Ricardo, Wasylik & Kaniuk, ricardolaw.com

How long have you been practicing law?
I have been a practicing attorney for 14 years and have been practicing in Florida since 1997.

How did you end up handling foreclosures and bankruptcy?
It just kind of fell into place. I did a clerkship for a very prominent federal judge in Brooklyn and everything just evolved from there.

Did you see signs of the collapse and economic downturn?
I think a lot of people knew conditions were going to deteriorate, but it was impossible to predict the scope and seriousness of what we are dealing with.

What is the typical scenario for someone facing foreclosure?
There really is no one situation, and they are all so different. We represent homeowners, investors and small businesses. I also have clients who were wiped out by Madoff, and they would have been able to weather the storm in a good economy, but not this one.

What are roadblocks prohibiting people from seeking counsel?
There are definitely pride and self esteem issues, and it is not something anyone wants to face. But people go to the dentist when a tooth hurts and a mechanic when the car has problems. It is the same scenario, and there is nothing shameful about seeking help for financial matters.

What one piece of advice would you give to a person facing these conditions?
The sooner you seek help, the better. If a person is questioning whether or not they need assistance, they most likely do. The longer you wait, the more limited the options become.