Cibik Law, P.C.

Bankruptcy · PA

Rating: 4.5/5

Cibik Law, P.C. logo

Philadelphia-based bankruptcy law firm specializing in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filings, foreclosure prevention, and debt relief for individuals and small business owners.

Official Website

https://philadelphiabankruptcylawyers.com

Cibik Law, P.C. Review

Cibik Law, P.C. is a long-established bankruptcy law practice located in Center City Philadelphia with over 40 years of operational history. The firm is led by Attorney Michael A. Cibik, Esq., who holds American Board of Certification (ABC) in bankruptcy law—a credential indicating he has met rigorous professional standards in the field. The practice has filed well in excess of 18,000 personal bankruptcy cases throughout its history, serving clients across the Greater Philadelphia area and surrounding communities.

The firm offers a comprehensive range of bankruptcy and debt relief services tailored to individuals and small business owners. These include Chapter 7 bankruptcy filings, Chapter 13 bankruptcy reorganization, mortgage foreclosure prevention, debt settlement and relief consultation, and medical debt relief services. The firm explicitly states it does not represent banks, finance companies, or insurance companies—only individual consumers and small business owners. All consultations are offered free of charge with no pressure to retain services.

Cibik Law distinguishes itself through its stated commitment to compassionate client care and accessibility. The firm emphasizes creating a judgment-free environment for clients facing financial distress, walks clients through all available options, and provides post-bankruptcy financial guidance. The lead attorney's ABC certification is presented as a differentiator that helps clients identify counsel meeting objective professional standards. The firm's four-decade presence in Philadelphia is positioned as evidence of expertise in state and local bankruptcy laws.

The practice appears legitimate and appropriately focused on its core competency. However, consumers should note that this is a legal services provider requiring direct attorney engagement—it is not a low-cost debt management option. The firm's significant case volume (18,000+ filings) suggests operational capacity, but individual case outcomes depend on personal financial circumstances and are not guaranteed by past performance. Bankruptcy filing typically involves court fees and attorney fees beyond consultation.

Consumers considering bankruptcy should also explore alternatives. Debt relief programs may negotiate settlements for less than owed, while debt consolidation loans can simplify payments. Credit counseling agencies offer free financial assessments. After bankruptcy, rebuilding credit through secured credit cards and credit builder loans provides a structured path back. Credit repair services can help ensure accurate reporting.

After discharge, qualifying for an installment loan can begin rebuilding payment history on your credit report.

Pros & Cons

Reader-focused summary of the strongest reasons to consider Cibik Law, P.C. and the factors most worth weighing before contracting. Individual outcomes depend on your credit situation and goals.

Pros

  • Lead attorney Michael A. Cibik holds American Board of Certification (ABC) in bankruptcy law, indicating rigorous professional credentialing
  • Extensive track record with over 18,000 personal bankruptcies filed by the lead attorney
  • Over 40 years of continuous operation in Philadelphia provides deep knowledge of local and state bankruptcy laws
  • Free initial consultation with no pressure to retain services
  • Explicitly serves only individuals and small business owners, not corporate lenders or financial institutions
  • Specializes exclusively in bankruptcy and debt relief—does not dilute focus across multiple practice areas
  • Office located in Center City Philadelphia, easily accessible via public transportation near City Hall

Areas to Consider

  • !Requires engagement of paid legal services with attorney fees on top of court filing fees—not a low-cost solution
  • !Bankruptcy filing is complex with potential for costly mistakes if not handled properly; outcomes are fact-dependent and not guaranteed
  • !No pricing information provided on website; consumers must contact firm for cost estimates
  • !Limited information about alternative debt relief options (e.g., debt consolidation, forbearance) that might avoid bankruptcy
  • !Website emphasizes firm's benefits but lacks transparent discussion of bankruptcy's long-term credit and financial impacts

Verdict Summary

Cibik Law, P.C. works best for consumers who value lead attorney michael a. cibik holds american board of certification (abc) in ba and can accept the tradeoff of requires engagement of paid legal services with attorney fees on top of court fi. Compare against similar providers below before signing any contract.

Services & Features

Services offered

Feature Checklist

Credit Monitoring
All Three Bureaus
Goodwill Letters
Cease Desist Letters
Debt Validation
Credit Education
Identity Theft Protection
Score Tracking
Mobile App
Online Portal
Personal Advisor
Ai Powered

Best For

Before You Contact Cibik Law, P.C.

