Geraci Law Attorney Amanda Lester Reports: Client had finished his meeting of the creditors. Was outside trying to use the payphone on the side of the street. The payphone would not accept his change. Gave him my cell phone to call his ride. His ride did not answer the phone, so he tried another number. They did not answer either. He told me he would just wait for them to hopefully show up because he did not have any money for a cab. I told him I wasn't going to let him stand out in the cold. I got him an Uber ride and paid for it with my debit card. He said he would try to get me the money back, and I told him not to worry about I just want to make sure he makes it home safely.
Geraci Law Attorney David Lulkin Reports: Passed a deaf client in the lobby and noticed she was having a hard time communicating to security that she needed to find 341 meeting. I knew her attorney was still waiting for her upstairs, so I walked her up and introduced them.
Geraci Law Attorney Charles Kinzer Reports: During his Chapter 13, client wanted to finance a new car at $528 per month for 72 months at 19.5% interest. Technically this can be allowed, but all of those payments are enormous. I explained that this would ultimately cost him over $38,000 for an ordinary sedan. Once he did the math, he realized just buying a cheap old car outright would save him so much money that it was the only path that made sense. Saved him from a ruinous $38,000 car loan.
Geraci Law Attorney Anthony Shull Reports: I noticed this client struggling with her walker and trying to get through the door. I jumped up, held the door for her, and held her arm as she was going down the steps to get to the bus. She was very grateful, and thanked me for being a gentleman!
Geraci Law Attorney Scott Greenwood Reports: My client's debit card fell out of her purse at her meeting of creditors. She'd already left once I found it but I called our office and had someone call her immediately before she got too far away. The Client was able to get back to the hearing office before they closed and get her debit card--saving her another trip to the Loop.
Geraci Law Attorney Mariusz Zatorski Reports: Client was stressed out and embarrassed because her utilities were cut off. I told her there is nothing to be ashamed of. I told her I will file her case ASAP today, will fax Auto Stay to Comed and will email her the case number so she can follow-up on it as well. Client really appreciated that. I walked her to the door and told her that everything is going to be alright.
Geraci Law Attorney Sharon Hunt Reports: Accomplished a telephonic meeting for the client for non-medical reasons. Most trustees will not accept non-medical reasons for a telephonic meeting.
Geraci Law Attorney Nicholas Tepeli Reports: Stayed an hour after office closed to meet with client who was stuck in traffic.
Geraci Law Attorney John Rigney Reports: Husband had initially spotted Sal and I walking out of Starbucks at 9am before we even got to the office. He honked, waved and asked what time we opened. We told him not until 10, but we would meet him over at the office. He was in a hurry to get to work and was extremely happy that we accommodated him so early.
Geraci Law Attorney Frank Hernandez Reports: Client arrived with irate child, crying, Frank, Balfour and David immediately gave her crayon set and pictures and she immediately smiled and began to color. Frank enthusiastically assisted her coloring, until child began to cry after he took over, David and Balfour told Frank to return to the appointment, allowing child to color again happily, on her own!
Geraci Law Attorney Shera Bucchianeri Reports: I gave the client water so he could take his diabetes medication. He said he has to eat a meal within 30 minutes after, previously he was supposed to eat it 1 hour after. He didn't know why. We were waiting for a supervisor to approve filing, so I explained my theory about it, but told him to ask his doctor to clarify because I am not a doctor and I cannot provide medical advice. He said I explained it really well and the appreciated it. He said it was nice for me to take the time to explain things to him because it made him feel better. I also provided information about the Social Security office so he can replace his missing card and printed out directions to his 341 location.
Geraci Law Attorney Charles Kinzer Reports: After filing, my client was having problems finding a landlord who would rent to her. I've never seen a persistent problem with that before, I wrote up a letter for her to give to any prospective landlord stating that. I also noted that she has no one calling or harassing her, that she's protected from garnishments or suits, and that she has no one to pay BUT her rent. She's the ideal tenant, really.
Geraci Law Attorney Megan Hayes Reports: It was my first day back from maternity leave so I had never met these clients before. Wife started to cry during my initial conversation with them. She was very fragile. Said that her parents were looking down from above and she was disappointed in herself. I reminded her that we are here to help, to ease her mind, and that she is helping her family by putting herself into a better financial position. She started to cry again during the meeting so I touched her arm and she instantly smiled at me. I then spent extra time with them after the meeting and made sure that she felt much better before leaving. She thanked me several times and said that we were living up to our good reputation. She's glad that they came to us.
Geraci Law Attorney Lisa Haley Reports: Sat on phone with client while discussing possible vehicle financing because she felt more comfortable with an attorney present.
