Law Office of David M. Serafin in Denver, CO

4.5/5

Denver-based bankruptcy law firm specializing in Chapter 7, Chapter 13, and Chapter 11 filings for individuals and businesses seeking debt relief.

Data compiled from public sources · Rating from CreditDoc methodology

From Free/mo Visit Website

Law Office of David M. Serafin Review

Law Office of David M. Serafin is a bankruptcy law practice located in the Denver/Aurora, Colorado area founded by attorney David M. Serafin. The firm focuses exclusively on bankruptcy representation and debt relief services for consumers and business owners facing insurmountable debt. With over 20 years of legal experience, Mr. Serafin has built a practice dedicated to guiding clients through the bankruptcy process and assessing whether debt relief through bankruptcy is appropriate for their specific financial circumstances.

The firm offers representation across multiple bankruptcy chapters tailored to different debtor situations. For individuals, they provide Chapter 7 (liquidation) bankruptcy services for those who pass the means test and have limited disposable income, as well as Chapter 13 (reorganization) bankruptcy for those who wish to restructure debt into a 3-5 year repayment plan while retaining property. For business owners, they offer Chapter 11 bankruptcy services to help corporations and sole proprietorships reorganize and alleviate business debts. The firm also provides initial consultation services to assess eligibility, explain the automatic stay process that halts creditor collection efforts, and advise clients on which debts are dischargeable versus non-dischargeable.

What distinguishes this firm is the attorney's substantial 20-year track record in bankruptcy law and the personalized assessment approach. Rather than assuming bankruptcy is universally appropriate, Serafin explicitly evaluates each client's financial situation to determine suitability and recommend the most beneficial bankruptcy chapter. The firm explains complex concepts like the means test requirement, automatic stay protections, and debt priority hierarchies in Chapter 13 plans, demonstrating educational depth beyond standard legal filing services.

The main caveat is that this is a specialized bankruptcy-only practice, not a full-service firm. The website provides no information about pricing, payment plans, or financing options for legal fees. Additionally, the practice appears to be a solo operation or very small firm (singular attorney mentioned), which may limit availability or capacity during peak periods. Prospective clients should verify current service areas and contact the firm directly at (303) 862-9124 for specific fee structures and consultation scheduling.

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.

Services & Features

Asset and property exemption assessment

Automatic stay protection and creditor collection halt

Business bankruptcy consultation for corporations and sole proprietorships

Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing and representation (business reorganization)

Chapter 13 bankruptcy filing and representation (reorganization/repayment plans)

Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing and representation (liquidation)

Creditor negotiation and representation

Debt restructuring and repayment plan development

Dischargeable vs. non-dischargeable debt analysis

Free initial bankruptcy consultation and financial assessment

Means test evaluation and eligibility determination

Feature Checklist

Mobile App

Online Portal

Score Tracking

Credit Education

Personal Advisor

Identity Theft Protection

Pricing Plans

Bankruptcy Consultation

Free /mo

Free initial consultation
Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 evaluation
Means test analysis
Court filing and representation
Creditor communication handling

Get Started

Pros & Cons

Pros

Over 20 years of dedicated bankruptcy law experience guiding practice decisions
Offers free initial consultation to assess financial situation before commitment
Expertise across three bankruptcy chapters (7, 13, 11) for different debtor types
Explains automatic stay protection that immediately halts creditor collection efforts
Clarifies non-dischargeable debt categories (child support, student loans, taxes) upfront
Personalizes recommendations based on means test results and individual circumstances
Serves both individual debtors and business owners with tailored strategies

Cons

No pricing information or fee schedule publicly available on website
No information about payment plans or financing options for attorney fees
Website content appears incomplete (text cuts off mid-sentence in Chapter 11 section)
Appears to be solo practitioner or very small firm, potentially limiting availability
No client testimonials or case results documented to verify track record

Rating Breakdown

Value

5.0

Effectiveness

4.9

Customer Service

3.9

Transparency

3.8

Ease of Use

4.6

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Law Office of David M. Serafin legitimate?

