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Law Off of D.L. Drain P.A., Arizona Bankruptcy Lawyer | "Helping You Get Your Life Back on Track"
Law Off of D.L. Drain P.A., Arizona Bankruptcy Lawyer | "Helping You Get Your Life Back on Track"

Bankruptcy for an Individual

Get your life back on track

Individual BankruptcyDiane Drain2026-05-25T15:18:35-07:00

FREE Financial Advice, including Bankruptcy

Key takeaway: Individual bankruptcy may help an Arizona resident deal with overwhelming debt, stop certain collection activity, protect exempt property, and decide whether Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 is appropriate. The first step is to gather accurate information about income, expenses, assets, debts, lawsuits, transfers, tax issues, and secured property before deciding whether bankruptcy is the right tool.

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 committed to file bankruptcy just because you filled out the bankruptcy information online and then we talked. You can step back at any time. I am happy to answer 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

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 [...]

Diane helped guide me through the bankruptcy every step of the way, with a very calm demeanor

Diane helped guide me through the bankruptcy every step of the way, with a very calm demeanor. D.W. If you have to file bankruptcy, I recommend you hire Diane Drain. After speaking to 3 other bankruptcy attorneys before Diane, I believe I know the difference between a knowledgeable, professional, [...]

My experience was great

"My experience was great" J.H. My experience was great! Diane was very professional and dedicated to helping me with everything I needed. Outstanding! I would recommend her firm to my friends.

We were extremely pleased

"We were extremely pleased!" Anonymous 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 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 [...]

We are very happy we were referred to Diane for assistance

"We are very happy we were referred to Diane for assistance." S.G. Diane helped my husband and me get past a difficult chapter in our lives. She answered all our questions and gave us excellent advice. We followed her directions from start to finish and the process went [...]

Diane was extremely thorough and educated me

"Diane was extremely thorough and educated me" S.A. I had an old debt surprise me the other day by way of a Summons and Diane was kind enough to give me some solid advice. She is very knowledgeable and I highly recommend her if your are looking for [...]

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 [...]

Process was very simple to understand

“Process was very simple to understand” R.C. Very professional Diane and Jay, loved their process was very simple to understand.

She’s the best!

"She's the best!" P.I. Diane helped me file a bankruptcy. I messed up and continued paying on one credit card. It was because of Diane's expert help that I was refunded my full amount of $1200.

We are grateful for all the kindness and respect they showed us.

“We are grateful for all the kindness and respect they showed us in handling our case to completion. ” T.D. and R.I. Diane and Jay are an absolutely phenomenal professional team. Bankruptcy is not an easy undertaking and there is a lot of paperwork you have to [...]

I couldn’t have done it — wouldn’t have dreamed of even trying — without you and Jay. You’re the very best!

"I couldn't have done it -- wouldn't have dreamed of even trying -- without you and Jay. You're the very best!” D.C. For a review I decided to do something a little different, which is to adapt my last email letter because it illustrates my elation and good [...]

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 [...]

Her knowledge and ability to ask the right questions enabled myself to have a plan of action

Her knowledge and ability to ask the right questions enabled myself to have a plan of action. L.G. I can’t begin to adequately express how professional, caring and dialed in Ms. Drain was when I consulted with her.  Her knowledge and ability to ask the right questions enabled myself [...]

she is the last person to quit, and the first person to help

“she is the last person to quit, and the first person to help” Beits Livneh, Legal Technology Solutions Diane is a first CUSTOMER that I’m leaving a review for… As her IT consultant, Diane proves to us weekly that she is a capable, responsible, honest and hard working woman! [...]

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 [...]

Diane and Jay were excellent

“Diane and Jay were excellent” R.B. Diane and Jay were excellent. They were very patient with all the questions we had during the process. I would recommend them for anyone who needs help.

Diane is very compassionate and comforting

"Diane is very compassionate and comforting." Anonymous Diane is very compassionate and comforting. She made a very difficult process much easier for us. Rate Ms. Drain’s services: 5.0 out of 5.0

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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