Debt Relief

Debt Relief Attorney in Temple, TX

Over 40 Years of Bankruptcy-Exclusive Practice, Now Serving Temple Virtually

Erin Baker Shank, PC. is a federally designated Debt Relief Agency helping people file for relief under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Founding attorney Erin Baker Shank has practiced bankruptcy law since 1983, bringing over 40 years of focused experience to every client. Temple and Bell County residents can complete every step of our process, from free initial consultation through final discharge, via Zoom without traveling to an office. Our virtual model was built for clients who need professional legal help without the added stress of scheduling around in-person appointments.

Temple filers whose cases proceed through the Waco Division of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Texas work with an attorney who knows this court and this code. We go beyond basic filings to offer home loan modifications and IRS tax debt resolution alongside traditional bankruptcy options, giving Temple families a wider path to financial recovery.

Ready to talk through your options? Call us at (254) 690-4110 for a free consultation by phone or Zoom. No obligation, no judgment.

Debt Relief Options We Pursue for Temple Clients

Financial hardship rarely fits a single template, and neither does our approach. We evaluate each client’s situation before recommending a course of action, which may include one or more of the following:

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Chapter 7 discharges qualifying unsecured debts, including credit card balances, medical bills, and personal loans. The moment a petition is filed, an automatic stay immediately halts collection calls, lawsuits, wage garnishments, foreclosure, and repossession actions, giving clients breathing room from day one. Not every debt qualifies; most student loans and domestic support obligations such as child support generally aren’t dischargeable.

Home Loan Modification
We pursue home loan modifications as a practical alternative to Chapter 13 repayment plans, which typically run three to five years. By negotiating directly with lenders, we work to adjust mortgage terms so clients can remain in their homes. We’ve secured over 400 modifications for clients, a track record that reflects real negotiating history with lenders.

IRS Tax Debt Resolution
Certain qualifying federal tax debts can be discharged or reduced under bankruptcy law. We apply specific criteria, including age, filing history, and assessment rules under the Bankruptcy Code, to determine whether a client’s IRS tax debt may be eligible.

Foreclosure & Repossession Defense
We implement legal stays to stop the loss of homes and vehicles, buying time to pursue a longer-term solution that fits the client’s financial picture.

Why Temple Residents Work With Erin Baker Shank, PC.

Our practice is dedicated entirely to bankruptcy law. That focus lets us track legislative developments, such as the HAVEN Act, that affect our clients’ matters. Erin Baker Shank holds an AV Preeminent peer rating, the highest level of recognition in the Martindale-Hubbell system, and maintains high ratings on AVVO. She is also a member of the College of the State Bar of Texas and the Greater Waco Chamber.

We offer free initial consultations and flexible, affordable payment plans for legal services. For Temple clients, geography is never a barrier: meetings, filing steps, and court preparation happen remotely, on your schedule and in your own home.

We also recognize that financial hardship carries an emotional weight. Our office is a judgment-free environment, and we approach every client’s situation with care and practicality.

Military & Veteran Debt Relief Near Fort Hood

Temple sits in the heart of a region with a large active-duty and veteran population, and we understand the financial concerns specific to that community. We serve the Fort Hood community and Killeen area and have built our military debt relief approach around the stakes service members face that civilians don’t.

We implement HAVEN Act protections in bankruptcy proceedings. The HAVEN Act, signed into law in 2019, excludes certain veteran and military disability benefits from the calculation of “current monthly income” used in bankruptcy means testing. This can help veterans qualify for Chapter 7 and may reduce required payments under Chapter 13. We structure debt discharge solutions with security clearance considerations in mind, and we can intervene to stop AAFES garnishments as part of our creditor harassment protections.

Support After Your Debt Is Discharged

A discharge is a starting point, not just an ending. We help clients build a practical family budget after debt elimination and provide guidance on rebuilding credit following the bankruptcy process. Lowering credit utilization and resetting debt-to-income ratios can support credit score recovery, and we walk clients through what that looks like in practice.

Erin Baker Shank also maintains a comprehensive video library covering common bankruptcy questions, available at no cost to Temple clients who want to understand the process before or after filing.

Schedule a Free Consultation With a Temple Debt Relief Lawyer

If debt has become unmanageable, the next step is a conversation. We offer free consultations by phone or Zoom for Temple and Bell County residents, with no obligation to proceed. Our virtual model means you can meet with a debt relief attorney serving Temple without taking a day off work or arranging childcare. Flexible payment plans are available, and we can explain every option that applies to your situation before you make any decisions.

Call Erin Baker Shank, PC. today at (254) 690-4110 or use our online contact form to schedule your free consultation.

Read More Read Less

Listen to Erin Answer Your Questions!

  • What Makes You Uniquely Qualified as a Bankruptcy Attorney?
  • What is Chapter 10 Bankruptcy?
  • What to Do if Your Military Star Card Goes to Collections
  • What is a mortgage modification?

What Our Clients Say

Real Stories from People We've Helped Through Financial Hardship
    “I highly recommend her if you're looking for a thorough, patient, and honest attorney!”
    “Ms. Erin Baker was great! Helped me and my family make the best sound decision. The process was seamless”
    Jordan B.
    “Thank you so much! We are extremely grateful for everything you’ve done for us.”
    Ms. Baker and Sharlyn were absolutely fantastic! Very helpful, and knowledgeable and answered any questions or concerns we had. They truly pulled off a miracle. If you’re thinking of filing for bankruptcy, Ms. Baker is the woman for the job.
    Monique K.
    “Erin gets things moved efficiently & effectively!”
    “Our case had been dragging on for years, but once she stepped in, things moved efficiently and effectively. She worked diligently, stayed on top of every detail, and always made us feel like a priority.”
    Renee H.
    “Recommend this firm 100%”
    I'm very grateful to this firm. I had doubts of being able to get a fresh start. They assured me that there is a way. It may have took a little longer due to my situation but they prevailed.
    Ed B.
  • Google Reviews
  • AVVO 9.1
  • AVVO client choice 2014
  • AVVO 9.6 bankruptcy
  • The College of the state bar of Texas
  • AVVO Reviews
  • Client Champion
  • AV Preeminent
  • Greater Waco Chamber

Schedule Your Virtual Appointment

A member of our team will be in touch shortly to confirm your contact details or address questions you may have.

  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.
  • By submitting, you agree to receive text messages from Erin Baker Shank, PC. at the number provided, including those related to your inquiry, follow-ups, and review requests, via automated technology. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency may vary. Reply STOP to cancel or HELP for assistance. Acceptable Use Policy