Yes. Law Office of David M. Serafin is a registered company, headquartered in Denver, CO.

How much does Law Office of David M. Serafin cost?

Law Office of David M. Serafin plans start at Free per month with no setup fee. No money-back guarantee is offered.

How long does Law Office of David M. Serafin take to show results?

Results vary by individual situation. Contact the provider to discuss expected timelines for your specific needs.

Quick Facts

Headquarters: Denver, CO
BBB Accredited: No
Starting Price: Free/mo
Setup Fee: None
Money-Back Guarantee: No

Visit Law Office of David M. Serafin

+1 303-862-9124 501 S Cherry St Ste 1100, Denver, CO 80246

CreditDoc Diagnosis

Doctor's Verdict on Law Office of David M. Serafin

Best for Colorado residents who have accrued debt exceeding their income/assets and need professional evaluation of whether bankruptcy—and which type—fits their circumstances. The firm provides educational guidance and personalized assessment, but prospective clients must call (303) 862-9124 to confirm current service capacity, fee structure, and geographic service area before proceeding.

Best For

Colorado residents (Denver/Aurora area) with unsecured debt exceeding their income and assets
Small business owners or sole proprietors exploring debt restructuring alternatives to closure
Individuals who may qualify for Chapter 7 but want to understand Chapter 13 property retention benefits
Debtors uncertain whether bankruptcy is appropriate and needing professional eligibility assessment

Updated 2026-04-29

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Financial Terms Explained (14 terms)

New to credit and lending? Here are the key terms used on this page, explained in plain language with real-number examples.

How Loans Work

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).

Legal Terms

CFPB — Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

A federal agency created in 2010 to protect consumers from unfair financial practices. They write rules, supervise financial companies, and handle consumer complaints.

Why it matters

The CFPB is your most powerful ally against predatory lenders. Filing a complaint with them gets a response from the company within 15 days — companies take CFPB complaints seriously.

Example

A debt collector calls your workplace after you told them to stop. You file a CFPB complaint online. Within 15 days, the collection agency responds and agrees to stop. The CFPB tracks complaint patterns across all companies.

FDCPA — Fair Debt Collection Practices Act

A federal law that limits what debt collectors can do. They can't call before 8am or after 9pm, can't harass you, can't lie, and must stop contacting you if you request in writing.

Why it matters

Knowing your FDCPA rights stops abusive collection tactics. If a collector violates the law, you can sue for up to $1,000 per violation plus attorney fees.

Example

A collector calls your workplace 3 times after you told them not to. That's 3 FDCPA violations. You hire a consumer attorney (free — they get paid by the collector). The collector settles for $3,000.

Garnishment — Wage Garnishment

A court order that requires your employer to withhold part of your paycheck and send it directly to a creditor. Usually happens after a creditor sues you and wins a judgment.

Why it matters

Federal law limits garnishment to 25% of disposable income. Some states have lower limits. Student loans and taxes can be garnished without a court order.

Example

You owe $8,000 on a defaulted credit card. The bank sues, gets a judgment, and garnishes your wages. On a $3,000/month net paycheck, they take $750/month until the debt is paid.

Statute of Limitations — Statute of Limitations (Debt)

A time limit (typically 3-6 years, varies by state) after which a creditor can no longer sue you to collect a debt. The debt still exists, but they lose the legal power to force payment.

Why it matters

Knowing your state's statute of limitations prevents you from being tricked into paying debts that are legally uncollectable. Beware: making a payment can restart the clock.

Example

You have a $3,000 credit card debt from 2019. Your state has a 4-year statute of limitations. In 2024, a collector calls demanding payment. The statute has expired — they cannot sue you.

Debt & Recovery

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy — Chapter 13 Bankruptcy (Reorganization)

A type of bankruptcy where you keep your assets but follow a court-approved 3-5 year repayment plan to pay back some or all of your debts. Stays on credit for 7 years.

Why it matters

Chapter 13 is better than Chapter 7 if you have a home or assets you want to keep. It can stop foreclosure and let you catch up on mortgage payments over 3-5 years.

