Does Debt and Loan Consolidation Really Work?

Having lots of debt is stressful and for many the thought of getting to a position where you think you will be able to pay it all off seems pretty much impossible. 

Debt consolidation is the process of taking all of some of your debts and putting them all together. The thinking behind this is that by lumping all your debt into one loan with reduce your interest rate and make it more "affordable" or "payable". 

In theory, consolidating seems like a good and viable option. However, in practice, debt consolidation rarely works out, and experience shows that in the long run, people don't save money but in fact it ends up costing them more. Learn more about why debt consolidation rarely works here, Debt Consolidation Traps.

Even finance guru's like Dave Ramsey admit that debt consolidation services don't work and are nothing for than a "con". Read, The Truth About Debt Consolidation.

There do exist some somewhat reputable consolidation services, but many so-called debt consolidation companies are just scammers doing what they can to take advantage of people who are drowning in debt and are looking for help. Many of our former bankruptcy clients have tried debt consolidation companies and they all reported the same thing, it cost them a lot of money for the service but balance of their debt did not change. 

Rather than waste your time, money and sanity on debt consolidation, Congress has provided another option whereby people who are in debt with no foreseeable end to paying it off can get help and have a fresh start. 

By filing for relief under the Bankruptcy Code, people have a variety of options to get there financial lives back on track. Chapter 7 allows for a complete fresh start, lets you just start over with a clean slate. Chapter 13 lets you make a plan to pay back some debt in a way which you can afford. Also, the time frame for getting your life back through bankruptcy is much quicker than using unproven debt consolidation. 

Our office has been helping people for many years get relief from the stress that comes from overwhelming debt. Call Richards & Godfrey, PC today for a free consultation and let us show you all of the options you have to deal with your debt. Call 801-621-7443 or email us as office@richardsgodfrey.com.

Avoiding the Terri Schiavo Dilemma

If you were at least somewhat aware of the world in the early 2000's, you will probably recall the Terri Schiavo case. You'll remember this was an ordeal about fight between a husband and the wife's parents about who had to right to decided what should happen to Terri, who was in a persistent vegetative state.

Here is just a brief synopsis to bring you up to speed. Terri was married to Michael Schiavo, they lived in Florida. At age 26, Terri collapsed and her brain was deprived of oxygen long enough to cause her brain damage and leave her into what is called a "persistent vegetative state", this isn't the same thing as brain dead, Terri could breathe on here one, but besides breathing she was essentially incapable of thought, emotion, or significant bodily movements. After her death, doctor's concluded that she had significant amount of irreversible brain damage.

The issue that took this sad private situation and made it a national headline which consumed the news and everyone watching was the fight between Michael, Terri's husband and Terri's parents, Robert and Mary Schindler. Michael had cared for and dealt with Terri's treatment since 1990, he decided some 10 years later that Terri's recovery was not realistic and he sought to have his wife taken of what was essentially life support. Terri's parent fought this, and waged a very public fight to try and ensure their daughter would remain on life support. Thus the legal battle ensued.
Dr. Timothy E. Quill, in The New England Journal of Medicine wrote a fabulous article about the medical, ethical and some legal issues regarding Terry's case, you and read it here: Terri Schiavo — A Tragedy Compounded

As you investigate the story of Terri Schiavo and the heartache experienced by those who loved her most, and the nation as a whole, you will better understand what the simple and easy solution could have been. If Terri had at some point prior to here collapse put into effect an "Advanced Medical Directive" with corresponding Power of Attorney, the whole mess could have been avoided. Terri would have been able to state what here desire was if something happened to her and what she wanted done, thus eliminating the fight which inevitable arises when deep emotional bonds are perceived to be lost when a loved on dies.

An experienced attorney can help you better deal with hard decisions and situations by making sure you affairs are in order before the need arises. Everyone over the age of 21, and especially those who are married  and those who have children should have at the very least, a simple will, coupled with an Advanced Medical Directive so an ordeal like that of Terri Schiavo doesn't happen to you or your loved ones.

We have helped hundreds of client take care of these delicate issues preparing all types of wills, trusts and directives which help families and people deal properly with delicate situations, you can find out more about us and these services here: Richards & Godfrey, PC

Also Check out this short documentary on the Terri Schiavo case: http://nyti.ms/1iC7a7x

Understanding Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

EMPTY NESTERS BEWARE!

          

            You and your spouse have worked hard providing for your family and raising your children.  You have got them through high school and now the last one has left home and is off at school, working some place or perhaps married.  Whew is finally over and now there is time for just you and your spouse to relax and start to enjoy being the two of you.  Chance at marital bliss once again?  Whoa, not so fast.  You might be headed to the big “D” (divorce) instead.

 

            According to a New York Times, the divorce rate for couples 50 and over has doubled since over a half century ago.  Based upon the Census Bureau’s American Community survey in 2011, 15.4% of couples over age 50 were divorced, 2.1% were separated, and 13.5% were widowed. 

