Geraci Law Attorney Amanda Lester Reports: My client wasn't able to get a ride to one of our open offices during the week to finalize her case, so I met her at a closed office in between my meetings of the creditors to go over everything with her. I was also able to get her set up online to take the credit counseling class while she was in the office since she didn't have a computer to take it at home.
Geraci Law Attorney Thomas Barbour Reports: My client was having stomach pains in lobby. We only had water and she said she needed something carbonated. I was able to get her a soda to calm her stomach down.
Geraci Law Attorney Kristin Beilke Reports: My clients were in a 60 month plan to pay 10% to their unsecured creditors as well as a financed vehicle. They are undergoing medical issues and can no longer continue with their payments. The car is paid off, they were under median at filing, and claims were low. We were able to file a motion to end the plan now, at 41 months, and they will soon be getting their discharge! They get out of the bankruptcy 19 months early and save $6,650!
Geraci Law Attorney Alex Wilson Reports: My client wasn’t familiar with directions to the courthouse for her hearing. She doesn't use the internet and doesn't have a smartphone. I printed the directions for her to have while she travels to her hearing.
Geraci Law Attorney Laura Caputo Reports: I keep an extra umbrella in the office in case it starts raining while I'm at work. My client came to the office on short notice and forgot his umbrella at home so I gave him my umbrella so he wouldn't get wet on the way home.
Geraci Law Attorney Christopher Hoffman Reports: My client left his driver's license at our office and I waited for him for after we closed so he wouldn't have to worry about driving without it.
Geraci Law Attorney Christopher Holoyda Reports: I stayed late on a Saturday afternoon to enter in tons of creditors from previous Chapter 13 to ensure one of our cases could be filed Monday to avoid a utility shut-off.
Geraci Law Attorney Lisa Haley Reports: My client provided bank statements showing a post-filing deduction. I spoke to a representative for Opportunity Finance who claimed they never received the bankruptcy notice. I provided my client’s docket number and they agreed to refund the money.
Geraci Law Attorney Marc Affolter Reports: My client does not drive, so she relies on friends to give her rides. As I was walking her out, she mentioned that her friend that drove her to the appointment was actually already waiting outside and had been for a while. I grabbed a handful of Twizzlers from our waiting room treats and told her to give them to her friend as a thank you for giving her a ride. What a coincidence: her friend loves Twizzlers!
Geraci Law Attorney Charles Kinzer Reports: My client's mortgage on her rental unit had come due with a $70,000 balloon payment! I convinced her mortgage company to refinance the property as a new 30 year loan, rather than foreclosing. She's getting 4.5% interest, and her payments are staying the same as they were previously, except now she's actually paying down principal instead of just delaying a large balloon payment.
Geraci Law Attorney Anthony Shull Reports: My client did not know why she continued to owe the IRS $3,000 in taxes every year, despite claiming her three children. She did not bring a paystub with her, so I had her pull up her paystubs online. Turns out, she had claimed 300 withholding exemptions for federal! I explained to her that she is owing so much tax because during the year she isn't paying any! I printed her a new W4 form, and told her to contact HR/payroll ASAP to have it corrected!
Geraci Law Attorney Timothy Stanton Reports: My client showed up almost 2 hours late to his court date. He arrived right after I finished the last meeting for the day. I convinced the hearing officer agreed to hold the meeting. My client had a hard time traveling downtown, so by holding the meeting that day I saved him another trip. He was thankful that he would not have to come back downtown for another meeting.
Geraci Law Attorney Frank Hernandez Reports: My client did not show up for his original scheduled appointment. We thought he had just decided not to file, disappeared. I investigated and discovered that he’d suffered a heart attack! I called him at the hospital, after double by pass surgery; he said he really appreciated the pep call, made him feel wanted, helped him through the ordeal, and as a result, he returned later to open new file. As long his "heart" stays strong and does not fail him, he said, he will file. He is all heart.
