What a Typical Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Case Involves
Bankruptcy involves organizing your debts, determining a plan, and filing with the court to discharge your qualifying debts. My job is to make it as easy as possible for you to get through the bankruptcy process and help put you back on the right financial track. I have helped individuals and couples throughout Southern California get debt relief under the Bankruptcy Code.
Call a Los Angeles-area lawyer dedicated to helping people wrap up debt and get a fresh start. E-mail the Law Offices of Jonathan Leventhal or call 818-456-0397.
When you come into my office you can expect the following:
Initial Consultation
The initial consultation does not involve any fees, unless you decide to begin the bankruptcy filing process. Our first meeting typically takes one hour (two if you formally retain me as your lawyer and begin the filing process), but you will walk away with a complete understanding of your financial situation in relation to the Bankruptcy laws.
- I will explain to you all the required fees and paperwork.
- We will assess your situation using your credit/debt information, your wages and expenses, and the means test, to determine if filing bankruptcy is in your best interest. If bankruptcy is your best option, we will continue the process below.
- A retainer agreement and disclosure statements will be signed, hiring me as your bankruptcy attorney.
- A credit report will be run (ti-bureau - Equifax, Experian and TransUnion ; the three most common reporting agencies) for each debtor who signs the retainer agreement. The credit report is yours to keep and you may leave the office with it for your records.
- I will provide you with information to supply any creditors that contact you, as once I am your attorney, they cannot communicate with you regarding your debts. I will also provide you with forms to use if they continue to call or harass you. It is a violation of the law for them to do so.
- You'll be set up with an online secure web site, that will enable you to enter in your salary history, your personal property, and debts that are not listed on your credit report. The online forms can be updated and/or completed at your home or in my office.
- I will sign you up to take your credit counseling course. You do not have to appear in-person, as classes are also available online or over the phone. Credit counseling is a requirement for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, and both pre-filing and post-filing classes must be completed. You will receive certificates of completion for these courses as proof that you have taken them.
Review and Filing Process
Once the bankruptcy petition is ready to be filed with the court, you will visit my office for a final review meeting and to sign the petitions. I will file all the paperwork electronically, as you watch. You will leave my office with the date and time of the "Meeting of Creditors" aka 341(a) meeting.
After Your Papers Are Filed
In approximately 30 days from your filing above, there will be the 3411(a) meeting. I or an attorney with whom I work closely will attend this meeting with you. During this meeting your identification will be verified and the trustee assigned to your case will review your paperwork and may ask you questions. Creditors may attend this meeting, but rarely do so.
The Discharge of Your Debt and Life After Bankruptcy
Your qualifying debts will be discharged within 3-4 ½ months. The Bankruptcy stays on your credit report for ten years, but you can start rebuilding your credit right away with a secured credit line.
Contact the Law Offices of Jonathan Leventhal. Call my Los Angeles-area office at 818-456-0397 to speak with a me about discharging your debts.
We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code.
