The Bankruptcy Process and How to Get Started
The Bankruptcy Process
Bankruptcy actions are difficult to navigate without an experienced and knowledgeable bankruptcy attorney who is truly dedicated to advocating for your best interests. At the Law Offices of Michael J. Sands, PLC we will usher you through your bankruptcy in a manner that will minimize the stress in your life, while fighting hard to seek optimal results.
You can expect the following timeline and events in your bankruptcy case:
1) Free Initial Consultation
You will meet with one of our attorneys who will discuss your situation with you. The consultation is a FREE 30 minute in person or phone session and you will not be pressured into securing our services. We will provide you with a standard fee schedule and will discuss your case with you. An attorney-client relationship will not be established until all conflict of interest checks are completed and we are retained to represent you.
2) Complete Consumer Credit Counseling
The Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 requires parties to obtain consumer credit counseling from a government approved organization within 180 days before they file. This class can be taken locally or online.
3) Petition for Bankruptcy
After we gather all of your information and meet with you to discuss your case strategy we will prepare a bankruptcy petition to file with the court where venue is proper. Prior to filing the Petition we will meet with you to review it and ensure its accuracy.
The filing fee for a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy is $335.00. Along with the filing fee you will need to pay our fees of $1,000. Our law office is very upfront about the fees. Some firms will advertise a very small rate and then tack on fees for additional services that are mandatory for your case filing. Our firm believes in quality, all-inclusive legal services. Any extraordinary fees will be clearly mapped out in your retainer agreement.
If a Chapter 13 is in your best interests, we can get started with a smaller retainer and the rest of the fees can be paid through your Chapter 13 repayment plan.
4) Meeting of the Creditors
After you file your bankruptcy petition the bankruptcy court will set a 341 Meeting of the Creditors. This meeting generally occurs 20-40 days after your petition is filed. The meeting is generally short and is merely an opportunity for the bankruptcy trustee to make sure you have fairly and honestly represented your assets and liabilities. Someone from our office will be with you at your hearing and we will make sure you are prepared.
5) Discharge of Debt
In the typical Chapter 7 bankruptcy case your debts are discharged and your case is closed after approximately 8-9 weeks from the meeting of the creditors. Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases will last 3-5 years, depending on the length of the repayment plan.
Start Here to Get Moving Toward Your Fresh Start
You are required to gather a considerable amount of information in order to file your petition. This webpage is designed to navigate you through the process of gathering this information in the quickest, easiest, and most expedient way. Please follow this guide carefully and submit all of the requested documents to ensure a speedy and accurate filing.
You will want to dedicate some time right away to gather the documents. Once you have the required information, you should submit it to our office as soon as possible.
Here are some simple Do’s & Dont’s to consider during this process.
Do
- Try to submit all documents at once.
- Submit only the most recent copy of each bill.
- Access our website.
- Be honest in submitting the requested information. You will be under oath when you file your bankruptcy and I cannot advise you properly if you leave out information.
Don’t
- Submit duplicate bills.
- Staple anything.
- Submit envelopes.
- Write on your pay stubs.
Click here to take your first step toward getting your bankruptcy behind you.
Contact An Experienced Nebraska Bankruptcy Lawyer
When you are at a point in your life where bankruptcy seems to be your only option, ensure your peace of mind and your financial future to a qualified attorney. Other firms may offer cut-rate prices that seem appealing to you during your time of financial stress, however, the old adage of you get what you pay for certainly applies. Our firm offers very reasonable rates for high quality service. Your case will be thoroughly examined to find every possible solution to your consumer legal issues. Additionally, your case will be prepared in a manner that enables you to receive a speedy financial recovery.
We work hard to protect the rights and the futures of our clients. We offer a free 30 minute consultation to discuss your legal matter during which time all the facets of your case will be thoroughly examined and advice will be offered to you on how to proceed.
Contact us at 402-415-2525 for a consultation to discuss your legal options.