Before signing up with any Bankruptcy provider, review these safeguards:

Compare Your Needs With Cibik Law, P.C.

Match these decision factors against Cibik Law, P.C.'s profile before committing. This rubric mirrors what independent consumer-finance research typically checks for Bankruptcy providers.

Category

Bankruptcy

Service scope

10 services listed

Geographic coverage

1 states

Match to your priorities

  • Budget priority: Pricing published above — factor in setup, monthly, and cancellation fees over the full expected service window.
  • Complexity priority: Consider Cibik Law, P.C.'s stated strengths (Lead attorney Michael A. Cibik holds American Board of Certification (ABC) in bankruptcy law, ind...) against your specific credit situation.
  • Timeline priority: Bankruptcy typically takes 3-6 months for meaningful outcomes. Providers guaranteeing overnight results are red flags under federal consumer protection law.
  • Recourse priority: Confirm state licensing via your state regulator and check the CFPB complaint database before contracting.
  • Alternatives: Compare against all Bankruptcy providers, DIY options via non-profit counseling agencies, and free CFPB resources.

Pricing

  • Monthly Price: 0
  • Setup Fee: 0
  • Money Back Guarantee: False
  • Guarantee Details: Contact provider for current pricing and guarantee details.
  • Free Consultation: True
  • Tiers: [{'name': 'Bankruptcy Consultation', 'price': 0, 'features': ['Free initial consultation', 'Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 evaluation', 'Means test analysis', 'Court filing and representation', 'Creditor communication handling']}]
  • Currency: USD

Frequently Asked Questions

What services does Cibik Law, P.C. offer?

Cibik Law, P.C. offers 10 services including Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing, Chapter 13 bankruptcy filing and reorganization, Mortgage foreclosure prevention and defense, Debt settlement and relief consultation, Medical debt relief, and 5 more. Confirm current service list directly with the provider before contracting.

Who is Cibik Law, P.C. best suited for?

Cibik Law, P.C.'s profile signals suggest it may fit: Philadelphia-area residents facing foreclosure, repossession, or overwhelming unsecured debt who need legal representation; Small business owners seeking bankruptcy counsel in Pennsylvania; Individuals with medical debt or complex financial situations requiring attorney guidance through Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 filing; Consumers seeking compassionate, judgment-free legal representation during financial crisis. Individual outcomes vary based on your specific situation.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of Cibik Law, P.C.?

Key strengths: Lead attorney Michael A. Cibik holds American Board of Certification (ABC) in bankruptcy law, indicating rigorous professional credentialing; Extensive track record with over 18,000 personal bankruptcies filed by the lead attorney; Over 40 years of continuous operation in Philadelphia provides deep knowledge of local and state bankruptcy laws. Areas to consider: Requires engagement of paid legal services with attorney fees on top of court filing fees—not a low-cost solution; Bankruptcy filing is complex with potential for costly mistakes if not handled properly; outcomes are fact-dependent and not guaranteed.

How does Cibik Law, P.C. compare to similar companies?

In the Bankruptcy category, comparable providers include Allmand Law, recovery-law-group, Weston Legal. Each company has different strengths, so compare services, pricing, and consumer complaint records before deciding what to do next.

Where does Cibik Law, P.C. operate?

Cibik Law, P.C. serves customers in 1 states including Pennsylvania. Confirm current service availability in your state directly with the provider.

How much does Cibik Law, P.C. cost?

Listed pricing for Cibik Law, P.C.: monthly price: 0; setup fee: 0; money back guarantee: False. Pricing may change — verify current fees directly with the provider before signing any contract.

Visit Cibik Law, P.C.

State Consumer Finance Context

This is state-level context for Bankruptcy consumers in Pennsylvania. It does not confirm that Cibik Law, P.C. or this specific location is licensed.

State regulator: Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities
Consumer protection: Pennsylvania Attorney General Bureau of Consumer Protection

Credit and debt help rules in Pennsylvania

Key state rules to check

Payday lending in Pennsylvania: Banned

Usury cap: 6% for non-licensed lenders (24% for licensed small loan companies); payday lending banned

Complaint resources

State references

Pennsylvania effectively bans payday lending through its strict usury laws. Licensed consumer discount companies can charge higher rates but remain well below payday loan levels. Consumers can file complaints with the Department of Banking and Securities or the Attorney General's Bureau of Consumer Protection.

