how to file for bankruptcy in ct without a lawyer

by Francisca Sporer Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago 9 min read

How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Connecticut

Collect Your Connecticut Bankruptcy Documents
Take a Credit Counseling Course
Complete the Bankruptcy Forms
Get Your Filing Fee
Print Your Bankruptcy Forms
File Your Forms With the Connecticut Bankruptcy Court
Mail Documents to Your Trustee
Take a Debtor Education Course
Attend Your 341 Meeting
Dealing with Your Car

Full Answer

How to file bankruptcy in Connecticut for free?

Your case starts when you file your paperwork with the local bankruptcy court and either pay the filing fee or request a fee waiver. You'll find the court's local rules and instructions for filing your case on the District of Connecticut Bankruptcy Court website (select "Filing Without an …

Can I file bankruptcy without a lawyer in NY?

Can I file for bankruptcy in CT without using an attorney? Lawyer directory. Find a lawyer near you. Avvo has 97% of all lawyers in the US. Find the best ones near you. ... Start with your legal issue to find the right lawyer for you. Choose an area of law that your issue relates to: Bankruptcy and debt; Business; Car accident;

Is filing bankruptcy in Connecticut different from other states?

Individuals can file bankruptcy without an attorney, which is called filing pro se. However, seeking the advice of a qualified attorney is strongly recommended because bankruptcy has long-term financial and legal outcomes. Filing personal bankruptcy under Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 takes careful preparation and understanding of legal issues.

Do I need an attorney to file Chapter 7 in Connecticut?

Nov 12, 2021 · There are a lot of bankruptcy forms to fill out to file a case. You will need to fill out a petition and schedules and be certain to list all of your assets and creditors. In order to make certain that you are properly listing all of your creditors you should get a copy of your credit report. You can request a free copy here.

What Cannot be dismissed in bankruptcy?

Debts Never Discharged in Bankruptcy Alimony and child support. Certain unpaid taxes, such as tax liens. However, some federal, state, and local taxes may be eligible for discharge if they date back several years. Debts for willful and malicious injury to another person or property.

Can you file bankruptcy alone?

1. You Can File Individually If You Are Married. Married couples have the freedom to file for bankruptcy together or individually. Couples typically file together when they have joint debts, but spouses can file by themselves if they choose to.Oct 18, 2017

Can you file for bankruptcy if you have nothing?

Can You File For Bankruptcy With No Assets? Yes, you can still liquidate assets in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy even if you don't have a lot of assets or property. Your bankruptcy trustee will have to declare a no-asset bankruptcy and those creditors cannot make claims on your property or assets to pay your debts.Aug 5, 2016

What can you do instead of bankruptcy?

Bankruptcy AlternativesDebt Settlement. ... Debt Consolidation. ... Sell Assets. ... Credit Counseling. ... Borrow Money from Friends or Family. ... Find a Way to Earn Extra Income. ... Restructure or Refinance Your Mortgage. ... Lower Expenses Making Changes to Your Budget and Lifestyle.More items...

When should I file bankruptcies?

If you have large debts that you can't repay, are behind in your mortgage payments and in danger of foreclosure, are being harassed by bill collectors—or all of the above—declaring bankruptcy might be your answer.

What will I lose if I file Chapter 7?

Filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy wipes out most types of debt, including credit card debt, medical bills, and personal loans. Your obligation to pay these types of unsecured debt is eliminated when the bankruptcy court grants you a bankruptcy discharge.Dec 12, 2021

Is it better to go to collections or file bankruptcy?

Bankruptcy frees you from debt collection, but the headaches can linger for years. Debt settlement without bankruptcy can take more time but — if negotiated properly — can do less damage to your credit. Debt settlement stays on your credit report for seven years, but has less negative impact on your credit score.Feb 14, 2022

Why you should not declare bankruptcy?

