August 10, 2011
In 2011, a brand new Hyundai Accent can be had for under $10K. That’s much less than half the price of the average new car. But this peppy little car can’t even crack the top 10 for sales. So, I ask you – why don’t you drive a Hyundai Accent? Because you want more than a stripped-down, cramped, mediocre crash-test scoring mode of transportation. You want a car with features, interior room, and safe design.
Hyundai decided to position the Accent as a car that is attractive on price alone. As a result, other desirables (like air conditioning) and even some necessities (like antilock brakes and adequate frame reinforcement for crashes) are chopped from the base model.
Sadly, there are bankruptcy attorneys who have decided to position themselves as the Hyundai Accents of bankruptcy attorneys. Will they get you where you want to go? Probably. Will it be a comfortable trip? Unlikely. Could it be downright dangerous? Definitely.
Keep this in mind: if a lawyer has to compete solely on price, there is a reason – lack of experience, lack of good client service, or lack of ability to effectively represent your interests in Bankruptcy Court.
I advertise as an affordable bankruptcy attorney. But, that doesn’t mean cheap. It doesn’t mean Hyundai Accent. It means good value while also being reliable, comfortable, and safe. It means we’re a Honda Accord law firm. And, hey, that’s even what I drive!
(P.S. If you do happen to drive a Hyundai Accent, I still think you're a good person, and probably an excellent budgeter too.)
January 29, 2011
Attorney James Tschudy of the Neeley Law Firm attended the University of Arizona, met his wife in Tucson, and worked in his first law firm at the Whitehill Law Offices in Tucson, Arizona.
So, in addition to the personal service that the Neeley Law Firm already provides in Phoenix, James will now also be available to the residents of Tucson for bankruptcy and debt relief assistance. Appointments are available in Tucson starting in February, so GET STARTED now with a free consultation with James.
Consultations will be provided at 2730 E. Broadway Boulevard, Suite 160, Tucson, Arizona 85716.
January 19, 2010
Recently, a friend and small business owner asked me: “At what point should someone start considering Bankruptcy?” This is a difficult question to answer, and it varies greatly depending on the situation. Nevertheless, as one of the Arizona bankruptcy judges – Judge Case – has stated, “Fundamentally, bankruptcy is a matter of timing.” So, it is important to establish your timeline as you are feeling overwhelmed by debt.
Bankruptcy is a major step to take, and for most people it has never crossed their mind as an option. As a result, most people are unfamiliar with what Bankruptcy even really is; let alone whether or not they should consider it. The current economic conditions have put many people in this rather foreign territory.
As I explained to my friend, there is no general rule about when one should consider filing or when they should in fact file. However, there are several common circumstances that, taken together, can provide a litmus test as to whether you should seriously consider Bankruptcy.
January 12, 2010
Lawyers often get stereotyped as unethical, greedy, or arrogant. Just think of all the Lawyer jokes you've heard. But, there is one profession that may have an equally bad rap – used car salesmen.
Admittedly, some of the reasons behind both of the above stereotypes are legitimate. However, while I started my firm with the goal to change minds about lawyers, today I’m also going to compliment at least one member of the used-car sales profession. His name is Cameron, and I bought my first car from him over a decade ago. Cameron worked at a tiny, rundown, roadside car lot with about 15 vehicles. I’m sure he barely made enough to support his family. Yet, he was friendly, helpful, interested in his potential customers, and never pushy. He had a reputation that was passed by word of mouth around my college, and whenever someone mentioned needing to purchase a car, frequently the conversation would end with: “Go see Cameron, he’ll take good care of you.”
July 17, 2009
Many individuals facing potential Bankruptcy are small business owners. They may be the only or one of a few shareholders of an S-Corporation or only member of a Limited Liability Company. This complicates the nature of the Bankruptcy estate and limits what can be accomplished in the discharge.
Generally speaking, a small business that is incorporated under state law is its own legal entity, separate from the actual people that own it. However, in a Bankruptcy, the Trustee takes control of the Debtor’s assets and property as if they were the true owner. They can do with those assets anything that a typical owner of property can do. The debtor’s ownership of an LLC or small corporation is an asset of which the Trustee may take possession. If the business has significant assets, inventory or accounts receivable, the Trustee may find a way to assert control of these, and in some cases, dissolve the business.
