The Bankruptcy Filing Process
When you meet with our firm you will be given a folder containing important information, including a plan of action listing what your options are and why. Also the folder contains the questionnaire you will need to fill out and the fees you will be quoted. Additionally there are other important documents included. On the back of this folder you will find a list of eight steps we call the Bankruptcy Filing Process. These eight steps explain in a very basic way exactly what needs to be done at each step of the process. These eight steps are designed to take the "guess work" out of the process. We tell people if they have any questions about what happens next to consult the eight steps in the Bankruptcy Filing Process. To assist clients and potential clients we present the Bankruptcy Filing Process:- Retain our office for a minimum of $200 and return the signed fee agreement. We will open a file for you. You may then refer your creditors to our office. The $200 is applied to the total fee you were quoted.
- Pay the balance of fees in your fee agreement (necessary to file). Gather your documents and prepare the questionnaire that was provided. Please fill out the questionnaire completely. There are several documents you must provide, you should begin gathering these as soon as possible.
- Complete the Pre-Bankruptcy Debt Counseling Class required by Federal law before a bankruptcy can be filed. This class may be completed online at www.evergreenclass.com or by phone at 800.581.3513. The completion certificate may be emailed to our office at ccc@olsendaines.com or faxed to our office at (800) 258-3518. Bankruptcy must be filed within 6 months of course completion or the certificate will expire.
- Return the questionnaire and other documents to our office. After we receive all of the necessary information and the fees are paid we will call you to schedule a "pre-signing" where we will review the bankruptcy forms with you and ask for any additional essential information.
- Have the "pre-signing" with an attorney from our office by phone. This method allows us to make changes as we talk. We will then schedule a signing appointment in our office.
- Meet personally with an attorney in our office nearest to where you live. You will be signing the bankruptcy petition and schedules. We will discuss a filing date at that time. The bankruptcy is then electronically filed. At that time you will receive a case number.
- Attend the meeting of creditors (341a hearing). This date will be set by the court approximately 4-6 weeks following the filing of the petition. An attorney from our office will be at that meeting with you. This meeting normally lasts around 5 minutes. You may listen to an example of a typical hearing by clicking here .
- Complete the Post-Filing Debtor Education Course. OlsenDaines clients receive a discount with Evergreen Financial Counseling. This course should be completed within 45 days following your Meeting of Creditors (341a hearing).
Take your second debtor education course.
Retain our office for a minimum of $200.
Pay the balance of your fees.
Complete Your First Debtor Education Course.
Return your documents.
Have your pre-signing appointment.
Meet With Your Attorney.
Attend the Meeting of Creditors.
