What to Expect When Filing for Bankruptcy

Many people experience tough financial situations, and some people turn to bankruptcy for assistance. Bankruptcy provides relief to people in these situations, and it is an effective option to consider if you have a lot of debt. If you have a meeting with an attorney to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, here is what you should expect.

1. The Attorney Will Evaluate Your Situation to Give You Advice

The first time you meet with a bankruptcy attorney, they will evaluate your situation and give you advice. They will examine several primary things during this visit, which include your income and debts. If you qualify for Chapter 7, and if this is the right branch for your situation, the attorney will recommend using it. You can ask questions during this visit and compare the pros and cons of filing before deciding if you want to go through with it.

2. The Attorney Will Give You a List of Things to Do

If you decide to use Chapter 7 bankruptcy, your attorney will give you a list of things to do before you file. This list is not long, but it will include two main things. The first thing is to complete a credit counseling course, which is a requirement in all bankruptcy cases. The second thing is to gather all your documents the attorney needs to prepare your Chapter 7 filing documents.

3. You Must Supply the Necessary Information

After you complete these steps, you can meet with your attorney again to file your case. You must have all the necessary documents with you at this appointment. The attorney will give you a list, and it may contain the following items:

  • Recent pay stubs
  • Documents that show other forms of income
  • Tax returns
  • Loan statements
  • Titles to your assets
  • Statements from bill collectors

Bringing the right documents with you will help the attorney complete your paperwork during the visit.

4. You Will Have to Sign the Documents

Finally, the attorney will ask you to sign all the documents for the case. After doing this, you must wait to hear back from the court to find out what you must do next. After you complete these steps, the attorney will file your papers with the local bankruptcy court. You will have a few more steps to complete afterward, but you will find instant relief after filing your documents.

Learn more by contacting a filing bankruptcy attorney. 

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