After 50 years of practicing bankruptcy law, I have an important message to share.  Yes, I am now recently retired from the practice of law, although I will continue as the longest appointed member of the private panel of bankruptcy trustees in the Third Circuit of the Federal Courts. 

Helping folks out of financial distress and affording them a new life with a fresh start has been a life-long goal that has kept me working well past normal retirement age.  I have no doubt that most of my clients and families have built upon the fresh start following bankruptcy.  They were able to pay tuition for their children, buy a home, enjoy an enriched and higher quality of life.  Being unshackled from financial problems has proven to enhance family and workplace relationships.  Frankly, it works better than what the medical profession offers, although, sadly, not in all cases.

Unfortunately, others continued the habit of credit cards, car loans, and such like, and need another bankruptcy eight years following the first one.  The second time around usually does the trick.  I always took as much time as needed to educate my clients on financial wisdom.  Suggestions such as opening a Roth IRA (which is the only gift from the IRS), keeping away from car dealerships and fancy cars, minimizing or avoiding student loans, avoiding credit cards, debit cards and automatic debits, home equity loans, and many other "pearls of wisdom" suggestions.  You see, merely filing a bankruptcy for a client is just half the job.  Financial advice is the other half, and I always finished the job.

I am available at 609-335-1882 to talk to anyone having financial problems.  Please keep in mind that I no longer practice law, and cannot give bankruptcy legal advice.  But I am a good listener.  If asked, I will refer you to a correct, well-experienced, and respected bankruptcy lawyer to represent you, whether it be a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 case.

So with these parting words, I wish everyone, former clients or not, a healthy, and happy future with no money worries.

Warmest personal regards,

Tom Subranni