Geraci Law Attorney John Sadler Reports: My client was stressed and losing sleep over the numerous collection lawsuits she was facing. She's a stay at home mom and her family of five is relying on her husband's income alone. Attorney Rodney Geer and I put her case together quickly with a plan to file her case within a week of her coming into the office for the first time. She signed her petition a week later and left the office saying she didn't know the last time she felt this relieved from her stress.
Geraci Law Attorney Brent Berning Reports: My client was overdrawn in his bank account because of five payday loans. Went online and printed off direct deposit form for him after talking to payroll and his bank so that he can switch accounts to avoid all kinds of payday loan problems, such as automatic debit deductions and wage assignments.
Geraci Law Attorney David Lulkin Reports: My clients arrived at their meeting of creditors without their IDs because court security took it as a deposit for the court wheelchair. I went down & exchanged my ID for the client’s so they could have ID for the meeting.
Geraci Law Attorney David Kosk Reports: A payday loan company continued to deduct money out of my client's bank account after case filing. I called the store, provided the case information, and the representative quickly started processing a refund.
Geraci Law Attorney Robert Crowley Reports: My client was overdrawn on his checking account at the time of filing. Associated Bank placed a hold on his account which was threatening to have him miss his Social Security check direct deposit. Contacted Associated Bank and got everything straightened out so the hold on his account would be lifted just in time for his check to be deposited.
Geraci Law Attorney Kristin Beilke Reports: My clients had to come in after work. The office hours had just changed to earlier, so I agreed to keep the office open two hours later just to meet with them and finalize the case.
Geraci Law Attorney Kathryn Mackenzie Reports: My clients had roof damage that insurance was covering. The insurance company sent check to the mortgage company to sign and return to my clients so they could pay the roofer … but the mortgage company only released a quarter of the money they received, and kept giving my clients the run-around. I called the mortgage company found out the funds would not be released until an inspection was made. I set up an inspection then and there, and the mortgage company agreed to release the funds within two weeks. My clients were thrilled because they have been trying to get answers for months.
Geraci Law Attorney Ann Kramer Reports: I came into work about an hour early on a Tuesday. They stopped in about an hour before we were open and asked if they could talk to me about their car; it had been repossessed the night before. I ended up having them stay for a one stop bankruptcy filing and had the car back for them in one day.
Geraci Law Attorney Alex Wilson Reports: My clients were involved in an auto accident prior to their bankruptcy and the plaintiff (potential creditor) filed a proof of claim in their bankruptcy. Eventually, my clients settled the injury claim for $500 and paid it directly. Nevertheless, the creditor continued to pursue its claim in bankruptcy court. After discussions with opposing counsel, the creditor withdrew their claim and refunded all the money they were erroneously paid.
Geraci Law Attorney Lavita Ball Reports: Old case with multiple rescheduled appointments. My clients came in to sign their petition ready to do business and get case filed but they had their 3 kids which included their four-month-old son. The baby was screaming his head off and his mother looked flustered, almost in tears because she thought they may need to reschedule another appointment. I asked her if her frustration was because she was a nursing mom and she needed to feed baby. She was surprised I picked up on that. I offered her to use the bathroom to calm and feed baby a few times throughout the appointment. She was just so happy with the patience and understanding I showed her while they managed their cranky baby and busy girls. She explained they are not trying to be flaky - it’s just hard balancing the kids and the business. Without my patience they never would have finished this process and filed the case. Tearful mom gave me a huge hug.
Geraci Law Attorney Alexander George Reports: My client's hours were limited due to working out of town so I came in early on a Saturday to meet with him to finalize his case so we could keep his lights on. My client was very appreciative that we worked around his schedule.
