- You meet with our law firm for the initial consultation, retain our office and receive a bankruptcy packet of information for you to complete.
- You complete a course in credit counseling. Prior to filing for bankruptcy, you must consult with an approved debt-counseling agency to review debt relief options, such as negotiating debts with creditors or refinancing. This step can be accomplished over the phone or via the Internet. You maintain the right to file for bankruptcy regardless of the advice you receive.
- You return to our office to drop off your completed questionnaire and documents, plus attorney fee balance.
- We will schedule a convenient time for a follow-up meeting with you to review and sign your petition, plus, ask any questions you might have.
- We formally file your case, known as a bankruptcy petition, with the appropriate bankruptcy court. As soon as we file the necessary papers, the court will enter an Automatic Stay order prohibiting your creditors from any collection activities or legal action against you. The court will send a notice of your case to all of the creditors listed in your petition. The bankruptcy court will also assign a bankruptcy trustee. This trustee is a federal employee assigned to oversee your case and make certain you are eligible for bankruptcy. The trustee will review your petition and then schedule a meeting of your creditors.
- You must take a debtor education course shortly after filing to review proper money management practices. These courses can also be completed via phone or over the Internet. We have listed below the names of two companies who can help you with your credit counseling requirements. Agencies such as Money Management Online www.moneymangement.org at 1-877-918-2227 or Hummingbird Credit Counseling Education 1-800-645-4959 www.hbcce.org