Filing for Bankruptcy Doesn't Help Your Credit at All When you file for bankruptcy, you're giving your credit the death penalty. The bankruptcy and all of the accounts included in the bankruptcy will appear on your credit report for the next 7 years. Even a few years down the road, creditors will see you as high risk.

How long does it take for creditors to stop asking for money after filing for bankruptcy in Connecticut?

After Filing for Bankruptcy in Connecticut. Your creditors will stop bothering you soon after you file. It takes a few days because the court mails your creditors notice of the "automatic stay" order that prevents most creditors from continuing to ask you to pay them.

Who will review the exemptions in bankruptcy?

Exempt your property carefully. The bankruptcy trustee —the court-appointed official assigned to manage your case—will review the exemptions. A trustee who disagrees with your exemptions will likely try to resolve the issue informally. If unsuccessful, the trustee will file an objection with the bankruptcy court, and the judge will decide whether you can keep the property.

What are the retirement accounts that all filers can protect?

You can protect tax-exempt retirement accounts, including 401 (K)s, 403 (b)s, profit-sharing and money purchase plans, SEP and SIMPLE IRAs, and defined benefit plans and traditional and Roth IRAs to $1,362,800 per person (as of June 2021). (11 U.S.C. 522 (b) (3) (C); (n).)

How much equity can you protect in a co-op?

You can protect up to $75,000 of equity in real property, co-op, or a manufactured home that you occupy at the time you file bankruptcy. This amount increases to $125,000 against creditors collecting a money judgment arising out of hospital services. (Conn. Gen Stat. § 52-352b (t).)

What happens if a trustee disagrees with an exemption?

A trustee who disagrees with your exemptions will likely try to resolve the issue informally. If unsuccessful, the trustee will file an objection with the bankruptcy court, and the judge will decide whether you can keep the property. Example.

How long does it take for creditors to stop bothering you?

Your creditors will stop bothering you soon after you file. It takes a few days because the court mails your creditors notice of the "automatic stay" order that prevents most creditors from continuing to ask you to pay them. Here's what will happen next:

How long does it take to file Chapter 7 vs 13?

Chapter 7 is often a bankruptcy filer's first choice for several reasons. It's quick—it only takes a few months to complete.

What happens if you file for foreclosure in Connecticut?

Upon filing, the court will assume legal control of your debts and any property not covered by your Connecticut exemptions. A trustee will be appointed to your case by the court. The job of the trustee is to see that your creditors are paid as much as possible.

How long do you have to pay unsecure creditors in Connecticut?

1) It must be delivered in good faith. 2) Unsecured creditors must be paid at least as much as if a Chapter 7 bankruptcy had been filed. Generally, this is the value of all the nonexempt property you own (see Connecticut bankruptcy exemptions ). 3) All disposable income must be paid into the plan for at least three years ...

What is automatic stay in bankruptcy?

Automatic Stay. Once you have filed your paperwork with the bankruptcy court, an automatic stay immediately goes into effect. This provision prevents creditors from making direct contact with you or staking a claim on any of your property from the day of filing forward. This will stop any foreclosure proceedings.

How much does it cost to file for bankruptcy?

The cost for filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy is $306. This fee may not be waived but you may be able to pay it in installments. The fee of $281 for a Chapter 13 bankruptcy cannot be waived. If you are filing a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, a proposed repayment plan must also be submitted.

How much can you pay off unsecured debt?

Depending upon the judgments of those involved with your case, unsecured debts can be paid off for as little as 10 cents on the dollar. 1) It must be delivered in good faith. 2) Unsecured creditors must be paid at least as much as if a Chapter 7 bankruptcy had been filed.

How long does a trustee have to challenge a debtor?

Trustees and creditors have 60 days to challenge the debtor’s right to a discharge.

What happens if you file Chapter 13?

If you have filed Chapter 13, you must begin making your plan payments. Generally these payments will be withdrawn directly from your wages and you or your attorney should arrange with the court for these payments to be deducted from your wages . Automatic Stay.

