“Debtor’s Survival Camp” Offers an Alternative to Bankruptcy.

Many Americans are overwhelmed by debt, as shown by the ever-increasing number of bankruptcies filed each year. Contrary to popular mythology, most people do not file bankruptcy as a strategy to avoid paying large credit card debts amassed by buying luxury goods. In fact, debtors often make great sacrifices trying to avoid bankruptcy. According to one study, in the two years before filing bankruptcy, 40.3% of debtors did not have phone service, 19.4% went without food, 53.6% neglected medical treatment, and 43% declined to fill prescriptions.

Because of the consequences of filing bankruptcy, it should be considered a last resort. It can affect a person’s ability to find work, rent an apartment, or get insurance -- not to mention affecting the availability of future credit necessary to buy a car or a home. In addition, the options are severely limited for debtors who incur debts as a result of an unforeseen catastrophe, such as lost employment or a serious illness, for several years after filing bankruptcy.

Still, for people who are threatened and harassed by unscrupulous debt collectors – some of whom call debtors as often as 50 times a day – bankruptcy may seem to be the only way out. Now, LAET offers a way for many of our clients to stop this abusive behavior without filing bankruptcy.

On the last Saturday of each month, we offer “Debtor’s Survival Camp,” a two-hour workshop conducted by a private lawyer who will show clients how to stop annoying phone calls and how to protect their property from seizure by creditors. Debtor’s Survival Camp is available to clients who reside in any of the 26 counties LAET serves, but it is only held in our Knoxville office at this time.

Not everyone will benefit from Debtor’s Survival Camp. We can determine whether you qualify by reviewing your financial information when you call for an appointment. To find out if Debtor’s Survival Camp can help you, call LAET at (865) 637-0484.