Geraci Law Attorney Felicia Petroff Reports: My clients' kids were getting impatient toward the end of the consultation. The baby was crying, and the 3 year old daughter kept trying to leave Attorney Brent Berning's office to explore the rest of the building and her parents had to keep telling her to come back in and wait. I went to the open door and started talking to the little girl and walked with her as she checked out the rest of the desks in the office. She was very curious about all the office supplies on the desk. I helped her sit in the chair and showed her how she could push buttons on a calculator and make numbers appear, what the highlighter and whiteout did, and how the stapler worked. She was most excited about the tape dispenser, so I sent her home with a piece of Scotch tape in each hand! Brent was able to finish up the paperwork with my clients while I kept their little one entertained!
Geraci Law Attorney Michael Holsen Reports: I called two creditors who claimed they had not received notice of the case (despite being listed) and got them both to stop sending bills and calling my client. My client was impressed that I called them immediately from the office with her there and took care of the problem instead of allowing it to linger.
Geraci Law Attorney Michael Holsen Reports: I recovered $1,300 in wages that had been garnished from my clients in the 90 days before their case was filed.
Geraci Law Attorney Dale Riley Reports: My client had not filed her Illinois state taxes for 2013 or 2014. She was having trouble completing her taxes based on her W-2's so I walked her through how to fill them out properly. By helping her fix the returns I saved her approximately $3,500 in tax liability according to the Illinois Attorney General's response.
Geraci Law Attorney Anthony Shull Reports: I noticed that my client was having a hard time walking and getting into the office. She is an elderly woman walking with a cane. I went outside and gave her my arm and helped her up the steps to the office. She was very appreciative of my time and kindness!
Geraci Law Attorney Christopher Holoyda Reports: I spent extra time with my client to prepare his petition for immediate filing to prevent a garnishment.
Geraci Law Attorney Briana Czajka Reports: My clients in a filed Chapter 13 were offered a deed in lieu of foreclosure for their property and, in addition, $10,000 in relocation expenses if they accepted the deed in lieu. I brought the motion to allow the deed in lieu of foreclosure, and persuaded the judge and trustee to allow my clients to accept the $10,000 for use in moving expenses without having to pay any additional funds into their plan.
Geraci Law Attorney Joseph Blaha Reports: I helped a husband and wife, both with limited mobility, enter the office and filled out the forms with them. We even shared a few laughs which helped them feel comfortable since they were stressed about the bills and whether they would be able to make it into the office! They were happy to know they are in great hands and that our office in Racine is easy to get into on the first floor with excellent wheelchair access!
Geraci Law Attorney Robert Crowley Reports: I contacted US Bank about a bank account hold, drafted a letter to their bankruptcy department and got the account unfrozen.
Geraci Law Attorney Andrew Golanowski Reports: I saw that our client was in a 54-month plan. However, because she had turned over tax refunds each year, I filed a modified plan to shorten the term, and now she is only about $10 away from finishing for a total of 38 months!
Geraci Law Attorney Sharon Hunt Reports: Assisted nervous my client through 341 meeting. She came a little late and was upset about it. "No worries," I told her. "Just relax and breathe and we will get your meeting done today".
Geraci Law Attorney David Kosk Reports: My clients rolled in an old vehicle balance into their current vehicle financing and cannot afford the payments. They also took out a title loan on their old vehicle. They want one larger and more reliable vehicle that they can use to transport their two small children. We filed their Chapter 7, eliminated their liability for these two vehicles, and they were able to get a newer Nissan shortly after filing.
Geraci Law Attorney Ashley Chike Reports: My client fell behind on her vehicle payments during her Chapter 13. The creditor filed a motion with the court seeking permission to repossess the vehicle. I convinced the judge to give my client more time to cure the default to prevent repossession. The Debtor was able to cure the default after this long continuance and prevent repossession of the vehicle.
Geraci Law Attorney Mariusz Zatorski Reports: An older client on Social Security and pension came in to sign her petition for a save-the-home, save-the-car Chapter 13 with priority IRS tax debt. Their budget makes it clearly infeasible. I explained the benefits of Chapter 7 instead eliminate $18,000 of unsecured credit so he can catch up on the mortgage, car payment and IRS debt – and offered to file the case on the spot. My client was very happy with the solution.
