While some things are easy for clients to handle on their own, bankruptcy isn’t one of them. A lawyer who provides bankruptcy services in Bowie can ensure that the case moves along efficiently, and they can protect a client from unethical creditors. In this guide, readers can learn several steps to take when going through bankruptcy.
Find an Attorney
Depending on the client’s situation, they may file under chapter 13 or chapter 7, which are the two most common forms of consumer bankruptcy. An attorney can review the client’s income, debts, assets, and additional factors to tell them about their options and make recommendations.
Seek Credit Counseling
Part of going through bankruptcy is getting credit counseling. Debtors must work with an accredited counselor to learn about bankruptcy and budgeting. Once the client receives a completion certificate, they’re ready to move forward with the lawyer.
Learn About the Process of Filing
When an attorney files bankruptcy on a client’s behalf, the client no longer has to deal with collection calls and creditors’ harassment. Because of the automatic stay rule, a client cannot be called by collection agents or creditors once they’ve filed for bankruptcy. The lawyer handles these calls and letters for the client.
Go to Credit Counseling Once More
To show their commitment to the process, the client will complete another counseling session to ensure that they’re staying on track under the bankruptcy version they’ve chosen.
Talk to the Trustee
Next, the client must declare that they understand the terms of filing and that they’ve responded truthfully to the questions on the bankruptcy petition. While this only takes a few minutes, it’s an important part of the process.
Get Debts Discharged
This part is what most people look forward to. As long as a client has met every condition of the bankruptcy chapter under which they’ve filed, their debts can be eliminated in just a few months. This simply means that creditors will no longer pursue the client for repayment.
