Published On: September 13, 2026
Paying debt every month but getting nowhere can cost you years of income and thousands of dollars in interest. Before signing up with a debt management or debt settlement company, understand what debts are covered, what fees you may pay, whether creditors can still sue or garnish wages, and whether forgiven debt could create tax problems. For some people, bankruptcy may provide a faster, more complete fresh start and a chance to rebuild.
Published On: September 13, 2026
Thinking About Debt Settlement? Read This Before You Stop Paying Debt settlement may sound like an easier and safer choice than bankruptcy. You have probably seen the ads: “Pay only a fraction of what you [...]
Published On: August 9, 2026
Debt-settlement companies promise to reduce what you owe, but creditors do not have to settle. Learn what federal regulators say about growing balances, lawsuits, fees, taxes and other debt-settlement risks before you stop paying your creditors.
Published On: August 8, 2026
Debt settlement companies promise relief from overwhelming debt, but creditors do not have to settle and lawsuits can continue. Learn about the hidden fees, growing balances, tax consequences, and alternatives before signing a contract.
Published On: July 5, 2026
Many people delay filing bankruptcy because of fear, guilt, or misinformation. Learn three common reasons people avoid bankruptcy and why accurate legal advice matters before financial problems worsen. The three most misunderstood reasons not to file bankruptcy are fear of credit damage, fear of losing everything, and the belief that a person must first sacrifice every possible resource. Those concerns deserve serious attention. But they should be evaluated based on the actual facts, applicable law, and a person’s long-term financial position—not on myths.
Published On: June 27, 2026
Merchant cash advances can provide fast cash, but daily withdrawals, stacked MCA loans, SBA loan conflicts, personal guarantees, and bankruptcy risks can quickly put a business and its owner in danger.
Published On: June 26, 2026
Bankruptcy Is Not Just Paperwork: Some Simple Mistakes That Can Cost You For many people, bankruptcy is not the first choice. It is usually something they consider only after they have done everything they know [...]
Published On: June 24, 2026
Build Financial Stability, Not Just a Better Credit Score A good credit score can be helpful. It may make it easier to rent an apartment, obtain a mortgage, finance a vehicle, or qualify for lower [...]
Published On: June 13, 2026
Worried about losing your tax refund when you file bankruptcy in Arizona? Arizona law may protect the part of your refund that comes from the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit. Learn what may be protected, what a trustee may claim, and why timing matters before you file.
Published On: May 25, 2026
Debt Decisions Have Consequences: Slow Down Before You Act When money is tight, fear can take over. You feel as if a debt storm has caught you. People may feel pressured to make fast decisions: [...]
Diane made this whole process a lot less scary
"Diane made this whole process a lot less scary" L.S. Diane made this whole process a lot less scary and answered all my questions in a way that made me feel like this really wasn’t the end of the world for me. I would highly recommend her [...]
I really felt I could trust you
"I really felt I could trust you!" Excess Sales Proceeds, P. EXCESS SALE PROCEEDS: P. and I would like to thank you both, especially you Jay, for all the work you did in obtaining our Excess Funds check today. You somehow managed to get this done between January [...]
I never felt ashamed about my decision because you were so kind to me
"I never felt ashamed about my decision because you were so kind to me!" E.B. *I never felt ashamed about my decision because you were so kind to me about my situation. I thank you for you kindness and compassion as I struggled with my decision. I [...]
Diane was patient in providing clear direction and advice
Diane was patient in providing clear direction and advice. A.T. Mrs. Drain made a very stressful time in my life easier to manage by providing detailed direction through my bankruptcy process. From day one I felt comfortable with Dian and Jay in addition to feeling confident with [...]
After paying all my bills for 49 years and barely treading water, I was laid off and found myself with nothing
After paying all my bills for 49 years and barely treading water, I was laid off and found myself with nothing. D.W. Like many people, I was very apprehensive about filing bankruptcy. At 65 years old, I always thought- That would never be me! But after paying all my [...]
Thank you
“Thank you.” N.L. Thank you speaking with me and for the advice given. Wish I would have found you to begin with.
Our situation was complicated by having moved here recently from another state, but that posed no problem for them
“Our situation was complicated by having moved here recently from another state, but that posed no problem for them” R.B. Diane and Jay did a great job for us. Diane is a very knowledgeable, experienced, and well-connected bankruptcy lawyer. She instructed us well, was invaluable in getting [...]
Diane uses her website to promote the education of the bankruptcy process available to everyone
“Diane uses her website to promote the education of the bankruptcy process available to everyone” T & G. W. We found ourselves in a financial tsunami 2 yrs ago. No matter how we did things the financial outlook was getting worse and worse. We finally decided we [...]
Diane shows compassion and understanding to her clients.
“Diane shows compassion and understanding to her clients.” M.W. Diane provides educated and honest information throughout the entire process. She shows compassion and understanding to her clients. She was not my first attorney but took my case on in very short order. She cleaned up all of [...]
An expert who gets the job done!
"An expert who gets the job done!" B.R. An expert who gets the job done! We hired Diane Drain to handle a complicated eviction / Lift of Stay on a tenant who filed bankruptcy. Not only did she answer my multitude of questions in a timely manner, [...]
ow I can finally breathe easy and deep again
"I can finally breathe easy and deep again." J. Thank you so so much for all your help and understanding. Especially in the beginning when I had so many questions and you were so very patient with me. I felt that you were very upfront about everything, letting [...]
Your process and approach are clear, comprehensive, and thoughtful
"Your process and approach are clear, comprehensive, and thoughtful" A.J. Your process and approach are clear, comprehensive, and thoughtful. You treated us with the utmost respect and left no stone unturned in helping us to sort through and make appropriate decisions from our first meeting through the [...]
I do appreciate your kindness
"I do appreciate your kindness ." D. I do appreciate your kindness in helping us through this tedious process.
Diane is sincerely interested
Diane is sincerely interested. S.B. We are grateful to Jay for us sound advice and, also, to Diane for answering our messages. Diane is sincerely interested in any questions you may have.
Thanks for your professional and compassionate treatment
"Thanks for your professional and compassionate treatment." M & B Thanks for your professional and compassionate treatment of B. and myself. It was a pleasure working with you. As you are well aware, this was a very trying and sometimes painful 6 months but you helped us get [...]
There were no demons or dragons. It my constitutional right to be free of debt
There were no demons or dragons. It my constitutional right to be free of debt. V.M. I first met Diane in 2009. I was losing control of my finances and therefore my whole life seemed a day to day mix of anxiety and fear. I landed on [...]
Diane and Jay were very knowledgeable, professional and supportive
"Diane and Jay were very knowledgeable, professional and supportive!" April Filing bankruptcy was a very difficult choice and experience. But, Diane and Jay were very knowledgeable, professional and supportive throughout the process. Your team made the honor roll in a perfect grade.
This has made a huge difference in my life
“This has made a huge difference in my life” D.S. I approached Diane with a large debt problem. Although I was working with a company to pay down the debt, one of the credit card companies decided to sue me. This would have destroyed all my pay-back [...]
