Delores Faced $230K in Debt and Legal Action. Here’s How She Regained Control

Delores remembers the sound of her phone ringing. It made her stomach drop every time. Another call from a creditor. Another letter in the mail. Another reminder that her life had spun out of control.

She had always done her best to manage things. She had a job, a home, and two young kids who needed her. But after a messy separation and a mountain of debt that wasn’t all hers, she felt like she was drowning. Every time she tried to come up for air, something else pulled her down.

Delores’s journey with a consumer proposal led to real relief — but when it began, she didn’t feel hopeful. She felt trapped.

$230K in Debt and Lawsuits, with a Family to Support

It started with her ex registering a business in her name. She didn’t ask for it and she didn’t run it, but when things with the business went wrong, creditors held Delores responsible. Suddenly, she was facing lawsuits, phone calls from collection agencies, and over $230,000 in unsecured debt like credit cards, lines of credit, and business liabilities.

Delores was doing it all alone. Her days were packed with work and school drop-offs. Her nights were filled with worry. She tried to stay strong for her kids, but the weight of everything felt impossible.

“Am I the only one in this situation?” she’d ask.

She wasn’t. But it felt like it.

When Everything Feels Like It’s Falling Apart

Delores tried everything she could to turn things around.

She listed her rental property in hopes of getting ahead, but the housing market was slow. She made short-term payment arrangements with creditors, hoping to buy herself some time — but nothing stuck. The calls kept coming. The letters didn’t stop. And the fear kept building.

She lived with the constant threat of wage garnishment, terrified of what it could mean for her family. But more than anything, she was tired: tired of worrying, of pretending everything was fine, and of trying to hold it all together on her own.

The Turning Point and a Plan That Protected Her

Delores had reached her breaking point, but that moment became the beginning of something new.

Introducing the Consumer Proposal

That all changed when she spoke with Stephane Rosse, a Debt Solutions Manager at Farber. He didn’t pressure her. He didn’t judge her. He just listened.

Together, they walked through her situation. Then came the debt relief option that gave her hope: a consumer proposal.

Delores worked with Stephane and a Licensed Insolvency Trustee (LIT) to put together a plan she could afford. She’d pay $500 a month for five years, plus a lump sum once her property sold.
Stephane remembers the relief in Delores’ voice when she said,

Thank you so much for helping me in this scary situation.

Legal Protection and Peace of Mind

The moment the proposal was accepted, everything shifted. The calls stopped. The lawsuits paused. Wage garnishment was no longer on the table.

For the first time in months, Delores could breathe. She could focus on being a mom, on going to work, and (most importantly) on getting through the day without fear hanging over her.

She wasn’t out of the woods, but she finally had a path forward — and people walking it with her.

Reclaiming Her Life and Moving Forward

The consumer proposal made Delores’ payments simple and predictable. She knew exactly what she owed each month. There were no extra charges and no interest costs building in the background.

She could even pay more if she wanted to.

Slowly, things started to shift. Her sleep improved. Her mood lifted. Delores started planning again, thinking about the future instead of just surviving the day.

She was still a mom, still working hard. But now, she had room to hope.

And that’s what made the difference.

Today, her story is more than just a financial turnaround — it’s a consumer proposal success story that reminds others they’re not alone, and that real change is possible.

What Stayed with Stephane as Delores’ Debt Professional

Delores wasn’t just someone in debt. She was someone trying her best in an impossible situation. And once she had support, she could stand up straighter and move forward.

“She went from crying on the phone to feeling in control again,” Stephane said. “She trusted me enough to open up, and I never took that for granted.”

Even Delores’ lawyer noticed the shift. He was so impressed by the care she received, he started referring other clients to Farber.

Because it wasn’t just about numbers on a page, it was about how Delores was treated.

Her consumer proposal success story is a reminder that the right plan, with the right people, can change everything.

You’re Not Alone and There’s Always a Way Forward with Farber

If your situation feels anything like Delores’s — like you’re doing your best but still falling behind — you’re not alone.

There are real options that can help ease the pressure and give you space to breathe again. A consumer proposal success story can be your start to something new, not just financially, but emotionally too.

You don’t have to carry this by yourself. Speaking with someone who understands can be the first step toward feeling more in control.

If you’re ready, book a free consultation with Farber to talk through what support might look like for you.

It could be the turning point in your own debt story — one that leads to lasting relief and a fresh financial start.

At Farber, our Debt Solutions Managers take the time to really listen — just like Stephane did for Delores.

Stephane Rosse is a thoughtful and experienced Debt Solutions Manager who brings over 28 years of financial expertise — including more than 12 in insolvency — to every conversation. As a team leader, he’s known for his calm, supportive approach and his commitment to helping people feel heard and empowered. Stephane understands that reaching out for help isn’t easy, and he takes pride in offering solutions that can truly change lives — not just for individuals, but often for entire families.

Real Stories from People Who’ve Been There

Many Canadians have found a way forward through a consumer proposal.

Andre’s story: When Andre’s wife unexpectedly lost her job, he suddenly became the sole provider for their family. What started as a temporary situation quickly became overwhelming. Bills piled up, credit card balances grew, and their financial stability began to unravel. Feeling the weight of constant stress and growing debt, Andre reached out for help. Through a consumer proposal, he was able to reduce his monthly payments and stop the collection calls. It gave his family room to breathe—and a chance to rebuild their lives without fear.

Lisa’s story: Lisa, a full-time caregiver in Ontario, spent her days supporting others—but behind the scenes, she was barely staying afloat. Juggling household bills, caregiving duties, and over $75,000 in debt left her exhausted and anxious about the future. She knew something had to change. A consumer proposal helped her lower her debt to a manageable level and freeze the interest. For the first time in years, Lisa could focus on her family and her own well-being—without debt dictating every decision.