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Bankruptcy for an Individual

Get your life back on track

Individual BankruptcyDiane Drain2025-10-12T12:19:10-07:00

FREE Financial Advice, including Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy for an individual will be discussed in the following sections. If you are seeking information about bankruptcy for a business visit “bankruptcy for a business”.

My goal is to get to know you and your situation, then answer your questions (generally for FREE), but there are two things you must do prior to our FREE Individual bankruptcy consultation:

  • Watch 9 very short videos so you can learn what creditors can do and what your rights are, as well as some information on the bankruptcy process.
  • Next you need to fill out a questionnaire that helps me to understand more about your specific situation.

Anxiety stems from financial difficulties. You would not be contacting me unless you were having financial difficulties.  So please know I am here to help you.  Also, understand that you have not made any commitment to file bankruptcy just because you filled out the bankruptcy information online and then we talked. You have the option to take a step back at any time. I am happy to answer to your questions, but this does not imply that we have created an attorney-client relationship.

If you are still curious about what is involved in the bankruptcy process and how I can help you. Continue on reading below.

Individual Bankruptcy FAQs

View a flowchart of the Chapter 7 Process by clicking on the link below:

Chapter 7 Flow Chart Download

View a flowchart of the Chapter 13 Process by clicking on the link below:

Chapter 13 Flow Chart Download

Assuming Diane agreed to help you with a bankruptcy, she will either send you two emails, or suggest you contact her when you are ready:

(1) the first is an email titled “What’s Next”.  This details all the next steps, including links to various sources.

(2) the second is an email from MyCaseInfo where you will fill out information necessary for the bankruptcy process.  Make sure to print the instructions attached to the “What’s next” email.

First and foremost, our clients will tell you that my fees are very reasonable, often less than those of “mass production” firms. Our initial consultation is completely FREE (you can afford that).

Everyone is unique, as is their situation. If we charged the same fee to all callers, we would be charging some too much and others not enough. Any firm that quotes fees without knowing your situation has decided to limit services to those with complicated cases and overcharge those with simple cases. After the initial discussion, I will let you know if I can help you and what my fees will be.

We are all concerned about the cost of hiring a professional. I understand that price is important, but receiving competent advice is even more important. Otherwise, you will have a bad experience and waste a lot of money trying to fix mistakes caused by bad advice or poor planning. “It costs more to fix a problem than it does to do it right the first time,” as the saying goes. I recommend reading “Hiring a cheap lawyer is very expensive,” .

Before I can give you an accurate cost for our help and support, I need to learn more about your specific situation.

The information you provide will assist me in identifying any problems and explaining how to best resolve those problems (some that you never realized would be problems). It is possible that bankruptcy is not an option, or that it is only one of several options. This type of assessment and planning, like good medical treatment, takes time and experience.

See article “What is a Simple Bankruptcy?”

A typical consumer bankruptcy filing consists of 60 or more pages of paperwork, so what is involved depends on your unique situation.

It involves many state laws and federal laws, both bankruptcy and non-bankruptcy. There are bankruptcy classes required for consumers; tax returns and payroll information which must be file with the court. Failure to do any of these things will mean the automatic dismissal of your bankruptcy.  In addition to the mounds of paperwork, there are strict deadlines and procedures, which if not followed will lead to the bankruptcy being dismissed.

To continue reading more information about what is involved in a “Typical Consumer Bankruptcy”, WHAT IS INVOLVED IN THE TYPICAL CONSUMER BANKRUPTCY?

Why should you work with us? Because this firm has never been or will ever be a bankruptcy “mill” comprised of inexperienced or uninterested lawyers. I limit the number of clients we accept so that I can provide them with the best possible service.

YOU DESERVE BETTER!!

I’ve been practicing law since 1985, and the most dangerous misconception is that bankruptcy is a “one-size-fits-all” solution. I used to ask all of my law students at the start of each semester if they believed the “one size fits all” statement. The majority said “yes.” By the end of the semester, they had all realized how naive they had been in thinking “it’s just filling out a bunch of forms.” The truth is that one person’s financial and life circumstances are extremely unlikely to be identical to another’s. My goal is to tailor my legal advice to your specific history, needs, and desires, all at an extremely affordable cost based on your ability to pay.

See the comments from our wonderful clients made about how we helped them find that fresh start.

Helping out with bankruptcy

FREE Consultation Process

Please complete the following prior to our FREE Bankruptcy consultation in order for me to really help you:

Step 1.

watch 9 short videos from the Bankruptcy Court

Step 2.

Review a list of Arizona exemptions

Step 3.

Complete our online questionnaire

Step 4.

Schedule a FREE 30 to 40 minute phone call with Diane 602-246-7106

Post-consultation Steps

“Mean’s Test” – A follow up from our initial consultation

Move forward with filing your bankruptcy

Clients from all across Arizona have put their trust in us

It is a lot of work to prepare, but….we are more prepared for a better future

"It is a lot of work to prepare, but….we are more prepared for a better future" L & A.Q. My wife and I would like to thank Diane and Jay for their hospitality, thoroughness and patience. With the hard decision of wanting to file bankruptcy, they showed [...]

Diane and Jay were amazing!

“Amazing Experience” E.L. Diane and Jay were amazing! They made everything so easy and answered all of my questions thoroughly. I appreciate all the help and guidance I received throughout my filing experience. I would highly recommend Diane to anyone looking into bankruptcy. [...]

They eased my troubled mind

“They eased my troubled mind” P.A. My experience with both Diane Drain & Jay have eased my troubled mind! They both were Extra Helpful during this trying time!