Geraci Law Attorney Jason Kara Reports: My client had been taken advantage of by car dealership: he went to trade in his car to get something older with a lower payment, but the dealer told him he could only get a new car, and it would be better to lease so that when he didn’t want the car he could just return it. They were telling the truth about returning the car, but he still has liability on the lease! He didn’t know what he's going to do for a car now and he was scared to go back to a dealer. I went on Craigslist with him and spent some time looking at cars in his area with a price under $1,000. He got real excited, he found a nice '99 Honda for $750 that sparked his interest, wrote down the phone number and is going to call later today.
Geraci Law Attorney John Rigney Reports: My client was very upset when she came in for her first appointment. She has been ruthlessly pursued by one creditor for a judgment from 1997, much in the way Javert pursued Valjean. She also has a mentally handicapped child that she spends most of her time caring for, but now that she is back to work full-time she is facing a garnishment. When she came in she asked if I could help her. I brought her back right away and helped her fill out the forms. She asked if I had a bottled water and I gave her the unopened bottle that I had on my desk. She stopped crying and said I was the best and wished everyone treated her that way.
Geraci Law Attorney Rodney Geer Reports: My client appeared in the office seeking a second opinion for his decision to enter into a debt settlement program. We spoke about the pitfalls and I presented two bankruptcy options that would help him achieve his goals. My client used the money he was planning to hand over to a debt settlement company to pay for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy and actually become debt free!
Geraci Law Attorney Jason Shimotake Reports: The process can be difficult and tense. Sometimes my clients get frustrated and have trouble communicating their issues with the attorneys. In one particular situation, I stepped in and relaxed my client and his wife by simply asking, "What's going on?" Turns out that they were stressed out about some other serious issues unrelated to the case. Understanding the needs of my clients, we offered to reschedule the appointment to another day. We took a short break and soon, were able to get back to work, relaxed and ready to get out of debt! Our firm strives to lift the burden of financial shackles so that you may focus on more important things in life.
Geraci Law Attorney Cecil Scruggs Reports: A client came in on Friday very worried because she was due to be evicted from her condo on Tuesday due to failure to pay her association dues. We put together a Chapter 13 plan payment whereby she would be able to cure the arrears that she owed the association. She provided all of her documents and her case was filed Monday. We contacted the attorney who represented the association to ensure notice was received and that there would be no eviction on Tuesday.
Geraci Law Attorney Jason Nielson Reports: My client signed up for 100% repayment Chapter 13, but ended up winning the "Bankruptcy Lottery" - of her $67,000 in unsecured debt, only $20,000 actually filed claims before the deadline. This plan will end in a single year, saving her $47,000.
Geraci Law Attorney Morgan Decker Reports: I took a phone call from my client; after helping him with what he needed, I remembered that he was a single dad trying to raise his son on his own and I had met his son before so asked how his son was doing. My client was sincerely grateful that I remembered. We talked for a couple of minutes about a recent trip to the amusement park and how his son wanted to ride all the rides but got too nervous to actually get on any of them! My client is going back to school and choosing a different career path and is really excited for things to come. Everyone is different, everyone has important people in their life and I strive to recognize that with every client I speak with.
Geraci Law Attorney Jon Clasing Reports: My client’s water was shut off by the City of Markham. My client came in unannounced with her paperwork ready to file. I drafted a petition on the spot, had her sign the case and filed it while she was in the waiting room. I hand delivered the notice of filing to my client in the waiting room. She was very impressed with the prompt and courteous service she got from me personally and Geraci Law in general.
Geraci Law Attorney Juan Villalpando Reports: My client is a retired teacher for Chicago Public Schools. She worked hard for 35 years and should get a medal for teaching our youth! She is currently paying minimums on high credit card debt - $49,000 - but understands that just paying minimums will take over 25 years to get out of debt, so she looks forward to filing a Chapter 13 to reorganize, and get out of debt in less than 5 years.
