Spring 2022
We are still adjusting to Covid protocols. Currently we are doing all hearings by telephone and my clients prefer telephone meetings as well, so there is no need to actually drive to my office or to the court!
BE SURE TO CHECK YOUR EMAIL OFTEN THROUGHOUT YOUR CASE.I will be contacting you by email with important information as it arises. Email rather than calling if possible as I do not answer the phone when clients are in the office and can often answer email faster & after hours.
Mail from the Court will go to the address on your petition. If you move, make sure you forward your mail by filling out a card at your post office so you don't miss anything.
Most creditors get electronic notice so you may see creditor calls slow right away. Others have to process the paper notice so may still call into the week following your filing date. I suggest letting your voice mail pick up until they have stopped.
It may take a 30 day billing cycle for all bills to stop, so don't worry about bills unless they are still coming after your hearing. If they are, get me a copy and I can send a letter to get the stopped.
Surrendering Home = Foreclosure
Foreclosure is the only way banks can gain title to real estate and transfer it. Even if you are filing bankruptcy, there will still be a foreclosure. You may be served by the Sheriff, but don't freak out when you see a lawsuit. Once you file bankruptcy, you are discharging the deficiency, so even if the bank sells the home for less than what you owe, you are fine.
General Reminders
*Bank Balance only matters on day of filing. You can use your accounts normally from now on.
*You may not receive statements from secured creditors during your bankruptcy.If you are keeping them, be sure to continue to make payments on home & car even if you do not receive statements and/or they do not debit your account.
*It may take 1-2 billing cycles for all the bills to stop. No need to freak out. However, if you are served with a lawsuit for debt you listed in your bankruptcy or notice of garnishment, forward those to us by scan/email or U.S. Mail. If you are still getting any bills 60 days after filing, scan/email or mail those to us and we can get them stopped.
*If you are surrendering your home, you normally have at least 60 days from time of filing to do so.
*If you are surrendering your car, remember: creditors sometimes pick them up without notice, do not leave anything in the car that you want to keep. You can also simply drop it off at a local branch of the bank and give them the keys. Remove your license plate and get a refund on unused registration fees.
*Do Not attempt to sell your home or other assets until after your bankruptcy is discharged (about 9 weeks after your hearing).
*It is fine to buy a new car or open new bank accounts after you file bankruptcy. You do not need to wait until discharge.
We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for relief under the United States Bankruptcy Code.
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