Opening thoughts: I founded the Law Office of M. Eric Barksdale, P.A. to help individuals who need the assistance of a highly qualified attorney to navigate the complexities of bankruptcy law and the bankruptcy court. For 26 years I represented the “other side” of consumer bankruptcy law, the bankruptcy trustees, both chapter 7 and chapter 13. Let me first say there are many competent bankruptcy attorneys to choose from, however, during that period of representing the “other side” I often shook my head and thought to myself, “…I wish this debtor had a better attorney.”
My promise to my clients is to provide personalized counsel throughout the entire process, from the free initial consultation through the final resolution of the case. You will have “your attorney” with you throughout the process. I will make myself available to you via e-mail and telephone to promptly answer your questions and concerns.
My life motto has always been, “Press on Regardless.” I first heard this phrase in my early youth and anyone who knows me well would agree that this motto made a great impression on my life. I “Press on Regardless” and I will “Press on Regardless” for you!
Bankruptcy can help you live longer? In the Constitution of the United States, ratified in 1789, our founding fathers gave the U.S. Congress the power to enact “uniform laws on the subject of bankruptcies” throughout the United States. And so it came to be that bankruptcy laws were passed to give persons, honest debtors in unfortunate circumstances, a fresh financial start.
In addition to the fresh financial start, bankruptcy can also help you live longer according to the National Bureau of Economic Research in 2014. In a study of 500,000 bankruptcy filings in the United States, they determined that getting approved for Chapter 13 bankruptcy protection decreased five-year mortality by 1.2 percentage points, increased annual earnings by $5,562.00, and decreased five-year foreclosure rates by 19.1 percentage points. Now, I’m not encouraging anyone to file bankruptcy just to live longer, but unforeseen circumstances arise, such as the loss of a job, medical bills, home foreclosure or divorce. Life happens, and we must “Press on Regardless!”
