scams
Some of us may know people who thought they were making a good investment with their money,
only to lose everything
after it turned out to be a some sort
scam instead
There are many forms of scams that target unsuspecting people and leave their finances in ruin

26. Life Happens! Accountability How many of us have a plan B?
While ultimately, we all know that we are each accountable for our own state of financial affairs, we also know that no matter how well we plan
Life Happens!
How many of us
have a plan B?

27. There are those that have the perception that the people filing bankruptcy are just mismanaging their money and then abusing the system as a way to not pay their bills
As with any program there can be some abuse, but for the most part, with bankruptcy, statistics prove this is
SIMPLY JUST NOT TRUE

28. Married couples with children are
Did You Know?
Married couples with children are
twice as likely to declare bankruptcy
as their childless counterparts
More than 90% of families in bankruptcy
would qualify as middle class

29. Today’s dual income families have less discretionary
Did You Know?
“Did You Know” are quotes from a book called the Two Income Trap by Elizabeth Warren and Amelia Warren Tyagi
Today’s dual income families
have less discretionary
income and less money to
put away for a rainy day than the single income family of a generation ago

30. with children cite just three reasons for their
Did You Know?
Nearly 9 out of 10 families
with children cite just
three reasons for their
bankruptcies
Job Loss
Family Breakup
And
Medical Problems

31. Single mothers are now more likely than any other group to
Did You Know?
Single mothers are now more likely than any other group to
file for bankruptcy
Fathers who owe child
support obligations are more than three times as likely to file for bankruptcy as single men who don’t owe support

32. Did You Know?
1 in 5 of
COLLEGE EDUCATED
HOME-OWNING
families will say that they have done without food at some point before filing for bankruptcy
It is estimated that for every family that files bankruptcy, there are SEVEN more that could have benefited from it if properly informed

33. The average person struggles with debt for
Did You Know?
The average person struggles with debt for
MORE THAN A YEAR before
filing bankruptcy

34. low-income population
Did You Know?
People with pay day loans usually have more than one
Pay day loans have an interest rate of anywhere from
100% to 500%
and target the
low-income population

35. Did You Know?
50 % of families will have their utilities or phone shut off for non- payment before filing for bankruptcy
Nearly 60% of people do without needed medical care in order to save money

36. So as you can see, this is not just about people abusing the system
So as you can see, this is not just about people abusing the system. It is about people going through a hard time and needing a
Fresh Start

37. A Burden You May Not Have To Bear Any Longer
Financial Stress
A Burden You May Not Have To Bear Any Longer

38. Stress Facts Some people just stop paying their bills
because they don’t have
the money to pay them,
but
the STRESS from this can be exhausting
The phone never stops ringing, demand letters are piling up, and you are always having to stay on guard to avoid the bill collectors

39. Stress Facts
Financial STRESS can cause a negative impact on the strongest of families not to mention what it does to your credit
Money problems are usually always listed in the TOP TEN reasons for divorce

40. When you are worried about losing your car or you home.
Stress Facts
When you are worried about losing your car or you home.
This can be
VERY STRESSFULL

41. Stress Facts STRESS from debt can be overwhelming in other ways also
Many forms of illness can be traced back to STRESS
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “STRESS helps account for two-thirds of family doctor visits and, half the DEATHS to Americans under 65

42. Stress Facts
STRESS has been implicated in heart, stomach and mental disorders, along with the more ordinary headaches, backaches, high blood pressure and cholesterol

43. OK, OK Enough about stress related matters that could be
Stress Facts
OK, OK Enough about stress related matters that could be
due to FINANCIAL RELATED PROBLEMS
Let’s move on to something good.

44. Help Is Still Available
The GOOD NEWS is that
YOU ARE NOT ALONE
and
Help Is Still Available

45. Utilizing the Bankruptcy Code, Federal Law may allow you to obtain a
FINANCIAL FRESH START

46. and put you back on the road
If utilized wisely, bankruptcy can be a new beginning. It can be a way for you to gain new PEACE OF MIND
and put you back on the road To
FINANCIAL
SUCCESS

48. What Can Bankruptcy Do For You? FORECLOSURES REPOSSESSIONS
CREDITOR HARRASSMENT
COLLECTION CALLS

49. Bankruptcy can put you back on the road to securing a
What Can Bankruptcy
Do For You?
Bankruptcy can put you back on the road to securing a
NEW FINANCIAL FUTURE
In fact bankruptcy may have a POSITIVE
impact by letting you begin to rebuild your credit

50. What Can Bankruptcy Do For You?
And while it may not improve your FICO score, how you handle the payments in your Chapter 13 plan can have a dramatic impact on a creditors perception of your new credit worthiness

51. So let me ask you some questions

52. Questions? Is financial stress causing problems in your relationships?
Are you experiencing illness due to stress?
Are you currently experiencing an overwhelming financial burden?

