Within the last few months, I have been getting numerous phone calls from relatives regarding their elderly parents. Many of their children/ family members are looking for elderly bankruptcy attorneys to file bankruptcy for their elderly parents in Staten Island. As the cost of living in Staten Island and medical expenses continues to increase the elderly can’t afford basic living needs in Staten Island.
Should My Elderly Parent File Bankruptcy
Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting a wonderful elderly lady. Her son and daughter in law had called me asking if I could file bankruptcy because she could not meet her basic living needs. She was retired, in her late 80’s and her only income was Social Security. Her husband had recently passed away thus, causing her to no longer benefit from her husband’s pension.
In order to make ends meet each month, she was spending on her credit cards. Even if she just continued to pay the minimum amount on all her cards she would only have $200 left to feed herself for the month. When her son and daughter in law spoke to me their mother was not on board to file bankruptcy. She was embarrassed, scared and of course felt like she could pay her credit cards. Fortunately, after some convincing, I was able to speak to her and show her that she would not be able to afford it. Once she realized that bankruptcy would be the best option she was totally on board.
Although, the bankruptcy process was scary for an 80 something year old, I was able to take away much of her stress. Her son and daughter lived in a different state so I tried to make the bankruptcy process as easy as possible for her. I always explained everything in detail even if she asked the same question ten times. I also went to her house to collect her documents and did the consultation at her house. Many bankruptcy attorneys don’t like to go to their client’s homes. However, many elderly bankruptcy clients are unable to drive and their children sometimes don’t live near them or have their own work which makes it difficult for them to get their parents to the attorney’s office all of the time.
After her bankruptcy case was over and she received her discharge she was extremely happy. She was so thankful and appreciative that it made me think about all of the other elderly people who really have no one to help them get out of debt.
Why Do the Elderly File Bankruptcy?
The increased costs of living and medical costs are pushing the elderly to file bankruptcy. According to Data from the Consumer Bankruptcy Project filings by people 65 and older are on the rise… According to some news outlets, bankruptcy for the elderly have increased to almost double within the last 15 years.
The issue with the elderly filing bankruptcy is that it helps them to have no debt but unfortunately, does not allow them to gain any wealth after. Some even find themselves filing bankruptcy more than once just to stay afloat.
Fortunately, bankruptcy may be a good option for an elderly relative, friend or parent. If creditors are calling and harassing them then it can be a good way to stop those harassing phone calls.
A Bankruptcy Lawyer that Helps the Elderly
If you or someone you know who is elderly and thinking about filing for bankruptcy it is important to find a Staten Island Bankruptcy lawyer or New Jersey bankruptcy lawyer that can help them. The elderly are scared and need someone with patience to guide them through the bankruptcy process.. Many times people take advantage of them and it is important to find a good Staten Island Bankruptcy lawyer that can help them.
Karra L. Kingston is a bankruptcy attorney in Staten Island, New York and New Jersey. She has helped many elderly clients get out of debt by filing bankruptcy. She also makes the process as easy as possible by traveling to their homes and collecting all of the necessary documents. Give Karra L. Kingston Esq. a call today to set up a free consultation.