For most of my clients the realization that they might need to file bankruptcy happens slowly, after much deliberation. The fact is people want to pay their bills. But over a lifetime things happen. Filing bankruptcy should be reserved for those once or twice in a lifetime situations when it is absolutely necessary. The bankruptcy […]
Within 2 weeks of your filing Chapter 7 or a Chapter 13 bankruptcy you will receive a notice in the mail scheduling your “Meeting of Creditors.” You are required to attend. At the meeting you will be sworn under oath and examined by your case Trustee. Your attorney will be sitting next to you and […]
For your initial visit with your bankruptcy attorney you may not need to bring any papers because he or she will be getting the general overview of your financial picture. That said, to file your Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy the following documents will eventually be required. I’ve listed them by category.
What is a reaffirmation? Do I need one? A creditor may contact your bankruptcy attorney about signing a reaffirmation agreement. This can happen with any secured debt, but is usually seen in the context of vehicle loans. The reason for the creditor’s request is this. In a Chapter 7 bankruptcy the debtor’s personal obligation to […]
In the Eastern District of Louisiana, half of the cases filed are Chapter 7s and half are Chapter 13s. Whether you file a Chapter 7 or a Chapter 13 case will depend on your goals for the bankruptcy and whether the law allows you to file a Chapter 7. Under the Bankruptcy Reform Act of […]
The short answer is you don’t absolutely need an attorney: There are forms for filing bankruptcy on the internet. You can file your own bankruptcy case with the clerk’s office. You can legally represent yourself at meeting and hearings. But you shouldn’t file without an attorney. Why? Because almost everyone who files their own bankruptcy […]
We can’t afford to keep our RV, our third car and our condo. How can filing bankruptcy help us? When times are good it is a common to load up on debts that later becomes unaffordable and then paying for the luxury items may imperil a person’s ability to afford necessities. The good news is […]
Whether you file a Chapter 7 or a Chapter 13 bankruptcy you will be required to produce your “payment advices” for the six month period prior to the month you file your bankruptcy. Payment advices is the bankruptcy court’s term of art for documents that show your income. For those who receive a paycheck it […]