Today Washington Post had a story on the effects of foreclosures on mental health. To read the full article click: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/08/24/AR2009082402333.html

Unfortunately, this is a story too familiar to a bankruptcy attorney who has been practicing for more than a week. In fact, the very first client I met (while working at another firm) committed suicide.  He had a complicated case. His problems were compounded by the fact that by the time he dealt with his finances he has “borrowed” a large sum from an aging parent. I don’t presume to understand what he was going through. I met the person once. I will be honest, I considered finding a new area of law to focus on, but I didn’t.

Since that horrible time, I have seen a LOT of sadness and pain come through the doors of the firm I was working for, and more when I opened my own practice.  Like everyone else, I don’t like to see so much pain and loss. What has kept me practicing bankruptcy is the fact that I also see a solution for the majority of people. It isn’t always roses and it isn’t always ideal, but at times it truly is a very good option that does give people a “fresh start” and allows them to sleep again.

I hear this time and time again, “ After meeting with you, I got my first good night of sleep in a very long time.” Hearing that, keeps me coming back.