How to help a bankruptcy lawyer?

The following is a list of ways your lawyer can help you with your case. Advise you on whether to file a bankruptcy petition. Advise you under which chapter to file. Advise you on whether your debts can be discharged. Advise you on whether or not you will be able to keep your home, car, or other property after you file.

What is a non-attorney petition preparer?

Non-attorney Petition Preparers. If you file bankruptcy pro se, you may be offered services by non-attorney petition preparers. By law, preparers can only enter information into forms. They are prohibited from providing legal advice, explaining answers to legal questions, or assisting you in bankruptcy court.

What do petition preparers do?

A petition preparer must sign all documents they prepare for you; print their name, address and social security on the documents; and provide you with a copy of all documents. They cannot sign documents on your behalf or receive payment for court fees.

Can you file bankruptcy under Chapter 7?

Filing personal bankruptcy under Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 takes careful preparation and understanding of legal issues. Misunderstandings of the law or making mistakes in the process can affect your rights. Court employees and bankruptcy judges are prohibited by law from offering legal advice.

Can I file for bankruptcy without an attorney?

How long does a Chapter 7 bankruptcy last?

A Chapter 7 is what you think of as a traditional bankruptcy, where you walk away from your debt and get a fresh start. A Chapter 7 case lasts for a significantly shorter amount of time than a Chapter 13 case. A Chapter 13 can be much more complicated. A Chapter 13 involves a repayment plan that will run for three to five years.

How to determine if you qualify for Chapter 7?

First you will need to determine if you are eligible to file a Chapter 7 by passing the means test. If you are below a certain threshold for your state you will qualify, otherwise you need to complete both parts of the means test calculation to determine your disposable income.

What to do after 341 hearing?

After you have attended your 341 hearing and presuming there is no follow-up needed (such as filing amendments to your documents) you simply need to wait to receive your Notice of Discharge, which is the successful ending to your case. Make certain to keep a copy of this document somewhere safe.

What is a court appearance in Chapter 7?

Court Appearance. There is a single court appearance in a Chapter 7, which is called a section 341 hearing or a Meeting of Creditors. You need to attend this meeting when scheduled, and you will appear before a Trustee and answer questions about your paperwork.

What are non-dischargeable debts?

There are also debts which are non-dischargeable in a bankruptcy case. Non-dischargeable debts include things like child support, alimony, most tax debt, etc. If the bulk of your debts are non-dischargeable a Chapter 7 bankruptcy may not offer the relief you are seeking.

Is bankruptcy good for unsecured debt?

Bankruptcy is most helpful to people with unsecured debt, like credit cards and medical bills, because these kind of debts are dischargeable. You can potentially walk away from them completely. Secured debts are those which are tied to a specific item as collateral.

Do I need an attorney to file for bankruptcy?

You are not required to hire an attorney to file bankruptcy. You can do so for free, or with a legal aid organization. Written by Attorney Eva Bacevice. Updated October 7, 2020.

How long does it take to get credit counseling before filing for bankruptcy?

Bankruptcy law requires that you complete credit counseling within 180 days before you file a bankruptcy petition. Also, Part 5 of the Voluntary Petition (Explain Your Efforts to Receive a Briefing About Credit Counseling) must be completed. The Office of the United States Trustee has a list of approved credit counseling agencies .

How long does it take to get a bankruptcy certificate?

The certification should include an estimate of the payments received from your employer within 60 days before filing your bankruptcy petition, and also should include any other evidence (such as bank statements showing deposits from your employer) of the payments received.

What is bankruptcy judge advisory group?

The Bankruptcy Judges Advisory Group of the Administrative Offices of the United States Courts, Bankruptcy Judges Advisory Group has developed a new web page for individuals who are thinking of filing a bankruptcy petition without an attorney. The page also provides links and videos to resources for Bankruptcy Basics, Credit Counseling, Legal Services, Foreclosures, and Petition Preparers.

What is a 342b notice?