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Notable: Attorney-led debt relief provides legal representation that non-attorney settlement firms cannot offer

Weston Legal logo

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Weston Legal is a Tampa, FL-based law firm specializing in bankruptcy and debt defense. BBB A+ accredited. Founded 2009. 1,336 Google reviews at 4.7 stars.

Rating 4.9/5

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Notable: Attorney-led debt defense provides legal representation against creditor lawsuits and collection actions

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Jacksonville-based bankruptcy law firm offering affordable Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filing with $0 down and payments starting at $189/month.

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Ardelean & Dunne, PLLC logo

Ardelean & Dunne, PLLC

Michigan-based bankruptcy law firm specializing in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filings with 20+ years of combined experience and over 3,000 cases filed since 2009.

Rating 4.4/5

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Notable: Same-day or next-day filing available for most clients seeking rapid creditor intervention

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Notable: $0 money down payment option allows bankruptcy filing without upfront costs

Related Questions

Quick Summary

Cibik Law, P.C. — Bankruptcy in PA.

Overall rating: 4.5/5

Philadelphia-based bankruptcy law firm specializing in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filings, foreclosure prevention, and debt relief for individuals and small business owners.

Next Steps

  1. Compare Cibik Law, P.C. against similar options above.
  2. Run our borrowing power quiz to see how Cibik Law, P.C. matches your situation.
  3. Check state regulator listings for Cibik Law, P.C.'s licensing before committing.
  4. Visit Cibik Law, P.C. once you're ready.

Glossary of Terms

Common terms that come up when comparing Bankruptcy providers. Full glossary at creditdoc.co/glossary/.

