The Key People in Bankruptcy

As your attorney, I don’t want to just help you file bankruptcy and send you on your way. Part of my responsibility is to make sure you’re informed and truly understand the bankruptcy process so that you’re confident in your decision to file. Most people don’t expect to file bankruptcy, and so there are many unfamiliar terms and processes that they need to learn about. This will also help you as you move on from your bankruptcy and have a better understanding of how credit can be used to your advantage. I’m here as your guide and educator, and am always available to answer any questions you might have.

Important People

• Attorney – Some people choose to file their bankruptcy on their own to save some money, but you can’t really put a price tag on the peace of mind that comes from working with a professional bankruptcy attorney. I’ll be by your side through the whole process and will ensure that you file the best chapter of bankruptcy for your situation. I’ll also help you to avoid some of the common mistakes that people make while filing, and will ensure that all your documents and paperwork are complete and accurate.
• Debtor – The person who has acquired debt and needs to file bankruptcy is called the debtor. Many of the responsibilities for your case fall on your shoulders. I’ll give you a comprehensive list of tasks to complete, such as online courses and documents to gather, including bank statements, tax returns, pay stubs, and debt records. With my assistance, things should go smoothly and quickly as we get your debt taken care of.
• Creditor – Anyone in debt is familiar with creditors, or the people and organizations to whom you owe money. When we fill out your paperwork, you’ll need to include all your creditors, such as banks, hospitals, utility companies, landlord, and collection agencies. Even if the debt will not be included in your bankruptcy, we’ll need to list them in your case so that we present an accurate picture of your situation. When you attend your 341 Meeting your creditors may attend as well, but most don’t bother to show up.
• Trustee – The court-appointed trustee will be overseeing your case and will facilitate the proceedings of your 341 Meeting. His or her responsibilities also include asking clarifying questions and looking for possible fraud. If you’re filing a Chapter 13, the trustee will evaluate your situation to ensure you can stick to your repayment plan, and for a Chapter 7, they will assess the value of your property to see if some of it may be sold to repay your creditors.

I’m Here to Help

If the bankruptcy process feels intimidating, don’t worry. This is a very common legal proceeding and I’ve been working with many people like you for years. Together, we’ll come up with a clear plan and I’ll make sure you always know what to expect next. If you’ve been living with the stress of debt, give me a call. Relief could be just around the corner.