), in accordance with §342 (b) of the Bankruptcy Code, this notice: (1) describes briefly the services available from credit counseling services; (2) Describes briefly the purposes, benefits and costs of the four types of bankruptcy proceedings you may commence; and (3) Informs you about bankruptcy crimes and notifies you that the Attorney General may examine all information you supply in connection with a bankruptcy case.

What is redaction in a document?

Redaction of Personal Data Identifiers in All Documents - The Judicial Conference of the United States has implemented policies to protect sensitive information about parties, witnesses and others involved in a civil, criminal, or bankruptcy case.

What do you need to do before a Chapter 7 discharge?

Before a discharge can be granted in an individual Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 case, each debtor must complete a personal financial management course. This course must be completed after the filing of the petition. A list of the approved financial management providers. is located under the link for the U.S. Trustee.

What is the director's form 2000?

The Director's Form 2000 summarizes the required forms and fees for filing a chapter 7, 11, 12 or 13. Some forms are not listed on Form 2000, but may be required to comply with rules applicable to your individual situation, or to protect your rights.

What to do if you don't believe you can navigate bankruptcy?

Of course, if you don't believe you can navigate the bankruptcy process, or if you aren't comfortable with it, it's probably best to hire a bankruptcy lawyer.

What are the hallmarks of a simple Chapter 7 bankruptcy?

The hallmarks of a simple Chapter 7 would include a: household income below your state's median income level. little or no property. no recent property transfers or payments to preferred creditors ...

What is Chapter 13 bankruptcy?

Chapter 13 bankruptcy is a powerful financial tool that can allow you to: catch up on your missed mortgage or car loan payments. eliminate unsecured junior liens (such as a second mortgage) from your home through lien stripping, or. reduce the principal balance or interest rate on your car loan with a cramdown.

Can I file for bankruptcy on my own?

Although you can file Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy on your own, it often makes sense to hire a lawyer.

Is Chapter 13 bankruptcy more complicated than Chapter 7?

But Chapter 13 bankruptcy is considerably more complicated and labor-intensive than Chapter 7. If you want the court to confirm (approve) your Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you must propose a feasible repayment plan, which is challenging to do without legal knowledge and the software used by bankruptcy lawyers.

Should I hire an attorney for Chapter 7 bankruptcy?

While you might be able to handle a simple Chapter 7 bankruptcy on your own, it makes sense to hire an attorney for more complicated cases. For instance, it's a good idea to hire an attorney if you:

Can bankruptcy lawyers accept bankruptcy?

Not only does bankruptcy require understanding how many principles interrelate, making a mistake can be costly. Most lawyers won't accept a bankruptcy matter unless they practice bankruptcy law regularly. Here are some suggestions for finding the best bankruptcy lawyer for your job.

How long does a bankruptcy stay last?

The automatic stay terminates after 30 days unless the court grants a motion for extension of the stay. For a list of approved Credit Counseling Agencies please click here.

What is the last 4 digits of a bankruptcy?

Effective December 1, 2003, individuals filing bankruptcy will place only the last four digits of their social security number on the bankruptcy petition. Individuals are required to submit, with the bankruptcy petition, a separate Statement of Social Security Number (Official Form 21), in which their full Social Security Number is given. This Statement is not part of the public record and will not be available to the public. Click here for the Official Forms to locate Form B21.

What is Chapter 11 Reorganization?

Description and Filing Requirements For Chapter 11 "Reorganization": A chapter 11 case provides you the opportunity to reorganize or readjust debts through a plan or contract with creditors. Creditors are allowed to vote on the plan and the plan must be approved by the Court.

What happens to assets in Chapter 7 bankruptcy?

The trustee of the bankruptcy will liquidate the assets, such as cars, homes, and other property of value in a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy proceeding, In exchange for dissolving all past due debts.

How long can you keep assets in Chapter 13?

You will be allowed to keep your valuable assets over a 3- to 5-year period.