what does my lawyer need from me in banrupty case

Filing for bankruptcy requires you to complete a lengthy packet of forms. Almost all bankruptcy attorneys have specialized software that prepares and files your required bankruptcy paperwork with the court. You'll provide your attorney with all of your financial information, such as income, expense, asset, and debt information.

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Do I need a lawyer to file bankruptcy?

The expert advice and guidance of a lawyer are generally needed for filing a bankruptcy claim. Bankruptcy proceedings typically involve an in-depth investigation into all of a person’s finances, assets, and properties, which can get complicated at times. It’s in your best interests to work closely...

What can I expect from a bankruptcy attorney?

Not only will you receive legal advice, but a bankruptcy attorney will handle the paperwork from start to finish. Below are some of the most common types of services you can expect from your bankruptcy lawyer. (Not sure how much you should pay? Start by reading Average Attorney Fees in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy .)

What do I need to file bankruptcy?

Filing for bankruptcy requires you to complete a lengthy packet of forms. Almost all bankruptcy attorneys have specialized software that prepares and files your required bankruptcy paperwork with the court. You’ll provide your attorney with all of your financial information, such as income, expense, asset, and debt information.

What should I bring to my first meeting with a bankruptcy lawyer?

Here’s a basic checklist of documents that you should bring during the first meetings with a bankruptcy lawyer: For business bankruptcy, you may need to bring additional documentation, including company balance sheets, budget reports, financial statements, and a list of company property.

Can your bankruptcy case be denied?

The rejection or denial of a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case is very unusual, but there are reasons why a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case can be denied. Many denials are due to a lack of attention to detail on the part of the attorney, errors made on petitions or fraud itself.

Do you have to list everything in a bankruptcy?

You must list all of your debts in your bankruptcy petition without exception. Most people have at least one debt they don't want to erase (discharge) in bankruptcy, and many think they can pick and choose the debts included in the case.

What Cannot be included in Chapter 7?

Generally speaking, in a Chapter 7 proceeding, the following types of debts are not discharged:Debts that were not listed at the start of the case (or debts for unlisted creditors). ... Most student loans (unless repayment would cause the debtor and their dependents undue hardship)Recent federal, state, and local taxes.More items...•

How do trustee find assets?

The trustee might find hidden assets by any of the following: a review of your debts (such as lots of furniture store debt but very little furniture) public record searches. online asset searches.

Can you hide a bank account in bankruptcy?

Do not try to hide bank accounts from the trustee because you're afraid of what they'll do with the information. This is a good way to get charged with bankruptcy fraud, a criminal charge which can lead to serious jail time, as well as steep fines. The type of bankruptcy you're filing determines what may happen next.

What assets do you list in bankruptcy?

There are three types of assets in bankruptcy:Personal property. This is what's considered material goods; examples include clothing, furniture, artwork and vehicles.Real property. Real property includes land and improvements or buildings tied to land, such as a house or barn.Intangible property.

What do you lose when you file Chapter 7?

A Chapter 7 bankruptcy will generally discharge your unsecured debts, such as credit card debt, medical bills and unsecured personal loans. The court will discharge these debts at the end of the process, generally about four to six months after you start.

What can't be discharged in Chapter 7?

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.

What can you write off in bankruptcies?

Bankruptcy Can Wipe Out Credit Card Debt and Most Other Nonpriority Unsecured Debts. Bankruptcy is very good at erasing most nonpriority unsecured debts other than school loans. For instance, you can discharge unsecured credit card debt, medical bills, overdue utility payments, personal loans, gym contracts, and more.

Can creditors demand to see bank statements?

Before you go to court, you'll need to prepare a full financial statement. This is so that your creditor can see whether you can afford to pay back the debt and how much. The financial statement shows in detail: how much money you have coming in.

Can I get free help with my bankruptcy case?

Yes, nonprofit legal services offer help to low-income people who either need an attorney to represent them in a bankruptcy case or are handling a...

How long does a bankruptcy stay on your credit report?

A Chapter 7 bankruptcy can stay on your credit report for up to 10 years, while a Chapter 13 bankruptcy may remain on your credit report for up to...

