The Bankruptcy Process
Although filing for bankruptcy can be intimidating, a skilled attorney can help simplify the process for you and guide you through it smoothly. At the Law Offices of Carla J. Zolman, L.L.C., our bankruptcy lawyers are focused on helping you get debt relief as quickly and painlessly as possible. We represent clients in St. Louis, St. Charles, Jefferson County, and surrounding areas of Missouri.
As a first step, we will clearly explain your options for unburdening yourself from your debt, which may include filing for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy. We will then begin to create a customized plan for you and lay out expectations so you have a roadmap for the process.
Contact us today to schedule a free initial bankruptcy consultation. You can call us at 314-549-8985 or send us an e-mail.
Steps to Debt Relief
Under the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act (BAPCPA) of 2005, you must complete a credit counseling course with an agency certified by the government before filing for bankruptcy. This act, along with other modifications to the Bankruptcy Code, made it more difficult for some people to qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Keep in mind, however, that does not mean that you have no debt relief options.
The next step in the bankruptcy process is organizing your financial information and getting ready for the bankruptcy filing. By collecting your records, we can help you determine whether Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 is best for you based on the BAPCPA's means test.
Next, we will prepare the bankruptcy petition and file it with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court. As part of the petition, you must provide complete and accurate information about your assets, income, debts, expenses, and expenditures. Specifically, medical bills, credit card debt, mortgages, car loans, tax obligations, student loans and other secured and unsecured debts must be identified. Some debts (including overdue taxes, student loans, child support and alimony) cannot be discharged, but you still need to identify them in the filing.
If the court accepts your filing, a creditors' meeting will be scheduled. Your creditors will be advised by the court of your bankruptcy filing and of the upcoming creditors' meeting. At the meeting, they may question you about your debt and assets, and they have the option of making an objection to your filing bankruptcy.
If no creditor has filed a lawsuit to challenge a discharge of a certain debt or your overall bankruptcy, within a few months after the creditors' meeting, you will either be notified that your debts will be eliminated under Chapter 7, or if you filed for Chapter 13, that the terms of your repayment plan will begin.
Why Do I Need An Attorney?
With strong attention to detail and in-depth knowledge of bankruptcy law, our lawyers can help you avoid errors on your bankruptcy forms that would cause them to be rejected by the court. We can help ensure that you are strictly adhering to rules, allowing the case to progress quickly and prevent delays.
In court proceedings, our advocacy skills will work to your advantage. You can rely on our attorneys for thorough, dedicated representation. We can also guide you in the process of rebuilding your credit. Contact us today to discuss your case; call us at 314-549-8985 or send an e-mail.
*We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code.
