Friends, Please Read This: If You’re Struggling With Debt, I’ve Been There — And I’m Here to Help

If you’re a friend, a colleague, or someone who knows me in the community, you might hesitate to call when money gets stressful. Maybe you’re worried I’ll think less of you. Maybe you don’t want to “mix friendship and business.” Maybe you’re embarrassed.

I understand that feeling more than you know.

My Story

I graduated college right as 9/11 shook the economy. I packed my things and moved to Dallas to work for a law firm. I went in on a Wednesday to sign my new employee paperwork, and left the office to sign a lease on my new apartment, buy a new (used) car, and other necessities I'd need to start my life as a full-fledged adult. When I went in on Monday for my first day of work, I learned that the office was belly-up and the job I thought I had no longer existed! I spent the next 6 months desperately trying to find another job, working several part-time jobs in retail, and going into huge credit card debt just to feed myself and put gas in my car. I left Dallas feeling so defeated, and moved back in with my parents where I stayed for the next 10 years. I should have filed bankruptcy, but I didn't know then what I know now.

Then, in 2008, when the market crashed, I was laid off from the Wort Hotel. I had spent the last 6 years building a successful career in hospitality, just to be out of a job once more. I went from living comfortably to barely making ends meet, earning less than half what I was making before. Once again, I amassed major debt as I struggled to network and obtain employment I was qualified for. And once again, I didn't file bankruptcy because I feared embarrassment, struggled with the idea of not paying my own way, and incorrectly assumed that my credit would be destroyed forever.

And in the Spring of 2024, I faced a life-threatening medical crisis that brought unexpected bills and hard choices. I was out of work for nearly 6 months, just after buying my first house. I am much smarter and more experienced now than I was before, but a financial crunch is a financial crunch, no matter your situation.

I know what it’s like to feel your stomach drop when you open the mail, to wonder which bills you can put off, and to lie awake doing the math at 2 a.m. That lived experience is why I practice bankruptcy and debt relief—and why I want you to call me if you need help. Friends don’t let friends carry that weight alone!

Let’s clear up the big worries

“I’m embarrassed.” You don’t need to be. Debt happens for lots of good people—job loss, divorce, medical issues, helping family, a business that hit a rough patch. Bankruptcy is a legal tool that exists for exactly these moments. Choosing to use it isn’t failure; it’s a reset.

“Will you think less of me?” No. Full stop. If anything, I’ll think more of you for taking care of yourself and your family. Asking for help is strong and responsible. It's what I wish I had done in 2004 and in 2010.

“What about confidentiality?” Attorney-client privilege applies even if we’re friends. Our conversation is private and protected. I take that duty seriously. We’ll keep your matter discreet, communicate in the way you prefer, and set boundaries that make you comfortable.

“I don’t want our friendship to feel weird.” Me neither. No awkwardness—promise. Case time: I’m your lawyer. Friend time: I’m your friend. I’ll never discuss your case in social spaces, and we can have my team handle any parts you want.

“I’m afraid I can’t afford a lawyer.” Let’s talk. Many clients discover that the cost of doing it right is far less than the cost of doing it alone—or the cost of waiting. We’ll be up-front about fees and options so you can make a confident decision.

What working with me feels like

1) A calm, judgment-free first call. You share the basics. I listen. No lectures, no shaming—just facts, options, and a plan.

2) A plain-English roadmap. I’ll explain whether Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 fits, how it affects your credit, what debts can be wiped out or reorganized, how quickly creditor calls have to stop, and what your timeline looks like. You’ll know the steps before we take them.

3) Protection and privacy. From day one, I protect your rights and your peace of mind. We’ll gather only what we need, file clean paperwork, and avoid avoidable surprises.

4) Support the whole way. You won’t be left guessing. My team and I keep you informed, answer questions quickly, and stay with you through discharge—and rebuilding.

Why choose a friend instead of a stranger?

Because trust matters when you’re under stress. You already know who I am, how I show up, and what I value. I know you’re a whole person—not a case number. That familiarity makes the process easier, faster, and a lot less scary.

And for what it’s worth: if our roles were reversed, I’d rather call someone I trust than roll the dice with a stranger on the internet.

A quick reality check about bankruptcy

• It’s not a life sentence for your credit. Most clients start rebuilding within months.

• It stops the chaos. Collection calls, lawsuits, garnishments, and most interest/fees have to pause under the law.

• It’s a financial decision, not a moral one. The law exists to give honest people a fresh start—and it works.

If you’re my friend, here’s what I want you to know

• You are not your balance sheet.

• You don’t have to suffer in silence.

• Calling me doesn’t obligate you to do anything. It simply gives you clear options so you can breathe again.

  
  

How to reach out (low-pressure, low-stress)

• Text or email me and say, “Can we talk about debt options?”

• We’ll schedule a confidential consult—phone, Zoom, or in person.

• Bring what you have; don’t stress what you don’t. We’ll sort it out together.

If you’d truly rather not mix friendship and representation, I’ll still help by recommending a trustworthy attorney who’ll treat you with the same care. My first priority is you getting the help you need.

Final word—from one FRIEND to another

Life happens. You’ve supported others through tougher things than this. Let me return the favor. I would be honored to help you find steady ground, protect what matters, and move forward with confidence.

When you’re ready, call or message me. I’m here.