● We'll get all the information we need from you (and your credit reports) and prepare your bankruptcy forms. When ready, we'll email your completed forms to you for your review. When complete, just sign and date the signed pages and return them to us. We'll electronically file them with the applicable U.S. Bankruptcy Court for your district (based on the county where you reside).
● Prior to filing bankruptcy, you are required to complete pre-bankruptcy counseling. You can complete it online in around one hour at www.moneysharp.org for $12 or at any other approved bankruptcy counseling agency you choose.
● Your bankruptcy will be effective immediately upon filing and an "automatic stay" will prohibit your creditors from contacting you or otherwise attempting to collect a debt from you. Virtually all creditor efforts to foreclose, repossess, or garnish your property must stop immediately.* If any creditor violates the automatic stay, that creditor can be held in contempt of court and punished by fine or imprisonment.
● The Bankruptcy Court will notify your creditors of your bankruptcy filing and automatic stay by regular mail (or electronically for registered creditors).
● Approximately 4 weeks after filing, you must attend a brief "Meeting of Creditors" (also known as a "341a Meeting") by phone or online meeting via Zoom and answer the bankruptcy trustee's questions. An attorney from our office will represent you during the meeting.
● No later than 60 days after the date originally set for your Meeting of Creditors, you must complete a personal financial management course (mostly reading). You can complete it online in around two hours at www.moneysharp.org for $12 or at any other approved personal financial education provider you choose.
● An "Order of Discharge" forgiving all or most of your debts should be entered approximately 60 days after the Meeting of Creditors and your bankruptcy case should then be closed.
* The automatic stay will not stop child support or alimony proceedings, most criminal prosecutions, specific government regulatory actions, or residential eviction if a judgment for possession of the property has already been entered against you.