Geraci Law Attorney Chad Garrapy Reports: My client was paying nearly $2,000 in monthly minimum credit card payments and barely hitting interest. I was able to put him into an $800 monthly Chapter 13, interest free! His case was filed same day! He expressed how much stress has already been relieved from his life and he can now sleep at night!
Geraci Law Attorney Steven Camp Reports: My client came in with equity in her property. Originally, it looked like there was too much equity in her house for us to file a feasible plan for her. After reviewing the file with my client, we advised her to get an independent appraisal to value her residence. With the new valuation, we were able to reduce her payment plan to the lowest possible and file a case for her! She was very happy that we applied our knowledge of bankruptcy law to the facts to get her the best deal possible.
Geraci Law Attorney Kristin Schindler Reports: My client was looking to file to provide for money owed to ComEd. Says disconnection date had passed, but ComEd didn't shut her service off since they're waiting for her to file a bankruptcy. She was fearful of losing electricity at home. We filed her case, provided ComEd with a docket number and they did not turn her electricity off. She was so grateful for our quick responses and diligent work on her case
Geraci Law Attorney Frank Hernandez Reports: A nervous client said he was unable to sleep at night worrying about his upcoming meeting of creditors. Attorney David Lugardo and I briefed him on the meeting in detail, from entering the Trustee hearing room, to the questions that are asked, to the conclusion. He said he was comforted, said he "feels better about things," and will get a good night’s sleep tonight.
Geraci Law Attorney Nathan Curtis Reports: My clients came in with a citation pending that they just missed. I set them up for a plan they could complete to file fast. Came back same day and made it a 2 stop bankruptcy to get them instant relief.
Geraci Law Attorney Mark Levine Reports: My client suffers from a herniated disc in his lumbar spine and he's having a lot of difficulty walking & just functioning as normal. I also have herniated lumbar discs and have been to quite a few physical therapists and doctors in the area for treatment so I was able to share some of that knowledge & experience with him. I gave him some recommendations for doctors and physical therapists in the area with expertise in lumbar disc herniations, and offered him some practical, day to day exercises & treatments he can do at home that may alleviate some of his symptoms. Also directed him to a few helpful sites online that can offer additional information and support. He of course is already pretty well versed in all of this type of stuff but I think I was able to provide him with at least a few resources and/or recommendations he had not been aware of previously. At the very least I am glad I gave him an opportunity to commiserate with someone who is going through some of the same difficulties he is currently experiencing.
Geraci Law Attorney Lizette Villegas Reports: My client came to our office devastated because his driver's license was suspended for parking tickets to the City of Chicago. He needs a valid driver's license in order to get to work. I signed him up for a Chapter 13 and got his case filed in less than 1 week. We forwarded the bankruptcy notice to the Secretary of State upon filing his case, and the Secretary of State reinstated his driver's license in only 6 days. My client was extremely grateful and glad to finally be able to drive safely and deal with his parking tickets.
Geraci Law Attorney Timothy Stanton Reports: My client was very nervous about her 341 meeting. I was able to calm her down, and the meeting went well. After the meeting she thanked us and was extremely happy with our services. She then gave us a very nice online review saying that our services helped her sleep better at night.
Geraci Law Attorney Bridget Spears Reports: My client was able to purchase his dream home while in a Chapter 13. After I filed a Motion to Incur Debt, the Trustee objected, but I was able to negotiate a deal with the Trustee in order to get the Debtor to the closing table in the nick of time. Debtor is now the proud owner of a $331,000 home in his new home state of West Virginia.
Geraci Law Attorney Nicholas Tepeli Reports: I helped a disabled client to enter and leave the building, escorting her to her vehicle and assisting her husband.
Geraci Law Attorney Daniel Fasman Reports: I reminded a client that he needs to bring his Social Security card and ID to his court date. My client said he misplaced his Social Security card didn't how to obtain new card. I provided directions to the newest Social Security office and what is needed to obtain a replacement card. I told my client he needed to bring proof of citizenship (US birth certificate or passport) and a government issued driver's license or state ID card.