53. Questions? Would you like to stop your house from being foreclosed on?
Would you like to prevent your car from being repossessed?

54. Questions? Would you like to stop all of the COLLECTION CALLS?
Would it be great to be free from the CREDITOR HARRASSMENT?

55. Questions? Peace of Mind Financial Future
And finally, would you like the
Peace of Mind
that comes with knowing that you are back on the road to a new
Financial Future
If you answered YES to any of these questions, bankruptcy may be a viable option for you

56. So Why Wait? Financial Fresh Start Questions? Peace Of Mind
Why not utilize this Financial Strategy that is allowed under Federal Law, to get you and your family back on track to a new
Financial Fresh Start
and
Peace Of Mind

57. So
Who Are
We?

58. While there are other Bankruptcy attorneys, Rodney is
Rodney Scott has been offering legal assistance and debt relief to families in financial crisis for 30 years.
While there are other Bankruptcy attorneys, Rodney is
Board Certified in Consumer Bankruptcy

59. Our caring and knowledgeable staff, will help find the best plan for you and your family, based on your personal situation
Our goal is to help you and your loved ones get back on your feet financially

60. FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION
We can help relieve stress by
STOPPING FORECLOSURES
and
STOPPING COLLECTION CALLS
Payment Plans Are Available in Certain Situations
and we offer a
FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION

61. don't wait until it is too late.
As the saying goes
“Bad things can happen to good people” so If you are having financial problems and need help
don't wait until it is too late.
Remember that under the Bankruptcy Code, Federal Law allows you to gain a
Financial Fresh Start

62. Get the help you need and put your family back on the road to
Do Not Delay
Get the help you need and put your family back on the road to
Financial Success

63. Our number is

64. FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION
BANKRUPTCY-Debt Relief
FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION
STOP: CREDITOR HARASSMENT • FORECLOSURE •COLLECTIONS
CALL NOW OR VISIT US ON THE WEB AT
My Office Is A Debt Relief Agency. We Help People File For Bankruptcy Under The Bankruptcy Code.

65. End of Part One

66. Bankruptcy
Part Two

67. FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION
BANKRUPTCY-Debt Relief
FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION
STOP: CREDITOR HARASSMENT • FORECLOSURE •COLLECTIONS
CALL NOW OR VISIT US ON THE WEB AT
My Office Is A Debt Relief Agency. We Help People File For Bankruptcy Under The Bankruptcy Code.

68. for Legal Advice you MUST consult an attorney.
All material provided is general information already available to the public. All bankruptcy cases are individual in nature and each case needs to be handled by a qualified bankruptcy attorney.
Bankruptcy is a serious decision. It is not a “magic wand” and should be considered carefully
Please DO NOT take any of this information as LEGAL ADVICE
for Legal Advice you MUST consult an attorney.

69. Chapter 7 is known as “straight” bankruptcy or “liquidation”
What Type of Bankruptcy Should I Consider?
Chapter 7 is known as “straight” bankruptcy or “liquidation”
It requires an individual to give up property which is not “exempt” under the law, so the property can be sold to pay creditors
HOWEVER

70. What Type of Bankruptcy Should I Consider?
TEXAS HAS LIBERAL EXEMPTION LAWS
And most people who file Chapter 7 can keep most, if not all, of their property
Exception: property which is very valuable
or which is subject to a lien which they can not avoid
or afford to pay

71. What Type of Bankruptcy Should I Consider?
Chapter 13 (Reorganization)
In a Chapter 13 case you file a “plan” showing how you will pay off some of your past-due and current debts over three
to five years

72. What Type of Bankruptcy Should I Consider?
The most important thing about a Chapter 13 bankruptcy is that it will allow you to keep valuable property—especially your
HOME and CAR
which might otherwise be lost. This is if you can make the payments which the bankruptcy law requires to be made to your creditors

73. You should consider filing a Chapter 13 plan if you:
What Type of Bankruptcy Should I Consider?
You should consider filing a Chapter 13 plan if you:
Own your home and are in danger of losing it because of money problems

74. Are behind on debt payments, but can catch up if given some time;
What Type of Bankruptcy Should I Consider?
Are behind on debt payments, but can catch up if given some time;
Have valuable property which is not exempt, but you can afford to pay creditors from your income over time

75. You will need to have enough income during your Chapter 13 bankruptcy
What Type of Bankruptcy Should I Consider?
You will need to have enough income during your
Chapter 13 bankruptcy
to pay for your necessities
and to keep up with the required payments as they come due

76. How Much Will It Cost If I Decide To File Bankruptcy
The attorney fees are figured on a case by case basis and are determined by your individual situation.

