Susan S Long

For years I grappled with a deep, dark secret: debt. On the outside, I was a small business owner; upper middle class; well-educated. But, on the inside I was living as someone I wasn't. I was embarrassed; feeling helpless; losing sleep; sick-to-my-stomach all the time; and straining relation...ships. One day I decided to take the first step toward bankruptcy and researched area attorneys. Susan S. Long offered a free initial consultation. It seemed ideal, since I had no disposable income. Reluctantly, I made an appointment. I had never felt like more of a failure. However, as soon as I met Ms. Long my feelings about bankruptcy changed. I was able to view it as an opportunity and not a punishment. It was as if a big weight was lifted right there and then. Ms. Long could not have been more comforting, down-to-earth, informative, insightful, non-judgmental, professional, and understanding. From that day forward, I felt as if I was on the way to getting my life back. Ms. Long was there with me every step of the way. She gave me a timeline, so I could anticipate everything I needed to submit to her. She was only ever an e-mail away, and her response time was exceptional. She was also very sensitive to my emotional state during this process, which was reflected in my many questions. And, when it came time to go to court, Ms. Long was literally right there next to me. It is now 16 months since my bankruptcy hearing. I have been able to save money in the past year. I have had an unsecured credit card for eight months. And, I just got a new car on my own credit. Every day I am working toward a higher credit score. I feel as if anything is possible now, when just two short years ago, I felt as if there was no end in sight, and I just kept digging myself in deeper and deeper. I owe Ms. Long a debt of gratitude. (Pun intended.) My only regret is not doing this sooner.