Bankruptcy is today a subject that sparks ardent debates. Across the U.S., society has built a stigma toward bankruptcy and the individuals that resource to this tool, obscuring the social role bankruptcy plays in giving people who suffered major financial setbacks a fresh start.
“There is a big stigma toward people who have to file for bankruptcy, but really there is a big misunderstanding about what bankruptcy actually means and the long-term effects of filing for bankruptcy,” says Ciment, a recognized consumer advocate and attorney with over 15 years of experience in bankruptcy, debt collection defense, and consumer protection.
Daniel Ciment and his team at Ciment Law Firm, also known as the Debt Defenders, have worked with hundreds of consumers who have found in bankruptcy a channel to rebuild their lives after unexpected setbacks placed them at the edge of losing all their assets. His years of experience in the bankruptcy law industry have shown Ciment the importance of bankruptcy as a resource designed to protect people’s most fundamental rights.
Through their work, Ciment and his law firm debunk the societal stigma surrounding bankruptcy. They aim to educate the public on the true nature of bankruptcy – a tool designed to provide individuals with a fresh start after a financial setback. This goal is deeply rooted in the Debt Defenders’ mission of providing legal solutions, protecting consumer rights, and assisting in credit rebuilding.
As Ciment explained during an exclusive interview, bankruptcy is not a mark of failure but a lifeline extended to those in desperate financial straits. It’s a legal process designed to help individuals and businesses eliminate their debts or repay them under the protection of the bankruptcy court. Far from being a financial death sentence, as society has depicted it, bankruptcy can provide a pathway to a new beginning.
“What I tell my clients when they come seeking financial advice or relief from debt is, ‘Look, bankruptcy laws are there for a reason,’” Ciment shares. “Bankruptcy is there to help people who suffer because of a financial setback and to allow them to have a fresh start.”
This sentiment is at the core of Ciment Law Firm’s mission to help consumers resolve their unpaid debts and protect their rights in the process.
Contrary to societal unfounded stigmas, people who resource to bankruptcy are not reckless spendthrifts or irresponsible individuals. These individuals are commonly ordinary people who, due to circumstances often beyond their control – such as medical emergencies, job loss, or divorce – find themselves unable to meet their financial obligations.
“There are thousands of people who have to file for bankruptcy every single day throughout the country. Bankruptcy laws are there to allow them to have a fresh start and rebuild their lives,” Ciment emphasizes.
Ciment and his team not only offer clients legal solutions to resolve their debts but also educate them about their rights and the bankruptcy process. Ciment Law Firm’s commitment to providing personalized, compassionate service is evident in its approach. They understand the stress and anxiety that come with dealing with debt and aim to provide relief and solutions for their clients.
“We also explain to clients that bankruptcy is not as bad as most people think it is,” Ciment reveals. “We use tools to show clients what their credit scores would look like 12 months after filing for bankruptcy. We explain to them that bankruptcy draws a line in the sand, and afterward, they can rebuild their credit. In many cases, a client’s credit can shoot up 150 points in the year following their filing for bankruptcy.”
The financial coaching offered by Ciment Law Firm is a crucial part of the firm’s mission. Ciment and his team’s work extends beyond helping clients resolve their debts. They assist their clientele in rebuilding their credit and their lives. To this end, Ciment Law Firm has partnered with 720 Credit Score to offer their clients the 7 Steps to a 720 Credit Score program, valued at $1,000, for free.
Daniel Ciment and his team at The Debt Defenders are working to bring compassion into the public debate about bankruptcy. These consumer advocates are championing a more understanding view of bankruptcy and its role in society. They are fighting the stigma and providing a beacon of hope for those seeking a fresh start.
By Juan Sebastian Restrepo,
With Artistic Initiative Agency