Geraci Law Attorney David Lugardo Reports: My client came into our office the day of her Trustee meeting because she did not know how to get to 219 S Dearborn. I printed up a Google map and translated the directions to Spanish for her.
Geraci Law Attorney Andrew Nelson Reports: My client was distraught because ComEd shut off her service when family stopped paying the bill. She filed a Chapter 7 in the past so is not eligible for one now, but was very happy that we could help her restore her service & discharge her other debt by filing a Chapter 13. She said now she'll be able to sleep at night.
Geraci Law Attorney Jennifer Asbury Reports: My client was trying to get vehicle before discharge, but the dealerships she was working with were requiring a copy of her discharge. To ensure she could get a vehicle as soon as possible, I sent her a copy of her discharge via email as soon as it was entered, so she didn't have to wait for her snail mail copy to arrive.
Geraci Law Attorney Kyle Dallmann Reports: I was filing a motion to impose stay for my client to get an impounded vehicle out. Double-checked my client's insurance before the motion because that is usually an impediment. Turns out he did not sign a page in his policy, which was preventing coverage. I had my client sort it out before court, we called his rep at court who verified he had done it and my client is now able to get his car back. Had we not double checked, car might have been sold.
Geraci Law Attorney Salvador Gutierrez Reports: During our first meeting, my client became very emotional when I asked her to tell me about the aliments her husband suffered from. When I walked her out she advised me that she felt better now that she has a plan to deal with her debt. She is overwhelmed by her credit card debt and her husband’s many medical problems. She can now focus on her husband’s medical problems.
Geraci Law Attorney Wylie Mok Reports: A repo company sued my client post-filing for $2,000 in storage fees for a repo'd vehicle. My client did not disclose the debt because she did not even know about the storage fees. The owner of the car lot filed the suit pro se. I Googled the address and phone number of the lot and spoke to the car lot owner, who agreed to stop any collection actions.
Geraci Law Attorney Lacey Stier Reports: My client is disabled from a stroke so he has some difficulty getting around. I braced our rolling chair to help him get up and down. I filed his case the same day he signed his petition so he wouldn't have to drive back to sign the Contract for Post Filing Work. He showed me his phone where PNC has left him 20 voice mails so he was thrilled to be able to answer their next call with a case number.
Geraci Law Attorney Adam Suchy Reports: My client came in with her utilities off and she was going to lose her home through foreclosure. We filed her Chapter 13 for no money down to have her power turned on and prevent sale of her house by public auction.
Geraci Law Attorney Joseph D'Onofrio Reports: I helped my client get her heat and gas utility service restored.
Geraci Law Attorney Paul Jensen Reports: I helped a Chapter 13 client, who had been in her plan for over 3 years, get rid of the rest of her debt by converting to a Chapter 7 so she could get her discharge earlier and start looking for a replacement for an older car that is running into more and more mechanical problems.
Geraci Law Attorney Mario Arreola Reports: I asked a client at her first appointment if she resembled her grandmother and told her that I recognized her last name and remembered her grandmother as my client. My client’s deceased grandmother, who raised her, had filed with Geraci Law in the past. She showed me a picture, I was right! We looked her grandmother up in our system and verified that indeed I had signed up her grandmother, in 2001!
Geraci Law Attorney Timothy Stanton Reports: My client told me before her court date that she had a medical condition that prevented her from being able to be alone in a room of males, and she was very nervous about having a male hearing officer for her court date. I spoke to the hearing officers and was able to get her a female hearing officer for her meeting. Her meeting was held successfully.
Geraci Law Attorney Christine Kuhlman Reports: A client or mine came in 2 hours late for consultation, close to office closing time. He was desperate to have his consultation and profusely apologized for his tardiness. Although there were other appointments, we were able to have him fill out paperwork right then and do consultation right away.