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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

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 [...]

Thank you so much for your help

"Thank you so much for your help." S. Thank you so much for your help. I feel very good about my decision and I’m so very glad I chose you to represent me.

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. [...]

Made the Bankruptcy process very understandable and helpful

“Made the Bankruptcy process very understandable and helpful” P.H. Diane’s expertise and solid experience and instructions made my entire Bankruptcy process very understandable and helpful! Her guidelines helped tremendously. The entire process would have daunting without her professional help. Anytime I need any professional legal help in [...]

Nothing short of excellent

"Nothing short of excellent" A.M. Diane – you are nothing short of excellent! From the first hello, how can I help you- to congratulations, your discharge has been entered, you were superb! Patient, understanding, compassionate, kind, considerate, knowledgeable, highly-skilled expert are a few words that come to [...]

Thank you for your expert care with our bankruptcy case

"Thank you for your expert care with our bankruptcy case." J.L. Both Diane Drain and Jay McClimon at Law Office of D.L. Drain are by the far the most passionate, honest, and hardworking people I have ever met. Thank you again for your expert care with our bankruptcy [...]

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.

OTHER REVIEWS – “She took her time to answer questions, even on a Sunday.”

“ She took her time to answer every single one of my questions and guided me how to go about resolving my issue” Mauro Rodriguez I just want to thank Diane for such professionalism, knowledge, and for being so patient and attentive. I called on a Sunday [...]

Extremely competent representation and explanations

"Extremely competent representation and explanations!" K.M. 5 Star service and representation from Diane and Jay. Extremely competent representation and explanations of the legal process and how to prepare for the filing. True compassion shown to those going through a very difficult time in their lives. Diane is obviously respected [...]

Highly recommend Diane Drain!

“Highly recommend Diane Drain!” J.P. I could not have made a better choice than Diane to help me with my bankruptcy case. During what is a very difficult and stressful time, she made things so easy to understand and the process could not have gone smoother. If [...]

Diane and Jay saved us.

“Diane and Jay saved us.  We were in deed financial trouble due to my mother's care.” P.E. Diane and Jay saved us. We were in deep financial trouble due to my mother's care. Both Diane and Jay were always available to answer any questions and helped us [...]

It was a pleasure and privilege to be your client

"It was a pleasure and privilege to be your client." K. Thank you. It was a pleasure and privilege to be your client. I am continually grateful that I was led to you to help me through my bankruptcy process. You are truly the best of the best and [...]

 If you find yourself in the situation where you have to go through bankruptcy

No one wants to go through bankruptcy. But if you do find yourself in that position, it’s not the end of the world. If you need someone to help you get through the bankruptcy process, choose Diane. She won’t let you down.  L. A.  If you find [...]

Diane guided us every step of the way.

“Her assurance that there was nothing to be ashamed of, gave us the incentive to proceed.” D. Diane was fabulous during our bankruptcy, guiding us every step of the way. After medical bills got us behind, we didn’t know where to turn and felt uncomfortable filing. Her assurance [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

To file bk was a very hard decision to have to make

"To file bk was a very hard decision to have to make" A.C. To file bk was a very hard decision to have to make. I felt like a failure. In my early 20’s my husband and I bought a home and financed it using an arm [...]

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, [...]

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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Every client deserves competent advice in order to plan their life, but they also need to be able to avoid unforeseen results.  They also deserve [...]

Are you financially stressed right now? What to know about options, from debt negotiation to bankruptcy

Are you financially stressed right now? What to know about options, from debt negotiation to bankruptcy Russ Wiles, Arizona Republic, [...]

Are you or a loved one experiencing financial hardship?

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