Geraci Law Attorney Kristin Beilke Reports: Working late in order to give our clients peace of mind. I had court in Rockford last week, did not get out until late; made sure I logged in until all my entries were made and emails on the statuses of cases were sent. The client's response to my 9:00 p.m. email on Friday night, "God bless you Kristin! Thanks for answering tonight; you’re the best I'll sleep better tonight!"
Geraci Law Attorney Robert Crowley Reports: The client informed me at the 341 hearing for her converted Chapter 7 that her employer had not stopped deducting payments from her paychecks for her prior Chapter 13 bankruptcy because her employer did not receive the Trustee's notice to stop deducting payments. I emailed the Chapter 13 trustee's office to obtain a copy of the letter and called her employer to confirm the fax number for their payroll dept. Received notice from her employer two days later that PC would be no longer be deducted and any money being held by her employer would be returned to her.
Geraci Law Attorney Zachary Price Reports: Client had her 3 year old daughter with her and 2 backpacks, one full of documents for me and the other with stuff for her daughter. She was having a hard time trying to carry both and hold her daughter's hand, so I carried the bags back to my desk and then later carried them out to her car and helped her load everything. She appreciated the help and thanked me.
Geraci Law Attorney Steven Camp Reports: Our client passed away and his daughters are attempting to keep up with deceased father's mortgage. Even though they're not our clients, Attorney Dale Riley worked out a deal with the bank's attorneys to make payments so they can keep Dad's legacy. When the bank wouldn't accept those payments, Attorney Steven Camp picked up the phone and spent the time working with the bank's attorneys to make sure that payments would be accepted, the day before the deadline to pay. Now they are keeping up with Dad's home and Geraci Law was able to help, even though it wasn't a straightforward bankruptcy issue.
Geraci Law Attorney Christopher Hoffman Reports: The client could not figure out how to access the taxes she filed online electronically so she could give us a copy - I took a few minutes over the phone to figure out how to get into her Turbotax account, and was able to do for her what she had been trying to do for weeks - she was thrilled.
Geraci Law Attorney Robert Crowley Reports: Got over $1,200 of garnished funds returned to client, which let them pay the balance of their fees with money to spare.
Geraci Law Attorney Marc Affolter Reports: Client came in looking for help with her debt, but as a single mom she had just picked up her young daughter from daycare and had to bring her into her consultation with me. After a few minutes of the daughter screaming in her lap, I knew something had to be done if we were going to have a meaningful appointment. After checking with the client to make sure there was no choke risk and we could keep an eye on her, I gave her daughter one of our Geraci Law flashlight key chains and she LOVED it! She just kept shining it around and smiling and didn't make a peep for the rest of the appointment. Mom appreciated the help and we were able to communicate much more effectively during our meeting.
Geraci Law Attorney Jennifer Asbury Reports: Client came in to sign his post-filing. Unfortunately, case not filed yet. Client lives about 40 minutes away and his mom had driven him up specifically for this appointment today after he confirmed last night. Hand was completely bandaged because he had cut his hand on glass the night before and had 12 stitches put in, with surgery (with full insurance) scheduled for the following week. To avoid him having made a wasted trip, Anthony and I really quickly worked the case up for filing and filed it with him in office so he could sign the post-filing contract.
Geraci Law Attorney Ashley Chike Reports: The client's vehicle is now inoperable and she walks long distances to get to work through an unsafe area. The client needed to finance a replacement vehicle so she could commute to and from work reliably and safely. The judge typically only hears motions to approve financing with 2 weeks notice to the court. However, I filed an emergency motion and convinced the judge to hear the motion to approve financing on 1 day notice. The judge granted the motion and the client was able to finance the car the same day.
Geraci Law Attorney Rodney Geer Reports: Husband and wife came to the office the night before their house was scheduled to be sold at a foreclosure sale. They were understandably stressed out and worried. I conducted the initial intake, drafted their bankruptcy petition on the spot, and filed their case. The clients left the office with a copy of the Automatic Stay in their hands for their comfort after we faxed a copy to the attorney for the mortgage company. Less than 24 hours before they were scheduled to lose their home, our clients were able to file a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy and save the house.
Geraci Law Attorney Alex Wilson Reports: Client was having difficulty finding his hearing address. I printed out a copy of mapping directions so he felt comfortable about getting there.
Geraci Law Attorney Christopher Holoyda Reports: Reopened Debtor's case on short notice in order to quick-file and prevent an impending WE Energies shut-off.
