Step By Step

Bankruptcy Step by Step

We track our cases in nine separate stages. This process substantially reduces the possibility of errors and omissions. It also allows you to easily track the progress of your case.

Stage 1- Hire the Firm
You will sign a contract and several disclosure statements provided by the bankruptcy court. We will enroll you in a mandatory credit counseling class you can complete either online or on the phone. You will be provided a workbook and a list of documents we need to prepare your bankruptcy petition, statements and schedules.

Stage 2-Drop off workbook and documents
After you have completed the workbook, the credit counseling class and made copies of the necessary documents you can drop them off at our office so we can start preparing your bankruptcy paperwork.

Stage 3- Prepare bankruptcy petition, statements and schedules
We will prepare all the paperwork required to ensure that your case will be accepted by the court, the trustee, the creditors and the United States Trustee. A typical package of bankruptcy paperwork is about 30-50 pages in length.

Stage 4-You sign the documents
You will review and sign the documents.

Stage 5- File documents with the bankruptcy court
We handle all of the filing requirements so that all your creditors receive notice of your bankruptcy filing. The automatic stay goes into effect the instant your case is filed. If there is an active garnishment in your case, we will stop it. If there is a trustee sale set on your home, we will stop it.

Stage 6- 341 Hearing
We will accompany you at this hearing. This is a simple process and we will coach you prior to the hearing. Typically it is a five minute meeting with the trustee and usually it is simply a formality that is required under the bankruptcy laws.

Stage 7- Negotiation/Confirmation
If you have non-exempt property or a creditor has requested a reaffirmation agreement then we will handle these issues in this stage. If we file a chapter 13 bankruptcy on your behalf than we will have the plan confirmed.

Stage 8-Discharge
The court will issue a permanent injunction against your creditors preventing them from any ongoing collection attempts.

Stage 9-Close the case
The court will enter an order officially closing the case.