 

            What are some of the factors leading to marital demise?  Based upon my own observations as a practicing divorce attorney for over 25 years it comes down to a couple of things.  First, so much energy was focused on their children that they did nothing to keep their relationship strong.  They grew apart.  Strive to keep your marriage strong.  Take trips together without your children, even when they are young.  Believe me, they’ll survive.  Secondly, many baby boomers are on the second or third marriage.  IF they are healthy and active and the relationship has become stale or burdensome there is a stronger likelihood that the individual will divorce again.  Third, watch out for retirement.  Being together all the time, when you haven’t been in the past, can be stressful.  Find some hobbies each of you can pursue on your own, as my mom would say: “let there be space in your togetherness.” However, make sure you schedule time to be together as well and pursue mutual interest.

            Generally, there are greater implications when one is older and getting a divorce.  These implications can be added pressure on the children and family.  The children and other family members probably (hopefully) like both of you.  They won’t know how to deal with you now you are not couple.  Stress on finances, and dividing assets like investments, social security, retirement accounts, and tax implications, all have greater significance and ramifications as an older couple.  Generally, speaking you have acquired more.

 

            Hopefully, you will have wonderful marriage now that the kids are gone.  It really is a time to reconnect and enjoy one another.  No more pressures of child rearing. More disposable income, right?  You’re not paying for school, braces, dance, and the list goes on and on.  However, if your marriage happens to be once of the statistics you should seek competent legal representation to insure you are getting what you deserve.

            The experienced divorce attorneys of Richards & Godfrey will work closely with you to understand your needs, review your rights and options, consider creative alternatives, and prepare a sound legal strategy for your divorce and family law case.

To schedule a consultation with the attorneys at  Richards & Godfrey today, call (801) 621-7443 or contact us online at: www.richardsgodfrey.com .

 

DOES MY DIVORCE HAVE TO BE UGLY?

             As an experienced divorce attorney I have been asked many times, “does my divorce need to get ugly, mean and nasty?”  The answer is no.  So, how can one go about having a fair and mostly amicable divorce?  The answer is by trying alternative dispute resolution and obtaining a lawyer who is committed to the collaborative process.

 

            The difference between litigation in divorce and seeking is that through the collaborative process, the parties work with each other to find a solution and to resolve conflict between them, whether it be parenting   and custody, property and debt distribution, alimony and other issues that pertain to every divorce.  Litigation is a process where you are trying to compel the other side, or court, to see it your way.  This process of compelling another tends to leave the parties bitter towards each other often causing problems with their relationship in dealing with their children or other issues for years to come. 

            I have found a good article about setting boundaries for a smooth divorce offered by a colleague of mine.  It’s a good article giving food for thought for those contemplating divorce.  Here is the link: http://www.domesticlaw.net/2014/04/setting-the-boundaries-for-a-smooth-divorce    

            No one ever marries with the thought of divorcing someday but it happens.  If divorce is a decision that you need to make here at Richards & Godfrey, we can help you through this transitional period of your life.

La diferencia entre DUI y Deterioro de conducción en Utah

En Utah, DUI y Deterioro de conducción son diferentes delitos. Sin embargo , la distinción entre los dos es bastante subjetiva . En esencia, no es posible cometer el delito de DUI sin cometer el delito de Alteración de conducción y viceversa. Ambos son delitos graves.

La diferencia realmente entre los dos es que la carga de la reducción de la función de conducción como una herramienta utilizada por los fiscales en la oferta de un acusado de un acuerdo con la fiscalía . Deterioro de conducción tiene consecuencias menos graves para la licencia de conducir y las multas correspondientes. Además , el cargo no tiene el tiempo obligatorio de cárcel como DUI conlleva .

Para mayor información por los cambios propuestos a la ley de Utah que podría afectan Deterioro de conducción echa un vistazo a este post interesante por el fiscal Glen Neeley . http://www.utahduilawblog.com/2014/01/articles/utah-dui-laws/2014-utah-dui-proposed-law-changes-very-scary/

Si usted es un infractor de DUI por primera vez , la posibilidad de conseguir un acuerdo como el Deterioro de conducción se incrementa generalmente si tiene un abogado de DUI con experiencia para ayudarle a negociar con el fiscal. Llame a Richards y Godfrey , PC. hoy y hablar con nosotros de forma gratuita acerca de su caso , 801-621-7443 o envíenos un email a office@richardsgodfrey.com .

The difference between DUI and Impaired Driving in Utah

In Utah, DUI and Impaired Driving are different offenses. However, the distinction between the two is pretty subjective. It is essentially not possible to commit the crime of DUI without committing the crime of Impaired Driving and vice versa. Both are serious crimes.

 

The difference really between the two is that the charge of Impaired Driving functions as a tool used by prosecutors in offering a defendant a plea deal. Impaired Driving carries less severe consequences to a driver's license and corresponding fines. Also, the charge does not have the mandatory jail time like DUI carries. 

 

For more information out proposed changes to Utah law which could affecting Impaired Driving check out this interesting post by Attorney Glen Neeley. http://www.utahduilawblog.com/2014/01/articles/utah-dui-laws/2014-utah-dui-proposed-law-changes-very-scary/

 

If you are a first time DUI offender, the possibility of getting a deal such as Impaired Driving will be greatly increased if you have an experienced DUI lawyer to help you negotiate with the prosecutor. Call Richards & Godfrey, PC. today and talk to us for free about your case, 801-621-7443 or email us at office@richardsgodfrey.com.