Attorney John Orcutt hates the word “bankruptcy,” but he’s a big believer in what it can do to help people.

“If I had my way, I’d go back and somehow I'd change the word ‘bankruptcy’ into something else, ‘angel dust’ or something very positive,” he says. “… It's like a pretty girl in a fantasy movie that has been under a curse where all you see is ugly. I've spent a career trying to get that curse off of her so that people can really see the beauty.”

In the premiere episode of Orcutt Answers, our host Shawn Orcutt welcomes John, Founder and Partner at The Law Offices of John T. Orcutt, to discuss the power of bankruptcy, how bankruptcy erases debt, how bankruptcy laws can override other laws, and the biggest mistakes he and his colleagues see from people trying to get rid of debt. They also discuss how filing for bankruptcy functions as a restraining order against creditors and how people can get answers faster.

“Something we tried to get across to people forever and ever, amen, is that the free consult is free,” John says. “There's no strings attached. There's no pressure. I tell my staff, I've told you, I tell everybody, ‘Look, we're not here to sell bankruptcy. We're here to tell people about bankruptcy.’ I tell them, ‘Don't let me ever catch you selling something that's not right for them. … Make sure they understand the full picture of something that's going to save their family.’ Who do we save? Families, all day long.”

Name: John Orcutt 

What he does: As the Founder and Partner at The Law Offices of John T. Orcutt, John works to bring awareness to the benefits of bankruptcy laws. 

Company: The Law Offices of John T. Orcutt

Words of wisdom: “Maybe we can help you, maybe we can't, but you can find out for free. Otherwise, you're just walking in the darkness. You don't know where the stairs are. You don't know where the pits are. You don't need to walk in the darkness. We can at least, from our point of view and knowledge, take you from the dark to the light.”

Connect: LinkedIn 

Here’s what we learned about debt and bankruptcy in this episode

★    Bankruptcy is misunderstood. John points out key misconceptions about bankruptcy laws. The stigma attached to declaring bankruptcy keeps many people from getting rid of debt and having a fresh start.

★    Bankruptcy lawyers are here to help (ASAP). Whether you want to go into an office or use a COVID-19-safe method of communication like a phone consultation, attorneys like John are available to answer your questions as soon as possible.

★    Bankruptcy is the cheapest way to survive major debt. If you’re in over your head, Hail Mary attempts to solve the problem, such as borrowing more money or taking money out of your 401(k), aren’t the answer. Bankruptcy most likely is, because it’s the least expensive way to make your debt disappear.

★    Most people can afford a bankruptcy lawyer. Attorneys are here to help you get you and your family back on your feet, and one way they help is by offering an initial consultation for free.

[01:42] “The power of bankruptcy”: John explains why he uses this term, diving into the