Frequently Asked Questions Bankruptcy Bankruptcy Q: I received a letter from your law firm, how did you find out about me?
A: The filing of legal proceedings such as lawsuits, garnishments and foreclosures are public records. We subscribe to a service which provides us with your name and address and in return we send you our introductory letter offering a free consultation. Q: Why does filing bankruptcy stop a lawsuit, garnishment and foreclosure?
A: In most cases a lawsuit, garnishment and foreclosure are governed by state law and bankruptcy is governed by federal law, which trumps the state law. Q: Is bankruptcy still an option after the bankruptcy laws changed?
A: Yes, Yes, Yes. Q: Why do I have to provide my spouses income if my spouse is not filing with me?
A: In most cases, you are required to include all household income including the non-filing spouse but you also get to include all household expenses. Q: Why do I have to take a credit counseling course prior to filing bankruptcy?
A: Mandatory Credit counseling prior to filing bankruptcy is one of the changes in the new bankruptcy laws. We suspect, that the reasoning behind this requirement is so people are more educated with the process and are better informed of their financial situation prior to filing for bankruptcy protection. Q: Why do you require the initial free consultation to take place in your office and not over the phone?
A: It has been our experience that an office consultation is more effective than a phone consultation. Q: How much is the filing fee for chapter 7?
A: $299.00 Q: Can the attorney’s fees be paid in installments?
A: Yes. Q: How much is the filing fee for chapter 13?
A: $274.00 Q: How much is the credit counseling?
A: We use Consumer Credit Counseling Services and they charge $50.00 per course. Q: Do I have to attend any hearings?
A: Yes, the 341 meeting of creditors and sometimes other hearings. Q: What do I bring to the 341 meeting of creditors?
A: Two forms of identification, including one picture id (i.e. driver’s license) and proof of social security number. We recommend that you bring a copy of your bankruptcy petition and notice of meeting of creditors. Q: What do I tell the creditors who keep calling me at work and home?
A: If you have retained our law firm, you should direct all creditors to call us. | 
