Lawyer Overview

How do you choose the right counselor for overwhelming debt problems, a pending foreclosure or medical bills?  Many clients select an attorney based on the cost, or who is closest to them.  While these are important factors, it is important to ensure that your lawyer also has the experience to effectively guide you as you consider decisions that can affect the rest of your life.  I have been working with people in financial difficulties for over 10 years.  I serve on the board of the Credit Education Coalition, the first organization of its kind in the country to attempt bringing together both creditor and debtor advocates for the improvement of the bankruptcy system.   I will help you to consider all of your alternatives and provide straight forward counsel on what to do next.
 
Financial challenges happen to people in all walks of life, I want to help you.  In our first meeting, we just sit together and talk about the kids, daily activities, life in general.  We'll talk about the things that have happened to bring us together and start to look for answers to your challenges.  What do you want to keep?  Do you have any children?  How much do you make now and what do you expect to happen in the future?  What does Ohio law provide for?  The exemptions in Ohio have improved in the past year, and most people who choose to seek protection in bankruptcy get to keep a lot more of their personal possessions than they might perceive.

I give my clients a candid and genuine take on their situation and what I believe to be in their best interests.  In our conversations we get into a lot more than just their debts and their problems.  We discuss financial management, what has happened to bring them to where they are, and how things will be different when our work is completed.  We discuss the nature of the challenges and how they came about.  Were they unavoidable (such as unexpected medical bills or the loss of a spouse)?  Are there different choices and patterns required for the future? 

When our work together is finished we haven't just eliminated the problems of today, we've developed a plan to change and enhance the rest of your life. 

When I'm not practicing the law you'll find me with my husband and family, working out (often!), or attending my kid's basketball or soccer games. 

Areas of Practice

• Bankruptcy 7 / 13 Consumer

West Practice Categories

Consumer Bankruptcy

Bar Admissions

• Ohio, 2002
• U.S. District Court Southern District of Ohio, 2002

Professional Associations and Memberships

• Columbus Bar Association (Member)
• Credit Education Coalition, 2006 - Present (Board Member)

Past Employment Positions

• United States Bankruptcy Court, Law Clerk, 2006 - 2008

Education

• Capital University Law School, Columbus, Ohio, 2001
  J.D.
• Franklin University, Columbus, Ohio, USA, 1997
  B.S.
  Honors: Dean's List 1996 - 1997
  Major: Business & Human Resource Management
• Columbus State Community College, Columbus, Ohio, USA
  Honors: Dean's List 1991 - 1994
  Major: Business Management

Offers Free Initial Consultation

Accepts Credit Cards

Address

6797 North High Street
Suite 325
Worthington, OH 43085-2596

Phones

(614) 515-4279
(877) 209-1423

Faxes

(614) 785-9490

Emails

Contact Us

Websites

http://www.ralphakerns.com