When Life’s Financial Storms Hit: You Don’t Have to Weather Them Alone
If you’re reading this, chances are you’re facing some tough financial decisions. Maybe you’re wondering if bankruptcy is the right move, or perhaps you’re not even sure who to call for help. I want you to know something right up front: you’re not alone, and there’s no shame in seeking help when life throws you a curveball.
I’ve been practicing law in Western North Dakota for years, and I’ve seen good, hardworking people from Williston to Watford City face financial challenges that seemed insurmountable. What I’ve learned is this: the right guidance at the right time can make all the difference between drowning in debt and finding your way back to solid ground.
The Question Everyone Asks: “Will I Actually Talk to a Lawyer?”
Let me address the elephant in the room. I know what you’re thinking when you consider calling a law firm: will I actually get to speak with an attorney, or will I be shuffled around to paralegals and assistants for weeks?
Here’s my promise: when you call Covenant Legal Group about bankruptcy, you’ll speak directly with me, Attorney Mark Sherer. No runaround, no phone tag, just a straightforward conversation about your situation.
hat initial call? It’s free. No obligation, no pressure, just an honest discussion about whether bankruptcy might be the right path forward for you. In a world where it seems like everything comes with hidden fees and fine print, I believe in the old-fashioned approach: a handshake deal starts with an open conversation.
Not Sure if You Need a Bankruptcy Attorney?
You’re not alone in feeling uncertain. Many people aren’t sure whether their situation calls for bankruptcy protection. Maybe you’re wondering if there are other options, or if your debts are “bad enough” to warrant legal action.
These are exactly the questions we should discuss together. Sometimes bankruptcy isn’t the answer, and I’ll tell you that honestly if it’s the case.
Understanding Your Options: Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13
When people hear “bankruptcy,” they often think it means losing everything. That’s simply not true. Bankruptcy laws are designed to give honest people a fresh start, not to leave them with nothing.
Chapter 7: The Fresh Start
Sometimes called “liquidation bankruptcy,” Chapter 7 can provide a clean slate by eliminating most unsecured debts like credit cards, medical bills, and personal loans. For many honest, hardworking people who’ve hit financial rough waters, Chapter 7 offers the fresh start they need to rebuild.
The process typically takes 3-4 months, and in most cases, you can keep your home, car, and other essential assets. I’ll walk you through every step and make sure you understand exactly what to expect, no legal jargon, just plain English explanations.
Chapter 13: The Reorganization Plan
If you have steady income but need time to catch up on payments, Chapter 13 might be your answer. This approach creates a manageable 3-5 year payment plan that can help you keep your home while dealing with overwhelming debt.
Chapter 13 is particularly helpful if you’re behind on your mortgage or car payments, facing foreclosure, or dealing with tax debt. It gives you the breathing room you need while protecting your assets.
“I intentionally keep my caseload smaller than most bankruptcy attorneys. Why? Because your case deserves focused attention, not assembly-line treatment. When you’re facing financial difficulties, the last thing you need is a lawyer who’s too busy to return your calls.”
Addressing the Hard Questions
Over the years, I’ve heard the same concerns from clients time and again. Let me address a few of the most common ones:
“Will I lose everything?”
Most people keep their homes, cars, and personal belongings. Bankruptcy exemptions are designed to protect the things you need to maintain a reasonable standard of living and get back on your feet.
“Will my credit be ruined forever?”
Your credit will be impacted, but many people see improvements within 2-3 years. Here’s what most people don’t realize: continuing to struggle with overwhelming debt often damages credit more in the long run than filing for bankruptcy protection.
“Is bankruptcy really necessary?”
Sometimes there are other solutions. That’s exactly what we’ll discuss in our initial conversation. We’ll go over all your options, not just bankruptcy. I believe in exploring every avenue before recommending the nuclear option.
Why I Do Business the Old-Fashioned Way
In an age where everything feels impersonal and transactional, I still believe in doing business the way my grandfather did, with integrity, a firm handshake, and your word being your bond. When I tell you something, you can count on it.
I don’t believe in high-pressure sales tactics or making promises I can’t keep. What I do believe in is straight talk, honest assessments, and treating every client with the respect they deserve.
This means I won’t take on more cases than I can handle properly. It means returning phone calls promptly. And it means explaining complex legal concepts in terms that actually make sense to real people.
Serving Our Western North Dakota Communities
Whether you’re in Williston, Watford City, Tioga, Crosby, or any of the smaller communities throughout the Bakken region, I understand the unique challenges facing families in our area. The boom and bust cycles, the long commutes, the family farms facing tough times, these aren’t just legal issues to me, they’re community issues.
Taking the First Step
I know that picking up the phone to call a bankruptcy attorney isn’t easy. There’s no shame in needing help, and there’s certainly no shame in exploring your options before your situation gets worse.
Financial stress has a way of keeping people awake at night, straining relationships, and making every day feel like an uphill battle. You don’t have to carry that burden alone.
When you’re ready to have an honest conversation about your options, all your options, I’m here to listen. No judgment, no pressure, just the kind of straightforward guidance you’d expect from someone who believes in doing right by his neighbors.
Ready to Take Back Control of Your Finances?
Call me today for a free consultation. When you call, you’ll speak directly with Attorney Mark Sherer, not an answering service, not a paralegal, but the lawyer who will handle your case.
Call Now for Free Consultation 701.483.3884