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Information Concerning Bankruptcy:

Bankruptcy is a Federal statute which establishes a separate Federal Court system to administer and adjudicate Bankruptcy cases. Bankruptcy Law permits both individuals as well as businesses to eliminate debts and/or reorganize their debts in order to get a "fresh start" in life. Bankruptcy laws have been in effect since the 1800’s.  Even President Lincoln filed bankruptcy under the statute.  It is much easier to file for bankruptcy now than it was in Lincoln’s day.

In 1978 the United States Congress passed a new Bankruptcy law which allows most people to keep most if not all of their property and still eliminate their debts. At the end of a Bankruptcy case you receive a Discharge Order which means your debts are eliminated, so you can start life over with a clean slate.

 

 

 

 

Filing A Bankruptcy:

Resolving your debt by filing for bankruptcy is a difficult decision.  For some, it is the only remedy to their debt problems.  Bankruptcy laws are extremely complicated and debtors should, if possible, obtain advice from a licensed attorney who specializes in bankruptcy. If you represent yourself, you are known as a pro sé debtor. This web site is not intended to advise you of your legal rights, remedies or responsibilities, but as a resource for pro sé debtors.

Pro sé debtors are personally responsible for all aspects of their bankruptcy case and must adhere to the applicable Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure, the United States Bankruptcy Code, Local District Rules, Administrative Procedures and General Orders. The Official US Bankruptcy forms must be completely and properly completed.  Failure to do so could result in the dismissal of your case.

Bankruptcy Petition Preparers are required to provide clients written contracts.  The maximum fees a BPP can charge is set by the Trustee and varies by District.  As of the time of this writing the maximum fees a BPP can charge for form preparation in each California District is:

Southern District	$150.00
Northern District	$150.00
Central District	$200.00
Eastern District	$125.00

 

             

Our clients complete a simple questionnaire, listing personal information, selecting exemptions and listing the name, account number and address of each of their creditors.  Upon receipt of the completed questionnaire, the signed contract, and payment, we provide you a first draft copy of your completed forms within 24 hours.  After your review and approval of the finalized forms, you are ready to file.  Bankruptcy law requires that you file your documents and pay the filing fees directly to the court, either in person or by mail.  We do not perform this service on your behalf. 

Bankruptcy law requires that you complete credit counseling within 180 days before you file a bankruptcy petition. Also, Exhibit D, Individual Debtor’s Statement of Compliance with Credit Counseling Requirement, must be filed with the bankruptcy petition. The Office of the United States Trustee has a list of approved credit counseling agencies.

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