Amortization — Loan Amortization
The process of paying off a loan through regular payments that cover both principal and interest. Early payments are mostly interest; later payments are mostly principal.
Why it matters: Understanding amortization explains why paying extra early in a loan saves the most money — you're reducing the principal that interest is calculated on.
Example: Month 1 of a $200,000 mortgage at 6%: your $1,199 payment splits as $1,000 interest + $199 principal. By month 300: only $47 goes to interest and $1,152 goes to principal.
Balloon Payment
A large lump-sum payment due at the end of a loan, after a period of smaller monthly payments. The loan isn't fully paid off by the regular payments — the balloon settles it.
Why it matters: Balloon payments make monthly payments look affordable but create a financial cliff. If you can't pay or refinance at the end, you could lose your home or asset.
Example: A 5-year balloon mortgage on $200,000: you pay $1,054/month (as if it were a 30-year loan), but after 5 years you owe a balloon of $186,108 all at once.
Collateral — Loan Collateral
An asset you pledge to the lender as security for a loan. If you stop paying, the lender can seize and sell that asset to recover their money.
Why it matters: Secured loans (with collateral) have lower interest rates because the lender has less risk. But you could lose your home, car, or savings if you default.
Example: A mortgage uses your house as collateral. A car loan uses your vehicle. A title loan uses your car title. If you miss payments, the lender can foreclose or repossess.
Cosigner — Loan Cosigner
A person who agrees to repay your loan if you can't. They're equally responsible for the debt, and their credit is affected by your payment behavior.
Why it matters: Cosigning helps people with thin credit get approved or get better rates. But it's a huge risk for the cosigner — they're on the hook for the full amount if you default.
Example: A parent cosigns their child's $30,000 student loan. The child stops paying after 6 months. The parent is now legally required to make the payments or face collections, lawsuits, and credit damage.
Credit Bureau — Credit Reporting Agency (Bureau)
A company that collects and sells information about your credit history. The three major bureaus are Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
Why it matters: Not all lenders report to all three bureaus, so your reports may differ. You should check all three reports because an error on one could be costing you money.
Example: Your car loan only reports to Equifax and TransUnion. Your Experian report doesn't show that good payment history, so your Experian score is 15 points lower.
Credit Freeze — Security Freeze / Credit Freeze
A free tool that locks your credit report so no one (including you) can open new accounts until you lift it. It's the strongest protection against identity theft.
Why it matters: A credit freeze prevents criminals from opening loans in your name, even if they have your Social Security number. It's free by law and doesn't affect your credit score.
Example: Your data was in a breach. You freeze your credit at all 3 bureaus (takes 10 minutes online). A thief tries to open a credit card in your name — denied because the lender can't pull your frozen report.
Credit Mix — Credit Mix (Types of Credit)
The variety of credit accounts you have — credit cards (revolving), auto loans (installment), mortgage, student loans, etc. Having multiple types shows you can manage different kinds of debt.
Why it matters: Credit mix accounts for about 10% of your FICO score. Having only credit cards isn't as strong as having a card, an installment loan, and a mortgage.
Example: Borrower A has 3 credit cards. Borrower B has 2 credit cards, a car loan, and a student loan. Even with the same payment history and utilization, Borrower B's score is typically higher.
Credit Report — Consumer Credit Report
A detailed record of your borrowing history maintained by credit bureaus. It lists every loan, credit card, payment history, collection, and public record tied to your name.
Why it matters: Errors on credit reports are common — 1 in 5 consumers has at least one mistake. Checking your report regularly is the first step to fixing errors that are costing you money.
Example: You pull your free report from AnnualCreditReport.com and find a $2,400 medical collection you already paid. You dispute it, the bureau verifies it's resolved, and your score goes up 40 points.
Credit Score
A 3-digit number (300-850) that summarizes how reliably you've handled borrowed money. Higher scores mean lower risk to lenders and better loan terms for you.
Why it matters: Your credit score determines whether you get approved and at what rate. A 100-point difference can mean thousands of dollars more or less in interest over a loan's life.
Example: On a $250,000 30-year mortgage: a 760 score gets you 6.2% ($1,536/month). A 660 score gets 7.4% ($1,729/month). Over 30 years, the lower score costs you $69,480 more.
Credit Utilization — Credit Utilization Ratio
The percentage of your available credit that you're currently using. If you have $10,000 in credit limits and owe $3,000, your utilization is 30%.
Why it matters: Utilization is the second-biggest factor in your credit score (after payment history). Keeping it below 30% helps your score; below 10% is ideal.
Example: You have 3 cards with a $15,000 total limit. You're carrying $4,500 in balances (30% utilization). Paying down to $1,500 (10% utilization) could boost your score by 20-50 points.
Default — Loan Default
When you fail to repay a loan according to the agreed terms — usually after 90-180 days of missed payments. It's the point where the lender gives up on collecting normally.
Why it matters: Default triggers severe consequences: credit score drops 100+ points, the debt may be sent to collections, you could be sued, and your wages or assets could be seized.
Example: You miss 4 consecutive car payments. The lender declares your loan in default, repossesses your car, sells it at auction for $8,000, and you still owe the remaining $5,000 (called a deficiency balance).
FICO Score — Fair Isaac Corporation Score
The most widely used credit scoring model, created by Fair Isaac Corporation. 90% of top lenders use FICO scores for lending decisions.
Why it matters: FICO has many versions (FICO 8, 9, 10). Mortgage lenders still use older versions (FICO 2, 4, 5), so your mortgage score may differ from what free apps show you.
Example: Your FICO 8 score (used for credit cards) is 740. Your FICO 5 score (used for mortgages) is 725 because it weighs collections differently. Same credit history, different scores.
Hard Inquiry — Hard Credit Inquiry (Hard Pull)
When a lender checks your credit report because you've applied for credit. Each hard inquiry can lower your score by 5-10 points and stays on your report for 2 years.
Why it matters: Multiple hard inquiries in a short period suggest you're desperately seeking credit, which is a red flag. Exception: mortgage and auto loan shopping within 14-45 days counts as one inquiry.
Example: You apply for 5 credit cards in one month. Each application triggers a hard inquiry. Your score drops 25-50 points from the inquiries alone, making each subsequent application harder.
Loan Term (Tenor) — Loan Term / Tenor
How long you have to repay the loan, measured in months or years. A shorter term means higher monthly payments but less total interest paid.
Why it matters: Longer terms feel more affordable monthly but cost much more overall. A 30-year mortgage costs almost double in interest compared to a 15-year mortgage on the same amount.
Example: Borrowing $200,000 at 6.5%: A 15-year term costs $1,742/month ($113,561 total interest). A 30-year term costs $1,264/month ($255,088 total interest). You save $141,527 with the shorter term.
Origination Fee — Loan Origination Fee
A one-time fee the lender charges to process and set up your loan. It covers their costs for underwriting, verifying your information, and preparing paperwork.
Why it matters: Origination fees are usually 1-8% of the loan amount and are often deducted from your loan proceeds — so you receive less than you borrowed.
Example: You're approved for a $10,000 personal loan with a 5% origination fee. The lender deducts $500 upfront, so you receive $9,500 in your bank account but owe $10,000 plus interest.