Law Offices of Beecher & Conniff (253) 627-0132, fax 253-572-3427 1703C Dock St Tacoma, WA 98402 billbeecher@beecherandconniff.com desaconniff@beecherandconniff.com Latest News November 10, 2010 New Bankruptcy Laws have been in effect since 2005. The new laws were promoted and written by the credit card and banking industry in an attempt to discourage people from using the bankruptcy courts to discharge their debts. Bankruptcy filings have soared since 2007 and are just now leveling off. Our experience since the effective date of the new law is that it is easier in most cases to qualify people under the new system than under the old system. Although there are some new "speed bumps" that have to be overcome, the new law still exists to give full relief for people with debt problems. Our firm is at the leading edge of all matters involving the bankruptcy court and filings. For attornerys who "dabble" and file occasional cases it is easy to end up with problems in your case. Be sure you select an attorney who works exclusively in this field and has demonstrated experience. We recommend avoiding what we call cut-rate bankruptcy mills where you seldom have meaningful contact and analysis with the attorney. If your selected attorney has to resort to mass marketing to attract clients, relies heavily on staff, or remote means to analyze your situation, proceed warily. At the least, your attorney should be a member of NACBA, the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys. This is a professional group for attorneys who practice at the highest level. We have been active members of that association for many years.