What types of debt can’t be included in a bankruptcy case?

Among the types of debt that can’t be discharged—meaning you’re no longer legally required to pay them—are most student loans, most taxes, child su...

What Should I Consider Before Filing For Bankruptcy?

Before deciding to proceed with filing for bankruptcy, there are many pros and cons you should take into consideration. Again, while there are consequences to filing, bankruptcy may provide the financial relief you need to begin again and reestablish your credit.

What Questions Should I Expect During a Meeting With a Bankruptcy Lawyer?

If you have decided to move forward with filing for bankruptcy, it would be in your best interests to retain a bankruptcy attorney. The attorney can help you determine your best move, and can represent you throughout the bankruptcy process.

What Types of Documentation Should I Bring to My Meeting?

As was just discussed, it is imperative that you provide your attorney with all documentation related to your debts. Some of the most common examples of documentation that an attorney will want copies of include, but may not be limited to:

How Do I Find the Right Bankruptcy Lawyer?

As you can see, an experienced and local bankruptcy lawyer will be crucial in helping you navigate the bankruptcy process. They will determine whether there are any alternatives to filing for bankruptcy available to you, and if not, what chapter of bankruptcy you should file for.

Why is it important to have a bankruptcy attorney?

Because filing for bankruptcy is a complex legal claim, finding the right bank ruptcy attorney is important. A bankruptcy attorney will help you decide whether or not to file for bankruptcy, and what type of bankruptcy you should file. Additionally, if you decide to file, an attorney can help ensure that your property is protected, ...

What is the most important thing to do when filing for bankruptcy?

The last point is especially important. For the most effective bankruptcy filing, it is crucial that you are completely transparent with your attorney. Make sure you take note of any questions, legal inquiries, or laws that you may wish to address with your attorney.

Why is bankruptcy considered the most document intensive?

This is because whether a bankruptcy is recognized by the courts is based on the value of the debtors assets compared to the amount of debt owed to other creditors.

What to do if you can't find a bankruptcy document?

If you can’t find a document that you think you need for your bankruptcy or if you forgot to bring a document to a meeting with your lawyer, you should tell your attorney as soon as possible, so that they can take note and take the appropriate action to help you.

How long does it take to file for bankruptcy?

In total, most bankruptcies take around 4 to 6 months.

Why do people declare bankruptcy?

Declaring bankruptcy gives individuals or businesses that are unable to pay their debts a better way to solve their financial problems. It can also help them start rebuilding their credit and lives in a more positive and financially stable way.

What happens when you file for bankruptcy?

That way, when you complete your bankruptcy, you will be on the right path to financial recovery.

Bankruptcy Consultation Documents: What to Bring to Your First Meeting with Your Lawyer

The most important, mandatory documents to bring to your initial bankruptcy consultation are a list of your outstanding debts and a list of your assets, focusing on major assets, such as houses, cars, boats, trailers, timeshares and the like.

Contact a Bankruptcy Attorney Today for a Free Consultation

If you are thinking of filing for bankruptcy, you are not alone. Lawyers can help you decided whether or not you even need to file a bankruptcy, but if you do, they’ll let you know which chapter would be most appropriate.

Free Consultation with Bankruptcy Lawyer

If you have a bankruptcy question, or need to file a bankruptcy case, call Ascent Law now at (801) 676-5506. Attorneys in our office have filed over a thousand cases. We can help you now. Come in or call in for your free initial consultation.

What documents are needed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy?

There are a number of documents you need before filing for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Although the specific documents may vary depending on your type of case and the district you file, you will at least need to gather the following before filing your petition: 1 Your tax returns 2 Pay stubs 3 Appraisals of your home, jewelry, and other exempt assets 4 Your car titles 5 Evidence of child support/alimony obligations 6 Bank statements 7 Proof that you took credit counseling

How does bankruptcy affect your life?

It could also have a major impact on your daily life. Filing for bankruptcy can affect your credit and property.

What number do you file a debtor form with?

Individual debtors will file forms that begin with the number 100, while non-individuals will file forms beginning with the number 200. Thankfully, though, most of these documents can wait to be produced during the retainer and filing process, and need not be brought to the initial consultation. While debtors certainly are able to file ...