We were put at ease throughout the process

"We were put at ease throughout the process" S.L. Diane and Jay made sure we were put at ease throughout the process.

Thank you for your caring and professionalism with my case

"Caring and professional!" R.L. Thank you for your caring and professionalism with my case. You are the best!

She guided us through the entire process – five stars

“Diane is an excellent Bankruptcy Attorney - five stars  ” M.W. Five stars.  Diane is an excellent Bankruptcy Attorney. She guided my wife and I through the entire process. We highly recommend her to anyone who needs to file a bankruptcy. M.W.

I am so happy I called Diane Drain to get me through bankruptcy!

“Don't waste your time looking for an attorney she's right here! ” A.H. She is the BEST!! I am so happy I called Diane Drain to get me through bankruptcy! She made me feel at ease, answered all my questions and was always available when I needed [...]

Thank you for the good news and for being nothing less than a “stellar” legal representative

"Thank you for the good news and for being nothing less than a “stellar” legal representative" C.M. Diane, Thank you for the good news and for being nothing less than a “stellar” legal representative, a great and understanding sounding board for me during a most difficult and [...]

She helped me find resources and gave advice even if she will not be benefiting

She helped me find resources and gave advice even if she will not be benefiting. R.B. Diane Drain is a very kind person. She helped me find resources and gave advice even if she will not be benefiting from the advice. Thank you Diane! [...]

I suffer from anxiety and was paralyzed by fear. Thank Goodness I found Diane Drain.

“She broke down the process into manageable portions that I could handle.” S.S. I had waited to the eleventh hour to actually contact Diane Drain for help with my Chapter 7 bankruptcy. I suffer from an anxiety issue and was paralyzed by fear. Thank Goodness I was [...]

Rated high among her peers

"Rated high among her peers" Anonymous Ms. Drain helped make a very difficult time more bearable. She treated us with the utmost respect and caring while pushing us to get together the paperwork needed to get us to the best possible end result. It was very obvious [...]

Diane Helped me Maneuver the Process of Bankruptcy Through an Unusual Situation

“You can feel confident in her ability to provide you with any and all answers that may arise.  ” D.L. I can’t say enough about the professionalism for Diane Drain and Jay. She helped me maneuver the process of Bankruptcy through an unusual situation. I highly recommend Diane [...]

Great attorney

"Great attorney" J. I live in Las Vegas and had a legal matter involving bankruptcy. My attorney in Las Vegas informed me that I would need an attorney from Arizona since the claim was filed in Arizona. I knew no one so went online and searched for Arizona attorneys. [...]

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 [...]

Her warmth and caring and wealth of experience greatly eased the stress

Her warmth and caring and wealth of experience greatly eased the stress. J.R. One and a half years ago, after a series of physical problems, I finally admitted to myself that I could no longer handle my debt load. I was going under, and knew I would [...]

I appreciate all your support and compassion

"I appreciate all your support and compassion." M.C. After a divorce I found myself in a situation where I needed to file bankruptcy. I hired Diane and could not be more pleased. Thank you so much for all your hard work on my case. I appreciate all your support [...]

What a huge relief to be released from the financial burden

“If you follow everything she says the process is easy and stress free.” J.E. Don’t hesitate, call Diane! Diane has been a huge lifesaver! I reached out to Diane through a Google search when the existing law firm I had started with wasn’t communicating with me. She [...]

We can’t say enough good things about Diane Drain

"Great Team - Diane & Jay. If ever there is a question she is there to answer it." K & C GREAT TEAM – DIANE AND JAY.  We can’t say enough good things about Diane Drain. My wife and I were at a point that we were devastated [...]

Individual sad about her bills

This may help you answer some questions

What is involved in the chapter 7 bankruptcy process?

I encourage you to take a look at the following Chapter 7 Process that we use in our firm. This flowchart gives you an overview of the process of filing for chapter 7 bankruptcy.

What can I expect if I file a chapter 13 bankruptcy?

Have a question about Chapter 13 Bankruptcy? I recommend that you look at the following Chapter 13 Process that is used in our firm. This flowchart depicts the steps involved in filing for chapter 13 bankruptcy.

FREE bankruptcy advice

You may feel anxious, overwhelmed and stressed about what will happen next.

Our purpose is to assist you in discovering solutions, which we accomplish by offering free bankruptcy consultation. This will need a lot of effort on your part, but the end result might be life-changing. Do you have to choose between purchasing groceries and paying your rent? Please contact us so that we can discuss your options for starting a new life.

Do you dread getting a phone call or having someone knock on your door?

This is not a healthy way to live, and asking questions is the first step toward regaining control of your life.

If you watch the videos and complete the questionnaire (the green FREE CONSULTATION button below), I will provide you with free bankruptcy advice that will provide you with the information you need to make informed financial decisions.  There is no commitment to filing bankruptcy, or even working with our firm.

♥ This remark is from one of our amazing clients. It may help you understand the importance of reading and following instructions.

Thank you very much. It was an honor and a joy to be your client. I am eternally glad that you were referred to me to assist me with my bankruptcy. You are definitely the finest of the best, and it would be a pleasure to share with anyone at any time my most lovely and painless experience with you as my guide and wise advise. I’ve never studied instructions or followed rules more carefully in my life, and I’m appreciative for your well-thought-out website and professional experience in ensuring that I was informed and on track throughout. I am grateful for your guidance, immense knowledge and wisdom, expert advice, and encouragement. I’m singing your and Jay’s praises from the rooftops for all of the aid and advice you gave me.

-K.

(see more of our client reviews)

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Are you or a loved one experiencing financial hardship?

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