Indianapolis-based bankruptcy law firm specializing in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filings with 75+ years of combined experience. Offers free consultations and $0 down attorney fees.
Data compiled from public sources · Rating from CreditDoc methodology
Sawin & Shea, LLC is an Indianapolis bankruptcy law firm that has accumulated over 75 years of combined bankruptcy service experience. The firm positions itself as a compassionate, client-focused practice that helps individuals navigate consumer debt relief through the federal bankruptcy system. Founded on principles of treating clients with fairness, respect, and dignity, the firm serves individuals and married couples facing financial hardship across central Indiana.
The firm's primary services include Chapter 7 bankruptcy filings (for eliminating unsecured debt) and Chapter 13 bankruptcy filings (for restructuring debt while protecting assets like homes and vehicles). They also handle Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) violations and Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) claims. The firm advertises $0 down attorney fees, free initial consultations, and 24-hour availability through phone access to associates. Video consultations are available for convenience.
Sawin & Shea differentiates itself through long-term client relationships and personalized guidance. Client testimonials highlight multi-year representation (one client worked with the firm for 3 years through their Chapter 13 plan) and describe the staff as consistently reassuring and professional. The website emphasizes the firm's ability to address creditor harassment, wage garnishment, foreclosure threats, and repossession concerns—using bankruptcy's automatic stay to immediately halt collection activities.
The firm appears legitimate and established, with a professional website and documented client testimonials. However, as with any bankruptcy service, consumers should be aware that bankruptcy is a serious legal process with long-term credit implications, and this firm's advertising emphasizes emotional relief and financial stress reduction rather than the significant downsides of a bankruptcy filing. The $0 down fee structure may suggest fee recovery through the court-approved bankruptcy plan rather than upfront payment.
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.
Yes. Sawin & Shea, LLC is a registered company, headquartered in Indianapolis, IN.
Sawin & Shea, LLC plans start at Free per month with no setup fee. No money-back guarantee is offered.
Results vary by individual situation. Contact the provider to discuss expected timelines for your specific needs.
CreditDoc Diagnosis
Sawin & Shea is best for Indianapolis-area individuals or couples with substantial unsecured debt who need immediate relief from creditor harassment and legal action, and who are willing to pursue bankruptcy as a comprehensive solution. The main caveat is that bankruptcy is a serious legal process with significant long-term effects on creditworthiness, and consumers should understand that the firm's emphasis on stress relief and 'getting your life back' should not overshadow the reality that Chapter 7 creates a 7-10 year credit mark and Chapter 13 requires a 3-5 year repayment commitment.
Houston-based bankruptcy law firm specializing exclusively in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filings since 1999. Led by Christopher T. Morrison with a focus on debt relief and financial fresh starts.
Best for: Texas residents overwhelmed by debt and creditor harassment seeking Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 filing, Individuals skeptical of debt consolidation or loan modification schemes preferring legal bankruptcy protection
Las Vegas-based bankruptcy law firm specializing in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filings with a $0 down payment option. Led by attorney Erik Severino with thousands of cases filed across Nevada.
Best for: Nevada residents facing wage garnishment, foreclosure, or repossession who need immediate legal intervention, Individuals with overwhelming unsecured debt (credit cards, medical bills, personal loans) seeking Chapter 7 discharge
Sherman Oaks-based bankruptcy law firm specializing in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filings, foreclosure defense, and debt relief strategies for individuals facing overwhelming debt.
Best for: Californians facing Chapter 7 eligibility with low income-to-debt ratios seeking full debt discharge, Homeowners in foreclosure needing Chapter 13 restructuring to save their homes
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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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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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