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: 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: [...]
Published On: May 25, 2026
When the Economy Feels Unstable: How to Protect Yourself From Debt in an Unstable Economy Many families feel squeezed right now. Prices remain high, borrowing money is expensive, and many people are using credit cards [...]
Published On: November 18, 2025
Article from the Federal Trade Commission, Consumer Advice, November 18, 2025 Use this action plan to avoid scams Scammers tell lots of different stories to try to get your money or personal information. They might lie and say [...]
Published On: March 8, 2024
In today's consumer landscape, credit cards are the normal tools for managing finances and making purchases. However, having credit card debt can lead to financial stress and vulnerability to predatory schemes. Recognizing the importance [...]
Published On: July 24, 2022
Want to avoid dishonest debt collectors? Watch this video from FTC’s Consumer Advice By Joseph Ferrari,July 22, 2022 (reprint from FTC, Consumer Alerts) During Military Consumer Month 2022, the FTC is highlighting resources [...]
Published On: March 22, 2021
CFPB Submits 2020 Report to Congress on the Administration of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act Report highlights commitment to protect consumers during the COVID-19 Pandemic The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) released the [...]
thank you for all of your help
"thank you for all of your help" C.S. As difficult as this entire process was emotionally and physically bringing everything together my experience with you has been amazing and much easier than I thought it would be thank you for all of your help. [...]
Thank you both for taking care of us and taking the time!!
Thank you both for taking care of us and taking the time!! D.K. My husband and I wanted to begin the process of starting our bankruptcy, but it’s really scary not knowing who you can trust and who would step up to bat for you. Diane and [...]
Diane is the resource you need.
"Diane is the resource you need." K.M. If you are reading this; you probably need the services of a bankruptcy attorney and you’re worried and maybe a little frightened of the entire process and it’s impact on your life. Please trust us when we tell you that Diane is [...]
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 [...]
I Leaned on Diane’s Expertise
“Diane Took the Time to Drop Great Wisdom and Insight for my Situation. ” D. C. I called to lean on Diane’s expertise around trust deed financing (even though it’s not her primary practice focus) and she took the time to drop great wisdom and insight for [...]
I do appreciate your kindness
"I do appreciate your kindness ." D. I do appreciate your kindness in helping us through this tedious process.
Any questions we had were answered quickly.
“Any questions we had were answered quickly. ” L. C. Diane and Jay have been wonderful through this whole experience. I don’t know what we would’ve done without them. Any questions we had were answered quickly. I would highly recommend their law firm if you’re looking for [...]
A Fresh Start Feels So Good
A fresh start feels so good! I am now looking forward to purchasing a home in the near future. L.T. I had the wonderful experience of working with Diane Drain to get me through the bankruptcy process. Diane was a Law Professor for many years. She knows [...]
avoid bankruptcy mills
"Avoid bankruptcy mills" D. & B. We were extremely pleased with the quality and level of support you and Jay provided. We had shopped around a bit before contacting you and once we did the comparison with other attorneys and bankruptcy “mills” was extremely and significantly positive. [...]
Diane and Jay were always very positive and consistently receptive in answering and returning phone calls and emails in a timely manner
Diane and Jay were always very positive and consistently receptive in answering and returning phone calls and emails in a timely manner. In summary, they are a class act and able to take a very challenging and difficult process and make it as humane and positive as anyone could. I [...]
You literally saved my sanity and helped me get back on track.
You literally saved my sanity and helped me get back on track. D.S. Diane Drain and her paralegal, Jay McClimon were absolutely top-notch and experienced in every respect. She's experienced, kind, and compassionate - 3 qualities you really want in a bankruptcy attorney. I had been feeling [...]
If there is more than 5 stars, I would Jump to give the highest
"If there is more than 5 stars, I would Jump to give the highest." P.G. If there is more than 5 stars, I would Jump to give the highest possible rating to attorney Diane Drain. Before I called Diane, we did our own research, read everything on their web [...]
her greatest goal is her clients best interests
“her greatest goal is her clients best interests” R.M. Diane called me today and kindly took 45 minutes of here very valuable time to determine the best course of action for my financial problems. Turns out bankruptcy and her chance for a legal fee were ruled out [...]
The best professional relationship that I have had with an attorney
"The best professional relationship that I have had with an attorney" M.L. The best professional relationship that I have had with an attorney (I’ve had more than my share of their services!)_I was treated with respect and all things were timely, correct, and according to plan. Thank you [...]
Diane Helped Me Understand the Process
“She helped me understand why and how certain steps were necessary...” N.G.. I greatly appreciated Diane's thoroughness and ability to explain the process. She helped me understand why and how certain steps were necessary which reassured me that this was the right decision to make and that [...]
I input the information online and then received timely help from her office when needed.
"I input the information online and then received timely help from her office when needed.." L.H. “When I was looking for a bankruptcy attorney, I visited four large and small firms. Diane Drain was the most informative. I appreciated her very educational website and was prepared with questions when [...]
ou are a caring person, and most understanding
"ou are a caring person, and most understanding!" S & G In our eyes you are all A’s. You helped us so much. We are thankful for you and all your help. You are a caring person, and most understanding. You took time for us at a time [...]
Diane, Thank you so much!
"Diane, Thank you so much!" G.S. Diane, Thank you so much! You did a fantastic job and made this complex process so easy to understand. As you know I interviewed a different Attorney first. I’m so happy I choose you! You are by far the most informed person on [...]