Geraci Law Attorney Joseph D'Onofrio Reports: Walked client to our office after her meeting with the creditors and then helped her find the train station so she could get home
Geraci Law Attorney Alexander George Reports: Client was still concerned that car financing company had not contacted him about the vehicle he wanted to surrender. He doesn't want it sitting around any longer. I called the company to figure out how we could get them to pick the car up. They said they needed him to sign a voluntary surrender form before they'll arrange pick up of the vehicle. I had them fax me the form and had the client sign it 5/18. Faxed over notice to financing company 5/19 and pick-up for car should be arranged by the end of the week.
Geraci Law Attorney Shera Bucchianeri Reports: Told the client she won the house lottery! Her mortgage company wrote off the 218k mortgage balance due & released the lien (probably because of a litany of illegal activity and it was cheaper to write off the mortgage to reduce their liability).
Geraci Law Attorney Laura Caputo Reports: The client forgot to turn her headlights off. When she returned to her car after her consult, her car battery was dead. Our secretary, Maria, pulled her car up next to the client and I hooked up her jumper cables and got her on the road back home.
Geraci Law Attorney Michael Holsen Reports: While waiting for their accountant to fax over tax returns for my review, the client inquired if I had an iPhone. I told her I did. She asked if I knew how to use the email on it, and I told her I did. She stated she had a little red "1" for an unread mail and she couldn't find it, and it was just bothering her, and asked if I knew how to fix that. I showed her that if you open the email app, and search for the word "Unread", it will bring up a list of your unread emails. She was amazed that it works! She appreciated that I didn't mind going a little beyond the call of duty to help resolve an issue that, while minor, had been nagging at her for days.
Geraci Law Attorney Kristin Schindler Reports: Client came in to the office a nervous wreck. She is getting hounded by creditors and decided it was time to do something. She is ready to move forward today and I told her, great news we can file now! So we drafted the petition, pulled her paystubs and taxes online, called for the credit counseling class and she had a case number before she left the office. She said a huge weight was lifted and she knew she made the right decision.
Geraci Law Attorney Mario Arreola Reports: His company is taking advantage of him, was injured in February 2012, the company has been stringing him along, finally the company doctor recommended surgery for his left shoulder and he has not worked in over two months. When he came in in May, he had not received any aid. Now with the assistance of co-counsel he is receiving aid and has surgery scheduled.
Geraci Law Attorney David Lugardo Reports: Vietnam Vet, suffers from PTSD, nice guy who usually talks about the Vietnam War and our country’s treatment of Veterans. Empty waiting room, so after taking a payment, I let him sit across from me and talk for about half an hour while I prepped cases for filing. At times he would break down crying, but go on talking. When I walked him to the door, I told him I know he’s gotten the shaft over the years, but I thank him for the sacrifices he made. He sighed deeply and said thank you.
Geraci Law Attorney Jason Nielson Reports: Client moving to senior apartment complex. Complex wanted letter stating that bankruptcy was complete and all fees paid. Provided to client to provide them. New apartment will lower her rent $400 per month.
Geraci Law Attorney John Sadler Reports: Prior to signing their petition, Mr. & Mrs. were very nervous about filing, and in particular, whether or not they would qualify for Chapter 7 due to their income. Mr. had just lost his job, and the financial stress was wearing on their marriage. I took a few extra minutes to let them vent about their concerns, and then walked them through the means test. I assured them that they were dealing with the best firm, and that we file many cases just like theirs every week. They left their appointment with smiles on their faces and you could see the stress visibly relieved. Mr. wanted to give me a hug as he was walking out of the office.
Geraci Law Attorney David Kosk Reports: Elderly husband and wife needed to file Chapter 13 to prevent a foreclosure on their home. Their case was filed but they were not aware so they decided to come by the Oak Park office to check on the status. Saw husband from a mile away as he is always dressed in his Sunday best. Walked him to the office and asked we he didn't call in so we can give case information over the phone. Wife says she likes taking him to the office so he can stretch his feet and exercise. Told them they can come into the office with the Chapter 13 payments to say hello and we will mail them out.
Geraci Law Attorney Bridget Spears Reports: Debtor's financed car was totaled in 5/2014. He went to dealership and had a deal worked out and requested financing. I noticed he was going to put 7k down on a 2011 car from the insurance check. I advised: "If I were in your shoes, I would buy a vehicle outright with the insurance check instead of financing a car that is almost 4 years old. Once you are done with this bankruptcy in two years you could then finance something very nice." Surprisingly, debtor agreed and purchased a beater. Flash forward 11m and debtor now has a girlfriend and wants to buy a home. Was able to get financing because he DID NOT BUY THE CAR! He thanked me for the sound advice, and admitted he was not thrilled in 5/2014 but now, he is grateful as he closed on his home last month!
