No stored Google rating available.
Columbus-based bankruptcy law firm specializing in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filings. Scott E. Rice has 20+ years legal experience and 1000+ bankruptcy cases on record.
Data compiled from public sources
Scott E. Rice established his law practice in Columbus, Ohio after transitioning from prosecutorial work to bankruptcy law in 2002. He holds a law degree from Cleveland Marshall College of Law (1998) and previously worked as an assistant prosecuting attorney in Carroll and Licking counties before focusing exclusively on bankruptcy. After gaining experience at a large bankruptcy firm, he opened his independent practice to provide individualized client attention.
The Law Office of Scott E. Rice offers comprehensive Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy filing services. Chapter 7 services focus on debt elimination for unsecured debts like credit cards and medical bills while allowing clients to retain property if current on payments. Chapter 13 services help clients develop affordable repayment plans, stop foreclosures, prevent vehicle repossession, and consolidate multiple debts. The firm handles ancillary issues including wage garnishment stops, license reinstatement, and creditor communication.
What distinguishes this firm is Rice's deep bankruptcy specialization—he has been the attorney of record in over 1000 cases since 2002, providing substantial case experience. The firm emphasizes personalized attention as its key differentiator from larger practices. They offer free initial consultations and market themselves as providing high-quality legal services specific to Central Ohio. The website clearly discloses they are a debt relief agency regulated under bankruptcy code provisions.
This is a legitimate bankruptcy law practice with no apparent red flags based on available information. The main limitation is geographic scope—they serve Central Ohio counties from a Columbus office. Prospective clients should verify current licensing and review independent attorney ratings, as the website copyright shows 2017 and may not reflect recent updates. Like all bankruptcy counsel, their services require careful financial assessment and commitment to the bankruptcy process.
This is state-level context for Bankruptcy Services consumers in Columbus, OH. It does not confirm that Rice Scott or this specific location is licensed.
State regulator
Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Financial Institutions
Consumer protection
Relevant law: Ohio Credit Services Organization Act (Ohio Rev. Code § 4712.01-4712.14)
Registration: Required with Ohio Division of Financial Institutions
Upfront fees: Listed as prohibited in the current CreditDoc state summary
Source: CreditDoc state-law summary and listed public regulator resources. Verify licensing directly with the listed state regulator before relying on a provider.
Rice Scott offers 12 services including Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing and representation, Chapter 13 bankruptcy filing and repayment plan development, Foreclosure prevention and stopping, Wage garnishment cessation, Vehicle repossession prevention and recovery, and 7 more.
Rice Scott has profile signals associated with Central Ohio residents facing foreclosure, wage garnishment, or vehicle repossession seeking immediate creditor action stops, Chapter 7 candidates with significant unsecured debt (credit cards, medical bills) wanting to retain their home or car, Chapter 13 candidates with stable income who need a structured 3-5 year repayment plan and want to stop foreclosure, Individuals seeking personalized bankruptcy counsel from a solo practitioner rather than large firm representation.
Key strengths: Attorney has 20+ years total legal experience and 1000+ bankruptcy cases handled since 2002; Offers both Chapter 7 (debt elimination) and Chapter 13 (repayment plan) options for different financial situations; Free initial consultation to evaluate bankruptcy eligibility and options. Areas to consider: Website copyright shows 2017—potentially outdated; no indication of recent updates or current online presence verification; Limited to Central Ohio geographic service area; not suitable for out-of-state clients.
In the Bankruptcy Services category, comparable providers include Fesenmyer Law Offices, LLC, MPC LAW, LLC, Porter Law Office, LLC. Each company has different strengths, so compare services, pricing, and consumer complaint records before deciding what to do next.
CreditDoc Profile Note
profile signals for Central Ohio residents in financial crisis who need immediate relief from foreclosure, garnishment, or repossession and want direct attorney representation with bankruptcy specialization. Primary caveat: verify current licensing and contact information due to outdated website, and confirm fee structure before engaging services.
Ohio-based bankruptcy law firm specializing in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filings, debt relief, and foreclosure defense across Cincinnati, Columbus, and Dayton.
Profile signals: Ohio residents in Cincinnati, Columbus, or Dayton areas facing Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, Homeowners in foreclosure proceedings seeking legal defense and debt relief simultaneously
MPC Law LLC is a Delaware, OH-based law firm specializing in bankruptcy, real estate, estate planning, and financial matters, led by attorney Matthew Curry with banking and finance experience context.
Profile signals: Individuals filing for personal bankruptcy seeking affordable, accessible legal representation, People managing estate administration or probate after a family member's death
Tax controversy attorney in Columbus, OH specializing in IRS dispute resolution, tax debt relief, and settlement negotiations for individuals and businesses.
Profile signals: Ohio residents facing IRS audits, tax disputes, or significant tax debt seeking listed representation, Individuals and businesses needing offers in compromise or IRS settlement negotiations
Answer 3 quick questions to review category, service, and profile context.
1. What's your primary financial goal?
A plain-English breakdown of every credit score range — what each number actually means for your loans, cards, and daily life, plus exactly what to do about yours.
Read guide →A plain-English breakdown of what credit products, loans, and cards you can realistically get at every credit score level — from deep subprime to excellent.
Read guide →Learn exactly how to check your credit score for free using legitimate sources, understand the difference between soft and hard inquiries, and know your rights under federal law.
Read guide →New to credit and lending? Here are the key terms used on this page, explained in plain language with real-number examples.
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.
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).
A federal agency created in 2010 to protect consumers from unfair financial practices. They write rules, supervise financial companies, and handle consumer complaints.
The CFPB is your most powerful ally against high-cost 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.
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 are required to stop contacting you if you request in writing.
Knowing your FDCPA rights stops abusive collection tactics. If a collector violates the law, you may have a right to 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.
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 has obtained a judgment.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Chapter 13 may be more relevant 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.
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.
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 is generally required to 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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
Consolidation is generally most useful 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.
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.
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.
The percentage of your monthly gross income that goes toward paying debts. Lenders use it to judge whether you can afford another loan payment.
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.
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.
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 has obtained 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.
Affiliate Disclosure: CreditDoc may earn a commission when you click links to Rice Scott and other services. These commissions help us maintain our free research. Compensation does not determine whether a provider can be covered; visible star ratings use stored Google review ratings when available. Learn more.