In times like these: Law firm helps deal with financial stresses of pandemic
There’s more to surviving the current COVID-19 pandemic than physical health issues. For many people, the novel coronavirus has infected their bank accounts.
Attorneys at the Kramer, Hand, Buchholz and Partney law firm, which has offices in Hillsboro, Arnold and Ste. Genevieve, say help is available.
Partner Erik Papke, the primary bankruptcy and financial attorney for the firm, said people who have found themselves in financial difficulties this year should reach out for help.
“The system is there to help you, not to punish you,” he said. “There’s a stigma to bankruptcy that’s unfair. People who file aren’t people who are lazy, who don’t want to pay their bills. We’re seeing people who had jobs, who were paying bills on time, but then got laid off, got furloughed, had their hours and incomes reduced because of a worldwide pandemic that no one could see coming.”
Partner Jennifer Breedlove agreed.
“A lot of people we’re seeing have jobs, but their circumstances have changed dramatically,” she said. “Take a parent who, because of schools being closed in the spring, had to scramble to find day care for their children. Because that wasn’t budgeted, they either had to put that expense on their credit card or not pay down their credit cards as much.”
Partner Sarah Burton Partney said the firm offers free consultations about financial issues.
“You can come in, talk with us. We’ll do the paperwork,” she said. “We’ll advise you whether filing bankruptcy or other court action is your best option.”
Papke encouraged those struggling with their bottom lines to act sooner rather than later.
“You’re knee-deep into a hole, and you keep shoveling thinking you’re going to get to the top,” he said. “Most people think they can fix it on their own, but sometimes, we need help.”