MACON, Ga. — Sometimes for people drowning in debt, bankruptcy is the best way to get their finances back under control. But how do you afford a lawyer when you're struggling just to survive?
it's a problem and Mercer University's Law School is offering a solution with their Consumer Bankruptcy Externship program.
It was headed by Professor Ishaq Kundawala, who knows how expensive the fees can get.
"So you're looking at anywhere from about $1,200 to $1,500 in legal fees, $300 in legal fees, and $40 in client education certificates," Kundawala said.
He said people who file for bankruptcy need help, not shame.
"There's a stigma attached to bankruptcy. People think 'oh, you know, someone's filing for bankruptcy relief because they're irresponsible' with that. Actually, that stigma could not be further from the truth," Kundawala said.
He says the top reasons people file is because of family issues, like a death or divorce, medical debt, and loss of a job.
Single mom, Estelita Colbert, knows that all too well.
"Going through the pandemic, everything was going good until the point where at my job they had to restructure the staffing," Colbert said.
She couldn't find a new job, and as the pandemic drug on, her bills piled up.
"You still have to do for your child, like buy school supplies, clothes, shoes, and when they're growing like weeds you're like okay- do I have enough money to do this?"
She was also pregnant at the time, and even getting a consultation with a lawyer was too expensive for her.
"To file a chapter seven case, you have to pay your attorney upfront. And most people who are facing financial challenges can't afford to pay their attorney upfront," Kundawala said.
That's where Mercer Law picks up the tab, by having their students work under the supervision of licensed bankruptcy attorneys, free of charge.
"Where I didn't have a little safety net, now I have one. So it makes a huge difference and I really appreciate it," Colbert said.
While this program takes care of the legal services, clients still pay about $340 for court filing fees. The program runs through March, for residents in Macon-Bibb and surrounding counties.
If you'd like to find out if you qualify, you can call 833-457-7529. You can also send an email to: freshstart@law.mercer.edu