Filing for bankruptcy can feel like hitting rock bottom—but it’s actually a turning point. It’s the moment when you stop sinking and start figuring out how to swim again. I’ve seen it happen time and time again right here in Parma, Middleburg Heights, and Strongsville. People come in feeling overwhelmed and walk out with something they haven’t felt in a long time: hope.
At Mary E. Papcke, Attorney at Law, we don’t just file paperwork and send you on your way. We work with you to rebuild your financial footing so the next chapter of your life isn’t just debt-free—but stronger, clearer, and more manageable.
Here’s how a bankruptcy lawyer can help you do exactly that.
Step One: We Stop the Bleeding
Before we even get into rebuilding, let’s talk about stability. Bankruptcy immediately stops collection calls, lawsuits, garnishments, and threats of foreclosure through what’s called an automatic stay. This is huge.
I had a client in North Royalton who hadn’t opened her mail in weeks out of fear. Once we filed her Chapter 7 case, the calls stopped. The letters stopped. And she finally got a full night’s sleep. That kind of peace is the foundation you need to start rebuilding.
Step Two: We Help You Understand What Went Wrong
No judgment, ever. But you can’t fix what you don’t understand. Whether it was medical bills, divorce, a job loss, or just years of survival mode—bankruptcy forces you to take a clear look at your finances.
We’ll walk through what happened, what your current obligations are, and how to avoid the same traps going forward. Some people never learned about credit. Others got buried in interest rates or made financial decisions based on survival, not planning. Wherever you’re coming from, we meet you there.
Step Three: We Protect What Matters Most
One of the biggest myths about bankruptcy is that you’ll lose everything. In most cases, you keep your car, your home, your retirement accounts, and your personal property. We make sure you take advantage of every exemption you’re entitled to under Ohio law.
You’ve worked hard for what you have. Let’s protect it while wiping out the debt that’s holding you back.
Step Four: We Guide You Through Credit Recovery
Yes, your credit will take a hit—but it’s usually already damaged by the time you file. Bankruptcy gives you a clean slate, which actually makes it easier to rebuild.
Here’s what we help our clients do:
- Start a realistic monthly budget
- Monitor their credit reports for accuracy
- Apply for secured credit cards (and use them smartly)
- Avoid high-risk lenders and predatory offers
- Consider options like credit-builder loans
One man from Strongsville emailed me a year after his discharge to say his score had jumped by nearly 100 points. It’s possible—if you have a plan.
Step Five: We Stick Around (If You Need Us)
A lot of people think once the discharge papers come through, that’s it. Not with us. If questions come up—about credit repair, future purchases, or legal issues down the line—you can call. We’ve built relationships with our clients that go way beyond the courtroom.
Rebuilding your financial stability isn’t about quick fixes. It’s about steady progress, better decisions, and support you can count on.
You Deserve a Fresh Start—and a Future That Works
Bankruptcy is just the beginning. What comes next is where things get really important. And you don’t have to figure it out alone.
At Mary E. Papcke, Attorney at Law, we help people across Parma, Middleburg Heights, Strongsville, and North Royalton get out of debt—and then get their lives back.
Ready to talk about a fresh start? Visit www.BankruptcyAndDivorceLaw.com or call (440) 743-7000 to schedule a consultation.
You’re not broken. You’re rebuilding. And we’re here for it.
