"I never thought I would file for bankruptcy." I hear this from potential clients every day. No one makes bankruptcy their goal. I wouldn't represent them if they did.
My name is Michelle Kainen, and I practice bankruptcy law in Vermont and New Hampshire. If there was one thing I could tell a potential client, it would be to be proactive and to visit a bankruptcy attorney when signs of financial distress are on the horizon. This doesn't mean that you will actually file for bankruptcy, but in the event things get worse, at least you will know your rights (and what not to do). It always saddens me to see people drain their retirement accounts or refinance their homes to try to repay their debt, only to end up having to file bankruptcy anyway because their debt was still too great. Had they come to see me sooner, I could have saved the equity in their home and their retirement plans.
This past year was like nothing I had seen before. Our government spent billions of taxpayer dollars to bail out the banks. Meanwhile, these same banks have raised interest rates and refused to negotiate with those who want to repay their debt. People are angry, and they have a right to be angry. There was no bailout for the average American family. They continue to struggle. For many, bankruptcy is their bailout. It is an opportunity for a fresh start and to take back control over your finances.
What makes me different from other attorneys? The answer to that is easy. I limit what I do, so that I can do it well. I think you will find that I have a passion for helping my clients use the bankruptcy laws to fight back against their creditors.
I file more than a hundred cases annually in Vermont and New Hampshire. Each year I travel to national bankruptcy programs to learn the latest techniques. I am a frequent speaker at programs for attorneys and other professionals in the area of consumer bankruptcy.
I look forward to meeting you!
Michelle Kainen
