THE BANKRUPTCY PROCESS

1.      FREE Initial Consultation:

            The “basics” concerning your options.  Please keep an open mind and don’t come to the meeting with preconceived ideas regarding your bankruptcy.  Wait until you have a chance to speak with an attorney before you decide whether or not to file bankruptcy and which chapter is best for you.

Documents: Bring your bills, 2 months worth of pay stubs, last year’s tax return

2.      RETENTION:

            The in-depth review of your finances and decide which chapter to file.  The client chooses the firm to represent them.  Payment of the $500 retainer fee, which is applied to the attorney fees and filing fees.  You can begin giving our contact information to your creditors after this point.  We will provide you with the login and password for your Credit Counseling course.  Please informs us if you prefer to take the course online or via the telephone.

Documents: Completed Initial Consultation Form, signed Disclosure Forms, signed Bankruptcy contract

3.      PETITION SIGNING:

            The client and attorney review the bankruptcy petition to verify the accuracy and completion of the documents.  Any errors or omissions are corrected and the petition is filed within 24 hours.

4.      CREDITORS Meeting:

            We go to the Office of the US Trustee in Alexandria to meet with a person appointed by the Court to review your petition (map & directions).  You will receive notice of this meeting from the Court shortly after the petition is filed by our office.  The meeting usually occurs 30-45 days after the filing date.

Documents: Please bring bank statements that include the date of filing for every account that you possess.

5.      DEBTOR’S Education Course:

            This course can be completed anytime AFTER the date of filing the petition.  You should use the same login and password from the Credit Counseling Course.  The certificate of completion must be filed with the Court within 30 days after the Creditors Meeting.

6.      DISCHARGE:

            This is usually granted within 45-60 days after the Creditors meeting.  You will receive an official document from the Court that lists all the debts that have discharged.

7.      CREDIT Rebuilding Toolkit:

            Developed by our firm, the Toolkit will help you to rebuild your credit score within 1 year.  Our goal is not only to clear your debt and help you start fresh, but to also help you recover from the pounding that your credit took as a result of your debt issues.  When followed properly, the Toolkit will help you to recover quicker and stronger from this credit nightmare.  The Toolkit is only available to clients of our firm.