Example

You're 3 months behind on your mortgage and have $30,000 in credit card debt. Chapter 13 stops foreclosure and puts you on a 5-year plan: you pay $600/month to catch up on the mortgage and pay 40% of the credit card debt.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy — Chapter 7 Bankruptcy (Liquidation)

A type of bankruptcy that wipes out most unsecured debts (credit cards, medical bills) by liquidating non-exempt assets. It stays on your credit for 10 years.

Why it matters

Chapter 7 gives you a fresh start but at a steep cost: 10 years on your credit, difficulty getting loans, and you may lose assets. Income must be below your state's median to qualify.

Example

You have $45,000 in credit card debt and earn $35,000/year. Chapter 7 erases the debt. You keep exempt property (basic car, household items). Your score drops to ~500 but you're debt-free.

Charge-Off

When a creditor declares your debt a loss after 180 days of nonpayment and removes it from their books. But you still owe the money — they just stop expecting to collect it themselves.

Why it matters

A charge-off is one of the most damaging entries on your credit report and stays for 7 years. The debt is usually sold to a collection agency who will pursue you for it.

Example

You stop paying your $4,000 credit card. After 180 days, the bank charges it off and sells the debt to a collector for $800. The collector now contacts you demanding the full $4,000 (they profit from what they collect above $800).

Collections — Debt Collections

When an unpaid debt is transferred or sold to a third-party collection agency that specializes in recovering the money. Collection accounts appear on your credit report for 7 years.

Why it matters

Even a $50 collection account can drop your score 50-100 points. Some newer FICO models (FICO 9) ignore paid collections, but many lenders still use older models.

Example

An old $200 gym bill goes to collections. It appears on all 3 credit reports and drops your 720 score to 640. Paying it helps with newer scoring models but under FICO 8 (still widely used), a paid collection still hurts.

Debt Consolidation

Combining multiple debts into one single loan with one monthly payment, ideally at a lower interest rate. It simplifies repayment and can reduce total interest.

Why it matters

Consolidation works best when you get a lower rate than your existing debts. But it doesn't reduce what you owe — and extending the term can mean paying more total interest.

Example

You have: $5,000 at 22% (credit card), $3,000 at 18% (store card), $2,000 at 25% (payday loan). A $10,000 consolidation loan at 11% saves you ~$2,100 in interest over 3 years.

Debt Settlement — Debt Settlement / Negotiation

Negotiating with creditors to accept less than the full amount you owe — typically 40-60 cents on the dollar. Usually done after you've already fallen behind on payments.

Why it matters

Settlement can save thousands, but it severely damages your credit (settled accounts show for 7 years) and the IRS may tax the forgiven amount as income.

Example

You owe $15,000 on a credit card and negotiate a settlement of $7,500 (50%). You save $7,500 but: your credit drops 100+ points, the account shows 'settled' for 7 years, and you may owe taxes on the $7,500 forgiven.

DTI Ratio — Debt-to-Income Ratio

The percentage of your monthly gross income that goes toward paying debts. Lenders use it to judge whether you can afford another loan payment.

Why it matters

Most lenders want DTI below 36% for personal loans and below 43% for mortgages. Above that, you're considered overextended and likely to be denied.

Example

You earn $5,000/month gross. Your debts: $1,200 mortgage + $300 car + $200 student loans = $1,700/month. DTI = 34%. A new $400/month loan would push you to 42% — risky for lenders.

Judgment — Court Judgment (Debt)

A court ruling that says you legally owe a specific amount to a creditor. It gives the creditor power to garnish wages, freeze bank accounts, or place liens on your property.

Why it matters

Judgments are enforceable for 10-20 years (varies by state) and can be renewed. They give creditors far more collection power than a simple unpaid debt.

Example

A credit card company sues you for $8,000 and wins a judgment. They can now garnish 25% of your paycheck ($750/month on a $3,000 net salary) and freeze your bank account.

Want to learn more? Read our Financial Wellness Guides for in-depth explanations and practical advice.

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