NON-ATTORNEY BANKRUPTCY PREPARER SHUT DOWN

Non-Attorney bankruptcy preparer shut down. A bankruptcy preparer who is not a bankruptcy lawyer is not only out of business. But was taken to court in handcuffs. In a move that is not common, Chief Bankruptcy Judge Pamela Pepper ordered Sims to be arrested by U.S. Marshalls and brought to court. This took place in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The bankruptcy judge was forced to do this because the woman kept missing court hearings to answer to contempt charges. Sims helped people prepare bankruptcy petitions. Even though she was not a lawyer, let alone a bankruptcy lawyer. Sims had filed five bankruptcies herself. Bankruptcy judges in Eastern Wisconsin have had it. Sims testified she had no training. She simply chose to start preparing bankruptcy petitions. The judge said Sims was overcharging clients and giving out legal advice. Anyone who is not an attorney is prohibited from giving legal advice. Sims was already ordered to quit preparing bankruptcy petitions. The judge ordered her to return fees. Sims was also warned that the matter could be given to the U.S. Attorney’s office for criminal prosecution. Judges in this district have already referred about a half a dozen preparers to the U.S. Attorney’s office for criminal prosecution. Anyone facing money problems can learn an important lesson here. Be careful of getting a bargain. In life, you often get what you pay for. Make certain your rights are protected. Make certain your assets are protected. A person who is not an attorney cannot give legal advice. If they do, they are breaking the law. If you are thinking about filing a bankruptcy, visit a bankruptcy lawyer. Most knowledgeable bankruptcy attorneys will give you a free consultation. An honest bankruptcy lawyer will make certain your rights are protected. You can be confident you are receiving advice from a trained professional. Your financial future is not to be played with.