Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy Legal Assistance

Bankruptcy

Under 11 USC 528, we are a debt relief agency; we help people file for bankruptcy relief under the bankruptcy code.

Please read the following information as required by 11 USC 527 before continuing.

Important Information About Bankruptcy Assistance Services from an Attorney or Bankruptcy Petition Preparer.

If you seek bankruptcy relief, you can represent yourself, hire an attorney, or get help in some localities from a bankruptcy petition preparer who is not an attorney.

 

THE LAW REQUIRES AN ATTORNEY OR BANKRUPTCY PETITION PREPARER TO GIVE YOU A WRITTEN CONTRACT SPECIFYING WHAT THE ATTORNEY OR BANKRUPTCY PETITION PREPARER WILL DO FOR YOU AND HOW MUCH IT WILL COST. 

 

Ask to see the contract before you hire anyone.

 

The following information helps you understand what must be done in a routine bankruptcy case to help you evaluate how much service you need. Although bankruptcy can be complex, many cases are routine. Before filing a bankruptcy case, you or your attorney should analyze your eligibility for different forms of debt relief available under the Bankruptcy Code and which form of relief is most likely beneficial for you. Be sure you understand the relief you can obtain and its limitations. 

 

To file a bankruptcy case, documents called a Petition, Schedules, and Statement of Financial Affairs, and in some cases, a Statement of Intentions must be prepared correctly and filed with the bankruptcy court. You will have to pay a filing fee to the bankruptcy court. Once your case starts, you will have to attend the required first meeting of creditors, where you may be questioned by a court official called a "trustee" and by creditors.

 

If you choose to file a Chapter 7 case, you may be asked by a creditor to reaffirm a debt. You may want help deciding whether to do so. A creditor is not permitted to coerce you into reaffirming your debts.

 

If you choose to file a Chapter 13 case in which you repay your creditors what you can afford over 3 to 5 years, you may also want help preparing your Chapter 13 Plan and with the confirmation hearing on your plan, which will be before a bankruptcy judge.

 

If you select another type of relief under the Bankruptcy Code other than Chapter 7 or Chapter 13, you will want to find out what should be done by someone familiar with that type of relief.

 

Your bankruptcy case may also involve litigation. You are generally permitted to represent yourself in litigation in Bankruptcy Court, but only attorneys, not bankruptcy petition preparers, can give you legal advice.

 

In our free initial consultation, we will want you to bring information concerning your complete financial situation so we can analyze if bankruptcy is right for you and if Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 is the best option.

Click below for printable forms. (After printing, fill out all pages and bring the completed forms to your appointment.)


Form 1 – Budget


Form 2 – Creditors

You must bring with you the following items.

  • A budget estimate. (Completed Form 1)
  • A complete list of every creditor, including secured debts such as home and vehicle loans, as well as loans from family and all other unsecured debts such as credit cards, medical bills, utility bills, lawsuits, even list debts that may not be dischargeable such as child support, tax debt, student loans or criminal restitution. (Completed Form 2) Please give us the correspondence or billing inquiry address for your creditors, not the payment center address.
  • Bring your last two years' tax returns and the last six months of pay stubs.
  • Be prepared to disclose the value of all assets you own or even have a partial interest in, including real estate, vehicles, pension plans, bank accounts, tools, etc.
  • Copies of any lawsuits filed against you.

For general information about Chapter 7, » click here

For general information about Chapter 13, » click here

For important issues » click here

For a credit report » click here

Currently, the filing fees for a Ch 13 are $313.

Currently, the filing fees for a Ch 7 are $338.

After your initial consultation, we will give you a contract explaining which Chapter we think you should file and what our fees will be.


In addition to court costs and attorney fees, you will be required to take two classes. We recommend Consumer Credit Counseling Service for in-person/telephone classes. Currently, they charge $45.00 for a single filer and $65.00 for joint filers for the pre-bankruptcy class. The post-bankruptcy cost $40.00 for single filers and $60.00 for joint filers. For online, we recommend DebtorCC.org. Currently, they charge $19.95 for the pre-bankruptcy class and $14.95 for the post-bankruptcy class. We can give you more information about this class at your initial consultation.

Request a free quote, get information, or ask for professional legal advice. Call (217) 222-2432 for our Quincy, IL, office or at (573) 221-2150 for our Hannibal, MO, office.

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