Geraci Law Attorney Briana Czajka Reports: Clients filed this case to save their house. Clients' mortgage was transferred to a new company and the new company did not file a notice of transfer or amended proof of claim telling the trustee where to send the mortgage arrearage payments. Due to a recent ruling, the trustee filed a motion to send the money that he would have sent to the new mortgage company to the unsecured creditors and to stop paying the mortgage arrears. I was able to negotiate with the new mortgage servicer, as well as the trustee, to get the proper documents filed so that the clients' plan still would pay their mortgage arrears and save their house once they successfully complete their case.
Geraci Law Attorney Michael Holsen Reports: The client was extremely nervous for her Section 341 hearing, especially because of all the other people in the room. She said she sometimes gets anxiety attacks. I smiled and calmed her down, told her to watch me handle a couple of hearings ahead of hers, and each time went back to her and said "See? That doesn't look so bad, does it?" (She agreed). Her hearing was scheduled near the end of the calendar, and I asked if the Trustee could take her hearing as the last one- just to help her a bit with nerves. It was no problem for the Trustee- the client testified with me, the Trustee, and an otherwise empty room, and felt MUCH better about it(although she told me, she was STILL pretty nervous!). The case is looking fine and we're anticipating it should be recommended for confirmation on June 10 (next adjourn date, a small Plan amendment is needed).
Geraci Law Attorney Kathryn Mackenzie Reports: Client came in to add creditors and ask general questions about her 341 hearing. She was extremely nervous about having to go to court, as she called it, and was visibly shaking. Told her that it was nothing to be nervous about and that as long as she told us everything truthfully, then the hearing will be no problem. She said she has high anxiety and has not been sleeping well at night. She keeps picturing a Law and Order cross-examination held at the 341 and all the creditors will be there. I calmed her down, explained to her that it is only 5 minutes, and nobody is there to cross-examine her. Told her TT is just looking for assets or income not listed. She was relieved to hear that it was not as scary as she was making it out to be. As I was walking her to her car, she said she was really happy she made the decision to come to us. She said she was in her 60's and should not be in this position but said she was glad we were there to guide her. I joked with her and said the 341 attorney would give her a flashlight at the hearing and she said, "Oh, that's so perfect. You guys are great."
Geraci Law Attorney Jason Shimotake Reports: Had questions about real estate. While we could only answer her questions generally, we provided her with contact information where she could consult with an attorney who could.
Geraci Law Attorney Ann Kramer Reports: Client brought his 2 year old son along for consultation. The son did not want to sit still and was distracting his dad. I gave the son a bag of fruit snacks to keep him busy during the rest of the consultation. Both he and his dad really appreciated it.
Geraci Law Attorney Lizette Villegas Reports: Client came to our Army Trail office for a consultation. He was accompanied by his 7 year old daughter, who sat patiently next to him while he filled out our consultation forms. I met with client after he completed the forms. About 20 minutes into the consultation, I heard some "growling." The girl looked at her father and in Spanish said, "Daddy, I'm very hungry." We still had at least 20 minutes left in the consultation, so I excused myself and grabbed a jar of pretzels from our lunch room. I offered the girl some pretzels along with a bottled water. She happily grabbed a handful of pretzels and ate them quietly while I finished up the consultation with her father. Both left very thankful and happy.
Geraci Law Attorney Andrew Nelson Reports: Our client called us in a frantic state because her Trustee filed a motion to dismiss her case even though our client has been current with her payments. We told her she's in good hands with us and we'll figure out what's going on. We checked the claims record in her case and there were no issues. Then, we checked the Trustee's calculations and found the Trustee had erroneously listed her Ch. 13 plan payments as $1 per month. Her Trustee realized his error and withdrew his motion and we told our client the good news. She was very pleased.
Geraci Law Attorney Morgan Decker Reports: Client was in for his first appointment but had problems with one eye due to cataracts. Attorney Morgan Decker helped go through the questions and assisted with his forms while talking to him about troubles his teenagers were going through with his ex-wife. He felt relieved after the appointment, his debt was being handled and he just needed to vent to someone about the struggles he had been going through lately. When it rains, it pours with financial issues and personal struggles but Morgan let him know he isn't alone!
Geraci Law Attorney Kyle Dallmann Reports: Was able to inform client that they had failed to file 2012 taxes, which was making their plan run long due to an IRS debt. Filed objection to IRS and they withdrew their claim.