What was the burden of bankruptcy in 2005?

One of the biggest burdens under the “new” bankruptcy law that was forced upon debtors and their attorneys in 2005 was the requirement to produce volumes and volumes of documents. In addition to the formal schedules and statement of affairs, you’ll need to get together a lot of paperwork to file bankruptcy. One nationally known attorney ...

What happens if you file Chapter 7 bankruptcy?

Chapter 7 is a "liquidation" bankruptcy, so one of the most significant filing risks involves losing property. The bankruptcy trustee will sell anything you can't protect with a bankruptcy exemption. Exemptions vary depending on where you live because your state decides what you can protect.

What is Chapter 7 bankruptcy?

Chapter 7 does a great job of wiping out qualifying debts like credit card balances, medical and utility bills, unpaid rent and lease payments, personal loans, and more. But some types of problems require quick action, legal knowledge, and experience. Consider talking to a lawyer as soon as possible if:

How old can you discharge tax debt?

You can discharge tax debt older than three years if it meets other qualification requirements. DUI and fraud-related debts aren't dischargeable if a creditor objects. Marital property settlement obligations and tax debt paid with a credit card aren't dischargeable in Chapter 7 but are in Chapter 13.

Can you erase debts in bankruptcy?

Some debts, called "nondischargeable debts," can't be wiped out in bankruptcy—and nondischargeable debt rules get confusing quickly. Here are some examples. You can't erase spousal or child support arrearages in bankruptcy—you'd remain responsible for them after the case.

Can you file a Chapter 13 lawsuit without a lawyer?

you're involved in a lawsuit. Not only do these problems involve tight filing deadlines, but some issues can only be solved in Chapter 13—a chapter that's too complicated for most people to file without a lawyer. For instance, only Chapter 13 can save your home from foreclosure.

Can you deduct support after bankruptcy?

Most paycheck deductions stop after a bankruptcy filing. Court-ordered support payments won’t be affected, however. A bankruptcy filing will delay the eviction process temporarily if the court hasn’t already issued a judgment allowing the landlord to proceed.

Can you wipe out student loans in bankruptcy?

Student loans are also nondischargeable, but if it would be unlikely you could ever pay them back because of undue hardship, it is possible to wipe out student loans in bankruptcy. However, you'd have to prove it by filing a type of lawsuit called an adversary proceeding, a complicated endeavor without legal help.

Why do you need an attorney for bankruptcy?

The purpose of hiring an attorney is to take the mystery out of the bankruptcy process and make sure that your case proceeds smoothly. It is your attorney's job to inform you of everything that you must do throughout the process. Failure to do so could indicate a lack of knowledge and competence.

What is bankruptcy law?

Bankruptcy is a specialized area of the law. For example, even a lawyer who regularly handles Chapter 7 bankruptcies might not possess the knowledge and skills necessary for a Chapter 13 matter. Every attorney must represent clients with competency. If your attorney cannot handle your case, you need a new attorney.

What happens if my attorney doesn't show up for a bankruptcy hearing?

Your Attorney Misses Meetings or Hearings. If your attorney does not show up for scheduled appointments or bankruptcy hearings, it is a big red flag. Failure to appear at bankruptcy hearings can cause unnecessary delays or result in dismissal of your case.

What happens if my bankruptcy attorney isn't providing me with competent representation?

If your bankruptcy attorney isn't providing you with competent representation, it might be time for a new lawyer. Read on to learn more about the red flags that could indicate it's time to replace your attorney.

What happens if your attorney fails to meet deadlines?

If your attorney fails to meet all required deadlines, your case could get dismissed or suffer other adverse consequences.

Does my attorney return my emails?

Your Attorney Doesn't Return Your Calls or Emails. Attorneys are typically busy people. But answering your questions is part of their job. If your attorney repeatedly fails to return your calls or emails and keeps you in the dark about your case, you may be dealing with an incompetent attorney.

Should I fire my bankruptcy lawyer?

Most lawyers will try to understand and meet your expectations. But if your attorney doesn't have the level of competence required to handle your case, then it is time to fire your bankruptcy lawyer.