1. “Although you may be ready to move forward with a
bankruptcy filing, this is an important decision. You should
be aware of the pros and cons.”
CONSULT WITH AN
ATTORNEY BEFORE
DECIDING ON BANKRUPTCY
IN PHILADELPHIA
DAVID M. OFFEN
PHILADELPHIA BANKRUPTCY ATTORNEY

2. Consult With An Attorney Before Deciding on Bankruptcy in Philadelphia www.getfreeofbills.com
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There may come a time in your life when you believe that bankruptcy is
the best way to improve your financial situation. You don’t plan to find
yourself in this position, but things can happen that lead you down this
path.
Although you may be ready to move forward with a bankruptcy filing, this
is an important decision. You should be aware of the pros and cons. It is
also important to have a clear understanding of what this will mean to your
finances as you move forward with your life.
Upfront, you are sure to have many questions running through your mind.
Some of those that you need to address include:

3. Consult With An Attorney Before Deciding on Bankruptcy in Philadelphia www.getfreeofbills.com
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 What is the difference between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13
bankruptcy?
 How much does it cost to file for bankruptcy?
 How long will it take for the bankruptcy process to come to an end?
 What is the long term impact of filing for bankruptcy?
 Are there other options, such as credit counseling, that make more
sense at the present time?
 Is there anybody who can help with the decision making process?
Even though you can answer these questions on your own, there will likely
come a time when you want to consult with a bankruptcy attorney. A legal
professional can review your situation and help you better understand what
you are up against.
There are many benefits of
speaking with an attorney
before filing for bankruptcy.
Here are three things you
should expect from your
attorney:
 Information on what
will happen if you

4. Consult With An Attorney Before Deciding on Bankruptcy in Philadelphia www.getfreeofbills.com
5
decide to file for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. It is easy to say that you
want to file for bankruptcy, but do you know what this entails? There
is a lot that goes into a filing, so make sure you take the time to
learn more about the finer details. An attorney knows the ins and
outs, so make sure you rely on this person to guide you.
 Advice and guidance based on your personal and financial situation.
Even when two people are filing for the same type of bankruptcy,
they are not in the exact same position. Instead, there are details
that set you apart from others. It is these details that need to be
considered when filing.
 Help along the way. There is a lot that goes into this process. With
an attorney on your side, you know there will be somebody who can
answer your questions and guide you towards success. Furthermore,
this person can help you with the legal aspects of your filing.
When it comes time to decide about filing for bankruptcy, you are the one
who is going to make the
decision. You know what
you are trying to
accomplish and your
options for reaching this
goal.

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While you are the one with the final call, that does not mean you should
avoid seeking the assistance of a bankruptcy attorney. On the contrary,
with the right legal team on your side, you may begin to see your situation
in a different light. If nothing else, you know there will be somebody
working with you who is able to put you in better position to succeed. After
many years of making poor financial decisions, this may be just what you
need.

6. Consult With An Attorney Before Deciding on Bankruptcy in Philadelphia www.getfreeofbills.com
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About the Author
David M. Offen
A native to the Philadelphia area, Mr. Offen attended Temple University College and Law
School. Mr. Offen is licensed to practice in the States of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. He is a
member of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania Bankruptcy Conference and the National
Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys.
David M. Offen has over 20 years of experience and has helped over 8,500 individuals and
families go through the Bankruptcy process. These filings have included stopping foreclosure on
a home, stopping repossession of a car or vehicle, stopping IRS tax levies and frozen bank
accounts and putting a stop to; lawsuits, credit card bills, personal loan, bills, utility shutoffs
and other types of debt.
With Mr. Offen’s help, these families have saved countless millions of dollars of debt.
David enjoys getting to know his clients and will be happy to answer any and all questions you
may have. You are treated as a person and not a number.
Remember – there is no such thing as a silly question. Don’t be afraid to ask any questions you
may have. David M. Offen has found that people looking to file Bankruptcy are not trying to
avoid their responsibilities but rather to make a difficult situation easier. David enjoys getting
people to stop worrying and making their financial lives much better and stop feeling
overwhelmed.
In some cases, Bankruptcy is not the best move and he can review your situation with you and
tell you the right move for you to make. Get a completely free evaluation of your situation. For
the past 20 years, the Law Offices of David M. Offen has been among the top filers of
bankruptcy in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
The Law Offices of David M. Offen
215-625-9600
www.getfreeofbills.com
The Curtis Center
601 Walnut Street, Suite 160 West – 1st Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19106