77. How Much Will It Cost If I Decide To File Bankruptcy
Attorney fees are
regulated by the Bankruptcy Courts to insure that they are fair and reasonable

78. Chapter 7 fees are based on each individual case
How Much Will It Cost If I Decide To File Bankruptcy
Chapter 7 Fees
Chapter 7 fees are based on each individual case
Payment plans are available

79. You may generally pay most of your legal fees through your plan
How Much Will It Cost If I Decide To File Bankruptcy
Chapter 13 Fees
You may generally pay most of your legal fees through your plan

80. Yes! Can I Own Anything After Bankruptcy?
Many people believe they cannot own anything for a period of
time after filing for bankruptcy
THIS IS NOT TRUE!
You can keep your
exempt property and property you acquire after the bankruptcy is filed

81. Can I Own Anything After Bankruptcy?
Disclaimer
In some cases if you receive certain money or property within 180 days of filing for bankruptcy this particular
property or money may not exempt and may be used to repay creditors.
While many things can be protected, If you think you may be inheriting or coming into money or property after the bankruptcy is filed, be sure to inform the attorney, so he can advise you correctly

82. Will Bankruptcy Wipe Out All Of My Debts?
Bankruptcy will not discharge any child support obligations, debt owed to the government or taxes, or student loans

83. Will Bankruptcy Wipe Out All Of My Debts?
Other debts that a bankruptcy will not discharge are any debts that are not listed on your petition
Loans made under false pretenses, any debt that is a result of criminal activity, and liens such as your house or car

84. What Bankruptcy Can Not Do
Eliminate certain rights of secured creditors
A creditor is secured if it has taken a mortgage or other lien on property as collateral for a loan
Common examples are car loans and home mortgages

85. Discharge debts that arise after bankruptcy has been filed
What Bankruptcy Can Not Do
Discharge debts that arise after bankruptcy has been filed

86. A Person Could Lose Property or Other Rights!
How Do I File For Bankruptcy
Although it may be possible for a person to file a bankruptcy case without an attorney, it is not a step to be taken lightly and is NEVER recommended.
The process is EXTREMELY difficult and without the assistance of a Bankruptcy Attorney,
A Person Could Lose Property or Other Rights!

87. Will I Have To Go To Court
In most bankruptcy cases, you only have to go to a proceeding called the “meeting of creditors” to meet with the bankruptcy trustee and any creditor who chooses to come

88. Will I Have To Go To Court
Most of the time, this meeting will be a short and simple procedure where you are asked a few questions about your bankruptcy and your financial situation

89. Will I Have To Go To Court
In a Chapter 13 there are rare cases where you may have to go to court one more time, if anything is being disputed in the case. However, anytime you may have to appear in court, you will be notified and accompanied by your attorney

90. Do I Need To Do Anything Before I File For Bankruptcy
You must receive pre-Credit Counseling with an approved credit counseling agency within 180 days before your bankruptcy case is filed. Our office will review possible options available to you in credit counseling and assist you in reviewing your budget

91. Do I Need To Do Anything Before I File For Bankruptcy
If you decide to file bankruptcy, you must have a certificate from the agency showing that you received the credit counseling before your bankruptcy case is filed. This course is only about 30 minutes in length
The Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 mandates that consumers receive financial counseling with an approved agency prior to their bankruptcy petition being filed

92. Do I Need To Do Anything After I File For Bankruptcy
After your case is filed, you must complete an approved course in Financial Management. This course will take approximately two hours to complete

93. Do I Need To Do Anything After I File For Bankruptcy
Many of the course providers give you a choice to take the course in-person at a designated location, over the Internet usually by watching a video

94. What Else Should I Consider?
When considering whether or not to file bankruptcy, it is wise to view it as a Financial Strategy using the Federal Bankruptcy Code to protect yourself and your family

95. What Else Should I Consider?
Once again, as with any financial decision filing bankruptcy is a serious decision and one that should never be taken lightly.
However, if it is used wisely it can be a way to help your family obtain a FINANCIAL FRESH START
and give you a new
PEACE OF MIND

96. Rodney S. Scott has been offering Legal Assistance in Consumer Bankruptcy and Debt Relief in East Texas for 30 years.
Our caring and knowledgeable staff will help find the best plan for you and your family, based on your personal situation

97. Call for an appointment today
Or visit our website @

98. Our number is

99. For legal advice you must consult an attorney.
All material provided is general information already available to the public. However, all bankruptcy cases are individual in nature and needs to be handled by a qualified bankruptcy attorney.
Bankruptcy is a serious decision. It is not a “magic wand” and should be considered carefully.
Please DO NOT take any of this information as LEGAL ADVICE
For legal advice you must consult an attorney.
“Did You Know” are quotes from a book called the Two Income Trap by Elizabeth Warren and Amelia Warren Tyagi

100. FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION
BANKRUPTCY-Debt Relief
FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION
STOP: CREDITOR HARASSMENT • FORECLOSURE •COLLECTIONS
CALL NOW OR VISIT US ON THE WEB AT
My Office Is A Debt Relief Agency. We Help People File For Bankruptcy Under The Bankruptcy Code.

101. End of Presentation