WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR FILING BANKRUPTCY AND HOW DO I GET STARTED
The first step is call our office and either schedule a free consultation or ask to speak with me, attorney Doug Lickert, and I will be happy to discuss your situation and options with you. It would be helpful if you could bring the following documents to your initial appointment: 1) paystubs or payroll documentation for six months beginning the month before filing, 2) two most recent tax returns if you have them, and 3) any statements or correspondence that you have received from creditors. You may also obtain a free credit report by going to www.annualcreditreport.com. If you do not obtain the credit report, I will attempt to obtain a free credit report for you when we meet. The bankruptcy court will need to know what property you own, what debts you owe, your income and expenses, and some other information regarding your financial affairs. I strive to make the process as easy as possible and will not burden you with a bunch of forms to complete. You will need to take a credit counseling prior to filing bankruptcy and review and sign the petition and schedules that are filed with the Court. The credit class may be taken by phone or on-line and takes less than 2 hours to complete. Once the case is filed, you will need to attend what is called the meeting of creditors. Creditors rarely appear at the meeting, but there is a bankruptcy trustee who will ask you some basic questions regarding documents that were filed with the Court and your financial affairs. Your meeting should last no more than a few minutes and is held in an informal setting. In order to receive a bankruptcy discharge, you will need to complete a post-filing debtor education course sometime after the case is filed and before you are scheduled to receive your discharge. If it is a Chapter 7 case, you should receive your bankruptcy discharge 60 days after the meeting of creditors. If it is a Chapter 13 case, you will receive a bankruptcy discharge upon successful completion of the confirmed bankruptcy plan. Although the process may appear to be somewhat complex and perhaps burdensome, it is a relatively straightforward and painless process if you are working with an experienced bankruptcy attorney.
Call Us to Get Started
I will walk you through the process from beginning to end and I am personally involved in each and every phase of the process. I have filed hundreds of cases and will give your case the attention it deserves to ensure a successful outcome. Please call Lickert Law Firm at 501-771-1817 to schedule a free consultation.
We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code.
