Practice Areas
Slocum Law provides consumer advocacy and defense, both in and outside of a bankruptcy case. Many of our clients have a consumer issue but do not need a bankruptcy. However, some of our clients find that bankruptcy is the solution that best meets their needs and goals.
Whatever you're facing, we will find a solution and get you back on track.
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Divorce. Job loss. Medical bills. Car accident. Disability.
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These are just a few examples of unexpected challenges that can knock you off course financially and leave you feeling hopeless with debts you cannot afford to pay.
Filing for bankruptcy may seem overwhelming or like a last resort. But bankruptcy is a proven, effective solution for many clients facing these difficult life challenges. Chapter 7 bankruptcy is a legal process that allows individuals to eliminate most of their unsecured debts and start fresh with a clean financial slate.
Slocum Law will guide you, step by step, through the bankruptcy process. More importantly, you will get immediate relief from creditor harassment and find peace in knowing you have a solid plan for debt relief.
When you file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, an “automatic stay” goes into effect immediately which stops most collection actions against you. This means that creditors cannot contact you, garnish your wages, or take legal action to collect debts without first obtaining court permission. If they do contact you, Slocum Law also specializes in FDCPA defense and litigation.
Most unsecured debts are discharged, or eliminated, in Chapter 7 bankruptcy. This includes credit card debt, medical bills, and personal loans. However, some debts, such as taxes, student loans, and child support payments, cannot be discharged.
Because Chapter 7 bankruptcy can be complicated with significant financial and legal consequences, it is an important decision that should be made after careful consideration and consultation with a board-certified bankruptcy attorney.
If getting back on track and back to what matters most in your life – such as worry-free time with family and friends and a healthy financial future – is a priority for you then Slocum Law can successfully get you there.
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Call Slocum Law today to schedule your free attorney consultation and get a customized debt relief plan.
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
Are you suffering with the stress of unpaid bills and debt but afraid to take any action because you do not want to lose your home or car?
Slocum Law can help you find debt relief while protecting your important assets through Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
Designed for individuals who have a reliable source of income, Chapter 13 bankruptcy allows individuals to create a plan to repay all or a portion of their debts over a period of three to five years.
It can help save a home from foreclosure and an automobile from repossession. It will stop garnishments, collections, and other enforcement tactics. A Chapter 13 bankruptcy may also be used to protect assets from liquidation.
Once the bankruptcy period comes to an end, any remaining unsecured debts will be discharged, meaning the individual will no longer be responsible for paying them. However, certain debts such as student loans, taxes, and child support cannot be discharged in bankruptcy.
It is important to consult a board-certified bankruptcy attorney to ensure your goals are met during a Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Saving your home or car while getting your life back on track is entirely possible with the consumer bankruptcy experts at Slocum Law.
Call Slocum Law today to schedule your free attorney consultation and get a customized debt relief plan.
Foreclosure Protection
You received a foreclosure letter from your mortgage company stating your home will be sold in 30 days. Now what?
Slocum Law provides fast and effective foreclosure protection – with or without filing for bankruptcy. Meeting with a board-certified bankruptcy specialist can ensure you are aware of all the options available to you to save your home.
Filing bankruptcy will immediately stop a foreclosure from proceeding. However, other options include loss mitigation and RESPA violations.
Loss mitigation is designed to help struggling borrowers who are at risk of foreclosure find alternative solutions that can help them keep their homes.
One common loss mitigation strategy is loan modification, which involves changing the terms of a borrower's mortgage loan to make it more affordable. This can include reducing the interest rate, extending the loan term, or forgiving a portion of the principal balance.
Slocum Law has extensive experience in successfully negotiating loan modifications for clients in and out of the bankruptcy process.
Another loss mitigation strategy is forbearance, which allows borrowers to temporarily stop making payments or reduce their payments for a specific period of time. This can help borrowers who are experiencing a short-term financial hardship, such as a job loss or medical emergency.
Once a foreclosure date has been set, it is critical to take steps to stop the foreclosure before important deadlines pass or your home is sold.
Slocum Law is experienced in saving homes from foreclosure and ensuring clients achieve a successful, positive outcome.
FDCPA/Regulation F
Harassment and bullying are not okay. Creditors should never cross the line.
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) is a federal law that was enacted to protect consumers from abusive and deceptive debt collection practices. Regulation F, which is a part of the FDCPA, provides more detailed rules and guidelines for debt collectors to follow when communicating with consumers about their debts.
Slocum Law frequently defends and protect clients in FDCPA cases when creditors do not follow these rules and guidelines, often seeking damages on behalf of clients.
Debt collectors must comply with specific rules regarding when and how they can communicate with consumers. Overall, Regulation F sets out detailed requirements for debt collectors to follow to ensure that they are treating consumers fairly and transparently when attempting to collect debts. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in penalties and legal action.
Recently, Regulation F placed numerous guidelines on debt collectors that have traditionally not been a part of the FDCPA. Slocum Law is committed to staying current on all consumer law changes and updates to bring the best representation to our clients.
As an example, a debt collector is in violation if the debt collector calls more than seven times in a seven-day period. Debt collectors may regularly be violating the FDCPA as outlined by Regulation F. Slocum Law provides a thorough case study for all client to uncover any such violations.
Keith Slocum is a subject matter expert in FDCPA law and routinely defends consumers against the illegal harassment of debt collectors both with a bankruptcy case or without.
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FCRA & Credit Report Correction
Credit scores are a substantial part of being a consumer in today’s world. Your credit report must be accurate.
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Buying cars and homes or securing a credit card or loan can only be successful if the consumer has good credit. We often see a client who has learned they have a credit report problem after they tried to make a big purchase and were denied because of an issue with a credit report.
Individuals trying to fix inaccuracies can find the process frustrating, complicated and time consuming. We have success and experience in helping individuals solve credit reporting issues.
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is a federal law in the United States that regulates the collection, dissemination, and use of consumer credit information. The law applies to credit reporting agencies, creditors, and those who furnish information to them.
When credit reporting agencies fail to correct inaccuracies, as regulated by FCRA, Slocum Law can pursue legal action and damages.
Student Loan Law
Student loan debt can feel insurmountable, especially when your budget is already strained. If you are not able to make ends meet due to student loan debt, Slocum Law can thoroughly review your case to determine if you qualify for a student loan relief program.
Student loan relief programs or policies are designed to help borrowers manage their student loan debt through several options, including loan forgiveness, loan cancellation, loan discharge, and loan repayment assistance.
Loan forgiveness programs forgive a portion or the entirety of a borrower's student loan debt when certain eligibility criterion is met, such as working in a public service job or teaching in a low-income school district.
Loan cancellation programs cancel the entire amount of a borrower's student loan debt if they meet certain criteria, such as becoming permanently disabled or if their school closed while they were enrolled.
Loan repayment assistance programs help borrowers manage their student loan debt by providing financial assistance or by helping them to refinance their loans at a lower interest rate.
Slocum Law can evaluate your case to determine if you qualify for a student loan relief payment and, if so, assist you in the application process. Additionally, Slocum Law can provide further suggestions or solutions for debt relief to get you the help you need and deserve.
Schedule your attorney consultation to discuss student loan relief options today.
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Call today and let's talk about your situation and the solutions available to you. The initial consultation with Attorney Keith Slocum is free of charge. Then you can decide what's best for you.