Geraci Law Attorney Lisa Ellmaurer Reports: Client was very concerned after her financed vehicle was totaled just a month after her Chapter 13 case was filed. Her insurance company had not been able to clearly explain to her what would occur when they paid off the financed vehicle. I made sure to call her as soon as I heard the news about the vehicle to make sure that her and her husband were OK and to explain how we can handle this situation through the bankruptcy. I also found out that a creditor was still calling both the client and her sister about one of the client's debts. I immediately called the creditor and resolved the issue. The client was very grateful for the information about the vehicle and for stopping the harassing calls - she could really tell that we were looking out for her and taking care of her.
Geraci Law Attorney Adam Suchy Reports: Our client had filed his chapter 13 December 16th, 2008. A creditor's attorney had a judgment entered illegally against him December 18th 2008. The Debtor called us frantic because a lien was recorded against him and it was holding up his short sale. I was able to track down the creditor's attorney and they will vacate the judgment, provide a lease for the lien, and the client can proceed with his short sale.
Geraci Law Attorney Jason Reports: The client had been to two other bankruptcy attorneys before coming to our office. We talked for about fifteen minutes about everything but bankruptcy. The client commented that this is nothing like the other two attorneys he spoke to, he felt like neither attorney cared about him, they both just treated him like a number, trying to rush him in and out. I had already spent more time with him that both of the other attorneys, and we had not even talked about bankruptcy yet. He thanked me for treating him like a person and making the process comfortable.
Geraci Law Attorney Mark Levine Reports: Client's 6 year old son has cancer. He will be going to Disneyworld sometime later this year on a trip fully funded by the Make a Wish Foundation. He came to the first appointment with dad, and he mentioned Disney. Well, I am somewhat of a Disney expert, by virtue of having been there at least 10 times in the past 9 years. So, son and I and his father sat around & chatted about Disney for a good 10+ minutes! I gave them the full scouting reports on all 4 parks, told them where to eat, when to go on certain rides, etc. As we talked son got happier and happier and more and more excited. Dad was loving it too because his son was so enthralled. It was nice to be able to spend at least a few minutes NOT discussing bankruptcy and the troubles of the day. It was a nice respite for all three of us.
Geraci Law Attorney Wylie Mok Reports: Client came into our office in April because repo company was going to sell his car the next day. Client fell behind on payments because he was hospitalized for exhaustion due to his job. Client paid fees via debit, took the credit counseling class in our office, I helped him get his paystubs from his employer's website, and we filed his case the same day and client got his car back the very next day.
Geraci Law Attorney Lacey Stier Reports: Client has a Walmart debit card but was unaware he could set up an account online to monitor transactions just like a bank account. He always just called a number for his balance but will now be able to track his finances much easier that I helped him set up his account.
Geraci Law Attorney Timothy Stanton Reports: Client was being garnished, and a wage assignment was to begin with his next pay period. Reviewed and updated petition with client, but we needed a copy of his 2014 tax return. Tried to get the tax return from the IRS website but the tax return was not available yet. He provided the missing tax returns the next day. Filed his case and stopped the garnishment and the wage assignment before his next pay period.
Geraci Law Attorney Abraham Pinon Reports: I relieved her of her stress and gave her a plan to handle all of her bills in one easy payment. The sun peaked its head around a cloud as I opened the door and she said, "I feel alive again. Thanks to you and Mr. Geraci for having such a dedication to helping people. I can tell that my life will be better from here on out."
Geraci Law Attorney Merid Mekonnen Reports: Client was very nervous when she arrived for her meeting of Creditors. I provided client with refreshment, while preparing her for the Trustee meeting. After the meeting, Client and her friend need to drive to a specific location but did not proper route. So, I took client aside and pulled up google map direction, went over the map instruction so she can make it to her destination.
Geraci Law Attorney Daniel Fasman Reports: A family member informed our office that the client was unable to attend his 341 meeting of the creditors because the client was in the hospital. I was able to get a continuance from the court to allow the client recovery time and attend a rescheduled meeting. I mailed a letter to the client to ask how he was feeling and wish him a speedy recovery.
Geraci Law Attorney Felicia Petroff Reports: Client called with questions about setting up a new WE Energies account after bankruptcy. After I explained the first time, it seemed like she didn't really understand, so I went over it with her a few times until she really seemed to understand everything (they can't make you pay the old debt to start new service, but they could require a security deposit, however your income will qualify you for a waiver so make sure to tell them you get government assistance and SSDI). Client said she'd called about this earlier, but didn't really understand the answer she got, and she was very happy that I took the time to go over it with her several times and explain it in a way she could fully understand and didn't rush her off the phone.
Geraci Law Attorney Jonathan Parker Reports: Older widowed man. Signed a contract for a short sale but does not want to short sale his house. Instead, he wants to stay in his house until the bank forecloses. John Justice set him an appointment to drop off the relevant documents so we can help him rescind the listing agreement.